New Year’s Eve Bashes in Phoenix

No matter what part of Phoenix you live in there’s a celebration near you.  For a reasonable cover charge, each festival includes live music and puts their own twist on celebrating the New Year. 

Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party
The Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, the annual celebration and kickoff to the Fiesta Bowl tournament features more than 40 bands, includes beer gardens, dueling pianos, a dance club, country stage, fireworks displays, street performers, motocross-racer appearances. The Grammy award-winning Doobie Brothers band headline the event at 11:15 p.m.

Mill Avenue District, Mill Avenue and University Drive, Tempe
Dec. 31.  5 – 12:30 p.m.
$20; $15 at Fry’s Food Stores
480-350-0911

Westgate Rocks New Year’s Eve
Enjoy live music from Rock Lobster and Metalhead at WaterDance Plaza at Westgate. Guests 21 and older can ride a mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch, sing along with dueling pianos at the Shout! House and attend a midnight wedding in the plaza. Cover charges at bars and restaurants are additional.

Westgate City Center, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
Dec. 31.  7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$30 package with admission to Coyotes game, $20 at the door, $10 in advance 623-772-4000

Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party
DJs spin tunes on the street and in bars, including Acme and Dos Gringos,   Upper Deck Sports Grill and Whitehouse. Hear live music from bands Dirty Heads, Metal Elvis, Letters to Lovers and Hair Force.  Proceeds benefit Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), a non-profit organization created to provide sheltered employment for people with developmental or physical disabilities.

Craftsman Court, 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
Dec. 31.  6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$10 before 9 p.m. at the door
480-423-3800

New Year’s Eve Black and White Ball
Ring in the New Year in four U.S. time zones in four places with complimentary champagne and appetizers. Dress in black and white and jump on the party bus which shuttles you to C4 Martinis and Fine Wine at 10 p.m. (New York), the Hideaway at 11 p.m. (Illinois), then on to Buffalo Chip at midnight (Arizona) and finally to Harold’s Corral at 1 a.m. (California). Live entertainment at each location.

Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Purveyors, 6033 E. Cave Creek Road
Dec. 31.  9 p.m.
Menu prices vary.
480-488-0603

Photo courtesy of flickr