People of all ages and tastes will be catered for with a range of celebrations planned at Ballarat's clubs, pubs and entertainment venues.

Rafters at The George will celebrate the start of 2006 with Ballarat rock band Azio live on stage.

Award winning singer/songwriter Andrea Marr and her five-piece blues band will be bringing gutsy soulful tunes to Rustic Reflections tonight.

"Andrea is such a wonderful artist and we have an absolutely great night planned," Rustic Reflections owner/manager Marina Beaton said.

Flower power will be alive and well at Karova Lounge with a 70's Glam Rock Party featuring Tranquil Mayhem.

Families will also be catered for, with Sebastopol's X on Albert hosting a family-friendly fancy dress celebration tonight.

"We love kids here, so bring them along for a great family night," X on Albert co-owner Alahana Camilleri said.

Doors will open at 21 Arms at 8pm for the Naughty and Nice Ball, featuring Noxy Snood and DJ Luke Will vs Oggy live in the shed.

At Irish Murphy's, revellers will be pulling on the boardshorts and slapping on the sunscreen for the pub's beach-themed celebrations.

"It's set to be a great night with Milkman's Chicken performing and lots of fun and give-aways throughout the night," Ian Larkin, Irish Murphys owner said.

Mr Larkin, who is the country vice-president of the Australian Hotels Association, said New Years Eve was always one of the best nights of the year for both hoteliers and revellers, but urged party-goers to drink responsibly

and not to leave their drinks unattended.