Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tempe
Posted by: Toni
December 20, 2012
As the old song says…”What are you doing on New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?”
You’ll be in Tempe, right? Whether you live in Tempe or you’re going to be here for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, there are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tempe.
Early in the day, families will love Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo. There will be tons of snow for kids to play in (including a special area just for toddlers), dancing, music, games and prizes from the fun folks at Radio Disney, magic shows, animal encounters and of course, a New Year’s toast at noon with sparkling cider. This event is free for zoo members and included in zoo admission for non-members.
Starting at 9:30 p.m., adults can celebrate at Zoo Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo. Tickets include admission to Zoo Lights, three complimentary beverage tickets plus a cash bar, complimentary appetizers, DJ entertainment and party favors. Tickets are $40 a person for Zoo members and $45 for non-members. Member couples are $75 or $85 per non-member couple.
Tempe Marketplace is hosting a special pub crawl to help usher in 2013. From 8 p.m.-midnight, guests can pick up a “Pub Crawl Passport” at any one of the following restaurants: Bar Louie, King’s Fish House, Cadillac Ranch, Dave & Buster’s, San Felipe’s Cantina or Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill. Everyone who visits all of the participating restaurants and gets their passport stamped from each place can enter to win a $1000 Vestar Visa® Gift Card. And, everyone can listen to great live music from Nashville recording artist and Arizona native, Laura Walsh, at the District Stage from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Mill Avenue’s New Year’s Eve will have a little bit for everyone. There will be free entertainment on Seventh Street and a ticketed event on Sixth Street.
From 6-9 p.m., kids will love the free “A Family Fun Zone,” sponsored by Chevrolet, with Radio Disney’s Rockin’ Road Show. Located on Seventh Street, just west of Mill Avenue, there will be emcees, DJs, music, interactive games, bounce houses and more fun for all. The first fireworks show will be at 9 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. this area will transition to live music from local bands. S.O.S. will start the entertainment, followed by Jared & The Mill at 11 p.m. They will bring in the New Year followed by fireworks at midnight.
There will be a New Year’s Eve Block on Sixth Street for those 21 and over. Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, Fat Tuesday and Handlebar Tempe are teaming up to bring you one of the best parties around. These popular bars are extending their premises and taking over Sixth Street, just west of Mill Avenue. Enjoy 12 bars, eight DJs, three stages, party favors, a midnight ball drop and access to all three venues. Advance tickets are available now for $15. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40. Early arrival and ticket purchase is suggested.
Using public transportation is strongly suggested for these events. See the City of Tempe website for a guide to using the free Orbit shuttles, METRO light rail and buses on New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year everyone! Be safe out there. There will be lots more fun in Tempe in 2013.
