Maybe the tune has already wormed its way into your ears after sneaking onto your holiday playlist. Not as well known as “Aude Lang Syne,” but the longing refrain, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” demands to know—what are you actually going to do to ring in 2016?

Last year’s neighborhood party was a bust and the year before that you fell asleep at 9:45 p.m. Time to shake things up and shake off the old to make room for the new. Nothing innately magical changes at midnight on December 31, but it is your opportunity to kick off a fresh 365 days in style. Read on for a few local suggestions of party places and family friendly fun.

Gimikk at Mickey’s Irish Pub
No on can party as hardy as the Irish, so converge at Mickey’s Irish Pub and raise a pint or two in bright spirits. Party band Gimikk will rock to room from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There will be a free champagne toast for a rousing “sláinte” to the past year. The mood will be rousing when free appetizers are put out (while they last) at 11:30 a.m. Party favors will be out for the taking. Plus, there is no cover so, the more money for libations and eats!

Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 50 SE Laurel St., Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-9604
Web: mickeyswaukee.com

Miss Kitty’s Party
Head to neighboring Clive to kiss in 2016. In classic Kitty’s fashion their New Year’s Eve celebration is going to be all about the dancing, music, and general party atmosphere. The venue is taking reservations; $65 includes cover for four people, table, chairs, and a bottle of champagne ready to toast with! There will be free party favors for all.

Time: 7 p.m.
Address: 8800 Swanson Blvd., Clive, IA 50325
Phone: 515-327-1303
Web: kittysusa.com

Bounce in the New Year
The kiddos will love to celebrate the festivities in their own rambunctious way! Luckily Pump It Up in nearby Urbandale offers just the place for happy feet to bounce and play until they are worn out. Plus, they’ll be tuckered out so there will definitely be bedtimes before midnight. Reservations are encouraged and the minimum height requirement is 34”.

Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Address: 4069 121st St., Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 515-270-5017
Web: pumpitupparty.com

New Year’s Eve with the Sons of Gladys Kravitz
Local watering hole, Kenny’s Pub, will welcome in the new year with the classic rock band, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz. Per usual the sports bar will host a full menu of food, drinks and a lively ambiance. Chill out, bring your pals, and enjoy merry camaraderie right in the heart of Waukee.

Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 605 Ashworth Dr., Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-0161

Jammin’ & Glammin Noon Year’s Eve Party
Head on over to West Des Moines with your kids to share in the New Year festivities. They will love celebrating with the fabulous Glamour Girls Dress Up Party characters. The best part? The countdown is to noon, not midnight, so no need for sleepyhead kiddos on January 1. Games, crafts, door prize drawings, giveaways, and refreshments are all part of the free, family-friendly event. Of course, rhinestone tiara and noisemaker packs will be available for purchase. A reservation is required and parents must stay with children throughout the duration of the event.

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Glamour Girls Dress Up & Princess Parties – 116 5th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: 515-519-3513
Web: GlamourGirlsParties.com

Funny Bone Comedy Club
Make a resolution to laugh more in 2016 and start at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, in West Des Moines, for a special New Year’s Eve comedy show. Doors and seating start at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 p.m. show start time. A ticket price of $45 includes one ticket to the NYE show, party favors, champagne at midnight, and an added admission pass to a future show (one pass per couple). Comedian Kevin Bozeman will be taking the stage. Among other accolades Bozeman was the winner of the Midwest region of the HBO Comedy Competition and competed in Los Angeles as a finalist as well as a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. Comedy, libations, and good company in one place, sounds like the perfect start to a new year.

Time: 9:30 p.m.
Address: 560 S Prairie View Dr. #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: 515-270-2100
Web: desmoines.funnybone.com/

What’s your favorite place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Waukee area? Tell us in the comments below.

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For Michelle Scheid, the grand opening of her store was a long time coming. With a creative background and a passion for making and selling jewelry, she was looking for a new outlet for her creativity. “A friend of mine owns a Mainstream Boutique in South Dakota, and one day she called me and said, ‘You’ve got to do this, it’s the perfect fit for you,’” says Scheid.

Although she was no stranger to selling her creations in stores and farmer’s markets around the Des Moines metro, going into business with a storefront of her own was an entirely new prospect. “My husband and I entertained the idea, and then put it on the backburner for a while,” she says. The idea stayed there until she hit a turning point in her career. “The timing couldn’t have been better. I got to a point in life where I wanted to do something I’m super passionate about,” says Michelle.

Mainstream Boutique sells unique and on-trend clothing, shoes, and accessories for fashion-conscious women of all ages. There are over 60 franchises nationwide and each boutique is independently owned and operated. With the opening of Michelle’s store, there will be two Mainstream Boutiques in the Des Moines area.

Despite the potential for competition, the two owners have been very supportive of one another. According to Scheid, Cindy Lane, owner of the Valley Junction location, has owned her boutique for 18 years. Lane was the very first franchise owner and continues to be a top-selling franchisee in the company. And luckily for Scheid, Lane has become a mentor to her. “She reached out to me when she found out we were bringing a store into the Waukee area,” says Scheid. “I have been lucky to work with Cindy over the last few months, learning from her buying experience and business expertise.”

Both locations cater to women of all ages. “When we buy, we take into consideration what the other store has ordered so we have a good selection across the board,” Michelle says. “We don’t double up too much, unless it’s something too good to pass up.” For the customer, that translates to a variety in clothing selection across locations, but the same consistently good service and sales promotions will apply.

For Scheid, it’s not just about the opportunity to flex her creative muscle and marketing-savvy; it’s an opportunity to serve people. She’s hoping her store will provide a unique experience for shoppers an area with few retail stores, and that women will have the opportunity to find just the right thing to make them feel beautiful. “Instead of using high-pressure sales tactics, we’ll be working to build relationships with our customers,” explained Michelle.

The location itself is also a product of Scheid’s creative flair; she describes the space as “raw elegance,” with a combination of mixed metals, distressed woods, and raw material. “It has an industrial feel,” she says. After the store opens, Scheid and her staff will offer the opportunity for Ladies Nights in the beautiful new space. They’ll host events after-hours and make the space available to more intimate groups. Each host will get $50 off her purchase, and she and all of her friends will get 25% off the purchase of one item. Scheid and her staff will provide beverages, as well as a cheese and crackers. “It’s the perfect way to throw a party – there’s no housekeeping, and no charge or minimum,” she explained. For information on sales, promotions, events, and the grand opening, follow Mainstream Boutique on Facebook.

Scheid can hardly wait for the store to open. “I get up really early in the morning, not because I’m stressed, but because I’m so full of life and excitement,” she says. Her only regret? “I regret I didn’t do this earlier!”

Where to shop: 9500 University Avenue, Suite 2105 in West Des Moines (just West of Jethro’s off of University Ave).
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