By Lauren Wong
What’s so beautiful about New Years is that no matter who you are or what your background is, it’s the one day a year where we all come together. With lifted spirits and a list of resolutions in the back of your mind, raise your glass in celebration as the clock strikes midnight.
There’s no denying that the past couple years have been difficult. Our lives were completely turned upside down as Covid-19 wreaked havoc, spreading throughout the world. With our sense of normalcy becoming almost nonexistent, the past couple of years, which will soon just be a chapter in history, can feel like a blur. Vaccines gave us the glimmer of hope we needed that soon our lives will return back to our normal routines, all we have to do is wait it out.
So now, as 2022 is on the horizon, get excited and ready to craft the blank slate that comes with every new year, into something beautiful. No idea what you’re doing this year? Check out some of these local events.
When: 6 p.m. – 3 a.m., Dec. 30 and 31
Where: Rawhide Event Center, Chandler
Cost: $159 for general admission
Dance your way into the new year as some of the largest names in electronic music take the stage. The lineup, which features a handful of world renowned DJs including Marshmello, Excision, Alan Walker, Alesso, Dillon Francis, Chris Lake, Kaskade, and Lost Kings, can be found online. The Rawhide Event Center will be equipped with two main stages, a silent disco, and possibly some other surprises.
Tickets are on sale now with options of your traditional general admission ticket, VIP, or Platinum. If you choose to purchase a travel package your ticket will also come with a two night hotel stay, festival merch, expedited entry, special travel saloon, after party access, and two penny drinks (one per day). Event is for those 18 and up.
NYE Kizomba Kultura
When: 12 p.m. Dec. 31 – 7 a.m. Jan. 3
Where: GreenTree Inn and Suites at Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix
Cost: Event Pass/Dinner Pass $45 – $199 (other packages include their Hotel + Pass Combo, Lead + Follow Combo, 2 Lead Pass (males only), Group Discounted Passes, Transfer Pass, and Controlled Passes)
This annual event is back to bring you their world-class dance workshops, social dancing, pool parties, and more throughout the three day event. It’s family-friendly and you’ll get to enjoy three days and three nights of themed partying, some of the best Kizomba DJs, world-class instructors, African food, and more. Attend to learn and celebrate the many cultures of Africa. Each day has its own theme.
Day one’s theme is an African Signature Soiree with an “All White Welcome Pool Party.”
Day two will be Red Dress and Tie Affair with the “Represent Your Country Pool Party.”
And on day three, enjoy the “Hunger Games Pool Party,” with a Black and Gold Gala theme.
NYE Special Presentation
When: 7 – 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Dec. 31
Where: House of Comedy, Phoenix
Cost: (7 – 9 p.m.) $28.95 NYE Early Show, $64.40 NYE Dinner and Show, (10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.) $65.95 NYE Late Show
Eddie Lfft will be performing at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy this New Year’s Eve. If you’re not a huge fan of crowded parties and want to do something more lowkey to kick off the new year this is a perfect event for you. For ages 16 and up, you get to watch this comedian who has been called one of the most underrated comics in America by the Onion.
Making numerous TV appearances, Lfft’s been featured on Showtime’s The Green Room with Paul Provenza, E!’s Chelsea Lately, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, NBC’s Late Friday Night, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and more. Purchasing tickets for the NYE Late Show comes with the added bonus of an appetizer buffet, glass of champagne, and party favors.
AZ Baby Boomers NYE 2022 Experience
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31 – 1 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: DoubleTree Resort – Paradise Valley/Scottsdale, Scottsdale
Cost: $130 – $1,680
Take advantage of their spacious Grand Ball Room dance floor while the music of Motown, Classic Rock, and Classic Soul fills the room. Even if you’re not a Baby Boomer, everyone 21 and up is invited to join in on the celebration of a night full of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music. There will be a cash bar, free party favors, a free midnight champagne toast, and a 50/50 cash raffle at the formal event. If you’re interested, be sure to buy your ticket soon because they normally sell out by the end of November. When purchasing tickets you’ll get to choose between either beef, pork, salmon, or their vegetarian dish for your dinner entree.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31 – 2 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: Yucca Tap Room, Tempe
Cost: $10
If you’re 21 and older and love punk music this is the perfect event for you! Bring proof of vaccination or provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the event. Enjoy a night filled with music from Left Alone, Skull Drug, Squared, First Or Last, Skeleton Army, Ass Wipe Junkies, Perfect Sense, and Blotter Vision.
Scottsdale New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 – 2 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: Old Town Scottsdale (TBA)
Cost: $19 – $29
Presented by Nasstive Entertainment, the New Year’s Eve 2021 Scottsdale Bar Crawl gets you entry and drink discounts at eight NYE Parties. Buying a ticket gives you the opportunity to bar hop while also taking advantage of exclusive drink specials. Bounce around until you come across your favorite venue or make it a point to hit all of them. There will be a NYE countdown and confetti drop at midnight. Once you check-in you’ll get your free NYE necklace. Visit the link for details on specials offered at participating venues.
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31 – 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: Westin Tempe, Tempe
Cost $69 – $777
Presented by Phoenix Nightlife, Phoenix NYElectric 2022 is coming to the new Westin Tempe Hotel, downtown Tempe. With panoramic city and mountain views, this new hotel is bringing you their first ever NYE party located in their ballroom. A blend of House and Top 40 hits will be played throughout the night by two of Arizona’s top DJs. With three different areas to mingle and party favors for all (while supplies last), tickets also come with prepaid drinks. General admission gets four premium drinks and VIP guests will get five ultra-premium drinks. VIP ticket holders also get access to a separate rooftop bar with beautiful views and another DJ. More information about what the different tickets feature can be found on their website.
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31 – 2 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Phoenix
Cost: $49 – $569
For ages 21 and up, Phoenix Nightlife presents Gaspy’s House NYE, for the “movers and shakers only.” With club music (top 40, hip-hop, edm, ect.) booming through the speakers put on by some of Phoenix’s top DJs, this upscale, 1920’s flapper fashion party will have you dancing your way into the new year. With multi-rooms, you’ll find surprises around every corner.
All tickets come with prepaid drinks, complimentary appetizers, and party favors (while supplies last). VIP ticket holders have the opportunity to play some casino games from craps, to roulette, and blackjack. Dress to impress and raise your glass to 2022 during the champagne toast!
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31 – 2 a.m. Jan. 1
Where: The Rock, Phoenix
Cost: $6 before 10 p.m., $8 after
Bearracuda is back, throwing their first party in almost two years! All you need is proof of vaccination and you can join hundreds of guys at The Rock, a favorite gay hotspot, to ring in the new year. DJ Matt Stands and Go-Go’s will be playing music all night to keep you hyped until midnight rolls around.
