If black tie events aren’t your thing, ring in the new year by heading to the downtown Gainesville square for some local fun.

The King Daddy Polecats will welcome 2008 with a show at the Main Street Market.

"We’ll be playing upstairs and there will be a full buffet with crab legs, roast beef and shrimp," said Ted Tuck, lead guitarist and vocalist for King Daddy Polecats. "(There will be) lots of tables and chairs, good seating to see the band and of course a champagne toast."

Guests also will have access to the Boiler Room downstairs where rock band Stealing Third will be performing.

Just across the square, Rhythm & Brews will feature The Dead Kennys for their '08 celebration.

"We’ll have a free buffet with finger foods like wings and a champagne toast at midnight with party gifts," said Rhett Bartlett, owner of Rhythm & Brews.

The Dead Kennys perform a mix of rock and classic rock cover tunes.

Over at Wild Wing Cafe, just off the square, you can see rock band Str8pipe. And The Red Dirt Band will ring in the new year for the first time at AJ’s Food Fun and Friends.