Phoenix New Year's Eve Guide 2016: Where to Party on December 31

Looking at this page in 2016? You're probably looking for the current Phoenix New Year's Eve Party Guide.

Looking for somewhere to bid a fond farewell to 2015 or experience a rockin' New Year's Eve? You've got no shortage of parties to choose from, as dozens upon dozens of affairs and events, ranging from the stylish to the salacious, will be happening across the Valley, each offering its own particular brand of festivities and amenities. Check out our annual rundown of New Year's Eve parties and events, all of which take place on Thursday, December 31 (unless otherwise specified). See you next year.

Special Events

B-Sides: An Amoral Masquerade
Cornish Pasty Co.
960 W. University Dr., Tempe
www.cornishpastyco.com
Sin will most definitely be in at this affair featuring DJs Laine B., Santa Cecilia, Beast Infection, and others spinning tunes. Impure masquerade attire is suggested. 9:30 p.m., free. Call 480-894-6261.

Decadence NYE 2015
Rawhide
5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler
arizona.decadencenye.com
Practically every popular genre of modern-day electronic dance music is represented in the massive lineup of DJs and artists that will perform at this two-night New Year's extravaganza. That includes dubstep (Borgore, Adventure Club), crunkstep (Crizzly), and drum 'n' bass (Dieselboy) to trance (Above & Beyond, Cosmic Gate), future house (Tchami), UK garage (Gorgon City), indietronica (ODESZA), good ol' electro (Tommy Trash, Manufactured Superstars), and even "jungle terror" (Wiwek). The trap-happy team of EDM grandmasters Skrillex and Diplo (a.k.a. Jack Ü) will headline the event — which takes place on Wednesday, December 30, and Thursday, December 31 — and artists like Pegboard Nerds, Grandtheft, No Mana, and REZZ are also scheduled to appear. Both nights of the event kick off at 6 p.m. and run until 3 a.m. General admission is $79-$89, VIP access is $129-$139, and a two-night pass is $229. See arizona.decadencenye.com. The annual Afterglow will take place at Rawhide following the event on Friday, January 1, with three rooms of DJs and EDM. 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, January 1. Tickets are $20. See www.relentlessbeats.com.

Flannel Ball 2015
905 N. 5th St.
www.flannelball.com
The New Year's Eve Flannel Ball will dominate the entirety of this Fifth Street bookstore and feature vendors, live music, games, food truck, beer garden, the works of local artists on display, a champagne toast and piñata drop at midnight, and (of course) plenty of flannel apparel for sale. 9 p.m. Early bird tickets is $11.54 and general admission is $16.82, while access on the day of the event will be $27.37. Call 602-682-5825.

Ignite
W Scottsdale Hotel
7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
www.wscottsdalehotel.com
Spark off some stylish fun at the W's tony New Year's Eve soiree, which will take place on the hotel's second floor WET Deck and offer a mix of dance music, fire dancers, ice displays, specialty cocktails, a fireworks spectacular, and a toast at midnight. 8 p.m. Admission $75 for ladies, $100 for guys. Call 877-782-0104.

New Year's Eve Arizona
The Saguaro Hotel
4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
www.newyearsevearizona.com
This chic boutique hotel will ring in the new year with a premium cocktail reception, hors d'oeuvres, casino gaming, a silent auction, a champagne toast and confetti at midnight, and more. Local DJs Decipha, Slippe and Ken Mooso will be on the ones and twos all evening. 9 p.m. Admission ranges from $105 to $2,000. Call 480-308-1100.

NYE3 Party
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
www.talkingstickresort.com
Las Vegas-style thrills are promised at this enormous New Year's Eve event that will feature three rooms worth of festivities, multiple bands and DJs, and plenty of perks. The live entertainment starts at 9:30 p.m. and includes The Boogie Knights, DJ Diverse, DJ Tranzit, and a tribute act paying homage to legendary rock bands AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. A special dinner package with access to an all-you-can-eat buffet starting at 7 p.m. is $150 per person, while party-only packages featuring six complimentary drinks is $125 per person. Call 480-850-7777.

NYE Block Party on Mill Avenue
Downtown Tempe
www.blockpartyonmill.com 
A hallmark of New Year's Eve in the Valley for more than a decade, the 2015 edition of this Mill Avenue staple will boast a "Bourbon Street of the Southwest" theme, a total of 18 different outdoor bars, food and drinks, live music from Chase Rice and a number of local bands, DJs, dancing, and the inevitable countdown to midnight. The party runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and tickets are $10. Each of Mill Avenue's various bars and clubs — including Whiskey Row, BAC Lounge, Blasted Barley, Fat Tuesday, Gringo Star, School of Rock, El Hefe, and Zuma — will also offer separate events with admission prices and VIP packages ranging from $30 up to $1,000.

NYE Super Sweet '16
Indian Plaza and Saddlebag Trail, Scottsale
www.eegtickets.com
The swanky affair will be celebrated at four different nightspots located in the heart of Scottsdale's entertainment district – Bottled Blonde, The Mint, Hi Fi Kitchen and Cocktails, and The Bevvy – each with its own lineup of drinks and DJs. Individual tickets to each spot is $30-$40 and a four-club pass is 480-970-1112.

Phoenix Symphony's New Year's Eve Celebration
Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
www.phoenixsymphony.org
The Phoenix Symphony will perform various Strauss waltzes, Broadway standards, and seasonal songs during the two New Year's Eve celebration. Performances are at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18-$83. Call 602-495-1999.

Powerdrive's New Year's Eve
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
www.wingilariver.com
The high-energy sounds of local band Powerdrive will fill the casino's Ovations! Live showroom. 8 p.m.; $30 general admission, $400 for a reserved table with seating for 10. Call 800-946-4452.

Raven's Annual New Years Eve Gala
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
www.ravenevents.com
This year's edition of the annual high-style ball in the resort's showroom will feature a "Black and Bling" theme and will offer such amenities as music from Nineball and DJ Kilo, two bars, party favors, cocktails specials, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m., $50 general admission. Black tie attire required. A special hors d'oeuvres package including an appetizer buffet is available $75 per person and VIP seating is $750-$800. Call 480-850-7777.

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
Marquee Theatre
730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.luckymanonline.com
Fans of hometown rock 'n' roller Roger Clyne and his band will likely be in abundance at the Marquee as the band bids farewell to 2015 during its New Year's Eve blowout. Fellow Tempe bands Banana Gun and Mills Ends will also perform. 8 p.m., $45-$65. Call 480-829-0607

Ultimate '80s Dance Party
Casino Arizona
524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale
www.casinoarizona.com
The casino's showroom with host this retro celebration where raucously fun tribute band Loveshack will provide the soundtrack. A "dinner and show" package includes buffet dining and champagne toast, as well as earlier access to the event. 6:30 p.m., $95 per person. A "show only" package is also available. 8:30 p.m., $65 per person. Loveshack goes on at 9 p.m. Call 480-850-7777.

Bars & Clubs

Bar Smith
130 E. Washington St.
www.barsmith.com
Dance music will be in abundance on both levels of Bar Smith on New Year's Eve night. Local house music legends Pete "Supermix" Salaz and DJ Senbad will take over the rooftop lounge while the trio of Robbie Rob, Biggie Meanmugg, and DJ Logan "Element" Howard hold it down on the first floor. 8 p.m. Call 602-456-1991 for cover.

Black and Bleu
9343 E. Shea Blvd.
www.blackbleu.com
Celebrate the new year at this North Scottsdale drinkery and eatery during its "Bottles + Boards" affair with various food and drink specials, live dance music, and other fun. Reserved booths with two buckets of either beer or botted champagne will be $75 and boards filled with sumptuous selections (including mushrooms, stuffed tomato, smoked chicken, prime flat iron steak, and andouille sausage) will be $35 each. Call 480-767-1810 for hours and more info.

Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
www.thebloozebar.com
This rockin' New Year's Eve affair will feature gigs by Led Zeppelin tribute act Song Remains the Same and '80s heavy metal cover band Hair Razer. 9 p.m., $5. Call 602-788-4574.

Blue Martini Lounge
5455 E. High St.
phoenix.bluemartinilounge.com
Black and White NYE Ball 2016 with a midnight countdown and toast, live entertainment from The Neon, spins by DJ Groovetech, and more. General admission tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door and include an open premium bar until 10 p.m., and hand-passed hors d'oeuvres, and more. Table seating is available for $360-$600 and includes admission for four guests, a premium open bar, a bottle of Grey Goose and/or Moet Nectar Imperial Champagne (depending on table booked), hand-passed hors d'oeuvres, and more. Entry after midnight is $20. 8 p.m. Call 602-481-8126.

Boondocks
4341 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
www.boondocksaz.com
All for One New Year's Eve with live music from Rose Colored Eyes, drinks, champagne, and more. 8 p.m., $22-$100. Call 480-949-8454.

The Breakroom
4729 E. McDowell Road
www.breakroombarandgrill.com
New Year's Eve party free hats and horns, a DJ, drink specials, and more. 7 p.m., free. Call 602-267-1010.

Cheetahs
4125 N. 7th St.
www.cheetahsaz.com
This gentleman's club will offer $4 you-call-its, a champagne toast at midnight, and $1,000 in cash and prizes during its New Year's Eve bash. 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $15 for singles, $20 for couples. Call 602-277-8487.

Club Red
1306 W. University Dr., Mesa
www.clubredrocks.com
The alluring ecdysiasts and talented performers of Romantasy Cabaret will present an evening of eye-catching thrills and entertainment during the troupe's Speakeasy Sins party, which will include live music from Whiskey Kiss, swing dancing, circus and sideshow freaks, and more. 9 p.m. 9 p.m., $35-$50. Call 480-258-2733.

Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
www.crescentphx.com
The New Year's Eve festivities at the Crescent are nothing if not massive. Partying will take place at several locations in and around the venue, including inside its lounge and concert hall, along Second Avenue, and out back in an enormous tent. Famed art car/party bus Kalliope will serve as one of outdoor stage and various food trucks will also be on hand. The music menu will include live jazz inside and dance music offered pretty much everywhere else. The lineup includes such DJs as Sean Watson, Jared Alan, Dirty Doses, Dan H., Tristan, Klu, and others. 8 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 602-716-2222.

Dick's Cabaret
3432 E. Illini St.
www.dickscabaret.com
This male-oriented strip club will offer free party favors, a champagne toast, and the chance to kiss your favorite dancer at midnight during its New Year's Eve celebration. 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., $20 (which includes a complimentary beverage). Call 602-274-3425.

Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com
Boot-scooting fun will be on tap during Whiskey Row's One Night in Nashville party. DJ Real will provide the sounds and the Whiskey Girls will make an appearance at the event, which kicks off at 8 p.m. General admission is $30, a $40 VIP option offers express entry and access to an open bar until 10 p.m., and a separate open bar package features complimentary food and drinks. Premium table and seating ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Call 480-945-4200.

Dos Gringos
8000 S. Priest Dr., Tempe
www.dosgringosaz.com
DJ Hazardous will be going hard and dropping EDM sounds during the New Year's Eve festivities at this Dos Gringos location. A margarita toast takes place at midnight and drink specials include $5 Smirnoff vodka cocktails and $7 Vodka Red Bulls. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-753-4577.

El Hefe
4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
www.elhefe.com/scottsdale
A mix of dancing, drinking, and debauchery will transpire at El Hefe's Indulge party, a grand celebration of opulence and excess that will feature the Scottsdale spot getting decked out in gold décor and DJ Cutswell behind the mixers. 8 p.m. General admission is $20, VIP access is $40, and a separate open bar package with complimentary drinks until 10 p.m. is $50. Call 480-945-6200.

El Hefe & Whiskey Row
640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.elhefe.com/tempe
www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com/tempe
Bottles will popping something fierce at the Champagne Ball that will take place at both El Hefe and Whiskey Row, which will offer partying on adjacent patios, local DJs laying down sounds, and multiple bars. 8 p.m. $30 general admission, $50 for either an open bar package with free food and drink until 10 p.m. or a VIP package (admission to the NYE Block Party on Mill Avenue is included with both). Call 480-257-2797 or 480-945-4200.

Endgame
699 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.endgamebar.com
As you might expect, given its gamer-friendly focus, the New Year's Eve dance party at this Mill Avenue bar will be inspired by an entry from the long-running Legend of Zelda series. Titled "Majora's Masquerave," the event will feature a roaming photographer, food and drink, and performances by local EDM artists and selectors Blakeland, Flexstyle, and DJ XIII. 8 p.m.; free for those with masks, $5 without.

Gypsy Bar & Lucky Strike
50 W. Jefferson St.
www.gypsybarphoenix.com
These side-by-side CityScape nightspots will both play host to an expansive New Year's affair that will feature eye-catching performances by Tabitha Kelley and Crystal Cruz of House of Cirque, as well as turntable action from DJ LA, Pickster One, and DJ Melo. Patrons can also partake in a call bar package or buffet $25 each. 8 p.m., $10. Call 602-732-5495 or 602-732-5496.

Joe's Grotto
13825 N. 32nd St.
www.joesgrotto.com
Hard rock and metal music will be on tap during the New Year's Eve party, courtesy of local bands Hobo Load, Buried As Thieves, Nova Minus, Omniloud, and (sic)monic. A midnight champagne toast is also planned. 5 p.m.; $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 602-992-1007.

Laugh Factory
7000 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
www.scottsdalelaughfactory.com
Renowned stand up and actor Paul Rodriguez will perform a pair of New Year's Eve sets at the Scottsdale comedy club. 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; $25 general admission, $35 for VIP. Call 480-607-6878.

The Lost Leaf
914 N. 5th St.
www.thelostleaf.org
Music from Slow Moses and DJ Stoneypie. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-258-0014.

Low Key
501 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.lowkeypianobar.com
The New Year's Eve festivities at Low Key will be anything but, as a lively crowd will likely be on hand to sing and dance along as the bar's dueling pianists will perform a high-energy revue of rock, pop, and Top 40 hits. 8 p.m., $10 and up. Call 480-355-1705.

Luxx
136 E. Washington St.
www.facebook.com/luxxclub
NYE Gotham party with a premium open bar from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m., DJ Dario and DJ OD in the mix, and more. VIP packages start at $500. Call 602-476-4437.

Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
www.mayaclubaz.com
Electronic music trio Nero will perform a special DJ set during the White Haute Wonderland party. 9 p.m.; $35 general admission, $75 for VIP access that includes a special mixer from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. with passed hors d'oeuvres and a one-cent hosted bar. Call 480-625-0528 or see www.sletickets.com.

Monarch Theatre
122 E. Washington St.
www.monarchtheatre.com
There will be live banda music and Latin dance tracks being spun upstairs at the Monarch during New Year's Eve while DJ Complex and Tino Cochino will be in the mix downstairs. 8 p.m. Call 602-456-1991 for cover.

The Monastery
4810 E. McKellips Road
www.realfunbar.com
Specials and toasts will ensue all day long at The Monastery as the clock strikes 12 a.m. in various time zones around the world, leading up to the biggest celebration at midnight once the magic hour rolls around here in Arizona. Other highlights include a taco fiesta buffet, free party favors, DJ Kirk in the mix starting at 8 p.m., various bar games like ping-pong and cornhole, s'mores being made around The Monastery's fire pits, and more. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., free. Call 480-474-4477.

The Nash
110 E. Roosevelt St.
www.thenash.org
Latin jazz band Carmela y Más will be joined by special guest vocalists Aixa Figueroa Gonzales and Jose Carlos Justiz on New Year's Eve. A late night buffet and beer and wine service will be availave. 8 p.m., $75. Call 602-795-0464.

Paradise Lounge
4541 E. Cactus Road
www.paradiselounge.biz
New Year's Eve party with rock music from Mike Hartman, drink specials, and a champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-953-2993.

The Rebel Lounge
2303 E. Indian School Road
www.therebellounge.com
Rockabilly, psychobilly, and punk sounds will fill the Rebel Lounge during the venue's first-ever New Year's Eve party, which will feature The Limit Club, The Rebel Set, Shovel, The Moonlight Howlers, and DJ Amy Love. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-296-7013.

Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
www.rhythmroom.com
Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters will headline a night of jazz and blues grooves at the Rhythm Room on New Year's Eve and will also be joined by Bob Corritore, who will make a guest appearance. Party favors and a midnight champagne toast are also included. 9 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 602-265-4842.

Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
www.facebook.com/rips.bar.7
Dead Man's Party with Shdowplay's DJ Manchester and Obscura's DJ Adrian Flanagan spinning '80s, New Wave, Britpop, indie, darkwave, and other genres. PBRs can be had for $2 and there will be a midnight champagne toast. 9 p.m.; free before 10:30 p.m., $5 thereafter. Call 602-266-0015.

The Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
www.theroguebar.com
The freaks and fiends of fetish-friendly dance party Cupcake! will offer up the vampire-themed New Years Bites! party, which will include DJs Self.Destrukt, $&M, and Defense.Mekanizm spinning electro, EBM, and industrial music until well after the witching hour. As is the norm for any Cupcake! event, the affair will feature a photo booth, go-go girls, and such specials as two-for-one drinks until 11 p.m. and $3.50 cupcake shots. 9 p.m. Call 480-947-3580.

Stand Up Live
50 W. Jefferson St.
www.standuplive.com
Saturday Night Live alum Rob Schneider kicks off a three night stint at the comedy club with two performances on New Year's Eve. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $35 for general admission, $68.04 for VIP seating (which includes a three-course dinner). Entry to the 10 p.m. performance is $49.98 and includes a dessert platter for two and party favors. Call 480-719-6100.

The Steel Horse Saloon
1818 W. Bell Road
www.steelhorsesaloon.com
New Year's Eve celebration with music from Phat Bastard, free party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a free breakfast afterwards. 8 p.m., free. Call 602-942-8778.

Sugar 44 Cabaret
4420 E. Thomas Road
www.sugar44.com
New Year's Eve Party featuring drink and shot specials, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and entertainment from the cabaret's lineup of exotic dancers. Open from noon until 2 a.m. Call 602-840-5143.

ThirdSpace
1028 Grand Ave.
www.thirdspacephx.com
Local beach punk band Rum Drinker will celebrate both the debut of 2016 and its first album at ThirdSpace during a rowdy release party on New Year's Eve. The Doyenne, TK and the Irresistibles, Gary Lightning and the Storm Chasers, Songs Lacking Talent, and Josef Henry will also perform. 9 p.m., free. 602-258-1536.

Tim Finnegan's
9201 N. 29th Ave.
www.timfinnegans.com
Luck of the Irish Green and Gold Ball with a four-course meal, penny drinks (excluding premium, top-shelf liquor, and specialty crafts) until 1 a.m., music from Authority Zero's Jason DeVore starting at 10 p.m., and more. 7 p.m., $75 per person. Call 602-997-2323.

Valley Bar
130 N. Central Ave.
www.valleybarphx.com
A splendorous array of delights both thrilling and sublime await on New Year's Eve at the Carnaval De Bar Vallee, which will include performances by burlesque artist Lola Torch and magician Rob Zabrecky, the tarot readings of Marcella the Mystic, music from the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra and the Rue Monroe Jazz Quartette, and spins by DJ Shane Kennedy and Djentrification. 8 p.m.; $21 general admission, $130 for four tickets and a reserved table. Call 602-368-3121.

Wasted Grain
7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
www.wastedgrain.com
A disco inferno will rage at Wasted Grain during its Studio 54 New Year's Eve party. Smashed will perform in the main room while DJ Mos Jef holds it down in the 100 Proof Lounge upstairs. VIP packages are available and range from $750 to $2,500. 7 p.m. Call 480-970-0500.

Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
www.yuccatap.com
The groovy garage rock revivalists of The Love Me Nots will sport their snazziest threads as they welcome 2016 in stylish fashion during their annual New Year's Eve fete. Le Zets and Ana Log open the evening. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-967-4777.