Of the days of the week, Saturday is known for parties. So when New Year’s Eve — known as the biggest party night of the year — falls on a Saturday, you are in store for some mega-celebrations.

From easygoing to epic, there are lots of ways to ring in the New Year in Kitsap.

Bainbridge Island
– KiDiMu: Is midnight past your little one’s bedtime? Instead of waiting until the official New Year, ring it in early with a balloon drop at noon. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 31. A special craft will be available from 10-11:30 a.m., followed by the New Year’s celebration. Admission: Adults and children, $6; military and seniors 65 and older, $5; children 12 months and younger, free.

KiDiMu is located at 301 Ravine Lane NE, Bainbridge Island. Info: www.kidimu.org. (Shindig Surprise: No midnight meltdowns. Your children will be tuckered out, allowing you some peace when the clock strikes 12.)

– New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Bainbridge Performing Arts: Dance into 2012 with swing music beginning at 9 p.m., followed by hits spun by DJ Dubreezy from 10 p.m. to midnight. Bring your own mask, or you can purchase one at the event. Tickets: $50 per person, includes light hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. This event is for adults age 21 and older.

BPA is located at 200 Madison Ave., Bainbridge. Info: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

(Shindig Surprise: With a few feathers and sprinkling of glitter, you can transform yourself for 2012.)

– New Year’s Eve with Mutha Knows Best: The 10-piece funk band will soulfully glide you from one year to the next, while playing Motown hits. The show begins at 9 p.m. at the Tree House Cafe, 4569 Lynnwood Center Road, Bainbridge. General admission: $30. Info: www.treehousebainbridge.com.

(Shindig Surprise: With the band’s strong horn section, you’ll hit the groove of 2012 way before the ball drops.)

Bremerton
– New Year’s Eve Comedy at the Admiral Theatre: Say goodbye to 2011 with loads of laughter from featured comedian Jim Short. After the show, toast to 2012 with champagne and dancing.

The evening begins at 9 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. Admission: Main floor reserved, $40; loge and balcony reserved, $25. The theater is located at 515 Pacific Ave., Bremerton. Info: www.admiraltheatre.org.

(Shindig Surprise: Laughing burns calories, giving you a jumpstart on the perennial resolution of getting fit.)

Hansville
– New Year’s Eve Bingo Night: Celebrate the New Year with the classic game at the Greater Hansville Community Center. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. The fun will wrap up by 9:30 p.m. All are welcome and children can play if accompanied by an adult.

The community center is located at 6778 Buck Lake Road, Hansville. Info: www.hansville.org.

(Shindig Surprise: It’s hard to attend a Bingo night and not leave singing “There was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name-o …”)

Kingston
– New Year’s Eve at The Point Casino: Dance band Triple Treat plays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The casino is located at 7989 Salish Lane, Kingston. Info: www.the-point-casino.com.

(Shindig Surprise: The three female vocalists should change their names to “Happy” “New” and “Year” because of the festive mood they will ignite.)

– SoundRunner’s New Year’s Eve Cruise: If you traditionally watch Seattle’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show from your living room television, treat yourself to a more spectacular view aboard the SoundRunner. The ferry will sail from Kingston at 10 p.m. and will return after the viewing the show at the Space Needle.

Tickets are $30 and include appetizers and a champagne toast. Tickets are limited; reserve your space at (360) 297-3016. Info: www.soundrunnerferry.com.

(Shindig Surprise:  Whales, seals and other creatures will enjoy hearing a boat full of people singing “Auld Lang Syne.”)

Port Gamble
– Rock the Timbers New Year’s Eve Bash: It’s a time warp back to when leg warmers ruled and jeans were acid-washed. Relive the ’80s with a dance party by DJ Wingman at the Port Gamble Theater, 4839 NE View Drive, Port Gamble. The music will be going strong from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at www.portgambletheater.com.

(Shindig Surprise: Dressing for the night is simple: for the active look, cut off the shoulders of a sweatshirt; for the head-banger look, grab a comb and tease your hair. Finish with a nice shellac of Aqua Net.)

Port Orchard
– Yukon Do It Marathon: The New Year’s Eve race begins at 9 a.m. at South Kitsap High School and runs along Puget Sound. If 26.2 miles is too long, a half-marathon and 5K race are also planned. Info: www.narrowsbridgerunningclub.com/Yukon.html. Price of race depends on length of course. (Shindig Surprise: The early morning run will allow you later to dive guilt-free into Aunt Edna’s cheese ball.)

– Sk8town All-Night Event: Doors open at 7 p.m. at the rink at 1501 Piperberry Way, Port Orchard. Glide easily into the New Year with roller-skating, alligator tag and a pancake breakfast. Cost: $20. Info: (360) 871-4765.

(Shindig Surprise: Roll from 2011 to 2012 with the limbo and the hokey pokey.)

– Hi-Joy’s New Year’s Eve Rock and Bowl: Bowling begins at 10 p.m. and the event includes a DJ and a taco buffet. Party favors are given at midnight. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door.

The lanes are located at 1011 Bethel Ave., Port Orchard. Reservations: (360) 876-8111.

(Shindig Surprise: A strike when the clock strikes midnight would surely bring good luck in 2012.)

Poulsbo
– New Year’s Eve at Kiana Lodge: Say “goodbye” to 2011 and “hello” to 2012 while celebrating at the Kiana Lodge, 14976 Sandy Hook Road, Poulsbo. The night includes dinner, dancing, a champagne toast and a fireworks show. Tickets are $125 per couple.  Reserve your space at (360) 598-4311. Info: www.kianalodge.com.

(Shindig Surprise: With fireworks reflecting off the water, it’s like watching two shows at once.)

Suquamish
– New Year’s Eve Party Central at the Clearwater Casino: A jubilant jammin’ day starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31, when the casino begins handing out party hats to casino guests. At noon, a free concert by Danny Vernon as Elvis takes place at the Beach Rock Lounge. A ticket-only event featuring a line up of The Afrodisiacs, The Spazmatics and Mr. Pink begins at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and are available at the Raven Gift Shop. Must be 21 to attend. The casino is located at 15347 Suquamish Way, Suquamish. Info: www.clearwatercasino.com.

(Shindig Surprise: If you play your cards right, you could experience blue suede shoes and giant afros all before 2011 ends.)

Throughout Kitsap:
– From the comfort of your home: Turn up your favorite music and throw your own dance party. If staying awake until midnight is challenging, stream the celebration from Times Square on your computer and watch the ball drop at 9 p.m. PST, leaving you bright eyed and bushy tailed on New Year’s Day. Shindig Surprise: No need to dress up. Celebrating in your pajamas keeps you comfy as you slide into the New Year.