Another weekend, another holiday! Now that we’ve thawed out from the arctic blast, it’s time to put on your sparkliest outfits, don those silly hats and pull out those noisemakers to ring in the new year. But, I don’t know how we’re entering 2023 already; I’m still mentally processing 2020. Read on to find out how many different ways I’ve tried to say “ring in 2023.” Cheers y’all!
ICERAYS VS. MUDBUGS
Friday, 6:05 p.m.
American Bank Center
Smash into the new year with a game of hockey. Skate over to the American Bank Center for Frosty Friday and see the Corpus Christi IceRays take on the Shreveport Mudbugs. To say goodbye to 2022, you can purchase a ticket for Friday’s game for just $23 (promo code: NEWYR). Say hello to $4 beer and stinger punch while you’re there – and there’s also PRIZES. You have a chance to win AirPods, a C.C. Athletic Club gym membership, and more. Free stuff, drink specials, and full-contact sports? Count me in! 
YOGA AT THE YACHT CLUB
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Corpus Christi Yacht Club
I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready to be over the mountain* that was the holidays. I’m ready to release 2022 and stretch into 2023. Kick off your New Year’s resolutions a day early with some yoga at the Yacht Club hosted by Water Dog Yoga. Book your spot here. (*Do you see what I did there? Mountain? It’s a yoga pose. OK, yeah, I’ll admit that it was a bit of a stretch.)
Black-Eyed Pea Half-Marathon
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Water’s Edge Park
Let’s get 2023 started! Because I gotta feeling that this year is gonna be a good year. OK, songs by a band that happens to share the name of a popular food to eat on New Year’s Day aside… Hit the pavement and race your way into the new year with a half-marathon along Corpus Christi Bay. The race, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Hunter, the city of Corpus Christi, and VFit Productions, is open to all ages. It’s $20 to register for the half-marathon, but if that’s not your speed (like me), there’s also a free 5K and 10K walk/run.
2022 Send-Off
Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson
You all revved up for 2023? Say sayonara to 2022 at Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson’s send-off party, featuring live music by the Staples Street Band, delicious eats from El King Mexican Food food truck, and free beer. I can’t think of a better way to ride into the new year.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Don’t want to stay at home Saturday night and watch any of the assorted balls, guitars, or whatever drops on your television? We’ve got you covered. Put on your finest outfits to ring in 2023 at any of these parties. As always, please pop those bottles responsibly!**
MIDNIGHT ON THE BAY
Saturday
Omni Corpus Christi
Oh, you fancy, huh? Book a stay at the Omni for the Saturday night and usher in 2023 with live music, a full dinner buffet, and a champagne toast at their New Year’s Eve Gala (the word “gala” just screams fancy). Room rates start at $275 for two people. Tickets are included for registered guests – additional tickets cost $135. With your room only steps away, you can party to your hearts’ content.
PARTY WITH RICKY NARANJO Y LOS GAMBLERS
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Emerald Beach Hotel
Not quite sure if the Omni party sounds like your kind of deal? Head a little farther down Shoreline for another hotel party. Say adios to 2022 at the Emerald Beach Hotel’s New Year’s party with Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers. General admission is $75 (or you can book a room for $199, which includes two tickets, parking, breakfast and a late checkout).
BOWLERO NEW YEAR’S EVE
Saturday and Sunday
Bowlero
Roll into the new year at Bowlero! Hit the lanes with your family with two-hour packages both Saturday and Sunday. No kids? No problem. There’s also a NYE ball drop package for adults. Each package includes unlimited bowling, shoe rental, food and drinks. Doesn’t that just bowl you over? Packages start at $35.99 per person for the family package, and $69.99 (nice) per person for the NYE midnight package.
TOAST THE COAST
Saturday
Harrison’s Landing
Got a hot date lined up for New Year’s Eve? Enjoy a four-course meal with a view at Harrison’s Landing to toast your way into the New Year. Get into the mood with live music by Claudia Melton. Reservations required for any of the four seatings (6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.). Tickets include a keepsake photo and party favors. $70 per person ($25 deposit required for reservation). Anyone looking for a NYE date? I know someone who is available. (It’s me, just in case you were wondering.)
TIKI HUT DANCE PARTY
Saturday, 8-11 p.m.
In The Game Funtrackers
Put on your dancing shoes and shimmy, shake and hula to In The Game Funtrackers for their annual Tiki Hut dance party. It’s fun for the whole family, with music and games. Admission includes a $20 Play Card, unlimited popcorn and fountain soft drinks, party favors, a Glow Party T-shirt and more. It’s not fair if the adults have all the fun on NYE, right? (Although, this adult will probably be playing right along with the kids.)
FASHION AND ARTIST SHOWCASE BLACKOUT PARTY
Saturday, 8 p.m.
House of Rock
Holidays still got you in the giving spirit? Close out the year by giving back and supporting local art. Make your way to House of Rock for the Dreams over Dollars Fashion and Artist Showcase Blackout Party and ring in the new year with a cause. $10 general admission, additional $10 fee for people under 21 at the door.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Downtown
Head downtown to greet 2023 at the New Year’s Eve Block Party! Free to attend – and then you’re within walking distance to toast the coming new year in any of the surrounding bars. Sounds like an easy, lowkey plan to me.
QUICK GLANCE
Saturday
Downtown
Making reservations too fancy for you? I get it. Here’s a quick rundown of some live music and parties happening downtown to make the most of your night out.
ROCKIT’S WHISKEY BAR: Splendiferous headlines Rockit’s NYE bash starting at 8 p.m. $10 general admission; tables available starting at $60.
BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE: Join Another Level and DJ Ed Ocanas and DJ Jon O for a blast from the past – go back in time with your retro favorites and party into 2023. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show.
EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB: Cruise into the new year with Cruise Control. Party starts at 8:30 p.m.
**Be responsible, friends!
Don’t drink and drive. If you need a ride, check out these alternatives to getting behind the wheel.
FREE CAB RIDE HOME: Andrew’s Distributing’s free cab-ride program returns this year. Free rides are offered from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 3 a.m. New Year’s Day. Call or text (361) 299-9999. Cabs will only take you home.
APOLLO TOWING’S NO EXCUSE HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN: Drivers in Corpus Christi, Robstown, and Portland are eligible for a free tow, starting Satuday through Sunday. Towed vehicles must be operational, and drivers must hand over their keys to the tow-truck driver. Call (361) 853-0003 to arrange a ride.
UBER AND LYFT: Use these ride-sharing apps to make sure you get to and from your destination safely.
First Day Hike
Sunday
Texas state parks
New year, new you? Lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle and make your way to any of the three local Texas state parks. Lake Corpus Christi has hikes at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Mustang Island’s hike starts at 8 a.m. And Goose Island, in Rockport, has hikes at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Hikes are free with a paid park entrance fee.
Polar Bear Plunge
Sunday, 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Emerald Beach Hotel
Brrrr, it’s cold out here – there must be some people plunging into the bay … out here? That didn’t work like I thought it would. But anyway, dive into the new year with the 2023 Corpus Christi Polar Bear Plunge benefiting ALS research. Warm up with a fun run with the Corpus Christi Roadrunners at 11:15 a.m. The plunge is at noon, followed by a snack buffet and drink at the Emerald Beach Hotel. Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for kids (12 and younger)
