Bring in the new year with Tucson
Hangover Ride Photo credit Bobby Harris, Tucson MTB Addicts
By Lauren Wong
Start the New Year’s out doing whatever it is that makes you happiest. Sip champagne while you relax at home and watch the ball drop, or find a themed party, concert, bar-crawl, etc. Whether or not you prefer a quiet night in or a wild night out, the options are endless. It can be difficult to find that “perfect” way for you and your loved ones to celebrate. Luckily, Tucson gives you plenty of options!
Eyes wide with hope and anticipation as the clock ticks closer and closer to the beginning of the new year, take this time to reflect. Reflect on the good and the bad of 2021, what you’ve learned in the lows and the growth that brought you here. Keep that knowledge in mind as you raise your glass to 2022.
Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway: Photo credit KG Creative Enterprises.
When: Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 Where: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, Tucson Cost: $226 - $286 for 12/31 includes reception, dinner, dancing, a champagne toast, and great music (Start the Party Early and golf tickets separate purchases)
Be a part of this two day event that features seven hours of live music, golf tournament, fundraising events, and more. Funds raised will go towards Camp Tuolumne Trails and JDRF. The past six years the event has completely sold out, so if you’re interested look into getting tickets sooner rather than later.
The golf tournament tees off in the morning of Dec. 30. Join Rick Braun on the green in this celebrity golf tournament and have a blast while raising money for their charities. After a long day on the course, the Start the Party Early show will kick off in the evening featuring saxophonist, Eric Darius.
The Midnight Masquerade themed event begins on New Year’s Eve, so ladies, throw on your best cocktail attire, and guys, get your ‘dressed up best’ outfit ready to go! Your evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with music, and beverage and appetizer stations, to keep you satisfied until dinner starts being served at 7:30. While eating your gourmet meal, Vincent Ingala will start the night performing. Headliners will take the stage after dessert is served at 10 p.m. Rick Braun, host and trumpeter extraordinaire, will perform joined by RnR partner Richard Elliot, and Selina Albright. Once the event ends, the hotel bar, Salud, will remain open until 2 a.m. so you can purchase drinks and snacks, and keep the party going!
When: Game starts at 12 p.m. Dec. 31, NYE Bowl Bash 6 p.m. Dec. 31 - 1 a.m. Jan. 1 Where: Arizona Stadium, Tucson Cost: Game tickets $25 - $58
Since 2015, Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl has brought together fans for this NCAA Certified post-season college football game. The event rounds up all football enthusiasts for a lineup between bowl-eligible teams from the Mountain West Conference and the Mid-American Conference.
Once the Bowl Game Trophy has been awarded, the NYE Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl Bash will begin at 6 p.m. at Downtown Tuscon’s Time Square. Hop on the Sun Link Streetcar and arrive at this event that’ll be full of everything food and entertainment. With multiple stages bringing you entertainment, there will also be an interactive Kids Zone, food trucks, beverage stations, and the world’s largest pinata. Countdown to the new year as fireworks shoot out around you and Joe Pagac, a local artist’s, Tucson Taco is dropped off the roof of Hotel Congress.
When: 6 - 7 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Tucson Improv Movement, Tucson Cost: Free admission
Have you ever wanted to test out your jokes in front of a crowd? Well you can on Tucson Improv Movement’s TIM Stage! At the socially distant, masked show, everyone’s welcome to get up on stage and try out improv. If you want to perform, read up on their rules and guidelines posted on their website. All comments must be respectful and inclusive to ensure the event stays positive and everyone feels comfortable and accepted while on stage.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 31 - 2 a.m. Jan. 1 Where: HighWire, Tucson Cost: $10 - $20
Sponsored by Grey Goose, look forward to cocktail specials and swag giveaways as some of the best DJs downtown take the stage. There will be a balloon drop with $1,000 in cash and prizes, plenty of heated outdoor space, and their famous Pearl Shots. Raise your glass because everyone will receive a complimentary champagne toast at midnight!
There isn’t going to be a presale this year so cover will range from $10 – $20 depending on capacity. Look your best as complimentary professional photographers make their way around the event capturing your memorable night.
NYE 2021 dusty1: Photo credit Rex Scofield, other photo unknown
When: 7 - 11 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Monterey Court, Tucson Cost: $20 for entry, $60 package
Whether you’re just looking for general entry tickets or their food and drink package, reservations must be made prior to the event online. The champagne toast and show will wrap up before midnight. This way guests can get home and off the road before midnight, or take their party elsewhere.
For $20, join as Heather Hardy and Dusty City Blues ring in 2022. Their $60 package includes show entry, a four-course gourmet dinner with dessert, a champagne toast, and complimentary coffee and tea.
When: Dec. 31 Where: Surly Wench Pub, Tucson
Details coming soon!
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 - 1 a.m. Jan. 1 Where: Marriott University Hotel, Tucson Cost: $25 general admission advance tickets, $30 at the door
Think ‘Hollywood’ when getting dressed up for this Red Carpet Gala themed event. DJ Albert B and The Festival Band will be performing throughout the night. There’s an additional $30 fee to reserve tables. If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of transportation, the hotel is offering a special group rate available until Dec. 27.
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31 - 2 a.m. Jan. 1 Where: Mr. Heads Bar, Tucson Cost: Free
Ring in the new year at Mr. Head’s Bar! Free entry to all 21 and older, enjoy the night as DJ Jahmar, DJ Papa Ranger, and a special guest perform the night away.
New Year’s Day Hangover Ride thrown by Tucson MTB Addicts: Photo credit Bobby Harris, Tucson MTB Addicts
When: 11:30 a.m. Jan. 1 Where: Fantasy Island Trail South (on Valencia Road, east of Nexus Rd.) Cost: Free
Tucson MTB Addict is bringing back the New Year’s Day Hangover Ride for the 10th year! This free event welcomes riders of any skill level to participate (at their own risk.) Although it’s a non-guided ride, you can follow the host as he makes his way through the trails. You can ride as little or as much as you’d like. If you do every trail you’ll cover over 20 miles.
