1. FKA NYE 2012 at Bottom Lounge, 12/31

Bottom Lounge’s FKA dance party, the bash that welcomes all “genders, representations, identities, sexualities and moves” is hosting a NYE event for all you dance halls queens. This 21+ event has a $6 cover charge. Yes, six bucks. They’re doing a countdown every year, plus they’ll have drink specials, a photo booth and four DJs. Check out www.bottomlounge.com for more info.

2. The Hood Internet and Team Bayside High at Lincoln Hall, 12/30

For the under 21 set, here’s an 18+ New Year’s Eve eve show that will be more than similar to the Hood Internet’s show the next night at the same venue. The local remix DJ duo and their moombahton Chicago-native brethren, Team Bayside High, should give you a dance party to hold you over through the real NYE. Check out www.lincolnhall.com for info.

3. NYE at Small Bar, 12/31

No cover charge? Is that right? Yes, it is. Just show up– no reservations, no entry fees, no packages, no anything but good DJs and good times. DJ Intel and DJ Pickel will help you ring in 2012. And Small Bar has you covered if you overindulge: the next day, they’re doing a hangover brunch. Check out www.smallbar.com for more info.

4. Cage the Elephant at the Aragon Ballroom, 12/31

A NYE for the 17+ crowd, it’s true. The huge venue will play backdrop to rockers Cage the Elephant, Morning Teleportation, Sleeper Agent and Company of Theives. And with ticket prices shy of $30, no one is trying to rip off the young kids. They’re just trying to give them a good time. Go to www.aragon.com for more info.

5. New Year’s Eve: A Disco Affair at Beauty Bar, 12/31

The cover charge is $20, but the midnight champagne toast is free and the bar is open from 8-10pm. Plus, for this relatively cheap price tag, you’ll get performances by Gigamesh, Gemini Club, Adulture and more. Admit it, you’ve always wanted to disco like it’s 1976. Go to www.thebeautybar.com/chicago for more info.

6. Windy City Soul Club at Logan Auditorium, 12/31

The second Soul Club entertains the younger crowd at what the Chicago Reader recognizes at the city’s best all-ages venue. Boogie down to old soul tunes at this cozy, high-school gymnasium-like concert room. Pull out the bell bottoms for this one. Go to www.logansquareauditorium.com for more info.

7. New Year’s Eve at Carnivale, 12/31

Good food more often than not equals good fun. Since we’re talking about contemporary Latin cuisine hotspot Carnivale, make that excellent food. But the fun doesn’t stop there. For NYE, they’re decking out the huge, expertly decorated restaurant with stilt walkers, contortionists, magicians, DJs, burlesque performers and more. No cover, just grab dinner reservations. Check out www.carnivalechicago.com for more.