PHOENIX — Are you looking for a fun way to close out 2018 and ring in 2019?
We've found some of the best parties and events around the Valley, both for families and adults. Check out the list below and get your plans started.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Noon Year's Eve: The little ones can celebrate the new year 12 hours early at the Phoenix Zoo on New Year's Eve. There will be 30 tons of snow, bug-themed games and activities, inflatable bounce houses, a DJ dance party, and cider/juice toast at noon.
What you need to know: Activities run from 9 a.m. - noon on Dec. 31, 2018. All the activities are included with regular zoo admission, which varies between $14.95-$24.95 per person. More information.
TopGolf's Big NYE Bash: Instead of ringing in the new year, golfers can swing their way in. TopGolf in Gilbert, Glendale and Scottsdale will each host New Year's Eve parties. Reserve a bay and receive unlimited game play from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Those who purchase VIP tickets will have access to the buffet. There will also be party favors and midnight fireworks.
What you need to know: Prices start at $250 per bay. That includes unlimited golf from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., party favors and fireworks at midnight. Food and drink are not included. VIP bays include golf, fireworks, a bottle of sparking wine, unlimited soft drinks, and buffet. More information.
New Year's Eve FUNBash at Jake's Unlimited: The Mesa entertainment venue will have two New Year's Eve parties, one for kids and one for adults. From 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. kids will have access to an all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited rides and attractions, unlimited non-redemption (no tickets) video games, laser tag, one game of bowling and one game of mini-bowling, laser tag and a $10 game card. There will be a cider toast and balloon drop at 6 p.m. After 8 p.m., the venue switches to 21+ with rides and games, laser tag, bowling and mini-bowling. There will be a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.
What you need to know: From 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., the all-day package is $35.99 per person. After 8 p.m, the venue switches to 21+ and the cost is $25.99 per person. More information.
New Year's Eve at Golfland Sunsplash: Ring in the new year playing video games, bumper cars, laser tag and mininature golf. Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa will host its annual New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31, 2018, from 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. There will also be a DJ and dance floor.
What you need to know: Advanced tickets purchased online are $21.99. Tickets will be $26.85 at the door. More information.
Dave and Buster's: There are three Dave & Buster's attractions in the Valley -- Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe -- and each of them have variations of the same packages. Pricing does differ between locations. All will offer an appetizer buffet (not unlimited), dessert and unlimited soft drinks; unlimited non-redemption video games, a video ball drop and a Power Card. The Glendale location will have a "Noon Year's Eve" event with a breakfast buffet.
What you need to know: Pricing varies between locations and the package you choose. Pricing varies between $19.99 - $44 per person. You'll want to call either location individually or visit their website.
Uptown Alley: The Surprise entertainment venue will host two New Year's Eve parties, one for families and one for adults (21+) in the evening. From 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., families and kids can bowl, play two games of laser tag, receive a $15 game card, pizza and soft drinks. There will be a 7 p.m. balloon drop with $3,000 worth of prizes in the balloons. At 9:30 p.m., the venue switches to 21+. There will be a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop with $10,000 in prizes.
What you need to know: The cost is $99 per person from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., there is no cover and activites with be a la carte. A VIP ticket is $55-$60 per person, or $100-$110 per couple, and includes two drinks, an appetizer buffer, $20 game card, and two hours of bowling. More information.
Yotes Family New Year's Eve Party: Spend New Year's Eve at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. There will be a DJ; a magician; dancing, games and photo booth. There will be a ball drop at 10 p.m. with a sparkling cider toast, as well as a buffet
What you need to know: Admission is $29 per child, aged 10 and younger, and $68 for adults. More information.
Noon Year's Eve at Children's Museum of Phoenix: The museum will ring in the new year with a sparkling apple cider, a balloon drop, music and giveaways at noon. Kids can also make their own noisemaker and hat.
What you need to know: Admission is $5 for members and $20 for non-members. The event runs from 9 a.m. - noon. The noisemaker and hat crafts are $3. More information.
PARTIES FOR THE ADULTS
New Year's Eve on Mill Avenue: While there is no official block part on Mill Avenue anymore, several of the bars will host their own parties and events. We have some listed below. However, there will be fireworks! Local brewery, Pedal Haus Brewery, has sponsored this year's fireworks show. The display will last approximately five minutes. Downtown Tempe recommends viewing the fireworks from Sixth Street Park, 24 E. Sixth Street. More information.
New Year's Eve 2019 Block Party: Second and Third avenues in downtown Phoenix will be closed on New Year's Eve for a NYE party hosted by Crescent Ballroom, Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Walter Productions. There will be live music, food trucks, and heated tents.
What you need to know: First 500 tickets are $15 in advance. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. More information.
Decadence Arizona: See more than 20 EDM artists, including Marshmallow, Skrillex, Morgan Page and NGHTMRE, at this two-day festival. It will take place at Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, Dec. 30-31, 2018. The event is 18+. There will be food vendors inside the venue.
What you need to know: Tickets are $219+. Parking at Rawhide is $10-$30 per day. More information.
B & T's Hassle-Free New Years: Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour in downtown Phoenix is hosting a 1950's era sock-hop swing-inspired New Year's Eve party. They have four packages to choose from. Last year's event sold out so reservations should be made in advance.
What you need to know. A seat at the bar is $65. Tables vary between $120-$410. More information.
Flannel Ball: Pull out your best flannel and ring in the new year in downtown Phoenix. Roosevelt Row's annual event will have music from local bands and food trucks; New Belgium Brewing Co. beer; backyard games like super beer pong, jumbo Jenga and cornholes,; a pinata drop, and a champagne toast at midnight.
What you need to know: Tickets are $15-$25, plus online processing fees, per person. Food and drink is an additional cost. The event starts Dec. 31, 2018, at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 a.m. Jan 1, 2019. More information.
Au Revoir 2018: LUSTRE, the rooftop bar at Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix, is hosting a New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. New Year's Day. There will be two DJs spinning tunes, an outdoor dance floor and VIP dance floor; a scotch and cigar lounge; hosted champagne bar; large cocktails, absinthe fountains, champagne toast and two selfie stations.
What you need to know: Tickets are $50-$150 per person. VIP options available. More information.
Vintage Vegas: Talking Stick Resort will have three Vegas-themed parties to celebrate the new year. Each room -- "Star Room," "Neon Room" and the "Speakeasy Room" -- will have its own musical entertainment, including "Rat Pack" and Bruno Mars bands. There will also be a champagne toast and ballroon drop at midnight.
What you need to know: Tickets are $125 per person and include six drink tickets, entertainment, champagne toast and balloon drop. More information.
Raven's New Year's Eve Gala: Raven Events' annual NYE bash will take place in the level 2 showroom at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. There will be two bars, a live band and DJ, dance floor, and complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.
What you need to know: General admission is $60 and is standing room only. Tables of 2, 4 or 6 can be reserved for $295-$525. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. More information.
VIRTUALIS at W Scottsdale: The W Scottsdale's WET Deck is hosting a futuristic New Year's Eve party. There will be virtual reality goggles, neon lights, holograms and a DJ. At midnight, the hotel will have its own ball drop and fireworks show.
What you need to know: Tickets are $50 for women and $75 for men. Doors open at 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The hotel is offering a room package for $489. That includes an overnight stay, two tickets to the party, a swag bag, and late checkout. More information.
Masquerade Ball: FOUND:RE Hotel in downtown Phoenix will host a masquerade ball on New Year's Eve. There will be art installations and decorations in the hotel, lounge, restaurant and pool areas. There is also a three-course dinner option and hotel stay packages. Tickets include a mask.
What you need to know: Tickets to the party are $50 per person. Tickets to the dinner and the party are $130+ per couple. There are two dinner seatings: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Room stays start at $267. More information.
Royal Palms Roaring Twenties New Year's Eve Party: The Phoenix resort is hosting a 1920's-themed party. There will be a jazz band and DJ in two rooms, a champagne toast and three-minute fireworks shows at midnight; tapas, seafood raw bar and dessert bar; and a photo booth. Tickets also include two drinks.
What you need to know: Admission is $150 per person. Room packages start at $629. More information.
Aloha 2019 New Year's Eve Luau: Hula's Modern Tiki will host an aloha-themed New Year's Eve party in its new restaurant and bar on 7th Street. The party starts at 6 p.m. There will be special themed cocktails, half-priced wines and champagnes. The Captain's Cabin, the craft cocktail bar next door, will be open until midnight. No cover. More information.
El Hefe Scottsdale: El Hefe will be decked out in gold, black and silver for its "Countdown to Confetti" party. DJ Convince will be there spinning tracks. Doors open at 11 a.m.
What you need to know: There is no cover until 11 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets are 40. VIP includes priority entrance and a penny glass of champagne. More information.
El Hefe Tempe and Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row: The two Tempe bars will host "The Champagne Ball" block party on Mill Avenue. People will be able to party at both venues and enjoy music from DJ Diesel, DJ Thomas James and DJ GTTNT. There is no cover until 11 p.m.
What you need to know: General admission tickets are $20 and VIP is $40. More information.
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Scottsdale: The Scottsdale bar is hosting a "Whiskey at Midnight" party. Guests can expect festive decorations, drink specials and music from DJ Real. There is no cover until 11 p.m.
What you need to know: No cover until 11 p.m. After that, general admission is $20 and VIP is $40. More information.
Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row Gilbert: The downtown Gilbert bar will host "Bentley's Ball," a Nashville-inspired party. There will be food and drink specials and music from DJ Steel. There is no cover. More information.
Riot House: The new Scottsdale venue is hosting a Scarface-themed and pink neon-themed party for New Year's Eve. Music with DJ Cutswell starts at 8 p.m.
What you need to know: General admission is $40. VIP is $300 for two people and includes a bottle of Veuve champagne and priority entry. More information.
Rott n' Grapes (Third Avenue location): The downtown Phoenix wine bar is hosting a New Year's Eve dinner and party on Dec. 31. They are offering a three-course dinner and unlimited bubbles, beer and wine. There will be a DJ and dance floor.
What you need to know: Admission is $99 for dinner and the party. Dinner-only is $55 per person. Dinner seating is 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. More information.
The Mint: The Scottsdale bar will host its MET Gala celebration on New Year's Eve. The party starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $20. More information.
Bottled Blonde: The bar is hosting a 2019 Prohibition-themed party. Advanced tickets are $20. Event starts at 9 p.m. More information.
Casa Amigos: The Mexican restaurant and bar is hosting an "All White Party" on New Year's Eve. Cover is $20 when purchased in advance. Event starts at 9 p.m. More information.
Hi Fi Kitchen and Cocktails: The Scottsdale bar is is calling its New Year's Eve party, "Calling All Gods and Goddesses." DJ Con with be there. Cover is $20 in advance. More information.
Bevvy Scottsdale: The Scottsdale bar will have a "Boogie Nights" New Year's Eve party. Entrance is $20. The event starts at 9 p.m. More information.
New York, New York New Year’s Eve celebration: CB Live, a new restaurant, bar and concert venue, at Desert Ridge Marketplace is hosting a Prohibition-style New Year's Eve party. Staff will be dressed in gangster and flapper outfits. There will be a countdown to the ball drop and Rock Lobster will perform.
What you need to know: Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $20 and includes entertainment, party favors and champagne toast. More information.
Bubbles & Burlesque: The Duce in downtown Phoenix will have a "Bubbles & Burlesque"-themed New Year's Eve party. There will be a burlesque show and complimentary champgane from 9 p.m. - midnight.
What you need to know: Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $20. To make a reservation: getyourkicks@theducephx.com or 602-866-3863.
New Year's Eve at Gila River Hotels & Casinos: All three casinos -- Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva -- will have complimentary party favors, a midnight champagne toast, and entertainment for New Year's Eve. For entertainment, Wild Horse Pass will have dueling pianos and Lone Butte will host Halocene. Vee Quiva will have live DJs and bingo.
What you need to know: Tickets to the shows at Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte are $20. Bingo buy-in at Vee Quiva is $75 for paper cards and $110 for electronic cards. More information.
Buck and Rider: The Phoenix restaurant will have a special New Year's Eve menu beginning at 9:30 p.m. There will also be speciality drinks, party favors, a photo booth, and music.
What you need to know: Reservations required. There is no cover to get in. More information.
