It's the last weekend of 2023. How will you celebrate?
On the lineup this weekend: a long list of New Year's Eve parties and activities, live music, crafting, ice skating and holiday lights. Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A pair of skaters are among the first to take to the fresh surface at the start of the mid-evening session of Tucson Holiday Ice, the outdoor rink set up at 260 S. Church Ave., outside the Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, Ariz., November 21, 2023.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Spend New Year's weekend at Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: Now through Jan. 7
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is still here for the holidays! Find colorful light displays, falling snow and festive music.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 30; Jan. 2-7
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $13 for general admission; $8 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.
Visit the event page for more information.
Double Your Holiday Spirit: All gifts matched up to $150K!
This holiday season, there’s no better time to give ... and receive! Give to families, seniors, school kids and others living in our community who need food assistance this holiday season and you may receive a tax credit for your generosity. Plus, your donation will be matched up to $150K by some generous elves, oops, we mean donors 😉
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights among the gardens' six themed light areas.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 7
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20-$50 for adults and $18-$45 for kids, depending on the day.
Visit the event page for more information.
Analog Art Night
Take a break from the holiday madness with this art night at Creative Kind. Pop in anytime to play with watercolors, air-dry clay, beads, crayons, washi tape, yarn and more craft supplies.
When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information.
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Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Caravan
Take a drive in your own car through Cactus Forest Drive in Saguaro National Park East, as rangers guide you through the loop and chat about the starry skies and the importance of wildlife. The 90-minute tour includes a .25-mile walk along an accessible trail.
When: Every 30 minutes from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Where: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle. Reservations are required. Call 520-733-5153. Bring a flashlight!
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting one last Festive Friday. Enjoy snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides and a Christmas-themed stunt show.
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Hip Hop Festival Presents: Year End Party
Enjoy several performances at this party at Club Congress, presented by the Tucson Hip Hop Festival. Among the artists: Tommy Will, Cash Lansky and Marley B.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Planetarium Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau Science Center is hosting three more holiday planetarium shows to round out the season.
When: 2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 29-31
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids ages 3-15
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Adventures
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through downtown Tucson.
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 30-31
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
New Year's Eve Eve Show at Unscrewed Theater
Enjoy a night of improv at Unscrewed Theater's family-friendly New Year's Eve Eve show. (Note: this NYE event takes place Dec. 30!)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Roger Clyne in 2022 at the Taco Bell NYE Bowl Bash.
2023 Taco Bell New Year's Eve Downtown Bowl Bash
Arizona Bowl is hosting a party in downtown Tucson, complete with music, a silent disco, food trucks and beer stations. Fireworks and the big taco drop will happen when the clock strikes midnight (a tradition that Hotel Congress started in 2014, but handed off to Arizona Bowl several years ago).
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Downtown Tucson, 41 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Let Them Eat Cake: New Year's Eve at Hotel Congress
Get ready for Hotel Congress' royal NYE bash complete with drinks, live entertainment and a midnight toast.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $60. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson's Rockin' New Year's Eve Concert
The Rialto Theatre is hosting a rockin' NYE bash including an '80s hair metal tribute and a band that promises to provide the ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd experience.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $20-$30. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Year's Eve
Ring in the new year at this queer dance party with DJs, giveaways, vendors, food trucks and a photo booth.
When: 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $12. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Dark Masquerade at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting their annual NYE party, this time surrounding the theme "dark masquerade." Enjoy a champagne toast at midnight!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tejano New Year's Eve Party
Jay Perez & The Band, Louie Martinez and Los Hermanos Cuatro are on the lineup for this Tejano New Year's Eve Party at Casino Del Sol.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Casino Del Sol Bingo Hall, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. for the first 100 guests
Visit the event page for more information.
Gigi and the Glow NYE
Also at Casino Del Sol this New Year's Eve, dance music cover band Gigi and the Glow will be taking the stage in the event center.
When: 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Casino Del Sol Event Center, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Black & White Party at IBT's
IBT's is kicking off the New Year with a black and white party! There's a drag show at 8 p.m., with dinner available. When the clock hits midnight, you'll get to celebrate with a balloon drop and a champagne toast.
When: Kitchen is open 4-10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Drag show is at 8 p.m.
Where: IBT's, 616 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $10 cover. Dinner and show reservations are $25, which includes your seat, meal, drink and the cover.
Visit the event page for more information.
Launch 2024
Ring in the New Year at the MSA Annex, thanks to In-Rave. Expect live music, a silent disco and art vendors. A pool party takes place at Hotel McCoy from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday!
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 for the pool party. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 for the NYE party.
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road, for the Saturday pool party. MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, for the Sunday NYE party.
Cost: $10-$30
Visit the event page for more information.
Tyrone Williams is a versatile musician, playing keyboard and sax with Connie Brannock's Little House of Blues band. He'll be on stage with Brannock on New Year's Eve for a rockin' show at Monterey Court.
NYE with Little House of Funk at Monterey Court
Connie Brannock's Little House of Funk is performing at Monterey Court's annual NYE bash. There will be a four-course dinner and a champagne toast at 10 p.m.
When: 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile
Cost: $30 for entry into the event; dinner is $70 per person.
Visit the event page for more information.
Gabriel Evan Orchestra: Caribbean New Year's Eve
Enjoy Caribbean music by Gabriel Evan Orchestra at this Havana-themed New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast.
When: 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $45 and up. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Electric Desert Disco
Dance the night away at Playground. The NYE party features hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, plus a champagne toast at midnight.
When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Cost: $35-$55
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE at Snake & Barrel
Batch's basement bar Snake & Barrel will host a New Year's Eve party with DJs, party favors and a toast at midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Snake & Barrel, 118 E. Congress St.
Cost: $30 for one ticket, $50 for two
Visit the event page for more information.
New Year's Eve at Brother John's
Enjoy music and comedy at this NYE party at Brother John's. Expect a balloon drop, party favors, a champagne toast and free pozole after midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, 1801 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $30 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE Rock Party at House of Bards
House of Bards is hosting a New Year's Eve party with live music from Shattered Hourglass and a champagne toast.
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: House of Bards, 4915 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
New Year's Eve at Westbound
Head to Westbound on NYE afternoon for live music by the Rosano Brothers, plus a free toast of bubbly at 5 p.m.
When: 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Westbound, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Tap & Bottle Downtown's NYE Party
DJ Carl Hanni will be at Tap & Bottle's downtown location this New Year's Eve, closing out the night with a champagne toast at midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Tap & Bottle downtown, 403 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Boots, Beers and A Country New Year's
Country bar The Maverick will be throwing a New Year's Eve party with live music by Chauncey Jones, plus a free champagne toast and party favors.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: The Maverick, 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
A Joe Pagac mural of a woman jumping in the sky with a Corbett’s guitar looks out into the parking lot and is painted on the back side of the stage where live music from local performers will take place, North Sixth Avenue, Aug. 16, 2023.
Backyard Bash at Corbett's
The Billy Shaw Jr Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. on New Year's Eve at Corbett's. While you're there, play a round of pickleball and enjoy drink specials and a midnight toast.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Corbett's, 340 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and pickleball
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE Presented by Insider Events
This NYE bash will take place at Reforma, featuring DJs and food. Expect free champagne at midnight, party favors and an "upscale dress code."
When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Reforma, 4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $10-$15
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE at Union Public House
Enjoy live music, a free champagne toast at midnight and a dinner special featuring ribeye.
When: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Union Public House, 4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $50 for the dinner special
Visit the event page for more information.
New Year's Eve Party at Mr. Heads
Say goodbye to 2023 at Mr. Heads' NYE party where two DJs will spin music all night long.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. It's suggested to get there early.
Where: Mr. Heads, 513 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE at Catalina Brewing Company
Dance the night away at Catalina Brewing Company's NYE celebration featuring a pot luck of appetizers, champagne toasts and drinks until 2 a.m.
When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Catalina Brewing Company, 6918 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
New Year's Eve Ball with The Festival Band
Welcome 2024 with The Festival Band's annual NYE dance, this time with a James Bond theme.
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Marriott University Park, 880 E. Second St.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE After Midnight
Technically, this music-filled party happens after the clock strikes midnight and the date changes to Jan. 1.
When: 1-4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1
Where: 640 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $20.24. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Customers line up at The Curry Pot Sri Lankan Fusion food trailer at Casa Video and Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway, on July 20, 2023.
New Year's Eve Movie
Casa Video and Film Bar will be open on NYE, showing a screening of 1964's "Topkapi." Drinks will be available, plus food from Under Pressure Panini Grill.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Casa Video and Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food
Visit the event page for more information.
The Labyrinth New Year's Eve Party and Masquerade Ball
Catch a screening of "Labyrinth" at The Loft Cinema this New Year's Eve. Before the movie starts, there will Bowie music videos playing and a costume contest, plus props to use during the movie and a champagne toast.
When: 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. The movie begins at 10:25 p.m.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information.
Board Game Day at Flandrau
Kick off New Year's Eve with Board Game Day at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. This family-friendly event will feature classic board games — think Scrabble and Clue — and the science exhibits will be open.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Noon Year's Eve at Trail Dust Town
It's Noon Year's Eve at Trail Dust Town! Take the family to this event to enjoy live country music, crafts, photo ops, unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel, train and carousel, and a balloon drop and apple cider toast when the clock hits noon.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $16 for ages 2 and up, $5 for kids under 2, in advance. $20 at the door if there are any leftover tickets.
Visit the event page for more information.
Noon Year's Eve at Tap & Bottle North
Tap & Bottle's north location is hosting a family-friendly Noon Year's Eve party with music from Mr. Nature, face painting and a balloon drop. Adults will get a complimentary champagne toast at noon.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Noon Year at Children's Museum Tucson
Children's Museum Tucson is celebrating NYE with a Noon Year party. Expect crafts, noise makers and a juice toast at noon.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $12 per person
Visit the event page for more information.
Noon Year's Eve at the Desert Museum
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at noon to watch a giant monarch butterfly float into the New Year. Kids can enjoy music, crafts, educational activities, free books, face painting, LEGOs and a live show hosted by Tucson Improv Movement.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: Included with admission, which is $29.95 for adults ages 13 and up ($24.95 for Arizona and Sonora residents). Kids ages 3-12 get in for $19.95.
Visit the event page for more information.
NYE shows with Tucson Improv Movement
Tucson Improv Movement is hosting three shows this New Year's Eve. The first is family-friendly, where kids will get to perform on stage. The second is an all-ages show in the style of "Whose Line Is It Anyway." The third improv show looks at predictions for 2024.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31. 11 a.m. for the kid-friendly show. 7:30 p.m. for the "Whose Line Is It Anyway"-type show. 9 p.m. for the predictions show.
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $7 for the 11 a.m. show; $9 for the 7:30 p.m. show; $10 for the 9 p.m. show.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe during two events this NYE, including cat yoga and cat bingo.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31. 10-11 a.m. for yoga; 6-7 p.m. for bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
