Getting ready to welcome 2006 Getting ready to welcome 2006 (December 23, 2005)

Pleasanton provides plenty of party spots
by Rebecca Guyon

With New Year's Eve just next week, many people are left pondering two questions. First, how is it possible that 2005 is already over? And second, where can I go to ring in 2006? While we can't answer the first question, we certainly can help with the second. There are several events happening in Pleasanton for people of all age groups and partying-styles.
The Pleasanton Hotel

Whether you are looking for an early evening or want to stay out all night, The Pleasanton Hotel is offering both. For those who want to go out for a nice meal and spend the rest of the evening at home, there is an early dinner with seating starting at 5:30 p.m. that features soup or salad, an entrŽe, dessert and toasting champagne. At 8:30 p.m., the Hotel will start seating for the evening dinner and New Year's Celebration. Again, this dinner features an appetizer, soup or salad, an entrŽe, dessert and, of course, plenty of champagne. But here, the party doesn't stop until 2 a.m., with DJs, dance floors and live band, Mixed Nuts, playing rock 'n roll.

"On New Year's, we don't even get started until midnight," said owner Bill Laube. "It's just a great party. If you come, you should be in the mood for dancing."

Although, he added, for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, there is still seating in the main dining room during the event. The early dinner is $49 per person and the later dinner and celebration is $89 per person, plus gratuities and tax. A full menu is available at www.PleasantonHotel.com. Reservations are required, and Laube suggests people make them as soon as possible because these events do fill up. Call 846-8106 to make reservations or for more information.

Main Street Brewery Main Street Brewery (December 23, 2005)

Just across the street, the Main Street Brewery is also throwing a New Year's Eve party with live music and dancing, as well. RedBeard Blues, a rock 'n blues band, starts playing at 8 p.m. and the party will keep on until l a.m., said manager Matt Billings. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight.
"This event is all about dancing, having fun and toasting with friends," Billings said.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and Billings recommends people buy their tickets ahead of time since New Year's Eve events tend to sell out. Visit www.mainstreetbrewery.com for more information or call 426-8218 to order tickets.
NYC Midnight Countdown at Pure Girls

New Year's Eve is an exciting holiday for all, but for younger children, making it to midnight can be a challenge. That's why Pure Girls is hosting a party counting down to New Year in New York for girls ages 7-12. New York is three hours ahead of Pleasanton, so midnight there is 9 p.m. here, a much more realistic goal for the young ones.

The party is a drop off event, meaning parents can bring their girls at 6 p.m., when the event starts, and have some time that night to get a bite to eat and take a break, said Tracy Hazzard, owner of Pure Girls. Pure Girls has a back party room that will be decorated like Broadway and is rigged to have balloons drop at "midnight." During the party, the girls will get "glammed up," dressing up nice, getting their hair done and their nails manicured.

"By the end, everyone will be dressed up for the last hour before midnight," Hazzard said.

Space for the event is limited to 40 and parents can make reservations for their girls by calling 485-4380. Admission is $30.
Aura Nightclub

San Francisco is known for its blow-out parties and high-end dance clubs, but a trek out to the City can be expensive and tiring, even for a special occasion like New Year's Eve. That's why Aura Nightclub in Pleasanton is throwing a huge party for those who don't want to cross the bridge. The night features two dance floors with DJs Mei Lwun playing Top 40 and mash ups and Bernard Cabigon playing Deep Soulful and House music.

At midnight there will be a champagne toast, a balloon drop and plenty of festive hats for everyone to wear, said Linda Karpaty, director of sales for Aura. Those who arrive between 8-11 p.m. can enjoy a wide variety of hors d'oeurves and at 1 a.m. there will be a European Breakfast Buffet for those who tired out from all the dancing. Other entertainment during the night includes performances by Earth Circus, a Cirque du Soleil-style performance group.

Tickets to this event are $60, but they may increase as it gets closer to Dec. 31, Karpaty said. People can also purchase a VIP package for $750, which includes six tickets, a VIP table, a bottle of liquor and mixers and gratuity for the server. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.nightclubaura.com. Call 416-0777 for more information.
And if you want to go to San Francisco ...

BART is once again selling its "New Year's Even Flash Pass" this year. The pass costs $6 and gets riders unlimited rides from 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31 to 3 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 1. Riders with the pass flash it to the BART station agent and pass through the station entrance swing.

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