Best Places To Ring In The New Year In Bradenton

Looking for a good time to ring in 2011 on Friday night? Look no further than downtown Bradenton, which will host its first .

The party begins at 7 p.m., when Old Main Street will be closed off, much like it is for the monthly Get Down Downtown celebrations. Early evening events will cater to kids and include a bounce house and face painting. The band Shinola will provide live music starting at around 8 p.m., and there will be a host of food and arts and craft vendors.

Several of the downtown bars will feature specials on Stella Artois, a major sponsor of the event, and will stay open until 2:30 a.m. There will also be a lighted ball drop at the center stage on Manatee Avenue at midnight. And while you're partying, you can do something to help out the less fortunate by dropping off a coat, blanket or dog "outerwear" at Lucky Dogs, 1207 3rd Ave. W., as part of a charity drive.

Event organizer Cork Miller said last week he's expecting a big turnout for downtown's first official New Year's bash.

"I think it's going to be bigger than St. Patty's Day, which turned out to be huge for downtown merchants," Miller said.

For New Year's Eve dining options, has got you covered. The downtown restaurant is offering a number of options for Friday night. Its new outdoor waterfront terrace will hold two seatings -- for its $24.95 holiday buffet menu at 6 p.m. and its $49.95 grand buffet menu at 9 p.m. -- accompanied by live music from Shaman. Prices include a complimentary champagne toast and party favors. Reservations are recommended. Mattison's main dining room will also offer its full menu and New Year's Eve specials.

And for an even more upscale celebration, Mattison's will hold a $100-a-ticket Black Tie Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. upstairs. The VIP celebration includes a five-course dinner, wine, champagne, an open bar, dancing, live music from The Arch and a big-screen TV to watch the ball drop. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online or by calling 941-748-8087.

For even more live music options, check out , 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday for its New Year's celebration. Enjoy dinner to the sounds of local acoustic musician Terry Helm, then stay put for a special 9 p.m. performance by Bradnton funk rockers Tony Tyler Band. Enjoy dinner and the entertainment, plus a complimentary champagne toast and party favors, for $50 a person. Call 941-795-3886 or visit their website for more info.

If you're looking to set sail on a new adventure in 2011, try the Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran's New Year's Eve sunset cruise. The boat sets off from Twin Dolphin Marina at 4 p.m. on a two-hour cruise that will celebrate the final sunset of 2010. Call 941-870-4349 for details.