Overview
Whether you're looking for hangover relief, or just want to keep the party going, New Year's Day is the perfect chance do absolutely everything or nothing at all in Brisbane.
You could binge on Hungry Jacks and strike out three New Year's resolutions in doing so, or stroll triumphantly down the other path and kickstart your shiny new 2015 self. Both seem pretty appealing (if we're being honest here), but if you're really stuck for something to do on New Year's Day, here's a few ideas to start 2015 with a bang.
THE TRIFFID'S NEW YEAR'S SOLUTION
Since opening this year, The Triffid has been breaking the music venue norm. Now, they're even fronting the hangover for you, opening the doors for a music-heavy New Year's Day celebration. Australian indie rock lads The Cairos will making the commute from Woodford Folk Festival to the Triffid stage to reboot your dusty, dusty head. Brisbane four-piece Baskervillain, banjo-wielding blues maestro Karl S. Williams and harmony-infused trio Avaberee will hit the aircraft carrier stage as well. This is an afternoon event that kicks off at 2pm, and rounds up at 10pm, with tickets $10 at the door.
9 Stratton Street, Newstead
NEW YEAR'S DAY AT STOKEHOUSE
If you've done New Year's well, you'll find yourself in that shaky state that craves Gatorade, Berocca and Dorito-crusted Dominos pizza. But it's a new year, and you can do better than that. Stokehouse is keeping the beats, beers and burgers flowing in their Stoke Bar for the entire afternoon of January 1. Set yourself up for a great 2015 with delicious food, solid music and the company you want by your side to ride the year out. Book in advance.
Sidon Street, South Bank
EATON HILL HOTEL NEW YEAR'S DAY FOAM PARTY
Massage a throbbing headache with throbbing bass; the Eaton Hill Hotel has pulled together a full-on drum and bass lineup for their New Year's Day Foam Party. The Stafford Brothers, Joel Fletcher, Timmy Trumpet and Havana Brown are headlining, so expect all your club chart hits while the foam flies. Foam-wise, expect it by the truckload — it's going to be pretty impossible to leave without being drenched by bubbles. Needless to say, don't go parading any of your expensive Christmas get-ups to this party; the expected combination of moshpit-induced sweat and foam will have crowds sopping.
646 S Pine Rd, Brendale
NEW YEAR'S DAY RACES
If you've played your cards right, you may have post-NYD Friday off for an extra long weekend — or have the willpower to call in sick at least. Back your New Year's Eve up with an even wilder New Year's Day at the races. The annual NYD races at Doomben promises to be a fierce one, with fascinators and fillies kicking off 2015. Don't go into this halfheartedly — between all the stressful pacing and trying to improvise race-horse speak, you need all the energy (read: bubbly) you can get to be on your game. Let loose.
Doomben Racecourse, Doomben
WINDOW SHOPPING
While not exactly a NYD party, this is one for the truly fragile. These are the last few days to lap up the holiday window displays of Brisbane's department stores and shopping strips. From the Myer Centre's famed Christmas window story, to the elegant you-can't-afford-this mannequins of James Street, today's the perfect day to put your purse away, and shop with your eyes. Public holiday trading as is usual in the city, and all gargantuan Westfields are opening their doors too. Just try not to show too much sympathy for the bloodshot eyes working behind the windows — New Year's penalty rates could put a smile on an hungover face.
Shop windows Brisbane-wide, all day
When 2015 sees its first sunset, we'll meet you here (and halfheartedly vow to spend the rest of the year more up and at 'em, or something).
