Your Guide to What's Happening on New Year's Eve

Special Events

Epic Red Cup New Year's Eve
www.warsawpactaz.com
After taking a year off from hosting a massive Auld Lang Syne extravaganza, the EDM artists and promoters of Warsaw Pact Entertainment are bringing back the Epic Red Cup New Year's Eve affair to help send 2012 out with a bang. The 18-hour affair, which runs until the afternoon of January 1, will offer fire-dancers and body-mod performers in abundance, as well as a cadre of local mixmasters and DJs. The lineup of talent includes more and a dozen locals, including Brandon Decarlo, Sam Groove, Louder, Frieghtrain, and Maxx Destrukt. Pac D also performs a special sunrise set. 8 p.m.; $40 presale, $50 at the door. Call 480-289-1868 on the day of the event for location info.

Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd., Fort McDowell
Festivities will take place throughout the casino, including free food from 7 to 10 p.m., music from the Kenny G Project in the Lucky 7 Saloon starting at 9 p.m., complimentary party favors all evening, and champagne at midnight. 7 p.m. Call 480-837-1424.

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
Arizona Theatre Company stages a special New Year's Eve performance of the romantic musical comedy version of Jane Austen's Emma, as penned by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon. Patrons will also toast 2013 with champagne or sparkling cider. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $32. Call 602-256-6995 or see www.arizonatheatre.org.

Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
Revel in the swanky amenities at this Scottsdale boutique hotel's stylish NYE shindig, including a four-hour premium open bar, savory hors d'oeuvres and a buffet, and plenty of top-shelf champagne. A video countdown and confetti explosion will also take place at midnight. DJ Decipha from 101.5 Jamz and DJ XCalibur will provide the soundtrack. 9 p.m. Admission starts at $95 for early bird tickets. Call 480-248-2000 or visit www.globaladrenaline.net.

Lone Butte Casino
1077 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler
Complimentary champagne toast at midnight, free party favors, and live music from the Str8up Band in the Cascades Lounge. 9 p.m., free. Call 800-946-4452.

Mill Avenue's New Year's Eve
Mill Avenue District, Tempe
Tositos may have nixed its involvement with Tempe's annual New Year's extravaganza, but that's not stopping the merchants of Mill Avenue from throwing a big-time block party of their very own. The ginormous event will boast the same sort of amenities as in year's past, including a variety of food and drink vendors, a pair of fireworks spectaculars at 9 p.m. and midnight, children's areas, and games and other fun distractions. The live music lineup includes performances by dance-pop duo S.O.S., alt-folk act Jared and the Mill, and other local bands. 6 p.m., free. Call 480-355-6060.

Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party
4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
Reggae rock act The Dirty Heads and local punkers Authority Zero will headline the music lineup of this annual Old Town throwdown. Meanwhile, the block party itself will encompass Craftsman Court and such bars as Rockbar Inc. and Dos Gringos, and it will also feature multiple DJs, beer and wine vendors, and more. Gates open at 5 p.m. and general admission is $30. See www.scottsdalesultimateblockparty.com.

Stand Up Live
50 W. Jefferson St.
Rotund and ribald comedian Ralphie May will provide the laughs during a pair of New Year's Eve gigs at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The earlier show, where admission will be $59.26 per person, includes VIP seating, dinner, and gratuity included; while the latter performance, with tickets available for $43.70 each, offers an appetizer platter, gratuity, party favors, and a midnight countdown. Call 480-719-6100.

Sun Devil Stadium
500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe
College football fanatics will flock to Tempe to witness the battle between the Big 12's Texas Christian University (7-5) and the Big Ten's Michigan State Spartans (6-6) for gridiron glory during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 29. Tickets are $25-$125. Call 480-965-4215.

Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
Conductor Michael Christie will wield the baton as the Phoenix Symphony presents its annual New Year's Eve concert and celebration. Besides performing George Gershwin's "American in Paris," a variety of Strauss waltzes, and a moving tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, the orchestra will provide its rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" (natch). 7:30 p.m., $27-$83.

Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale
The resort's showroom hosts R&B icon Evelyn "Champagne" King, who rocked the Billboard charts with such hit songs as "Shame" and "Love Come Down." L.A. cover act The Boogie Knights provide support. 9 p.m., $150. Call 480-850-7734.

Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
If you'd like to forgo the whole taxi thing to get between drinking destinations, consider joining the fun of the New Year's Eve Pub Crawl at Tempe Marketplace. The alcohol-filled excursion will take patrons on a tour through six different bars and restaurants, including Bar Louie, Cadillac Ranch, King's Fish House, and San Felipe's Cantina. At each stop, a special passport will be stamped, allowing the chance to win a $1,000 Vestar Visa Gift Card and other prizes. Meanwhile, the Laura Walsh Band will perform on the district stage. 8 p.m. See www.tempemarketplace.com/newyearseve for more details.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
Multiple celebrations are planned for those eager to bid farewell to 2012, including a performance by Greywolf in the Encore Lounge from 6 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. and songstress Katie Dix will offer everything from country to pop inside AiRIA Unplugged starting at 9 p.m. Admission to both shows is free. Meanwhile, the Ovations Live! Showroom will host jam band Powerdrive beginning at 8 p.m., $25-$300. Call 800-946-4452.

W Scottsdale Hotel
7277 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
A convivial atmosphere of luxe libations and Prohibition-era stylishness will ensue at the W on New Year's Eve during the ultra-stylish Great Gatsby soiree. Inspired by the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the star-studded affair takes place both throughout the hotel and will boast a "speakeasy reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties." Acrobats and professional ice skaters will entertain, photo ops with a vintage 1920s automobile will be available, and both DJ Soloman and jazz/pop artist Scott Keo will perform. 8 p.m. Admission to the event only is $75 for ladies, $100 for guys. See www.wscottsdaletickets.com. A slew of special cabana, VIP, and room options See www.wscottsdalehotel.com/newyears.

Restaurants

Calico Jack's
6770 Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
Special packages for this Westgate joint's New Year's Eve include two hours of penny drinks available from the bar, party favors, champagne, and more. 8 p.m., $40 per person. Call 623-877-5225.

District American Kitchen
320 N. 3rd St.
Locavores and foodies alike can partake in this downtown eatery's New Year's Eve repast, which celebrates the end of Arizona's centennial and features fresh ingredients from around the state. The amuse, for example, consists of Schreiner's bacon-wrapped dates filled with Black Mesa Ranch goat cheese and drizzled with organic agave nectar, while the squash soup boasts butter-poached sweet shrimp from Gila Bend and griddled heirloom zucchini quick bread finished with toasted pepitas and burnt mesquite marshmallow. Pairings with Arizona wines are also available for $30. First seating is at 5:30 p.m. ($59 per person for adults, $30 for children 12 and under); and the second seating follows at 8 p.m. ($69 for adults, $34 for kids). Reservations are required. 602-817-5400.

Draft House on the Reef
393 W. Warner Rd., Chandler
A "high-energy, high volume hip-hop" affairs will take place at the Draft House, which will include complimentary hats, noisemakers, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast. Call 480-963-5520 for more info.

El Hefe
4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
Mark the arrival of El Año Nuevo in grand fashion at this ultra-popular taqueria, which is likely to be a filled with plenty of party monsters. DJ Diesel will be working the ones and twos until last call. 8 p.m. General admission is $20 for ladies, $40 for men. Table service and VIP packages start at $400. El Hefe will then reopen on New Year's Day its annual "Morning After" affair featuring DJ Thomas James and a slew of daydrinkers. 6 a.m., Tuesday, January 1. Call 480-433-6282.

Hula's Modern Tiki
4700 N. Central Ave.
The island-inspired CenPho spot will throw its annual Anti-New Years Eve Bash, a laidback celebration that's distinctive alternative to other amped-up fiestas. An all-night happy hour will take place as the staff serves savory food specials and hands out free party favors to patrons. Hip entertainment, a midnight toast with bubbly, and other surprises will also be on the menu. 6 p.m. Call 602-265-8454.

McFadden's
9425 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale
This Westgate nightlife spot will offer a wild NYE celebration with champagne, a dinner buffet, balloon drop, party favors, gift bags, and specials on premium liquors. 8 p.m., $30. Call 623-872-0022.

Rusconi's American Kitchen
10637 N. Tatum Blvd.
The crack kitchen staff will prepare a unique three-course tasting menu in honor of New Year's Eve. Two seatings will be available, with the second featuring a sparkling toast. Reservations requested. Call 480-483-0009 for times and more info.

Searsucker Scottsdale
6900 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
New American cuisine will be in abundance on Searsucker's New Year's Eve five-course menu. Options include such delights as lobster bisque, crème fraiche and sauce vierge, and white asparagus salad. 5:30 p.m., $75 per person. Reservations requested. Call 480-664-3777.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
A special New Year's Eve dinner will be served from 5 to 9 p.m. and a live performance by CooBee Coo will take place. The establishment will also serve as a stop on the Tempe Marketplace New Year's Eve pub crawl. Call 480-968-2920.

Bars & Clubs

910 Live
910 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
Carribbean & African New Year's Eve Party, where DJ Dark Vader, DJ Skool Boi, DJ Buck Roger, and DJ Tony will spin reggae, dancehall, and other hot tracks. Long Islands, Guinness, Heineken and Red Stripe are all available for $3 until 10:30 p.m. and bottle service packages range from $300 to $500. 9 p.m. Call 602-321-8972 for admission info.

Anderson's Fifth Estate
6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
A few of the regulars from the defunct Atomic Cafe (including Ricky D. and Reverend Dale) are hosting their latest throwback night, which will feature DJs AKA, Halo, Nixx, and Aaron B. spinning everything from classic alternative and ska-punk to old school industrial and goth. Shot specials, a champagne toast at midnight, and $4 well drinks, wines, and drafts will be available. 9:30 p.m., $7. Call 602-524-8973.

Axis/Radius
7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
The folks at Steve Levine Entertainment are expecting all sorts of licentious behavior to ensue on New Year's Eve during the Seven Sexy Sins soiree. 9 p.m.; $25 general admission; $45 for VIP service. Call 480-970-1112.

Barney's Boathouse
7341 E. 6th Ave., Scottsdale
Barney's will offer three floors of revelry, as well as primo drink deals, spins by DJ Pulse, complimentary champagne, free party favors, and a special dinner menu, which will be served until 1 a.m. Free rides to and from the bar on the Barney Bus will also be available. 8 p.m. Call 480-949-6535.

Bar Smith & The Monarch Theatre
130 East Washington Street
The neighboring downtown Phoenix dance joints will join forces for an evening of dance music mayhem entitled Bassdrop! A New Year’s Eve Massive. A combined four rooms will host a slew of DJs, each rocking their own distinct flavor of EDM. Bar Smith will feature LA’s David Alvarado downstairs while the members of Rebel Disco do their thing on the rooftop. Special guests include Tomahawk Bang and Robbie Rob. Meanwhile, The Monarch will star the residents of both UK Thursdays (J. Paul, Crit, and ill-legal?) and Foul Play Fridays (Prince$$, Bigie Meanmugg, and 2ToneDisco). Doors open at 8 p.m. and the parties run until 3 a.m. Admission is $20. Call 602-229-1265.

The Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
New Year's Eve party with rock 'n' roll from Terashain and Lit Up, a champagne toast at midnight, and more. 8 p.m., $5. Call 602-788-4574.

BS West
7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
This Old Town favorite will offer penny drinks — premium spirits excluded — as well as a complimentary champagne toast and party favors. Admission is $30. Call 480-945-9028.

Cadillac Ranch
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Local pro ballers will be in the house for the Celebrity New Year's Eve Countdown, including Jared Dudley and P.J. Tucker from the Phoenix Suns and O'Brien Schofield of the Arizona Cardinals. DJ Bamboozle will spin the hits and champagne toast happens at midnight. 9 p.m., $10 pre-sale. Call 480-894-1111.

Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
Sean Watson stages the yearly Amateur Night on New Year's Eve, featuring a mix of burgeoning local DJ and EDM talent, such as Deux Yeux and Pastries with Teeth, along with scene veterans like Roya. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-716-2222.

Dollhouse Cocktail Lounge
7419 E. Indian Plaza Dr., Scottsdale
Free catered eats and half-priced drinks can be had until 10 p.m. and Aaron Taylor from 104.7 FM will rain down hot tracks from the DJ booth. 8 p.m., $20. See www.electrostub.com. Call 480-499-5190.

El Santo Cantina
7301 E. Butherus Dr., Scottsdale
Wolfgang Gartner will pay a visit to North Scottsdale to headline the Last Dance New Year's Eve party at El Santo. Australian EDM wunderkind Walden and locals Turner and Heit will open the event. 9 p.m.; $30 general admission, $75 for VIP treatment. Call 480-584-3801 or see www.relentlessbeats.com.

EPIQ Nightclub
4426 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
Tables start at $2,000 and include a magnum of Grey Goose or Belevedere, a bottle of Dom Pérignon, a magnum of Moet Rose, and admission for 10. Call 480-481-3100.

Goat Head Saloon
1423 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Tribute bands The Ravones, which pays homage to The Ramones, and KISS Alive, which sends up Gene Simmons and company, will perform. A "Miss KISS" contest for great prizes will also take place. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-505-2067.

Gypsy Bar
50 W. Jefferson St.
Burlesque queen Nyla the High Pimpstress and a gaggle of go-go dancers will offer thrills during Reset, a chic New Year's Eve event at the combo arcade and nightclub. DJ LA will drop music videos and other visual treats via the high-def screens, which will also broadcast the ball drop from Times Square as confetti and balloons descend from above. 8 p.m. Call 602-732-5490.

Hollywood Alley
2610 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa
DJ Reuben Martinez and friends will spin up songs all evening. 8 p.m. Call 480-820-7117.

Hurricane Bay
4139 W. Bell Rd.
Spin sessions by DJ Mikee Mike and DJ MCX, free bubbly and a cash balloon drop at midnight, and a complimentary bottle of champagne with the purchase of Skyy bottle serve. 8 p.m. Call 602-843-6100.

Jackrabbit Lounge
4280 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
DJ Kyko and DJ Dario will serve up hip-hop and Latin jams. Folks who wanna live large can partake in numerous VIP options that are available, with prices start at $750. 9 p.m. $20 general admission. Call 602-314-9967 or see www.surgenights.com.

Joe's Grotto
13825 N. 32nd St.
Hop aboard the wayback machine as '80s-themed acts the Ultimate Van Halen Tribute and The Crüe Tribute hit the stage. 8 p.m., $10. Call 602-992-1007.

Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave.
Kobalt will be holding an Adventures in Hangovers affair on New Year's Day. A Bloody Mary bar, games, and a performance by TC Taylor and other drag artists are also planned. 8 a.m., Tuesday, January 1. Call 602-264-5307.

Los Compadres
2350 W. Northern Ave.
Holiday Jazz Night with dining, drinking, and live music from the ensemble of David Valdivia, Vic Kotner, Tim Downs, and Eric Bart, 6:30 p.m., free. Call 602-864-0043.

The Lost Leaf
914 N. 5th St.
Local bands French Girls, Scorpion vs. Tarantula, and Andrew and His Feisty Felines perform. 9 p.m. Free. Call 602-258-0014.

Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
New Year's Eve Bash boasting karaoke in the MarcTini Lounge, as well as DJs and dancing in the main bar, starting at 9 p.m. Four balloon drops, free party favors and noisemakers, and complimentary champagne for the midnight toast are also planned. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; $5 after 9 p.m. Call 623-842-1053.

Martini Ranch
7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
Riot for Romance and Black Moods are scheduled to perform on New Year's Eve at this Old Town nightspot, as is R&B/blues act Soul Power. 8 p.m., $10. Call 480-970-0500.

Pappy's Sports Bar & Grill
11801 N. 19th Ave.
Rockin' New Years Eve Party with music from Sunset Strip. 8 p.m. Call 602-944-4644.

Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns present their annual New Year's affair, which will include party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 8 p.m.; $12 pre-sale, $15 at the door. Call 602-265-4842.

Rockbar Inc.
4245 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
Duck into Rockbar and partake in a variety of live bands, DJs, libations, and other distractions. Call 480-331-9190.

Rocky Point Cantina
1001 E. 8th St., Tempe
There will be bottles and models at the 18-and-over Turn on the Lights, which will be hosted by Hollywood SuPa and Tray Gutter. $5 bombers until midnight, as well as $5 well cocktails and Patron shots all evening. 9 p.m. Call 480-968-7879.

The Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
The fetishistic freaks of Cupcake are planning a twisted affair involving live performances by Xylogrind, Doctor Bones, and The Infamous Boom Boom, as well as giveaways, go-go girls, absinthe, and a "best dressed" contest for prizes. Resident DJs Self.Destrukt and Defense.Mekanizm will spin. 8 p.m.; $10 general admission, $30 for VIPs (which includes penny drinks all night). Call 480-947-3580.

Rosie McCaffrey's
906 E. Camelback Road
New Year's Eve Party with music from Keltic Cowboys. 9:30 p.m. Call 602-241-1916.

Sail Inn
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
Free champagne, food and drink, door prizes, and music from E.T. and the Funk Experience, The Sugar Thieves, and Banana Gun. 8:30 p.m., $10. Call 480-966-9565.

Shady's
2701 E. Indian School Road
Free party hats and noise-makers, a champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of cocktails from the bar. 8 p.m. Call 602-956-8998.

The Shout! House
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
The celebration features a prime rib buffet, souvenir glassware, champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and more. 8 p.m. Call 623-772-1500 for package options.

Sky Lounge
132 E. Washington St.
Sky Lounge's second floor retractable roof will be opened for a special lowering of a New Year's Eve ball at midnight during the Latin club's celebration of El Año Nuevo. That won't be the only thing coming from the heavens, as a balloon drop and a colorful raining of confetti is also planned. 9 p.m.; $10 pre-sale, $15 and up at the door for general admission; $20 pre-sale, $25 at the door for the VIP package. Call 602-330-3362.

Smashboxx
7419 E. Indian Plaza Dr., Scottsdale
DJ Thomas James will sling the beats during Blackout Edition Volume 3, which will also features half-priced drinks and free food until 10 p.m. Bottle service is strongly encouraged. 8 p.m., $20. See ww.electrostub.com. The club reopens an after last call for Afterglow 2013, which stars house music mistress Sydney Blu and a slew of local talents — including DJs Tranzit, Decipha, and CB — who will spin until 11 a.m. $20. Call 480-946-3510.

Tavern on Mill
404 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Sin City thrills and secret agent intrigue mix at the Casino Royale New Year's Eve soiree, which will offer legal gambling fun with craps and blackjack tables, as well as prizes, giveaways, DJs, booze, and a champagne toast. A variety of VIP packages are available for purchase. Call 480-967-5887.

Tempe Tavern
1810 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
Dead Hot Workshop, The Persuaders, Ghetto Cowgirl, and others will perform. 8 p.m. Call 480-794-1706.

Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
The Love Me Nots return to the music scene along with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Dead Eyes of London, and The Sex. 8 p.m. Call 480-967-4777.