New Year’s Eve 2016 in Metro Phoenix: Here Are 10 Things to Do

Weekend plans meet New Year’s Eve plans as the final day of 2016 falls on a Saturday. For those who want to do a little something different to ring in 2017, Phoenix has more than a couple of events for the arts-and-culture set. Whether it's a flannel-themed community gathering, a drag show, or live podcast taping, here are 10 events happening on New Year’s Eve in the Valley.

2016 Flannel Ball
Guys, it’s back. Lawn Gnome Publishing is hosting the 2017 Flannel Ball: New Year's Eve Party & Art Show featuring beer and games provided by New Belgium and New Times, a local art show curated by Kharli Mandeville, food trucks, live music, and a photo booth with props. NYE stuff includes a champagne toast, midnight countdown, and a piñata drop. Wear your best flannel from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $15 till December 24, $20 till December 30, and $25 the day of the event. Visit the Flannel Ball website for more.

An Absolutely Fabulous New Year's Eve Party
If you're looking forward to sashaying away from 2016, do so at An Absolutely Fabulous New Year's Eve Party – held at Cruisin' 7th and hosted by Imperial Court of Arizona. The performance, fundraiser, and 50/50 raffle and auction will be hosted by the Mistress of Ceremonies Lady Christian. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. after you hand over a $3 cover, and there will be a champagne toast at midnight. RSVP through the Facebook event.

Confetti Ball
Who can resist something called the Confetti Ball? The Hotel Valley Ho is putting on this fancy New Year's Eve gala for those just waiting to break out that cocktail attire. The event includes a four-hour reception, hors d’oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast, and a massive confetti drop and video countdown. The party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $159 per guest, with VIP and table reservation options available. Visit the Confetti Ball website for details.

Doug Loves Movies Live
The beloved Doug Benson is making a stop at the Tempe Improv for a live episode of the Doug Loves Movies podcast. Whether stoner humor is totally your jam or you just consider yourself a movie buff, spend New Year’s Eve with Doug starting at 4:20 p.m. – because doy. This event is 18-and-over with a two-drink minimum. Tickets are $20 for general admission. Visit the Tempe Improv website for more.

Facebook Virtual Reality Experience
Westgate will be teeming with Fiesta Bowl festivities on NYE, but that doesn’t mean you can’t geek out among the crowd. The Glendale entertainment district is hosting a free, immersive Facebook virtual reality experience. Participants get to try Samsung’s Gear VR, powered by Oculus, with an introduction to VR via the Gear VR. Plus you’ll get to share a GIF of yourself in the headset. Located in the WaterDance Plaza, the VR tour runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for those over 13. Visit the Westgate Entertainment District website for more information.


Read on for a hiking hurrah, improv, and more.

Last Hurrah Hike of 2016
New Year’s is a time of reflection, and where better to do that than the top of Camelback Mountain – while breathing heavily of course. The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is hosting the Last Hurrah Hike of 2016, where you’ll meet at Crave Café at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 31. Cost is $25 per hiker, which includes a bottle of water and parking, and you can bring three nonperishable food items for a complimentary fitness class. RSVP by December 26 at 480-627-3020. See the Omni website for more details.

New Year’s Eve Celebration
Let 2016 go out on a “high note” with the Phoenix Symphony on your NYE. Guided by guest conductor Stuart Chafetz, the symphony will perform Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics, and some contemporary and Broadway-based go-to tunes. Guests get a complimentary glass of champagne to ring in 2K17. Choose between 4 and 7:30 p.m. for your Phoenix Symphony Hall arrival time. Tickets range from $29 to $109. Visit the Phoenix Symphony website for details.

New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza
The National Comedy Theatre is hosting their last Competitive Comedy Show of 2016 as late as they can – New Year’s Eve. From 9:30 p.m. until midnight, take in some competitive improv comedy, and then cut loose with an after-party with the cast. Ring in 2017 with a champagne and cider toast to boot. Cost is $29 at the National Comedy Theatre website, as are additional details.

Snow Week: New Year’s Eve Celebration
The people at the Arizona Science Center have quite the schedule ready for an early New Year's Eve happening. You can seriously play with spheros in "Alien Worlds and Androids" exhibit, explode Ping-Pong balls, and participate in the Recycled Gift Wrapping Runway Show. Entry is included in with general admission, which is $18 for adults. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a balloon drop at 2 p.m. Visit the Arizona Science Center website.

Suck It 2016! New Year's Eve Party
The event name says it all. Truly. So check out the Suck It 2016! New Years Eve Party at ThirdSpace – the coffee joint, bar, venue, and more. Welcome 2017 to the party with the help of live music, free champagne toasts at midnight, and probably general bitching about 2016. The fun runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $5 for this 21-and-over event. Be sure to invite friends through the Facebook event.