The 30 Best New Year’s Eve Parties in Metro Phoenix in 2018

Want to end 2018 on a high note and start out 2019 with a bang? Here’s our annual guide of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations happening in the Valley, which run the gamut from high-style affairs to rowdy parties. (All take place on Monday, December 31, unless otherwise specified.) Check it out and start making plans. Oh, don’t forget to get home safe.

See y’all next year.

Flannel Ball 2018 in Downtown Phoenix
This annual Roosevelt Row event has been around long enough now that it’s become quite comfortable, sort of like your favorite flannel shirt. As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what you’ll want to wear while attending this artsy event, which will take over Second Street north of Roosevelt Street. Highlights will include yard games, beer vendors, an art show, a photo booth, and a midnight countdown with a pinata drop and Champagne toast.

Food trucks like Bang Bang Dumpling, Early Bird PHX, and Flyin' K BBQ will serve up eats and a mix of local bands (including The Darts, Snailmate, and Hot House Orchids) will perform. The ball begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are currently $15, with the price increasing to $20 on December 25 and $25 on the day of the event.

Nerdy New Year at The Grid
525 South Gilbert Road, Mesa
Let your geek flag fly during this Mesa game bar’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which will feature a performance by famed Nintendo cover band Minibosses. All of The Grid’s various video and interactive games, ranging from pinball and old-school consoles to VR, will be available for play. Keep one hand free, however, so you can raise a toast with a glass of Champagne at midnight. Press start beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.

Time Is An Illusion New Year’s Eve Party at Shady Park
26 East University Drive, Tempe
Witness the waning hours of 2018 melt away like the clocks in a Salvador Dali painting during Shady Park’s trippy New Year’s Eve festivities. Several local EDM artists and DJs will perform, including Elwer, Deux Yeux, and Grack1e_b3ats. Champagne specials will also be offered. Time starts slipping away at 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Virtualis at W Scottsdale Hotel
7277 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale
The future will be now at this neon-drenched party on the W’s WET Deck that promises VR experiences, holograms, LED light shows, and other cutting-edge thrills. DJs will drop techno beats while the staff will serve high-end cocktails. The ball will drop at midnight followed by a fireworks show. 8 p.m.; $50 for women, $75 for men.

NYE at Paz Cantina
330 East Roosevelt Street
The New Year’s Eve festivities will start in the afternoon and go until after midnight at Paz. Food and drink deals will be available and there will be music from the Corey Gloden Band, MrMal, Jam Now, and DJ Kris the Fist throughout the day and night. Everything gets going at 3:30 p.m. Call 602-281-2930.

Decadence Arizona 2018 at Rawhide
5244 North 48th Street, Chandler
If you’re an electronic dance music fiend, regular clubgoer, or kandi kid, chances are likely you’ll be heading to Rawhide in Chandler for the two-night festival and New Year’s Eve party. The annual event will take place on Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, and feature sets by dozens of DJs and EDM artists. This year’s lineup will be headlined by such EDM heavyweights as Skrillex, Marshmello, Above & Beyond, Rezz, and NGHTMRE. Others scheduled to perform include 4B, DJ Diesel, Drezo, Dr Fresch, Eric Prydz, Fransis Derelle, Ghastly, Gryffin, Kidnap, Morgan Page, NGHTMRE, Porter Robinson, Rezz, San Holo, and Skism. Hours are 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. each night. Tickets are $119 per day for general admission, $179-$399 for VIP.

New Year’s Eve at Hatter & Hare
6101 North Seventh Street
Spend your New Year’s Eve going down the rabbit hole and partaking in the libations at this Alice in Wonderland-inspired bar. Drink packages include $75 for an open bar or $100 for unlimited bottles for a table (minimum four people). The celebration begins at 8 p.m. Call 480-865-2447 for more details.

NYE 2019 Block Party at Cobra Arcade Bar
801 North Second Street, #100
Play retro arcade machines both inside and outside of this downtown Phoenix game bar as the remaining minutes of 2018 tick away like a countdown timer on a game over screen. DJs Chris Villa and Meanmugg will spin tunes all night and specialty cocktails will be served. Level up starting at 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Fifty Shades of NYE at Wasted Grain in Scottsdale
7295 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
Take a walk on the wild side during the Fifty Shades of NYE affair. A hosted bar will be offered from 8 to 10 p.m. and a Champagne toast takes place at midnight. Patrons are encouraged to wear “naughty or nice” attire. 21 and over only. Sin is in starting at 8 p.m. Presale admission is $15 and VIP and bottle service packages start at $400.

Gods & Goddess NYE at Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails
4420 N Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
Prepare thyself to walk among the immortals during Hi Fi’s Gods & Goddess party on New Year’s Eve. Its promoters are promising it “will go down in history as the best NYE party of 2018,” which is a lofty goal indeed. Start time is 9 p.m. Admission is $20 via eegtickets.com.

New Years Eve 2019 Block Party at Crescent Ballroom
308 North Second Avenue
One of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in downtown Phoenix (if not the entire Valley) will take place in and around the Crescent Ballroom. Second Avenue in front of the venue and Third Avenue behind the place will be shut down for the shindig, which will include multiple stages of entertainment, art cars from Walter Productions, multiple bars, various food trucks, heated tents and more.

The Crescent’s main room will host Studio 54-style “drag disco dance party” hosted by Pandora DeStrange, while Third Avenue will feature Sean Watson and the DJs of Drip Drop Records, and Second Avenue offers a “classic '70s get-down” starring the Hi-Dreams DJ Collective and local soul/funk band Calumet. Doors are at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance.

NYE With The Black Moods at Marquee Theatre in Tempe
730 North Mill Avenue, Tempe
Local rock band The Black Moods will spend their New Year’s Eve performing for a hometown crowd at the Marquee. Stereo Rex, Alien Atmosphere, Analog Outlaws, Interfate, and Dierdre will open. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. It's $20 for general admission, $30-$40 for the balcony.

Carnaval New Year’s Eve at Valley Bar
130 North Central Avenue
The blithe spirit of Carnaval will flow throughout Valley Bar’s New Year’s Eve festivities. There will be music and entertainment from Samba de Cavalo, Los Èsplifs, Katrina Rainsong's Hump Day Burlesque, Djentrification, and others. Tarot readings are also planned and a special toast takes place at midnight. Colorful, vintage, or carnaval-style cloth is suggested. Start time is 8 p.m. and it’s $20 to attend.

Countdown to Confetti at El Hefe in Scottsdale
4425 North Saddlebag Trail #101, Scottsdale
Scotsdale’s version of El Hefe will host a “Countdown to Confetti” affair with sounds by DJ Convince. 8 p.m. General admission is $20, VIP tickets are $40 and include priority entry and a one-cent glass of bubbly. The joint will reopen at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day in case you’d like to keep the party going.

New Years Eve Masquerade Bal at Lucky Strike & Gypsy Bar
50 West Jefferson Street #240
These neighboring nightspots at CityScape will host a masquerade ball with all the trimmings, including free party favors, a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, and music from DJ Lockdown. 8 p.m. Admission is $20 (which includes appetizers from 8 to 10 p.m.) and $40 (which includes appetizers and a hosted bar from 8 to 10 p.m.).
Spafford New Year’s Eve at The Van Buren
401 West Van Buren Street
The groove-meisters of local jam/rock band Spafford will say goodbye to 2018 with a two-night concert at The Van Buren. Performances will take place on Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, starting at 8:30 p.m. each evening. General admission is $22 to $27 and special “All In” VIP packages (which include tickets to both shows, a meet-and-greet and photo op with the band, the chance to attend a soundcheck listening party, signed merch, and other perks) are $149.

Yucca NYE Party at Yucca Tap Room in Tempe
29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe
DMC world champ DJ Swamp will rock the record decks onstage at the Yucca during its New Year’s Eve festivities. Local geek rapper Mega Ran, over-the-top indie act Treasure Mammal, and the party rocker DJs of CHKLZ will share the bill. A free Champagne toast and midnight countdown are also planned. The party starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 until 10 p.m., $10 thereafter.

Viva Hate at Rips Bar
3045 North 16th Street
DJ Adrian Flanagan and DJ Manchester will spin ‘80s, New Wave, Britpop, indie, darkwave, and other genres during this retro-styled New Year's Eve dance party. There will also be party favors, drink specials like $2 PBRs, and a midnight Champagne toast. Start time is 9 p.m. and admission is $5 before 10:30 p.m.

The Iron Maidens at BLK Live
7301 East Butherus Drive, Scottsdale
The femmes fatales of The Iron Maidens, the all-female Iron Maiden tribute act, will serve up their version of such IM hits as “Fear of the Dark,” “Wasted Years,” “Aces High,” and “The Number of the Beast.” Sectas and The Jack will open. 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission and VIP table/cabana packages are $250-$500.

Raven's New Year's Eve Gala at Talking Stick Resort
9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
This high-style soiree promises high-energy music of the pop and Top 40 variety from local party band Bounce, dance hits being spun by DJ Mr. Pink, two full bars, $7 specialty cocktails, and more. There will also be a midnight countdown, balloon drop, and complimentary Champagne toast. Complimentary valet and self-parking will be available. Semi-formal to black-tie attire is requested, so be sure to dress to impress. 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $60 per person, VIP packages range from $295 for two people to $650 for six.

The Champagne Ball at El Hefe & Whiskey Row
640 South Mill Avenue #110, Tempe
A block party-like atmosphere will encompass both El Hefe and Whiskey Row on New Year’s Eve at this bubbly-inspired bacchanal. DJ Diesel, DJ Thomas James and DJ Ekoh will provide the soundtrack, a full stage will be set up outside, and multiple bars will be available if you need a drink or three. The party starts at 8 p.m. It’s free before 11 p.m. and $20 general admission and $40 for VIP admission for the rest of the evening.

Au Revoir 2018 Party at Lustre Rooftop Bar
2 East Jefferson Street
Bid farewell to this year at Lustre’s Au Revoir 2018 Party, which draws its inspiration from the decadence of the Red Light District of Paris. The affair will include sets by DJ Kim E. Fresh and DJ Stoneypie, a VIP dance floor, a hosted scotch and cigar lounge, enormous bottle service cocktails, absinthe fountains, a hosted Champagne bar, selfie stations, and other opulent delights. 9 p.m.; $50 general admission, $150 for the VIP treatment.

The World is Yours New Year’s Eve at Riot House
3411, 4425 North Saddlebag Trail #105, Scottsdale
Befitting it’s Miami-esque theme, Riot House will host the Scarface-inspired and neon-filled New Year’s Eve party dubbed “The World is Yours,” which will offer tons of references to the legendary flick. DJ Cutswell will be in the mix all night and there will be plenty of drinking and dancing on tap. Start time is 8 p.m. General admission is $40 while a VIP package for two is $300 and includes express entry into the party and a bottle of Veuve.

The Nutcracker Ball at Maya & The District
7333 East Indian Plaza Scottsdale
Both Maya and The District next door will be filled with beats during this festive celebration. Electronic dance music superstar Borgeous will perform inside Maya's nightclub while DJ Squared and other local selectors hold it down inside The District. Both joints get jumping at 10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 480-625-0528 for more details.

Vintage Vegas NYE Party at Talking Stick Resort
9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
Experience the vibe of Sin City during its glory days of the ‘60s at Talking Stick’s 18-karat glitzy and glamorous celebration, which will be comprised by three different parties. The “Star Room” will feature entertainment from Rat Pack tribute act The Pack and Bruno Mars soundalikes Bruno and the Hooligans while the “Neon Room” will have DJ sets from Bad Boy Bill, Richard Vission, DJ Decipha, DJ Freshcobar, and Lavelle Dupree.

Over in the “Speakeasy,” Gatsby's Jukebox will perform modern-day hits with a throwback twist. The cocktails at the party will also be of a retro nature, including such concoctions as a Bootleg Manhattan, Jalopy Mule, and Flapper Whiskey Sour. The party starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and include a six-drink wristband, Champagne toast, and more.

Boogie Nights at The Bevvy
4420 North Saddlebag Trail #100, Scottsdale
Make like Dirk Diggler or Roller Girl at Bevvy’s Boogie Nights-themed New Year’s Eve celebration, which will include drinks, DJs, dancing, and patrons in ‘70s-style threads. Far out. Start time is 9 p.m. Admission is $20. Call 480-525-9300 or see eegtickets.com for more info.

Red Light District New Year’s Eve at Pretty Please Lounge
4426 North Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
This Scottsdale hotspot will take on even more of a licentious air during its Red Light District party on New Year’s Eve. Expect drinks, DJs, dancing, and plenty of debauchery. It kicks off at 9 p.m. Admission is $20. Call 480-793-9792 or see eegtickets.com for more info.

New Year’s Eve at Modern Round
8320 West Mariners Way, Peoria
Spend the last night of 2018 getting locked and loaded with your friends inside one of Modern Round’s virtual reality shooting lounges. A special New Year’s Eve package will offer two hours of unlimited play time, a bottle of Champagne, and other perks for groups of six to eight people for $100. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 623-388-6900 for reservations and more information.

Casino Royale at Wild Horse Pass
5040 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler
Fox 10’s Cory McCloskey will host a Casino Royale-themed New Year’s Eve Party at Wild Horse Pass, which will have live entertainment at multiple venues. DJs will spin throughout the casino and inside the Chrome nightclub beginning at 9 p.m. while local ensemble We3 will perform in the Spotlight Lounge at 8:30 p.m. You can also catch dueling pianos inside the Showroom from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The casino will also offer free party favors, a balloon drop, and a Champagne toast at midnight.