Grown ups have a few great options for New Year entertainment in Novato, and we’ll get to those in a moment. But first, if you’re looking for family fun on the last day of the year, Downtown Novato is the place to be at noon, when the Downtown Novato Business Association’s Bouncy Ball New Year sees 18,000 bouncy balls dropped from a 40 feet tall ladder onto the corner of Machin Ave and Sweetser Avenue. Kids get souvenir “hard hats” and as many bouncing balls as they can carry home with them.
Adults have some equally fun New Year options right here in Novato. Music fans lost the great Tom Petty this year, but his music lives on in spirit with bands like Petty Theft, who are playing a tribute set on New Year’s Eve at the Hopmonk Tavern, Novato. Doors open at 8pm, the show starts at 9. If you’re quick, you can also catch comedians Will Durst, Johnny Steele and friends with the 25th edition of their Big Fat End of Year Comedy Show at the HopMonk on December 26th. The show is something of a Bay Area comedy tradition, which has found its home in Novato, and Will Durst certainly has plenty of comedic possibilities to work with this year.
With spectacular views of the North Bay and a dining menu to match, Hilltop 1892 is throwing a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance Party, with a DJ playing dance hits, and no cover charge. They follow up with New Year’s Day Brunch on January 1st from 11am, with football games playing in the lounge for sports fans, and plenty of brunch favorites to get your year off to a good start.
Elsewhere in Novato, foodies should note that the Wildfox Restaurant is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner menu that’s laden with items like prime rib, filet mignon and pan seared halibut. Likewise, Grazie on Grant Avenue is offering a New Year’s Extravaganza menu, with specials like rack of lamb and lobster tail, and a New Year’s Day brunch menu with grilled salmon salad, California benedicts and more.
Other post-Christmas events on the local calendar include a Saturday evening of comedy at Trek Winery on December 30th with Dr. Gonzo. Now based out of Mason City, Illinois. This is a welcome Bay Area return for the Doc, who was a popular figure around San Francisco during the 80’s comedy boom, where he often featured as a warm up act for Huey Lewis and the News.
Also on Saturday December 30th, you can enjoy Black Cat Bone mixing easy listening standards, rhythm n’ blues and rock n’ roll at Mantra Wines new tasting room on Grant Avenue.
For traditional pub fun over the holiday season, don’t forget that Finnegan’s Marin on Grant Avenue has a Pub Quiz on Tuesdays and Bingo on Wednesdays. Also a great place to grab a Guinness on New Year’s Eve.
Your local restaurants, wineries and bars look forward to serving you well in Novato throughout 2018.
