Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Florida and in Sarasota-Manatee—but if you want to ring in the new year out on the town, these local events, parties and restaurants with special menus are open. Cheers to 2022—and stay safe!

Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop

Downtown Sarasota's popular Pineapple Drop is back this year, with food, drinks, bands and a full carnival set up at Five Points Park. Celebrations begin at 1 p.m. and go 'til 1 a.m. and admission is free.

New Year's Eve at Mattison's

7275 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 921-3400; 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, (941) 330-0440; 101 Riverfront Blvd Ste. 120, Bradenton, (941) 896-9660

All three Mattison's locations will be open New Year's Eve with special holiday menus, festive drinks, live music and fun for everyone. Live music will be at each location: Forty One will feature The Randy Stephens Experience; Riverwalk will have a five-piece ensemble featuring Lisa Ega;  and downtown Sarasota will have a street party featuring the band Big Night Out. Call ahead or make a reservation online.

New Year's Eve Candlelight Dinner at Ortygia

1418 13th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 741-8646

Make a reservation at Sicilian, French and Mediterranean restaurant Ortygia's annual New Year's Eve Dinner. Call for menu details and to confirm indoor or outdoor seating. The restaurant will have a selection of wines, cocktails and a special holiday menu.

New Year's Eve Bash at Sharky's on the Pier

1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, (941) 488-1456

Guests will enjoy featured entertainment by Scarlet Drive, live fireworks at midnight and lots of fun drinks and food trucks. General admission is $25 and VIP access is $50 and includes one free alcoholic beverage, reserved table and chair on the beach. Otherwise, bring your own beach chairs to watch the fireworks. Purchase tickets here.

Grove Restaurant New Year's Eve Celebration

10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 893-4321

Ring in the new year at Grove on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Starting at 9 p.m., the ballroom will offer food, drinks and dancing with DJ NatiPitch. General admission tickets are $150 per person and include premium open bar, all-you-can-eat hors d'oeuvres buffet, light show, photo booth, midnight Champagne toast and masquerade party favors. Get your tickets here.

New Year's Eve at MeLange

1568 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 953-7111

Enjoy a New Year's Eve prix fixe menu at MeLange on Main Street including black eyed pea salad and Champagne, salmon rillettes, veal sweetbreads or crispy oyster mushrooms appetizers, entrees like boneless half duck, filet mignon, grouper and more. Desserts include truffle cake or sherry trifle. Cost is $75 per person. Call to reserve a seat.

C'est La Vie!

1553 Main St. Sarasota, (941) 906-9575

This Sarasota classic will celebrate New Year's Eve with a special menu. Start off with a complimentary glass of bubbly, then move on to appetizers including scallops or paté, entrees like roasted sea bass or filet mignon, and a selection of pastries and baked goods for dessert. Fixed menu costs $65 per plate; entreé only is $40. Call ahead or reserve a table online.

Pier 22

1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton, (941) 748-8087

Join Pier 22 on the Manatee River for a New Year's Eve celebration starting at 7 p.m. The ballroom will have an elegant VIP dinner, drinks and a jazz tunes from Hot Club SRQ. After dinner, join staff on the terrace for a midnight toast. Tickets are $150 per person. Check in is at 6:30 p.m. and the VIP ballroom dinner and open bar are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The buffet and entreé menu is online. Book your ticket here.

The Westin Sarasota Soiree

100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, (941) 217-4777

The Westin will host a New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a DJ, two bars, Bacardi lounge and complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Dinner specials will be available at EVOQ restaurant before the party begins. The rooftop bar will also serve up a special New Year's Eve menu. Tickets are $75 per person. Click here to purchase.

Amore Restaurant

180 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, (941) 383-1111

Enjoy a romantic evening of live music at Amore Restaurant in downtown Sarasota. The French jazz singer Michelet Innocent will be performing from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. while guests enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner.

Paranormal Cirque New Year Party

102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto, (941) 704-8572

The paranormal circus troupe will put on a New Year's-themed show in Palmetto. The party will go from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and feature live performance, a Champagne toast, DJ, and food and drinks included with a ticket. Tickets range from $80 to $150 for a VIPP experience, which includes hor d'oeuvres and unlimited beer and wine. Purchase tickets here.