Beer cheer in the new year

San Diego beer enthusiasts get their choice of time zones to celebrate the end of 2017 — I mean, the beginning of 2018. Here are a few of the notable events scheduled at breweries and beer bars around the county on December 31st.

Belgian New Year

Belgium strikes midnight at 3 p.m. local time, and a couple of non-ticketed events mark the occasion for day-drinkers. In Normal Heights, Blind Lady Ale House will feature a special assortment of Belgian beers and a 3 p.m. toast time. In North County, Second Chance Beer Co. has a similar idea, running specials on their own Belgian style ales.

East Coast New Year

For those not wishing to stay out past midnight, AleSmith (9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar) leads the lineup of beer spots celebrating with a 9 p.m. countdown. Its ticketed NYE Hop Drop features food pairings, live music, and dancing. The "blue-collar chic" party costs $65 per person or $250 for a group of four.

No tickets required to lift a $2 pour of champagne for the 9 p.m. ball-drop at North Park Beer Co. (3038 University Avenue, North Park). There's also no tickets or cover required for the 9 p.m. toast at O.B. Brewery (5041 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach). Also in North Park, Second Chance's new North Park tasting room will be serving the company's second-anniversary collaboration beers each hour around a 9 p.m. toast.

Both Thorn Street Brewery (3176 Thorn Street, North Park) and Thorn Brewing Co. (1745 National Avenue, Barrio Logan) celebrate the East Coast new year with beer specials that get cheaper as the night goes on. Pints run $5 beginning at 6 p.m., $4 after 7 p.m., $3 after 8 p.m., and $2.50 from 9 p.m. til close.

West Coast New Year, ticketed

Naturally, the most ticketed events celebrate midnight at actual midnight.

In North County, Black Plague Brewing (2550 Jason Court, Oceanside) encourages 1920s attire for its Great Gatsby–themed party. A $20 ticket grants access for swing band, burlesque performers, hors d'oeuvres, and a glass of champagne at midnight. Beer sold at the bar.

In South Bay, a $50 ticket grants access to Chula Vista Brewery (294 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista). The party starts at 5 p.m., with two hours of open taps. It then features live music, DJs, and dinner from the buzzy Corazon de Torta food truck, concluding with a midnight toast.

In Beeramar, 32 North Brewing Co. (8655 Production Avenue, Miramar) charges $12 to enjoy DJs and a champagne toast at midnight. House beers for sale all night.

Closer to downtown, taphouse Brew Project (3683 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest) hosts a night of open bar and buffet for $50 ($60 at the door). The event features music and an all-local-brewery beer list to fuel party games such as flip-cup and beer pong.

In Point Loma, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (2816 Historic Decatur Road #116, Liberty Station) offers food, games of leisure, live music, DJs, and a cigar lounge. For $99, you get access along with three drink tokens and a pour of cava for the midnight toast.

West Coast New Year, no cover

Stone Brewing's Escondido location (1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido) doesn't require tickets, though reservations are suggested for the three-course dinner menu being served before 10 p.m.

There's no cover for the Knotty Barrel’s ’80s-themed New Year's party, serving Knotty Brewing Co's and other local beers. Similarly, Resident Brewing Company provides the house beers for the no-cover party at its home, the Local Eatery and Drinking Hole (1065 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp).

Elsewhere, other beer companies open for business through midnight include the new Kensington Brewery Company tasting room (4067 Adams Avenue, Kensington), and Bagby Beer Co. (601 South Coast Highway, Oceanside).