Nan Desu Kan

It's finally time for our third annual NDK NYE! Joining us at our Costume Ball to welcome the Year of the Dragon? Here's what you need to know.

New Location

NDK NYE has moved across town to the Renaissance Denver Hotel. We won't be sharing the new hotel with anyone!

Parking is free, even for overnight. A coat check and prop check will also be available.

How to Get In

On-site admission and pre-registration will both open at 6:00 p.m. in the main lobby. On-site registration is just $20, cash or credit cards accepted. If you pre-registered, please have your ID ready in order to pick up your wristband. NDK NYE is one of the few, if not only, late-night New Year's events in the Denver Metro area to welcome all ages.

Registration will close at 10:00 p.m. sharp, so don't be too late! You'll still be able to pick up your wristband if you pre-registered, but you won't be able to purchase wristbands after that time.

Dance Lessons

We'll be providing complimentary dance lessons from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the ballroom. You don't need a wristband to attend the dance lessons. Nor will the dress code be enforced during this time.

Food and Drinks

The Renaissance will be recreating the special Asian menu originally provided by the Marriott for sale inside the ballroom. No single item will be over $6. Additionally, the new hotel has 3 restaurants and room service from 6 a.m. to midnight. (there's also an early morning McDonald's, Del Taco and Sonic 5-10 minutes away).

Please note that all food/soda sales in the ballroom are cash only. We recommend bringing cash with you to the hotel, but there's also an ATM upstairs in the lobby if you need it. The hotel will have alcoholic drinks for purchase upstairs as well, and plenty of cool-down seating for waiting parents. They will be checking IDs prior to purchase.

Charity Games

We're proud to be working with voice actress Stephanie Sheh's We Heart Japan aid group this year. We'll be donating all charity proceeds to their charity of choice, JCIE and their Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund. JCIE/USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating in the United States.

Try your luck at kingyo-sukui (fake goldfish scooping) or wanage (ring toss). Write your own omikuji (fortunes) with an NDK twist: tie it to the Tree of Luck. Each attempt will be $1 (or three tries at each game/three fortunes for $5). The charity booth opens at 6:00 p.m.

Charity Casino

Try your hand at poker, blackjack or roulette! The Casino is open 7-11 p.m. Not sure how to play? We'll teach you, beginning at 6 p.m. The casino is free to play, though (generous) donations for JCIE are happily accepted. We'll also accept online credit card donations for them.

Skilled? Double your chips for a free raffle ticket (1 raffle ticket per every 500 points) and win fabulous prizes, including a free weekend pass to NDK 2012. Winners will be announced after the balloon drop (approx. 12:15 a.m.).

Photo Booth

CG Photography will be on hand for exclusive, professional photos to commemorate the occasion, beginning at 7 p.m. Digital photos are only $10! Please visit the forums for more information.

Costume Contest

Entering the Ball Royalty contest? All entrants must personally visit Katie at the contest booth between 7:30-8:30 p.m. Entrants must also be in the ballroom at 10:30 p.m. when the winners are announced. We'll select an Emperor and Empress, Prince and Princess and a Royal Court (a group of 2-6). Want to learn what you could win?

Dress Code

Once again, we'd like to remind you about the dress code requirements for this event. This is a semi-formal event and we'll be strictly enforcing the dress code. If your clothes or costume don't adhere to the dress code requirements, you'll be turned away at the door and refunded your ticket price. If you're not sure whether what you're wearing meets the dress code requirements, you may want to read through this thread to see answers to questions others may have. (We won't be able to answer any further questions, however. Sorry.)

Weather and Driving

The weather forecast looks great! Aside from possible winds, it should be a nice, mild weekend. See you at the Ball!