You snooze, you don’t booze. Tickets to the Washington Post’s choice for hottest party in town, our own 2010: A Space Fantasy are totally sold out (minus 100 $80 tickets at the door – get there early!). So is the also-hot party with gay DJs Ca$$idy and Austin at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Sorry!

However, now is not the time to get blue. If you haven’t made solid New Year’s Eve plans at this point there are some awesome options for the discerning DC gay. Some are open bar, some are just a cover, but you can be sure that they’ll be a worthy alternative to our Space Fantasy.

First, some options for the men:

Shift @ Cobalt

Aaron Riggins (HHHH & WTF?) will be joining Shift’s resident DJ Mikey Adolfson for “The End is NYE @ Cobalt.” It’s a major coup for the monthly alternative night to grab top billing on New Year’s Eve at Cobalt. Expect the place to be packed (would you have it any other way?) so arrive early with your friends. There’s also an afterparty at Cobalt starting at 6:00am for those of you still conscious. Tickets are $10 and available at the door, with a secret open bar admission available – ask about it!

For More information, visit: www.shiftdc.blogspot.com

Matt Bailer @ Halo

It may be a pretty typical gay bar, but tonight’s DJ is anything but. DJ Matt Bailer (Mixtape, Peach Pit) will be spinning jams and crankin’ the party well into 2010. If you’ve been to MIXTAPE, you know that Matt can always get the crowd dancing. Come celebrate the end of 2009 with an open bar (rail) from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and complimentary champagne at midnight. There is no cover charge, which means more coins for beverages.

DJ TMY @ Vinoteca

Vinoteca hosts DJ TMY (Maison, Aural Pleasures) in their upstairs lounge from 11:00pm until 3:00am, and he knows how to rock a party. A couple steps above the debauchery of U Street, the posh Vinoteca is tucked a few doors south on 11th. $75 gets you an open bar and a good time. Wear something fancy.

A-Ron @ Science Club

Openly-gay DJ A-Ron will be opening for Chris Burns for the New Year’s party at Science Club. It’s $25 for admission and open bar, making it just about the cheapest open bar around. A-Ron is always a fun DJ to dance to and will really get the party started.

POV Rooftop Paty @ W

Not a gay party on its own, but the rooftop of the W Hotel is a great place to hit if you’re looking to dress up for a sophisticated New Year’s Eve. Don’t expect a boring crowd, though: DJs, models, and some of the best party promoters will be gathering here. Tickets are $110 at the door.

For More information, visit: http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/W_Washington_DC

NYE @ The Duplex Diner

While it’s not far enough out of the gay mainstream to be a real alternative to the $800 robot we rented for you, the Duplex Diner has always been a good place to be with friends. There’s no big DJ, no dancefloor (until the patrons wipe away the tables-and-chairs to create their own), and no cover charge. New Year’s Eve at the Duplex Diner is a great meeting point for a night of celebration. Here’s the secret: You don’t have to be there right at Midnight. Use the place as a jumping off point for your night, or (this is the most fun) as a gathering place after your friends have hit their separate parties. Show up at 2:00am and you’ll have a great time as the patrons and DJs will have transformed the place into a make-out and dance-off haven. Very fun and low key.

Now, for the ladies…

Blow Out NYE @ Phase 1

DJ Boom Boom Laroux will be setting the mood for New Year’s at DC’s oldest lesbian bar. The ladies have tossed aside their ugly sweaters and will be hitting the dance floor with a full compliment of hats, noise makers, a midnight balloon drop and complimentary split of champagne once the clock strikes. But as always, be prepared for anything and more. Cover is $10 and doors open at 7pm.

For more information, visit: http://phase1dc.com/id7.html

2010 Ladies NYE Bash @ The Republic

Get your drink on with B.O.I. Marketing and Promotions, A-2-Zee Events, Midnight Intrigue Events, Nikisha and PhatGirlChic.comas they take over Republic Gardens for their New Years Eve bash. Online ticket sales have ended, but you can still get in at the door. Not sure how this affects your buffet or dessert bar access. Sorry ladies.

For more information, visit: http://www.dcladiesnye.com/