Entertainment

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Then economy might be slowing down, but the glam life and partying on South Beach and South Florida aren't showing any signs of that for New Year's Eve.

The grandfather of all free Miami celebrations is still at Downtown Miami's Bayfront Park, with the Latin-infused funk sound of the Spam All Stars playing their tunes live at the amphitheater. Aside from the massive fireworks show, a DJ will also spin disco at a second stage to keep your toes tapping into the New Year. For more info: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

In South Beach the Opium Group of nightclubs is throwing a party hosted by Lindsay Lohan at Mansion, while at Privé John Legend will be orchestrating the soiree. If you're looking for the more exclusive setting at Lincoln Road's "Set" nightclub, you can party with Victoria's Secret Supermodel Annev. Tickets don't come cheap to any of these events. They start as low as $200 for general admission, and can be as much as $5,000 for a VIP table of eight. More information at: http://www.theopiumgroup.com/nye09/

If you're still looking for great music and South Beach glam with a lower price tag, Cameo (the former Crobar) is having the Simply Fabulous party. Starting at $75 for general admission, you can enjoy the sounds of DJ's Def and Laz Quintero. There will definitely be a dancing and young faces aplenty. More information at: http://www.cameomiami.com.
 
Do you feel the need to shake your tush to the sounds of the conga drums?Bongo's Cuban Café at the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami will give you plenty of flavor at the dinner table and on the dance floor. The restaurant and club offers a package for $100 that includes appetizers, dinner, party favors, a bottle of champagne, a live Latin band and a DJ spinning the night away. www.bongoscubancafe.com/

If you want to stay in Downtown Miami, club complex and lounge Karu & Y is hosting a sexy evening with several Playboy Playmate Bunnies, including Monica Leigh, Michelle McLaughlin, and Ida Ljungqvist. VIP packages can run in the thousands too. Individual tickets start at $150. www.karu-y.com/

If hotel parties are more your style, two big Miami Beach spots might stand out this year. The legendary, and now revamped Fontainebleau Hotel is hosting several parties at its nightlife venues. Sean "Diddy" Combs will host the party at LIV, while poolside Maroon 5's Adam Levine and James Valentine will treat guests to an acoustic performance. Model and actress Molly Sims will be partying up at Blade. These parties are separate events, so make sure you inquire when calling. For more info: http://livnightclub.com/

At one of South Beach's art deco gems, the Raleigh Hotel, queen of New York nightlife Suzanne Bartsch will be hosting one of her notorious New Year's parties. This year's theme is "A Burlesque New Year's", and as always, the performances and surprises at this party probably won't disappoint. Bartsch herself promises do a countdown performance. More information: http://www.newyears.com/Events/ShowNewYearsEvent.aspx?eventId=4647&affCode=5414db6334294411a6b7

Hollywood Beach is hosting OceanDance, starting at 9:30 p.m. on the beach, just south of Johnson Street. General admission is free and the Abakuá Afron-Latin Dance Company will be performing, followed by a laser light show. VIP tables and seating are available for sale. More info at artandculturecenter.org.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood is also offering a variety of parties and activities at their different nightclub, bar and restaurant venues, including the casino itself. For more information http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/ or http://www.gryphon-club.com/

Ft. Lauderdale is once again hosting another year of its free event, "Downtown Countdown", starting as early as 5:00 p.m. with family activities. At 7 p.m. they have their ball lighting. Downtown Countdown will feature live entertainment until 3 a.m., and the midnight ball drop. This free event will take place on SW 2nd Street from SW 4th Avenue to SW 5th Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-828-5363 for more information.

At one of South Beach's art deco gems, the Raleigh Hotel, queen of New York nightlife Suzanne Bartsch will be hosting one of her notorious New Year's parties. This year's theme is "A Burlesque New Year's", and as always, the performances and surprises at this party probably won't disappoint. Bartsch herself promises do a countdown performance. More information:http://www.newyears.com/Events/ShowNewYearsEvent.aspx?eventId=4647&affCode=5414db6334294411a6b7

Key West is the place to be if you're spending the holiday way south of the mainland. One of the most popular choices is the conch shell drop at the Sloppy Joe's Bar on Duval Street. But if shells are too boring for you, you can always walk a little further on Duval and watch Sushi the drag queen descend in a six-foot high heel shoe at the Bourbon Street Pub. But if a drag queen sounds too blasé, you can watch a pirate wench descend from a ship mast in Key West's Historic Seaport at Schooner Wharf Bar & Restaurant, 202 William Street. You can celebrate for free if you watch these events from outside. For information: call 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or go to http://www.keywest.com or http://www.keywestchamber.org. 

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