Goodbye 2011, hello 2012: Party the year away

Bust out your rhinestone tiaras, noisemakers and confetti Saturday (Dec. 31). It's New Year's Eve — a time to reflect on all the bad things you did in the past 12 months, to do a couple more before midnight, and to resolve to do a lot less in January.

Everybody ready with your champagne flutes and lip gloss? Let's kiss 2011 good-bye.

Midnight fireworks at Marina Jack have replaced the downtown Sarasota pineapple drop. The restaurant will be offering two dinner seatings and a special four-course menu with party favors and a champagne toast. The Big Z Band will be performing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. 365-4232; marinajacks.com.

Check out Mattison's New Year's Eve Party and Fireworks at the Van Wezel from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be dinner stations, a DJ, dancing, open outdoor waterfront dining, a casino, free parking, a cash bar and midnight fireworks over Sarasota Bay. Reservations are required. Tickets are $50. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 953-3368; vanwezel.org, mattisons.com.

Downtown Bradenton's Old Main Street is hosting a New Year's Eve celebration that's also a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Live music from Michael Mac Band from 8 p.m. to midnight. Ball drop at midnight, dozens of vendors, pink draft beers from beer wagon. Party starts at 5 p.m. Old Main Street will close for traffic from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Head down to Gulf Gate for the four corners party and ball drop. Toast champagne at the Angry Pickle Pub and Grill. Watch the ball descend from the roof of Chester's Reef Lounge and engage in free festivities throughout the district.

The Bradenton Beach sky will pop with the 18th annual midnight fireworks, courtesy of the BeachHouse Restaurant, and the show will be visible from nearly every spot on Anna Maria Island. There will be dining, dancing, party favors, a balloon drop and a champagne toast starting at 9 p.m. inside the restaurant for $99.99. Chuck Weirich will play live music on the outdoor deck. Call for reservations. 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. 779-2222; beachhouse.groupersandwich.com.

Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda is hosting its New Year's Eve Extravaganza from 5 p.m. to midnight. There will be family-friendly activities including airbrush art, music by Michael Hirst and Destined, New Year's Eve menu specials at Village restaurants. Free. 1200 Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 639-8721; fishville.com.

Watch "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" (the Neil Sedaka musical) at 8 p.m. and enjoy a holiday buffet, party favors and a champagne toast for $73 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, 25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 366-5454; thegoldenapple.com.

Stop by Ace's New Year's Eve Party with live music by Ben Prestage and Randy McNeeley, a champagne toast, party favors and a 12:30 a.m. breakfast buffet. Party starts at 9 p.m. $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. 795-3886; 4aceslounge.com.

DJ Daze will be spinning tunes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Daiquiri Deck on St. Armands Circle, 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. 388-3325; daiquirideckstarmands.com.

Ms. Beneva Fruitville

Ring in the New Year with the Tony Tyler Band (originals, and blues and rock covers) at 10 p.m. at the Five O'Clock Club, 1930 Hillview St., Sarasota. 366-5555; facebook.com/tonytylermusic.

Dwight Icenhower's "Tribute to Elvis" takes the stage at 8 p.m. at Robarts Arena. The impersonator will be performing songs by The King, Roy Orbison and Elton John. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20-$35. 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. 365-0818; dwighticenhowerfanclub.com.

"Drag" in the New Year at the Players Theatre from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with drag queen Ms. . There will be special guest stars and a "Jumpslit for Jesus." Tickets are $25. 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 365-2494; theplayers.org.

Drive to Tampa for midnight fireworks and a concert by Clint Wiley's None Other at Busch Gardens. The festivities begin at 9:30 p.m. (rides will stay open) and the park closes at 1 a.m. Tickets are $79.99 for adults and $71.99 for children. 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa. (888) 800-5447; buschgardens.com/bgt.

First Night St. Petersburg in Vinoy Park will feature a concert by Michael Lynche of "American Idol" fame, Suite Caroline and the St. Petersburg Opera Company. There will be music, lights, dance, fire and two fireworks displays (at 9 p.m. and midnight). Arrive at 5 p.m. at 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children. (727) 823-8906; firstnightstpete.com.