New Year's Eve: Ten Best Things Under $35

​The best part of New Year's Eve is getting ready for it. The worst part is usually right around 11:57 p.m., 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, moderately-moneyed miscreants, this post is for you.

New Year's Eve Pinball at the Silver Ballroom
Bills: $25
Thrills: FREE PINBALL.
Swills: Open bar, champagne toast.
9pm.

Champagne Supernova: Starkillers at Europe Nightclub
Bills: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. $35 for VIP revelers.
Thrills: Sets by local house god Rob Lemon, Slante and Zack Jennings. A million pieces of confetti rain, balloon drop, party favors, and a "midnight embrace."
Swills: Champagne toast.

9pm.

Space Invader Party at the Luminary
Bills: $25
Thrills: DJ sets from Billy Brown and 18andCounting.
Swills: Two free drinks per ticket, brews from Schlafly and Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Champagne available by the glass (ha!) or bottle (yes thanks).
9pm.

FML It's 2012 at the Koken Art Factory
Bills: $25-60
Thrills: Music by Excision, Lazy Rich, DJ Icey, Kevin Focus, Andy B, Uncle Funk, Beau LeMaster vs. David Fields and a bunch of others. There will be dancing, laser show, and party favors in plastic baggies available for purchase (kidding!). VIPs get private restrooms, their own DJs, private bar and heated smoking tent.
9pm.

This Must Be the Band--Talking Heads tribute at 2720 Cherokee
Bills: $20
Thrills: A set from Messy Jiverson alum Mikey Wehling; crying into your Jägermeister to a live rendition of "This Must Be the Place."
8pm.