Last year , over 20,000 of your closest friends were there, watching the ball rise high atop the Byrd Theater. The feel of the crowd is joyful, the live music from the stage making your pulse race. You said to your friends, "I'm definately going to be here next year!" Well, good news...you can and you will.

There will be a $2 donation at the main entrance
under 12 free with adult

Purchase VIP Tickets Online Here
You can also purchase VIP tickets in person at:
Ellwood Thompson's in Carytown
Plan 9 Music in Carytown
Ginger Thai Restaurant in Carytown
Mrs. Marshall's in Carytown
and other select Carytown Merchants
Have Questions?
Scroll down to see the questions we've been asked

Carytown New Year's Eve 2008

Thanks to the Virginia Lottery, There will be four new millionaires on December 31st! Join the Virginia Lottery to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Carytown and be the first to hear the winning New Year’s Millionaire Raffle numbers announced LIVE from the Virginia Lottery Stage!


Make plans now to be in the Absolut VIP area. You'll enjoy the heated, catered comfort and all the action will be at your fingertips as you watch everything from the large screen TV's. As part of your VIP Package, you get food, reduced prices on drinks, preferred parking (while available), a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and a perfect view of the Virginia Lottery Stage. Tickets are just $50 each and can be purchased online here.

VIP Tickets available NOW!
Click here to purchase

The Holiday Inn Express Cary street is offering NYE packages for you. For just $169 (plus tax) you can enjoy a room for two, 2 VIP tickets, complimentary breakfast the following morning and shuttle service from hotel to Carytown and back.  Parking at the hotel is complimentary as well. Call 804-788-1600 and ask for the Carytown New Year's Eve Package. You can also click here for information and purchase.

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Here are the questions we’ve been asked…

Street Closing:
Cary Street and the surrounding side streets will be closing at 3pm.  The event runs 7p-12:30am.  Cary Street is scheduled to be re-opened by 3am.

Parking:
Parking will be available in the adjacent neighborhoods and satellite parking in UR Stadium.  (approximately 4 blocks away)

From this parking lot, you can access Cary Street and the festivities by walking down Freeman Street or McCloy Street.

Check the GRTC website for New Year's Eve bus routes to Carytown. The event will not have shuttles scheduled.

Entrances:
There will be five entrances into the Carytown New Year’s Eve Celebration.  Auburn St., McCloy St.,  N. Belmont St., Sheppard St., (both sides)  There is a $2 donation at the entrances.  Re-entry will be allowed with wristbands.

And so you know…The $2 Donation goes to help offset the cost of the event and funds the cleaning and beautification projects in Carytown.

If patrons have valid restaurant reservations in Carytown, they will be allowed access without the donation.

Pets:
Although Carytown as a whole is very pet friendly, please don’t bring your pets to this event.  Even the sweetest of dogs can’t handle these crowds…

Beer Gardens:
There will be beer available at beer gardens at Beaumont and Cary and S. Colonial and Cary.  Beer may be purchased with valid ID for $5.  There will not be any outside alcohol allowed.

Police presence:
There will be a noticeable police and festival security presence at this event.  This is to ensure your safety and the safety of the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Entertainment:
There are several live bands playing during the evening.  Back in Da Day, Prabir and the Substitutes and The Secret Cool begin at 7p.  The stage will be located at the intersection of Auburn and Cary.

VIP Tickets:
There are limited VIP tickets available.  All of Cary Court is transformed into an oasis from the crowd.  Heated, catered tents with complimentary soft drinks, relaxed, comfortable seating areas, reduced prices on alcoholic beverages, large screen TV’s to view the action on the stage and ball rising, preferred parking (while available), private facilities, wrist banded re-entry and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Ball Rising:
The traditional “ball rising” will take place above the Byrd Theater beginning at 11:45p.  The ball can be seen from the stage, VIP and anywhere in the festival area.  Also, there will be large video screens at the stage and VIP for enhanced viewing.

Food and Drink Vendors:
There will be food and drink vendors offering hot and cold drinks and food for your enjoyment. Most of the vendors accept cash only and there are several area ATM's in Carytown.

The Carytown Merchant’s Association, the organization that governs, manages and funds all festivals will donate a portion of the proceeds to area charities. Profits from any of Carytown's festivals are used to fund the association’s annual programs, Carytown beautification and other marketing efforts to grow Carytown. Carytown is located near the “Fan” district of Richmond and is home to over 300 locally owned shops, restaurants and boutiques.