Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 with New Year’s Eve festivities

Greater Lansing will come alive Sunday evening (Dec. 31) with events for all ages and interests to help ring in the new year. This year seemed to fly by, but there’s still time for one more night of debauchery or family-friendly fun to send 2023 off with a bang. I wasn’t able to list every event here, so make sure to check out the Out on the Town section beginning on page 15 for more.

The Ten Pound Fiddle’s biweekly Contra and Square Dance will move from its usual location at Central United Methodist Church to the Delta Township Community Center for a New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a potluck at 6:30 p.m., a quick dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. and the main event, a square dance party that will wrap up shortly after the clock strikes midnight, with a break for desserts around 9:45 p.m. Potluck attendees should bring a dish to share, along with a labeled serving utensil and a place setting.

The Meridian Mall’s High Caliber Karting and Entertainment has a full day of free events planned for New Year’s Eve. The fun begins with Disney trivia at 2 p.m., where children can enjoy mocktails named after Disney characters. Kids can dress up as their favorite character to earn a prize. At 5 p.m., karaoke begins, followed by a concert with cover band JP & the Energy at 9 p.m. and a balloon drop at midnight. High Caliber’s other activities will be available at the usual prices as well.

Lansing Brewing Co. is hosting a masquerade party beginning at 8 p.m., featuring live music, champagne Jell-O shots, a special beer release and a balloon drop at midnight. Guests are encouraged to dress in their “finest masquerade-themed attire, with masks that reflect the mystery of the night.” The event is free but is restricted to those 21 and older.

Okemos farm-to-table pop-up restaurant Red Haven will treat guests to a seven-course dinner based on the seven deadly sins — greed, wrath, sloth, envy, pride, lust and gluttony — beginning at 8 p.m. Dishes range from wagyu beef and caviar to champagne-braised escargot, plus desserts, of course. Tickets are $145 and can be purchased by clicking the event link at eatredhaven.com.

Finally, fresh off a new album, indie-rock band Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers will play Grewal Hall at 224, with opening performances by North Carolina-based band Of Good Nature and Michigan-based progressive R&B group Earth Radio. If you haven’t gotten to check out Lansing’s newest music venue, it offers great sound, an alluring atmosphere and plenty of space to dance your heart out. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are available at hall224.com, including a VIP package that offers a private bar and bathrooms and a champagne toast at midnight.