Whidbey Islanders who would rather not spend the eve of the new year and the first day at home have a variety of fun activities to choose from to end 2024 on a positive note.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
The Freeland Library is hosting an early New Year’s Eve party for families with children ages 4 to 12, featuring stories, games, music, arts and crafts and a countdown before noon. The event is free and starts at 11 a.m. at 5495 Harbor Avenue in Freeland.
Goldie’s and the Roost is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Entry is free, and the restaurant and bar can be found at 701 North Main Street in Coupeville.
Roll into the new year with a bowling game with family and friends at Oak Bowl. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, at the cost of $135 per lane, a party of six can have access to unlimited glow bowling, shoe rentals, six $5 arcade cards, a pitcher of soda, an extra large two-topping pizza, party favors and a countdown at 8 p.m. Oak Bowl is located at 531 Southeast Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor. To make a reservation, visit oakbowl.com.
Those who are excited for the new year but have yet to move on from Halloween may enjoy a disco-themed murder mystery party at Beaver Tales Coffee, nestled in the Coupeville Wharf. The historic red building is haunted by the ghost of Silas Coupe, who leaves cryptic notes and warnings to the partygoers. When an attendee dies from mysterious circumstances, guests have to find out whodunnit before midnight. The murder mystery takes place from 6 to 9 p.m., while the disco dancing is from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.. The event is alcohol-free.
Community members can also enjoy a Quiz Nite at 6:30 p.m. and a live music show by Ike and the Old Man at 9 p.m. at the Wicked Teuton bar, at 1341 Southwest Barlow Street in Oak Harbor.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392, located at 3037 Goldie Road in Oak Harbor, will ring in the new year with live music by the Dirty Pilots, dancing, food, drinks and a countdown to midnight. The family-friendly event is from 8 p.m. until the countdown, and tickets cost $15 per person or $20 per couple.
The Oak Harbor Elks Lodge will celebrate the new year at the same time as New York, with a midnight countdown at 9 p.m. Social hour is from 5 to 6 p.m., with heavy hour d’oeuvres from 5 to 7 and a performance by local band Jungle Rooster from 6 to 9. Tickets cost $30 per person. To make a reservation, call 360-675-7111 or 360-675-1321. The Lodge is located at 155 Northeast Ernst Street in Oak Harbor.
Oak Harbor’s family-friendly fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. at Windjammer Park. Good Samaritans are also welcome to help clean the fallout zone on Jan. 1, with trash bags, gloves and other supplies provided on site.
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tossin’ Axes welcomes the community to the Rockin’ Hard New Year’s Eve Party. For a $50 ticket or a Tossin’ Axes membership, people can enjoy four hours of free play on 12 digital games, take selfies in front of a photo wall, receive $10 worth of tokens to spend at the arcade as well as free party favors and a beverage. Tossin’ Axes is located at 390 Midway Boulevard, unit A101 in Oak Harbor.
All Sports Bar & Grill’s New Year’s Eve party is from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and will include DJ music by DJ Atomic, drink specials and a midnight champagne toast. The bar is located at 1640 Northeast Goldie Street in Oak Harbor.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Since 2004, the Polar Bear Plunge has been many residents’ go-to activity to start the new year fresh. The plunge takes place at noon at Double Bluff Beach, located at 6325 Double Bluff Road in Freeland, with registration starting at 10:30 a.m. Due to limited parking, divers are advised to plan ahead for delays in parking. The fee is $10, which includes coffee, cocoa, cookies, bonfires and music, with the t-shirt sold separately. Proceeds support Island County 4-H. To pre-register, visit swparks.org/event/polar-bear-dive.
The HOPE Therapeutic Riding Program will host a guided healing circle with horses at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, located at 819 Camano Avenue in Langley. The two sessions, at 10 and 11:30 a.m., are led by a certified equine bodyworker and a certified life coach and will include mindfulness with horses, hands on ground work and grooming. Admission is by donation, with a recommended offer of $50, and reservations can be made by contacting hope@whidbey.com.
The Trio Improviso will bring their guitar, violin and piano to the Langley United Methodist Church for a show at 2 p.m. on the first day of the year. The immersive experience, “Illuminations,” is an opportunity for guests to bring a yoga mat, blanket or cushion and meditate. Admission is by donation at the door and will take place in the church’s upstairs Fellowship Hall at 301 Anthes Ave. in Langley.
