Tonight is New Year's Eve, and Huntington offers a long list of options when choosing where to be when the clock strikes 12. With so many bars and restaurants in such close proximity, you don't have to search far to find someplace to dine or to share a midnight toast.
But, if you're not into the traditional party scene there are still ways to mark the occasion in a festive or meaningful way. About Town offers you a weekend of unconventional options for saying goodbye to 2010 as you ring in the New Year.
FRIDAY - New Year's Eve
at 279 Main St., Huntington is offering a comedy show starting at 9:30 p.m. Call 427-0999 for reservations.
SATURDAY - New Year's Day
The Walt Whitman Birthplace and State Historic Site and Interpretive Center is starting off with poetry, of course. Celebrate New Year's Day with a Marathon Reading, Potluck, Poetry & Music Event hosted by The North Sea Poetry Scene. Everyone is welcome at this open mic celebration which takes place from noon until 3:30 pm. There is a suggested donation of $3. Bring a potluck dish to share and your books to sell as you welcome in 2011 with fellow poetry and music lovers. Anyone interested in reading should call 631-204-1240.
For a peaceful way to welcome 2011, the offers a New Year's Day 24-hour Tara Practice with session times at 1:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and brunch at 11 a.m. Tara is a female Buddha whose name means "Rescuer." Everyone is welcome to come to just one or as many sessions as you'd like.
Make it a family day and bring your kids to see a selection from the Children's International Film Festival. The has been featuring some of the most innovative selections in children's film for the past week and Saturday at noon is the final show. The Secret of Kells is an animated masterpiece from Ireland that has been nominated for an Oscar. The story uses magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology to tell a story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4.50 for children under 12.
SUNDAY - Jan. 2
Unitarian Universalist Church celebrates the New Year at 10:30 a.m. with a spiritual discussion about traditions that mark this passage of time, including the idea of making resolutions. Where did this idea come from? How many resolutions have you broken? How can we use this transition of time to enhance our spirituality as we enter into the New Year? All are welcome.
Ridotto, concerts with a touch of theatre, presents "Diva: The New Year's Concert" at Thebeginning at 4 pm. The concert is produced with Opera Night of Northport and features sopranos Melissa Block, Barbara Divis, Lauren Haber, Gina Haver, Elizabeth Hillebrand and Dawy Zahralban with Isabella Eredita on piano. Tickets are $20, $18 for seniors and $10 for students.
