If the Mayans were right and it's all over on 12/21, you might as well greet the apocalypse in style. Below, thirteen recommendations for "end of the world" parties happening in NYC on Friday from fancy fêtes to Fucked Up and everything in between.End of the World With Joey Arias at Joe's Pub
The legendary performance artist will help you forget about doomsday with his signature mix of raunchy humor and sultry cabaret stylings (here's hoping Billie Holiday-as-done-by-Joey Arias will make an appearance in the act). He'll be joined for the night by music director Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman), the Pixie Harlots, theremin player Cornelius Loy and performance artist Narcissister. (And, before you go, be sure to check out Arias' Apocalypse To-Do List!)
Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St.; 11:30 pm, Tickets are $25 and can be purchased HERE
End of the World Party at Gansevoort Park Rooftop
While you wait for the world to end atop the Gansevoort Park Hotel, keep an eye out for models getting their end days 'smize' on in a post-apocalypse-themed photo shoot.
Gansevoort Park Hotel, 420 Park Ave.; 7 pm - 11 pm, Free with RSVP
Mayan Apocalypse with Fucked Up at Warsaw
The Toronto-based hardcore band will not take the apocalypse sitting down and, if you catch their set at Warsaw, neither will you. They'll be headlining a bill that also includes assorted other bands of the indie (Lemuria), surfy (Night Birds), and post-punk (Parquet Courts) varieties.
261 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn; 7 pm, Tickets are $20 and can be purchased HERE
John Hodgman: That Is All at The Bell House
Lucky for us, The Bell House has added a second earlier set after the comedian's original show sold out so more folks can be treated to Hodgman's words of wisdom concerning "wine, wealth, sports and the end of the world." What's one of the most important things in his apocalypse survival kit? Mayonnaise. You'll have to head to The Bell House (or click on this link) to find out why.
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn; 6:30 pm, Tickets are $15 and can be purchased HERE
Apocalypse Party at Cameo Gallery
DJs and producers Joakim and Jacques Renault share a bill at the Williamsburg venue's 12/21/12 bash, guaranteeing you'll be dancing to a mix of electro, jazz, disco and dance music all night (or at least until the world blows up).
Cameo Gallery, 93 N. 6th St., Brooklyn; midnight, Tickets are $15 and can be purchased HERE
Trash! End of the World Party at The Studio at Webster Hall
If they say that the decline of civilization is preceded by a period of decadence, then Trash! might be a pretty damn good way to go wild before the good times end. Dance your butt off amidst club kids and go-go dancers as you listen to DJs play a mix of New Wave, Britpop, rock, indie and dubstep. We hear there will also be a video premiere of some sort along with live cabaret performances by Penny Wren and Iris Spectre.
The Studio at Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St.; 10 pm, Tickets are $5 with RSVP at iwannabetrash.com
The Official End of the World at Shea Stadium
Perhaps hosting one of the only day-into-night affairs, Shea Stadium will kick things off at 3:30 pm with a champagne open bar followed by performances from Dada Trash Collage, Ashcan Orchestra, the Jazz Massagers, Video Program, Iceland's Kría Brekkan and Muck, Tonstartssbandht and Guardian Alien.
Shea Stadium, 20 Meadow St., Brooklyn; 3:30 pm, $8 cover
End of the World Party at Beaumarchais
Make sure your party shoes are table dancing-friendly before heading to Beaumarchais to ring in the apocalypse because at this brasserie, that kind of behavior is not only tolerated but encouraged. Aside from guests two-stepping in between glassware, the resto's dinner party will include Mayan décor, costumes and lots of champagne. And, if we all make it through the night, they're welcoming everyone back Saturday morning with an "I Survived the Mayan Calendar" brunch.
Beaumarchais, 409 W. 13th St.; Make reservations at reservations@beaumarchaisny.com
Mayan Apocalypse 2012: The Last Rock Show on Earth at The Knitting Factory
It's a bold claim to bill your show as the "Last Rock Show on Earth" but that's exactly what The Knitting Factory is doing, offering a raucous line-up that includes Vajra, Starbolt 9, Autodrone and Ani Called Alpha. If you want to have one last wail, there aren't many choices better than this.
Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn; 11:55 pm, Tickets are $12 and can be purchased HERE
"It's the End of the World" by Queens Artists' Resource Collective at Gottscheer Hall
Manhattan and Brooklyn don't have monopolies on end of the world parties. Quarc (or Queens Artists' Resource Collective) will be throwing down at a historic German banquet hall in Ridgewood, promising live music, karaoke, German food, free cupcakes and drink specials to aid and abet your apocalyptic hedonism.
Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave., Ridgewood, Queens; 8 pm, Free
Holiday Party/Apocalypse Party with Prince Rama at 285 Kent
On the heels of their new album titled Top Ten Hits Of The End Of The World, it's fitting that psychedelic two-piece outfit Prince Rama will headline 285 Kent's apocalypse-cum-holiday party, which also features sets by Dickpic (that would be DJ Dog Dick and Pictureplane) and Ami Dang.
285 Kent, 285 Kent, Brooklyn; 8 pm, Tickets are $8 at the door
End of the World Party at Hudson Terrace
Expect that the crowd at Hudson Terrace's bash will be dressed to impress...their maker (or whomever or whatever greets us once the world is destroyed). There'll be ample booze and music all night to keep you satiated while you wait for everything to end.
Hudson Terrace, 621 W. 46th St.; 11 pm, Free
MEN at Brooklyn Night Bazaar -- Apoca 'Lips'
Bust Magazine has curated the night's music line-up at the penultimate day of the Brooklyn Night Bazaar, tapping JD Samson's band, MEN, to headline on the occasion of their 300th concert ever. While you party with Samson, also check out all the goodies on sale (you know, just in case we all survive and you're in need of some last minute xmas gifts...), art installations and food from Roberta's, Luke's Lobster, Asia Dog and more.
Brooklyn Night Bazaar, 45 N. 5th St., Brooklyn; 6 pm, Free