New Year's Eve in St. Louis: Ten Best Things to Do Under $10

It's a metaphor: We do not advocate infant boozing.

The best part of New Year's Eve is getting ready for it. The worst part is usually right around 11:57pm, when it dawns that you just blew a couple hundred dollars to end up chugging pink Andre curbside while your best friend blows chunks in an obliging hedge/alleyway. Of course, that lamentable realization will wait until the actual night, right now is all about PLANNING and EXPECTATIONS and HAVING THE MOST FUN EVER. We've got a rundown of your parties, shows and ultra-luxe celebrations, arranged by price point. Attention, frugal fun-seekers, this post is for you.

New Year's Eve Under $10

Kentucky Knife Fight and the Blind Eyes at Off Broadway
Bills: Zero of them.
Thrills: Live sets from an all-star cast of Off Broadway familiars: Kentucky Knife Fight, The Blind Eyes and Dino's House band, as well as a DJ set by RFT writer Christian Schaeffer, Esq. Special appearances from Cassie Morgan, Beth Bombara, Nee and Old Lights.
Swills: Co-sponsored by New Belgium, there will be bubbly libations available.
8pm.

Fancy Schmancy NYE at Handlebar
Bills: $10 for the fancily dressed, $15 for the fancy-less.
Thrills: Music by DJ Chappy.
Swills: Free shot upon entry, drink specials all night, champagne toast at midnight.
10pm.

London Calling's Arctic White Out at the Gramophone
Bills: $10 advance, $15 at the door.
Thrills: London Calling maestros Clockwork and Nick O, with Trash Talk, Drace and a live set from Palace.
Swills: No champagne, but guests are encouraged to dress like polar bears.
10:30 p.m.

Cicero's New Year's Eve
Bills: Free.
Thrills: Machree, Fister, The Disappeared, Not Waving But Drowning.
Swills: Beeeeer.
9pm.

First Night St. Louis--Xanadu
Bills: $10 for adults, $5 for kids six to twelve and free for five and under.
Thrills: A city-wide celebration inspired by Xanadu, yes, that Xanadu. It's the 20th anniversary of First Night in St. Louis, and it's 10th year in Grand Center. Puppet shows, Polynesian dance, hypnotists, live music from Funky Butt Brass Band, old-timey strings from Mound City Slickers, and scores of family-friendly activities, performances and assorted merriment.
Swills: No drinking in front of the kiddos.

6pm.