Three Reasons to Celebrate New Year’s in San Francisco
December 31 falls on a Wednesday this year-in many ways, the optimal day of the week to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Think of it as three days to get ready : and three to recover. And for many of the conscious souls most dedicated to this formula for ushering in a new year, the party will take place just a few hours up the coast. For 2009, a collection of top-notch events and swanky stays make S.F. the ideal place to celebrate. And if you need some more reasons to head up north for the weekend, we encourage you to read on below.
1) Sea of Dreams: Entering its ninth year, this giant costume party with world-class music is produced by the genius auteurs behind Anon Salon. Without fail, the fest’s organizers always manage to book an eclectic bill and attract a dazzling crowd, many in costume, to the cavernous Concourse at 635 8th Street. This year, Thievery Corporation (with full orchestra) and Bassnectar headline. For tickets and information, call (415) 256-TIXX or visit seaofdreamsnye.com.
2) Revolution: The lineup at the nearby 1015 Folsom Street for the an-ten-nae (Adam Ohana) event is just as fearsome, with DJ Diplo headlining and the ragga roughneck from Montreal (by way of New York) Ghislain Poirier (among many others) playing until a cozy 9 a.m. An-ten-nae does some of the best events on the West Coast, and this is not one to miss. For information, visit an-ten-nae.net, and for tickets, go to sanfrancisco.going.com/antennae.
3) Hotel Palomar: Get there early and relax for a day or two at the hotel of choice for the Sea of Dreams/Revolution set. The Kimpton Group’s Hotel Palomar is on 4th and Market streets, within walking distance of both parties. The hotel was recently renovated and has a 1930s Modernist theme that includes a Magritte Suite. Speaking of suites, we highly advise you to book now. Call (415) 348-1111 or visit hotelpalomar-sf.com soon, and the hotel will send you an eStandby upgrade offer that could put you in the penthouse for as little as $12 more per night. Who says ceci n’est pas une pipe?
