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New Year's Eve 2008

Plenty To Do To Ring In the New Year in Phoenix Area

By Judy Hedding, About.com

Noon Year's Eve at the Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
9 a.m. - noon
Tons of snow and activities near the main lake, live music, fun and games with Radio Disney, prize drawings and give-aways. The event comes to a close at noon with a special bubbly toast for kids to ring in the new year. Free for members or with regular Zoo admission. In the evening, you can also go to ZooLights on New Year's Eve.

Phoenix Greyhound Park
Couples can bring the kids to see the regularly scheduled dog races, and enjoy a buffet with music (70s, 80s, 90s DJ) and dancing. Champagne toast. Gambling and alcohol for 21+ only.

Phoenix Symphony New Year's Eve Concert
Symphony Hall, Phoenix
7 p.m.
Tickets: $25 and up.
Broadway favorites featuring vocalist Dennis Roland, "The World's Longest Running 'Phantom.'" Sing Auld Lang Syne. Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne.

PULSE New Years Eve Benefit
Venue of Scottsdale
Tickets: $65 and up.
A New Years Eve celebration to benefit Brandon Webb’s K- Foundation and UMOM New Day Center with attractions including: Live Music of Knee Deep Experience, Rock Lobster and Branded AZ, Silent Auction, Charity Casino, Oxygen Bar, Palm Reader, Lavish Buffet Dinner, Wine, Premium Champagne. Prizes. Happy hour and passed hors d'ouevres at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing; party from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Rustler's Rooste New Year's Eve
Ahwatukee
A western-style celebration including a buffet from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., live country music and dancing until 12:30 with Mark Dollar and The Peso Dollar Band. Prizes, a balloon drop, and a special champagne toast. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 21+.

Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party
Craftsman Court, Downtown Scottsdale
Live music, access to Acme Bar & Grill, Dos Gringos and Upper Deck. Fireworks. VIP ticket opportunities. 21 and older only.

Sidebar
7th Avenue & McDowell, Phoenix
4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$5 cover
Legendary Phoenix deejay/promoter Jas returns to his roots to ring in the new year at new downtown hot-spot Sidebar. Best known for his iconic series of rave and club events around the valley from 1995-2003 under the groovetribe/united positivity brands, Jas has been traipsing the globe for the past 5 years, playing his signature brand of classics and eclectica. Expect to hear funk, jazz, lounge and some electronica nuggets from his days at Tempe's Club Freedom. 21+ only.

Town of Gilbert Mayor's New Year's Eve Party
McQueen Park Activity Center, Gilbert
8 p.m.
This alcohol free event, featuring non-stop live entertainment for all ages, and a balloon drop at 12 midnight is the place to ring in the New Year with the entire family. A safe alternative for family fun on New Year's Eve.

Upstairs at Estate House
Scottsdale
7 p.m.
Tickets: $30 cover charge
Celebrate the new year with a prohibition-era themed party. Live singers, bands and cigar rollers will entertain guests while the bar shakes up signature cocktails all night. A special 'small plates' menu will be available including both savory and sweet bites. The full bar is ready to serve classic and signature cocktails, drinks and wines all evening. Cover charge waived with purchase of dinner downstairs. Reserve tables at 480-921-5467.

Westgate Rocks New Year's Eve Party
Westgate City Center, Glendale
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Rock of Ages Theme will feature music, fashion and entertainment, highlighted by specials at Westgate’s many bars and restaurants and live entertainment from DJ Soulman and Valley-favorite Metalhead. Interactive entertainment at Westgate’s WaterDance Plaza will include go-go dancers, giveaways and a roving camera broadcasting the crowd live on Westgate’s 30-by-50-foot LED video screen. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 the day of the event. 21 and older only.

For the young and young-at-heart, family-friendly events at Westgate’s Fountain Park will include live music, group games (limbo, musical chairs), arts and crafts, and a magician, face painter and caricature artist. This celebration is free and open to all ages and will ring in the New Year at 10 p.m.

Of course, just about every resort in the Valley of the Sun will have a New Year's Eve dinner, dance, entertainment, and midnight kiss (supply your own kissing partner). Here are some links to some of the nicest resorts in the greater Phoenix area.

Happy New Year!

First Page >> New Year's Event Events in Greater Phoenix

All times, dates, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.

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