Poll:
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From dance parties, to a charity formal and even a barfly bus - there are a variety of New Year's Eve events to choose from in the Portland Metro area to ring in 2010.
The Champagne Ball at the downtown Hilton & Executive Tower is one of the biggest events, with dance and rock hits from the 80s and 90s, bars and even a "cocktail attire" dress code.
If you can't get enough of the Trail Blazers and want to listen to DJs spin with the team, the Rip City New Year's Eve party starts at 9 p.m. at The Agency. The party will be hosted by Blazers stars Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, Jarry Bayless and Martell Webster.
The Roseland Theater party will feature the Murder City Devils, Jello Biafra & Guantanamo School of Medicine. This 21-and-over only party starts at 9 p.m.
If bar-hopping is more your style, you can safely travel from one spot to the next on the Barfly Bus. But only if you already have tickets - because as of Thursday morning, it was already sold out.
On New Year's Day, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will be open to visitors.
Or sway in your seat to Portland's own Pink Martini, performing at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, featuring members of the Harvey Rosencrantz Orchestra and the Tsunami Singers of the Pacific Youth Choir. The early show starts at 7 pm, and the second set will begin at 10.30 pm. Both shows will include material from Pink Martini's new album, "Splendor in the Grass," along with other fan favorites.
The Nines Hotel is catering to people who want to celebrate the coming of 2010 with over-the-top dinners. Organizers turned the hotel's 6th floor into a wonderland for the big bash and visitors can enjoy rooftop dining at Departure Restaurant and Lounge, or a fancy dinner at the Urban Farmer Restaurant on the 8th floor.
Your reveling can also help a charity if you choose to attend the bash at the Tiffany Center, presented by EarthStone Entertainment. Money raised at the event will go to women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse, through the appropriator Adam’s House.
Or if you want a major change of pace, you could drive to Mt. Hood SkiBowl Winter Resort for night skiing and a huge fireworks show. Chairlifts, along with the outdoor beer garden, will continue serving up fun through 2 a.m.
For a complete list of area New Year's Eve events, check out PDX Pipline.
Getting home safely
Once you're ready to head home after ringing in the near year, TriMet will be offering free rides after 8 p.m. In addition, the MAX blue line, green line and yellow line will keep running through 3 a.m., with trains every 30 minutes.
If you're planning to drive home, keep in mind that there will be increased police patrols on the roadways and starting Jan. 1, drunk drivers will face bigger fines and stiffer rules. Also, a new law makes it illegal to talk on your cell phone without a hands-free device in 2010 and beyond.
So, if you end up having second thoughts about getting behind the wheel, one option is to use Ride On, a Portland service that drives you home in your own car for $10.
