Party 2010 Away in Georgetown

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and some parties, such as the popular Georgetown Harbor celebration hosted by maritime trio Nick's Riverside Grille, Tony and Joe's and Cabanas, are sold out. If you couldn't find tickets on Craigslist for this shindig, Georgetown's got plenty of party options with live entertainment, open bar and even easygoing festivities.

BIG BASH
Georgetown's New Year's Eve parties are nothing short of musical entertainment. Celebrate with an indie, local, jazz or cover band, or with a spinning DJ at either of these venues.

17th Annual Georgetown Events New Year's Eve Gala
Promoter Georgetown Events will be hosting its annual gala outside of the neighborhood at the Westin Hotel, 1400 M St. Three live bands and a DJ will entertain guests throughout the evening. Returning to their D.C. roots, indie band The Walkmen will ring in 2011 at the upstairs ballroom along with special guests Washington, D.C.-area's Kirk McEwen Band and Brooklyn, NY-based Midnight Spin.

From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., indulge in the open bar and midnight champagne toast. Semi-formal attire is required and special hotel room rates are available at $149. According to the Web site, tickets are still available and the first 100 will be $99. Purchase them at http://www.georgetownevents.com.

Smith Point Georgetown
Smith Point, 1338 Wisconsin Ave., will be partying the last day of the decade with one of D.C.'s favorite cover bands Sick Feed. For $70, you'll get live music, a DJ set and open bar from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. The fun will continue into the wee hours when Smith Point opens its doors to the public (1 to 4 a.m.) with a $20 cover charge and cash bar. Get your tickets online at http://smithpointdc.com/.

L2 Lounge
L2 Lounge, 3315 Cady's Aly, will celebrate New Year's Eve in two parts with members and non-members.  rom 9 to 11 p.m., the "End of the Year Cocktail Soiree" will have an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and live music provided by the Greg Meyer Jazz Quartet. Members and guest tickets are $45; non-members are $90. The "2011 Midnight Celebration" (11 p.m. to 4 a.m.) is no-charge for members and their guests, but $50 for other party goers. Breakfast will also be served at 1 a.m. For details and tickets, e-mail events@L2Lounge.com or call (202) 965-2001.

George
The lounge maybe tucked behind Cafe Milano, but George, 3251 Prospect St., will once again be a hot spot for New Year's Eve. It boasts of Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Belvedere, Patron, Jack Daniel, imported beer and many more on its premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast will also be included. Early bird tickets are $99, while the regular tickets are $105. To purchase your tickets online, visit http://www.georgeofdc.com/.

LOW-KEY
If large gatherings aren't your cup of tea for this New Year's Eve, check out these easygoing, yet festive, spots.

Free is one of the best words to see and hear this holiday season. And that's what Garret's, 3003 M St., will offer for New Year's Eve: no cover charge and free champagne toast. Those who want to drink the night away can get the $60 open bar option from 9 p.m. to midnight. The package includes light appetizers, party favors and the midnight champagne toast. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.garrettsdc.com/ or call (202) 333-1033.

Another hassle-free celebration will be at Old Glory BBQ, 3139 M St. No cover charge, tickets and specials. A DJ, however, will be spinning and a free glass of champagne will be served to welcome 2011.

This sports bar is taking it easy this year. No open bar, but a $20 cover charge will get you into the downstairs party with the DJ at Rhino Bar, 3295 M St.

The "friendliest saloon in town" has also nothing fancy in store. Mr. Smith's, 3104 M St., plans to have a regular evening with the nightly pianist, and its December beer of the month: 312 Urban Wheat Ale from Chicago. But of course, when the countdown starts, party favors and merriment will be distributed.