Nightclub events Unless noted, all prices are per person and inclusive of beverages, tax, and tip. Oskar's 107 South St., Boston. 617-542-6756. One seating. $125. Mask provided. Reservations accepted for groups of 6 or more. Black tie optional. (Get directions). Avalon 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. 617-262-2424. Tickets start at $75 and will range into three digits for VIP packages. (Get directions). House of Blues 96 Winthrop St., Cambridge. 617-491-2100 ext. 111. $150. Cash bar. Includes continental breakfast. The Rack 24 Clinton St., Boston. 617-725-1051. $175. Open bar. Dress code (jacket; no caps, jeans, or sneakers). (Get directions). Dick's Last Resort 55 Huntington Ave. 617-267-8080. Dinner and party package with bottle of champagne, $75. Bar cover including survival kit of party favors and surprises, $25. Bar walk-ins welcome. (Get directions).

Boston is in the midst of a waiting game. Some clubs are holding out for private party buyouts (so far about 10 percent are sold and another 10 percent are in negotiations). Others are watching for the big clubs to set the standard on what to charge and what to offer. Even clubs that know their plans are unwilling to go public first.

A few of the courageous have come forth with everything from a chic masquerade to your classic dance party. Prices are all over the bar-hopping map.

Oskar's detours through the Renaissance on its way to the new millennium. This chic lounge club's late 20s to 50s crowd will don fanciful masks for a full evening of elegant celebration. Cocktails and a jazz trio will start things off. A gourmet four-course dinner with wine and champagne pairings will please foodies. A DJ spinning '70s classics for the masquerade party will keep everyone dancing.

Lansdowne 2000 takes over the street for the night. At Avalon, megascreens will run satellite-cast dance sets from top DJs around the globe. DJs from Sydney, London, New York, Cape Town, and Boston will be spinning in real time for a mass party of 2,000. Party favors, champagne, and light food are among other treats. The Modern, Karma, Axis, and Bill's Bar will all be part of the party.

The House of Blues is throwing a riotous tri-level frolic. Fortune tellers, upscale food, entertainment galore, and 250 revved-up guests will keep this Harvard Square joint hopping. The casual, mixed-age crowd will do the post-modern cha-cha to the rhythms of punk mambo mavens Babaloo. Barrence Whitfield and the Savages will woo the rest with blues.

The Rack's 10,000-square-foot billiard club will seem even bigger when it hosts its New Year's Eve blowout. All the pool tables will be carted out to make room for Chad Lamarsh and his band, and extra dance space. Dancing with DJ Deja and DJ Hawk will spin whatever keeps the crowd moving. Open bar and a bountiful buffet will start things off and the eats will keep coming 'til morning. From around the world, watch the countdown from seven different screens. Visit our website for more details at www.therackboston.com.

Known for their shameless behavior year-round, the wait staff at Dick's Last Resort will be in top form for Dick's Millennium Madness. Most of the staff are comedians and theater denizens, and Dick's encourages them to let their creativity loose. Expect a super casual crowd - First Nighters sporting the it's-damn-cold-out look are more than welcome. Reserve for the party, which includes an a la carte dinner and bottle of champagne, or just show up at the bar. The party-hardy dance band the Jenerators will drive this mixed age crowd to their feet.

Originally published in the 10/21/99 Boston Globe Calendar.