Blow-out parties 
Apocalypse 2005 (Laval)
Sport X-Po, 2890 Dagenais (corner Hwy 15), (450) 625-7000, www.rayjunior.com
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
From the U.K., world-renowned headlining DJ the Thrillseekers (aka Steve Helstrip) is ready to tear down 2004 and ring in 2005 with euphoric trance at this annual Ray Junior mega-bash, along with DJs Nervous, Creator, G. O'Brien, Wizz, Voiz, Night Vision, Simon Miller vs. Axx, Omni vs. Zed Aksis. The party runs from 9 p.m. to noon, tickets cost $50 in advance, $70 at the door.
Bal des Boys
Pepsi Forum, 2313 Ste-Catherine W., www.bbcm.org, 908-9090, www.ticketpro.ca
On Dec. 31, the top floor of the Pepsi Forum re-opens to welcome Montreal's bad boys to party in black and white, from 9 p.m. well into the next day. DJs Mat Ste-Marie and the U.K.'s Tom Stephan will spin, Radical 5 and the BBCM Dancers will move with the countdown and there'll be a round of sparkling wine when the clock strikes 12. Tickets cost $60 at selected Village shops, $65 through Ticketpro - see the BBCM Web sites for purchase points and details about the other Bal des Boys parties, which run from Thursday, Dec. 30 to Sunday, Jan. 2 at various village clubs and bars.
Barhop
Various locations, 843-3388, www.montrealparty.com
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
The craziest party of the year happens on the eve of New Year's Eve, Thursday, Dec. 30, at 25 of the city's biggest clubs, with 40 DJs and thousands of people, for only $15! The night begins at 737 and the all-access bracelet includes shuttle service from party to party. Take note that proper attire is required and that package deals for the Barhop and various NYE parties are available.
Boodha Bar
1401 Mackay, 816-7745, 973-0602
Boodha invites mature clientele (over 23) to treat themselves to their outstanding service and "Montreal's hottest DJs," namely Devious and guests spinning R&B, house, '80s, funk, dance and old school. The booze flows freely from 8 to 10 p.m., there'll be champagne at midnight, sushi, party favours and a free pass for a day-after party. Tickets cost $50 until December 26, $60 after, more at the door. Semi-formal attire is required.
La Boom
1254 Stanley, 866-5463
Don your best evening wear for this $90 blowout party, spread out over four rooms, with five DJs, dirt cheap drinks from 7 to 10 p.m. and a VIP open bar manned by 20 bartenders from 10 p.m. till closing. Count down to midnight with New Yorkers via satellite and be showered with balloons at midnight.
Celebration 2005
Bell Centre, 1260 de la Gauchetière W.,
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com, www.514productions.com
This annual arena-sized event features world-renowned remix-master DJ Sander Kleinenberg, star American DJs Sneak and Dan and Canadian idols Eddy Jasmin, Simon Perreault and Max Graham. These gentlemen will serve up house, techno, hip hop, dance and more from 9 p.m. to noon. Tickets cost between $60 (first 1,000) and $83 (after 3,000), and more at the door.
Celebration 2005
Extreme, 2020 Crescent, 288-2582
DJ Ruckus and a special guest will provide the soundtrack to your soirée chez Extreme, where R&B, hip hop and club anthems will ring out on two floors, from 8 p.m. on, while you ring in the New Year with an enormous balloon drop, party favours and an open bar from 10 p.m. till closing. Tickets cost $75 and include free access to Jan. 1 parties at Extreme and Jet. Please adhere to the dress code.
Countdown
Red Lite, 1755 De Lierre (Laval), (450) 967-3057, www.red-lite.net
Red Lite's New Year bash runs from 9 p.m. to noon the next day, leaving room for that six-hour set from Mark Anthony in the house room (Mr. Tribe, Michel Simard, Dominic B. are there as well) and Short Cut, Puppa Sacha, Storm, Square and Shake in the hip hop room. Tickets are $60 at the door, $40 in advance.
Countdown 2004–5
Le Medley, 1170 St-Denis, 842-6557 Info: www.montrealparty.com
While the midnight drama of Times Square plays out on giant screens, balloons will rain on Medley's mega dancefloor. Party-goers can get in as of 8 p.m. and enjoy party favours and an open bar from 10 p.m. till closing, all for $75 in advance and a mystery price on the big night.
Countdown 2005 (St-Laurent)
Unison, 3500 Côte-Vertu, 907-7777, www.unisonbar.ca
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Boasting an open bar and buffet from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., along with champagne, dancers, DJs, a live band, a big old balloon drop and New York's countdown via satellite, this Mix 96-affiliated bash asks only for proper attire and $96 plus tax.
Destiny 2005
Complexe Cristina, 6566 Jarry E. (corner Langelier), 588-4480, 884-6116
Some of Montreal's finest female promoters have banded together to throw this NYE bash, a two-tone affair featuring DJs Mr. V, Sir-D and a guest in the hip hop/R&B/reggae room and DJs Ace, Sylk and, once again, Mr. V in the kompa/zouk/salsa room from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dress to impress and prepare to pay $35 in advance and more at the door.
Enchantment 2005
Blu Complex, 1426 Stanley, 288-5258 Info: 816-7745, 973-0602
Three MCs, 10 DJs, 2,000 peeps and 25,000 watts will power this mega-party as of 8 p.m. Expect elaborate light shows and the super sounds of R&B, hip hop, old school, club anthems, house, reggae, funk and Desi grooves, care of DJs Kra-Z-K, Payce, Shock, Imperial Desi, Tiger, Kasper, Sy and many more in three rooms and a VIP lounge. At midnight, see the Times Square countdown on giant screens, be bombarded by balloons and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Tickets - which include free drinks from 8 to 10 p.m., passes for Boodha and Blu on Jan. 1, party favours and potential prizes - cost $55 as of Dec. 26, $65 as of Dec. 30 and more at the door. Go to www.enchantment2005.com for free downloads of Enchantment 2005 mix CDs.
Escapade 2005
Louis XIII, 1234 Bishop www.keennestproductions.com
Save your troubles for another day and dance along with DJ Abe's ace mix of R&B, house, old school and '80s. As of 9 p.m., this party promises an open bar all night, party favours, a countdown from Times Square, champagne at midnight, a free invitation for Jan. 1, no line-ups and no dress code. Tickets cost $70 advance, more at the door.
Exit NYE Party
3553 St-Laurent, 285-2223
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
"Hip hop's number one female DJ" Jazzy Joyce handles "Montreal's number one sound system," along with DJs Majestic, Toddy Flores, B-ware and Don Smooth, all spinning hip hop, R&B and reggae on two floors. The bar is open until midnight, when there'll be an enormous balloon drop and a round of champagne. The $35 tickets include a discount on tickets for Circus afterhours. Call 806-5392 or 993-9088 for ticket delivery.
5th Element 2005
Circus Afterhours, 915 Ste-Catherine E., 844-0188, www.circusafterhours.com
Can't guarantee the presence of Bruce Willis, Milla Jojovich or big blue alien divas, but the two-day bonanza at Circus promises plenty - Cevin Fisher, John Howard, Mightykat and more in the main room, Philgood, Nivoc, Jeff Fontaine and a live set from Runner & the Jet in the techno hall, and Ody Roc with Big Poppa, Kwite Sane, Crowd and host B.U. in the hip hop salon. And that's just Friday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Day sees Frank Famery, Mat Ste-Marie and Stéphane Lippé in the main room, an elektro-tek showdown pitting Eloi Brunelle, the Autist, François LeBraon and Vega against each other and Smokey and Majestic in the hip hop room. Tickets range from $55 for a night to $125 for a VIP weekend pass.
Fluid
Club Soda, 1225 St-Laurent, 286-1010 Info: 938-9090, www.fluidnewyears.com
Club Soda's annual bash puts the accent on the sauce, with a premium open bar promising Jack Daniels, Jagermeister and the best wine, beer, tequila and more. $80 advance tickets also include tips, hors d'oeuvres, coat check and a massage, with entertainment by live dancers and percussionists and DJ Unique spinning hip hop, house and old school. Bar opens at 9 p.m.
Get It On Bang A Gong
Main Hall and Green Room, 5386 / 5390 St-Laurent
This indie-lovers' party will pack both floors of the Mile End Cultural Centre with Moog rock and synth punk performances by Duchess Says, the Unireverse and Dandi Wind, and the best international and local tunes of 2004, as determined by DJs Jonnie Jungle, the Fondue Crew and more. All that, party favours, champagne and a variety event inspired by The Gong Show, for $10.
Joy 2005
Complexe Millennium, 7500 Viau, 721-4949, www.milmtl.com
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
From 9 p.m. to noon, 12 DJs in three rooms will rock your world, between trips to the open bar (from 9 to 11 p.m.) and buffet, all for $45.
Kops Crew Present New Years
5455 de Gaspé, www.kopscrew.com
Aside from the live painting, site-specific murals and DIY cinema, this bash boasts a spread of DJs in two rooms (one hip hop, one techno) that includes Sixtoo, Mana, D.R. One, A-Rock, Kill Whitey, Rob Brown, Gino Vynilie and the Broken Crew. Fifteen bucks before 11 p.m., $20 after.
Kings and Queens
Buddha, 3616 St-Laurent, 287-6555
This majestic do promises an intimate Zen ambiance, an open bar, sushi, disposable cameras, cigars, the NYC countdown on three screens and the sounds of super local DJs from 8 p.m. till closing. Tickets cost $70, or $100 each for groups of six people who'd like to reserve a table. Each table receives a bottle of premium champagne.
Lift-Up 2004
Aria, 1280 St-Denis, 987-6712 www.aria-nightclub.com
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Local celebs Maüs, Laflèche, Marco G & Preach and Israel's Infected Mushroom spin in the main room while Mike Mission, Majess, MC Keith Dean keep things moving in the urban room as of 10 p.m., for $55.
Neon Loves Berlin
SAT, 1195 St-Laurent, 844-2033, www.iloveneon.ca
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Neon shifts its spotlight of love to Berlin this year, with kraut DJs Steve Bug and Highfish spanning the spectrum of German house, techno and electro, past, present and future. Local DJs Jordan Dare and Luv lend their support, with visuals by Le Couple. This party kicks off at 9 p.m. and costs $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
New Year's Ball
Bonsecours Market, 350 St-Paul www.marchebonsecours.qc.ca
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Have a ball and ease your conscience at this grand charity event, where DJ Michel Casaubon's mix will start off slow and smooth and liven up throughout the night, so don't forget your dancing shoes - and evening wear (jeans are verboten). Tickets, which cost $65 in advance and $85 at the door, include dinner from a hot and cold buffet, including sushi, and some midnight-hour champagne, with part of the proceeds going to the Breakfast Club of Quebec. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Les Planètes Tournent
Bains Mathieu, 2915 Ontario E., 954-1714
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Make space the place this NYE, amid Cirque Eloize performers, tam tams, visuals and three DJs spinning danceable sounds in two rooms, namely new and retro pop, franco, R&B and progressive house. There's more: champagne at midnight, a buffet and free parking, all for $35 to $40 (group specials are available), from 9 p.m. to wee hours.
Silver 2005
Location TBA, Info: 806-2246, infosilver2005@yahoo.ca
This glitzy party's third edition features 12 DJs mixing house, techno and trance and spectacular visuals by a VJ and the Funky Sexy Crew dancers. $50 tickets include one drink and coat check, while $70 VIP tickets grant access to the VIP floor (which includes a chillout room), coat check, one drink, a mix CD and, of course, no line-up.
Oh-Five
435 Beaubien W., corner Durocher
DJ T'Cha's 10th annual bashola promises a live performance by Creature at 11 p.m. and an eclectic mix by DJs Bliss and the usual suspects after midnight. The strategically tiered tickets cost $10 before 11 p.m., then $15 until midnight and $20 after.
Soma
Location TBA, Info: 844-8998
It's not just the details that are fuzzy for this "100 per cent legal" party, featuring the hallucinogenic sounds of DJs O.S.G., Absolute, Br34th3, Yann, Dorobo and Skhighwalker, with visuals by VJ Microdot on two giant screens, mind-blowing décor, a juice bar and champagne at midnight. Times are 10 p.m. to noon, tickets cost $20 in advance and the locations (in Montreal, near a metro) will be revealed a week in advance.
Tropical Connection
Eleven Lounge, 4445 St-Laurent, 529-7247 www.tropicalconnection.ca
Inject some heat into New Year's with zouk, kompas, soukpouss, reggae, dancehall and hip hop spun by Haiti's DJ Dave and Canada's own Little Thunder Sound Crew, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. There'll be exotic drinks for sale and over $1,000 in prizes to be won, including a night for two at the Harfang des Neiges hotel in Ste-Adèle.
Bar and club bashes
737
1 Place Ville-Marie, PH2, 397-0737
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Celebrate in a room with a view, 737 feet above the city, with warm and cold canapés, open bar and VIP treatment from 8 to 10 p.m., for $55 in advance.
980
980 Rachel, 849-5888
"Je suis un superstar" is the theme of this open-bar party, with music by DJ Yves Ning and Benoît Lacaille, as of 9 p.m., for $50 in advance, $60 at the door.
1234
1234 de la Montagne
Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
MC Mario, Karl B and guests bring the noise to Chill 2005, a 21+ party starting at 8 p.m., for $60. Amidst the bubbles and monstrous balloon drop, watch the Times Square countdown and walk away at the end of the night with a Chill 2005 mix CD.
Action
4645 Metropolitain (corner Viau), 727-3749
Celebrate à la sexy chez Big Bang, where there's no cover for women, open bar for men from 9 p.m. to midnight (for $20), a buffet at 2 a.m. and over 200 prizes to be won.
Ambassade
361 Emery, 885-7568
DJs Eloi Brunelle and the Autist will ring in your new year for only $5, from 8 p.m.
Au Diable Vert
4557 St-Denis, 849-5888
Fill your pockets with coins to buy devilishly cheap drinks at this party, which starts at 9 p.m. and costs $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
Bar St-Laurent 2
5550 St-Laurent, 273-2359
DJ Adriano and Maria spin and weave reggae and pop at 10 p.m., for $10.
Belmont
4483 St-Laurent, 845-8443
Bat at balloons, wear stupid hats, indulge in an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and let DJs Kaméléon and Lafleur provide the tunes, for $40.
Bifteck
3702 St-Laurent, 844-6211
You can't argue with no cover, a free buffet and the usual super drink specials and classic (alt) rock tuneage, from 9 p.m., from Bifteck with love.
Bily Kun
354 Mont-Royal E. 845-5392
DJs Sunkiss, MIR and Bleuchut will lay the foundation for Bily Kun's Provision Camp, opening at 8 p.m. and bringing on the bubbly at midnight. Drink are dirt cheap, tickets are $20.
Blizzarts
3956A St-Laurent, 843-4860
DJs Kobal, Moonstarr and Tash spin away 2004 in style, from 10 p.m., for $10 in advance and $15 at the door, including some midnight bubbly.
Blue Dog
3958 St-Laurent, 848-7006
DJ Da Kid and a special guest will spin pop reggae at this free party, as of 8 p.m.
Cabaret Cleopatra
1230 St-Laurent (2nd floor), 871 - 8066
The buffet may be cold but the naked chicks and chicks with dicks are hot! All that, prizes and champagne at midnight, from 10 p.m., for $15.
Cabaret La Tulipe/
Cabaret Music Hall
4530 Papineau, 529-5000/ 2111 St-Laurent, 845-2014
DJ Hasard hosts the retro spectacular Pop 80 at La Tulipe (for $20 to $30), while MC Champagne and Mademoiselle Julie spin franco-retro at the Music Hall's C'est Extra (for $30 to $40). Both events begin at 8 p.m. and offer champagne and canapés. A limited number of $35 tickets for both parties (with transportation) are available.
Café Campus
57 Prince-Arthur E., 844-1010
Evening wear and masks are requested at this bal masqué, where DJs Dee, Shanx and LaGrange will bring the noise and there'll be loads of specials and surprises as of 7:30 p.m., for $15.
Cathédrale and Lucifer
3781 St-Laurent, 985-6667/ 3785 St-Laurent, 842-4721
Three DJs will occupy the three rooms at these two clubs, where the bar will be open from start to finish, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., for $35 in advance and $50 at the door.
Central Ganesh
4479 St-Denis, 845-9010
DJs Paco and three friends will rock the dancefloor from 9 p.m. Expect the unexpected and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 night-of.
Cheers
1260 Mackay, 932-3138
Pay $65 before Christmas or $85 after for this party, where a DJ will deliver dance, house and rock and drinks and hors d'oeuvres are free from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Clyde's (Pointe-Claire)
286 Lakeshore, 630-8118
Party along with Buzz-style rock and alternative tunes as of 9 p.m. at this popular West Island bar, where there'll be drink specials all night and finger food and bubbly just before the clock strikes 12, all for only $5.
Colors
1417 St-Laurent
Drink from an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, receive a bottle of champagne and dress to impress at this swank hip hop joint, featuring DJs Fabulous, Spazmodik, Truspin, for $60 in advance.
Dôme
32 Ste-Catherine E., 875-5757, www.clubdome.com
Dome will crank its sound system, pass out the party favours and launch an awesome light show as of 8 p.m. this NYE, followed by the Times Square countdown and a big-ass balloon drop at midnight. The bar opens at 10 p.m. and stays that way till 3 a.m., for $89.99.
Edgar Hypertaverne
1562 Mont-Royal E., 521-4661
DJ Pascal Léveillé scores the soirée, a flurry of confetti, streamers, noisemakers and champagne for $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Electric Avenue
1469 Crescent, 285-8885
Rock down to Electric Avenue, where there'll be champagne and the Times Square countdown on giant screens at midnight. The party starts at 8 p.m. and costs $25 in advance and $50 at the door.
Foufounes Électriques
87 Ste-Catherine E., 844-5539
Party hard with DJ Carbone and MC Kidkillahkid, from 9 p.m., for $10 with the magic $1 formula and party favours all night.
Frappé
3900 St-Laurent, 289-9462
Expect DJ Yappy, midnight bubbly and poker machines galore at this $5 party, beginning at 10 p.m.
Funkytown
1454 Peel, 282-8387
See the Times Square countdown on a giant screen, sip champagne and get drenched in streamers at midnight while a DJ takes you to, well, Funkytown. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $50 at the door.
Hard Rock Café
1458 Crescent, 987-1420
The Hard Rock boasts an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, party favours, party sounds, door prizes and a glass of champagne, all for $80. Advance-ticket holders skip the line-up.
Jet
1003 Ste-Catherine E., 842-CLUB
Tickets: 924-7878
Lovers of R&B and smooth hip hop will take to the sounds of DJ Quest, Mahesh, Smokey and MC Ricky J as of 8 p.m. $75 tickets include free drinks and party favours all night, a Times Square countdown on giant screens, an enormous balloon drop and access to Jet and Extreme on Jan. 1.
Juice Nightclub
3603 St-Laurent, 282-3332 www.juicenightclub.ca
This sumptuous bash boasts R&B, hip hop and classic house by DJ Bo, and chill, progressive house with DJ Dave Sol in the VIP lounge, along with prizes, party favours, a balloon drop, hats and tiaras, champagne at midnight and free admission for Jan. 1. Entry costs $59 for access to the open bar from 8 p.m. till closing, and $25 without. Group rates are available.
Jupiter Room
3874 St-Laurent
The Best of Jupiter Room features all of Jupiter's resident DJs spinning half-hour sets of rock 'n' roll, '80s and old-school hip hop. Cover costs $5 and there'll be drink specials all night and midnight bubbly.
Korova
3908 St-Laurent, 848-0343
The NYE edition of Korova's weekly What's Cooking night features resident DJs and guests, along with super drink specials and no cover, as of 9 p.m.
Level Afterhours (Laval)
1540 des Laurentides, (514) 940-6006 Info: 990-0672
They're calling it Hip Hop 2004, a $20 party that runs from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., with DJs Elbinops, One Way, Code, Magik Touch, MC Nikie in the hip hop wing, DJ Rude Boy, Chief K spinning reggae and DJ Christian G and J.F. Lauzon in the chambre of house. Midnight promises a special countdown, a confetti cannon, balloons and projections on giant screens.
Living
4521 St-Laurent, 286-9986
While Danny Torrence brings the beats in the main room and Renegade turns up the heat in the R&B room, patrons can indulge in an open bar until midnight, when there'll be a countdown, a live performance and lots of surprises, for $40 in advance, $50 at the door.
Loft
1405 St-Laurent, 281-8058
The Loft's resident DJs crank "the best of 2004" while patrons enjoy drink-special madness all night and champagne at midnight. The party gets going at 8 p.m. and costs $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
London
3523A St-Laurent, 842-9898 www.keennestproductions.com
Her Majesty is this year's motif at London, where party-goers will get the royal treatment, meaning an open bar and hot and cold canapés all night, champagne at midnight, party favours and R&B, old school and house music from 9 p.m., for $80. Tickets include a VIP invite to the Jan. 1 party.
Madhatter's
1220 Crescent, 987-9988
Lose your head with party music, party favours, a hot and cold buffet and champagne at midnight, all for $25 in advance and $30 at the door, starting at 8 p.m.
Metropolis
159 Ste-Catherine E.
TicketPro: 908-9090, www.ticketpro.ca
Guilty or innocent, Québécois rock god Eric Lapointe hosts a huge party at 10 p.m., for $40.
Mile End Bar
5322 St-Laurent, 279-0200, info@mileendbar.com
Titled Fantasia, this party features DJs Ben & Max on the first floor and DJs Mike Casali, Miguel Graça and percussionists Trio Knafo on the second floor's "Monkey House." Tickets cost $10.
Newtown Club/Lounge
1476 Crescent, 284-9919 / 284-6555, www.newtown.ca
Get festive at Jacques Villeneuve's joint, where the bar will be open all night from 9 p.m., the big apple will drop on big screens, and hats, streamers and noisemakers will fill the room with glitter and paper and honks, all for $75 in advance and $85 at the door. See the Web site for Newtown resto info and resto/club package deals.
Nexxt
1635 St-Laurent, 849-6398
This chic club will be decked in silver and white for their NYE Pure party, featuring DJ Thomas H., exotic dancers, a midnight toast and an open bar and sushi from 10 p.m. till closing. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets cost $79.99. Call if you wish to reserve a booth.
Orchid and Silver
3556 St-Laurent, 848-6398 / 3604 St-Laurent www.rendezvous2005.com
These two clubs, located on either side of Prince Arthur, offer a twofer package for $45 before Christmas and $55 after. Expect a dozen DJs playing R&B, hip hop and house, open bars from 9 to 11 p.m., midnight bubbly and free passes for a Dec. 30 party at Tokyo and a Jan. 1 party at Silver.
Parking
1296 Amherst, 282-1199, www.parkingbar.com
DJ Stephan Grondin spins and surprise guests perform as of 9 p.m. at this popular Village club, where there'll be a round of free bubbly at midnight. Entry costs $10.
Saphir
3699 St-Laurent, 284-5093
The industrial, goth, garage, glam rock and new wave set should be satiated by Saphir's two-tiered bash, featuring open bars and prizes all night, for $30 in advance and $35 at the door. DJs Plastik Patrik and Pat Dynamite occupy the first floor while Dark Wave Nights DJs Mr. Black and Kaotik welcome Toronto DJ Razorgrrl and live industrial/EBM act Re_Agent upstairs.
Sir Winston Churchill Complex
1459 Crescent, 288-3814
The extravaganza begins at 7 p.m. and unfolds over three floors, with three DJs, for $35 in advance and $45 at the door.
Spectrum
318 Ste-Catherine W., 861-5851
TicketPro: 908-9090, www.ticketpro.ca
The Spectrum parties large this year, with NYC's countdown on a giant screen, a bulbous balloon drop, budget beer, sweet sounds of R&B and hip hop and "North America's most impressive laser show," as of 10 p.m., for $39 in advance.
Sofa Bar
451 Rachel E., 285-1011
Sofa promises champagne, party favours, hot and cold buffets, three DJs and free drinks from 10 to midnight. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $50 in advance, $60 at the door.
St-Sulpice
1680 St-Denis, 844-9458
Start saving your coins for mega drink specials at the sprawling St-Sulpice, featuring seven bars, two DJs and gratis champagne at midnight. Entry is free before 9 p.m., $10 after.
Stereo
858 Ste-Catherine E., 286-0325, www.stereo-nightclub.com
After the midnight countdown in Stereobar, which will boast sets from Marx Herbert, Sari and Steven Caicedo, the main room's the place for DJs Luc Raymond, XL, Chus & Ceballos, Demi and Danny Torrence. That'll leave you a couple of hours for the requisite disco nap, after which it's back again for the first day of '05 - Stereobar's Reset Your Soul party, with Miguel Graça, Patrick Dream, Rob Brown, Simon B and more, and La Vie en Stereo, with David Morales, Big Al and Nevio. Assorted passes for the weekend range from the Saturday-only $55 to the absolutely-everything-included $165, check the Stereo site for info.
Syndrome
5777 St-Laurent, 278-5746, www.barlesyndrome.com
This $5 alt-rock party promises three shots, a hat and a noisemaker for each partygoer, who can enjoy über-cheap beer from 9 to 11 p.m. and a super countdown with balloons at midnight.
Taproom
500 Rachel E., 524-4446
This popular pub offers DJs, champagne and party favours from 8 p.m., for only $5.
Unity II
1171 Ste-Catherine E., www.club-unity2.com
This year's edition of the End features DJ Shawn Riker and Unity resident Bobzilla as of 9 p.m., for $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Vatican
1432 Crescent, 845-3922, www.clubvatican.com
DJs Special K and Everton Green and surprise performers will entertain all night at this party fit for a pope (not the current pope, mind you). Expect the Times Square countdown, a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight, with finger food, a buffet and ample surprises all night, from 9 p.m. Tickets cost $79.99.
Live music under
the mistletoe
Barfly
4062A St-Laurent, 993-5154
Manic Manon and the Guestlist and the Prostiputes ring in 2005 at everyone's favourite gritty dive, at 9:30 p.m., for $7.
Bourbon Street West
(Pointe-Claire)
1866 des Sources, 695-6545
Dance pop artist Freddie James plays live while patrons sup from the buffet and sip from the open bar, as of 8 p.m., for $65.
Brutopia
1219 Crescent, 393-9277
Party heartily with Dibondoko, feast on a lavish buffet and bring in 2005 with some free bubbly. The event begins at 8 p.m. and costs $25.
Cabaret Mado
1115 Ste-Catherine E., 525-7566, www.mado.qc.ca
Say Bye Bye 2004 with a rainbow-licious spectacle, starting at 10:30 p.m., featuring Mado, Venus, Dream, Miss Vicky, Manny, Miklos, Kiki, Nicole, Velma Velour and Stacey Wheels, with DJs Martin 450, Marc Laflamme and Mado spinning after midnight. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Café Chaos
2031 St-Denis, 844-1301
Have a punk NYE with the Ripcordz, Ab Irato, Low Fat, Sexhead and Tainted Youth, at 9 p.m., for $10, or $35 with open-bar access.
Casa del Popolo
4873 St-Laurent, 284-3804
Join the Casa dance party with 1-Speed Bike and guest DJs and rappers. Doors open at 9 p.m. and $8 tickets include a bowl of chilli and a glass of sparkling wine.
Cubanos
316 Ste-Catherine W., 276-7464
The Cubain Arriba Dance show and delicious Cuban food can be yours for $30, as of 10 p.m.
House of Jazz
2060 Aylmer, 842-8656
Singer Michelle Sweeney will be accompanied by a pianist while diners enjoy an elaborate gourmet dinner and champagne at midnight. Tickets cost $75. Call to reserve.
Hurley's Irish Pub
1225 Crescent, 861-4111
Enjoy an Irish NYE with the rockin' Celtic sounds of Solstice on the ground floor and the Tim Walsh Band upstairs, along with hors d'oeuvres and party favours, as of 9:30 p.m., for $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
Jello Bar
Ontario, 285-2621
While patrons enjoy the open bar, the Family Tree will play for your pleasure, along with Allan (aka Soulo), Danny Blanco & Coco and DJ Andy Couchman, as of 9 p.m., for $75 in advance and $95 at the door.
Kola Note
5240 Parc, 274-9339
Start the new year laughing with Ernie Butler's Comedy Nest, featuring Joey Elias and the Montreal Experience with Mark Scalia, David Pryde, Heidi Foss, the Bionic Yahoos and Jim Sarino, at 8 p.m., for $50.
McKibbin's Pub
1426 Bishop, 288-1580
See Sona live and hear a mix by DJ Gf while you drink champagne, eat from the buffet and win prizes from 9 p.m., for $35.
Missy Bar
250 Mont-Royal E., 845-7946
Party chez Missy and get a shooter, a beer, a buffet meal and a chance to win prizes, all to the tune of Dédé Traké with a guest violinist, at 10 p.m., for $20.
Old Dublin
1219A University St, 861-4448
Enjoy the Irish stylings of Liam Callahan and a guest, at 8 p.m., for $10, which includes a glass of bubbly at midnight.
One
1186 Crescent, 393-1663
The Vague play this free party, which starts at 9:30 p.m. and features a round of champagne at midnight.
O'Regan's
1224 Bishop, 866-8464
This Irish event features the Sha Sha Cats, Pete & George and some midnight champagne, for $10.
Place à Côté
4571 Papineau, 522-4571
Celebrate reggae style with One Night Band and guests, at 9 p.m., for $10.
Pub St-Paul
124 St-Paul E., 874-0485
Live band Shine and DJ Ryan will soundtrack this event, which features a buffet and a round of champagne, begins at 9 p.m. and costs $15.
Quai des Brumes
4481 St-Denis, 499-0467
WD-40 rocks the house from 10:30 p.m., for $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
Récréathèque (Laval)
900 Curé-Labelle, Salle Antoine-Labelle, (450) 688-8880
Caroline Néron, les Respectables, DJs, other entertainers, a buffet and lots of prizes make this a Mega Party, starting at 8 p.m., costing $60.
Sala Rossa
4848 St-Laurent, 284-0122
Get that familial feeling with the Kalmunity Collective and Onesun, with various vegan delights and other surprises. Doors open at 9 p.m. and $15 tickets include a glass of sparkling wine.
Salon Daomé
141 Mont-Royal E., 2nd floor, 282-8777
Deep house is the sound of this NYE event, with DJs Uzi and Bougie Soliterre spinning in time with Daomé's mini-band, featuring percussionists Diolkidi and Makoumbé, guitarists and more. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the $25 tickets include hors d'oeuvres and champagne.
Swimming
3643 St-Laurent, 282-7665
The '80s come alive with Fantasy as of 9 p.m., for $20. It might be smart to sport some sunglasses at midnight, when 100 corks will be popped.
Upstairs
1254 Mackay, 931-6808
The Sara Latendresse Quintet will entertain diners as of 8 p.m., for $119.95, which includes a three-course meal and champagne at midnight.
