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Get your kicks ringing in 2006

Whatever your celebrating style, there's a lot to do this New Year's Eve. Here are some highlights of the local offerings.

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 29, 2005

FUN FOR ALL

First Night St. Petersburg, the biggest area celebration for the family, expands this year to the city's Midtown area, with music, art and family activities from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at five venues along 22nd Street S. The party then moves downtown, with activities for kids beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Arts Center, 719 Central Ave.

The party spreads through downtown at 5 with music, dance, storytelling and more at 35 downtown venues, with fireworks on the waterfront at 8:30 p.m. and midnight. Maps will be available around downtown. For a full schedule and maps, see www.firstnightstpete.com

Some activities are free, but admission buttons are required for most of the entertainment. Adult buttons are available in advance at the Pier, Publix at Northeast Shopping Center, Tyrone Square Mall and other locations for $8. They are $10 at the gate. Admission is $5 for ages 6 to 12. (727) 823-8906.

Lowry Park Zoo lets those who can't stay up until midnight get in on the fun early in the day with its Noon Year's Eve on Saturday. Radio Disney personalities will host the countdown to noon with a juice toast. Activities continue from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. The event is included in zoo admission, which is $14.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors and $10.50 for ages 3-11. 813 935-8552; www.lowryparkzoo.com

Light Up Tampa Bay in the Channelside area of Tampa includes entertainment that begins at 9 p.m. with fireworks and a ball drop at midnight. (813) 223-4250. Free.

And Busch Gardens stays open until 1 a.m. with special entertainment, fireworks and rides in the dark. It's included in regular admission. Toll-free 1-888-800-5447; www.buschgardens.com

The musical fun for the new year ranges from Viennese waltzes to blues.

One of the biggest is the New Year's Eve Party with the Barenaked Ladies, with the party starting at 8:30 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. The band takes the stage at 10 and then hosts the countdown to the new year. Tickets are $26.75 to $61.75 for the show with inclusive packages available for up to $150. 813 301-2500 or Ticketmaster; www.stpetetimesforum.com

WMNF-FM 88.5 continues its tradition with Donna the Buffalo at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 8 p.m. The all-ages party is BYOB, and coolers are allowed. Tickets are $35-$45. (727) 892-5202.

Alt-rockers Sister Hazel take the stage at 9 p.m. at Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg. Tickets are $24.99-$30 for the show, $49.99 for the inclusive party package. (727) 896-2276. The Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, Roger "Hurricane" Wilson and the Damon Fowler Group (minus Fowler, who is recovering from a car accident) ring in the year at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $30 and include party favors and champagne. (813) 977-6474.

Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater also continues a tradition of welcoming the year with Salute to Vienna, a concert featuring the Strauss Symphony of America and dancers from the Gyor National Ballet of Hungary. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $39 to $45. (727) 791-7400. The show repeats at 8 p.m. Sunday at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. $39-$67. Toll-free 1-800-826-9303.

[Last modified December 28, 2005, 09:18:06]