Tucson's Times Square. Proudly touting downtown's "biggest NYE party," Hotel Congress is home to Tucson's Times Square when the clock strikes midnight. Their party includes two stages of activity, including live music, DJs, rockettes, fireworks, and even the legendary "taco drop" at midnight. General admission gets you party favors and champagne at midnight, but the VIP access gets you drink tickets, a full buffet, access to their VIP lounge/piano bar, and even access to the "champagne wall." It's a party worth staying out of New York for. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 311 E. Congress St. $40 to $150. 21+. hotelcongress.com/experiences
Noon Year's Eve at the Desert Museum! One of the best things about having kids is that you can use them as an excuse for leaving events early. "Oh, I really wanted to stay up until midnight, but, you know, the babysitter." "Oh, I'd love to see the second half of your comedy act, but I just gotta get home to the kids." "Hey, thanks so much for having us—sorry I can stay for literally one minute because I need to check on the baby." Anyway, whether you have kids or not, ring in the "noon" year at the Desert Museum at midday with a recycling ball drop and a live animal show. Kids can sip on sparkling cider, get their faces painted, make a party hat and make a conservation reZOOlution. The first 50 kids in at 10 a.m. get their own party favors! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. $21.95 GA, $19.95 seniors, $9.95 kids 3 to 12, free for members and kids under 3. See details on Facebook.
Festival Band's Roaring '20s NYE Dance. This funky old school band has been ringing in the new year with a big party for eight years straight now. But this year is the first year they're ringing in the '20s! So they're doing it with a roar. Dress Gatsby style, dance the night away and chow down on some menudo. The midnight champagne toast will be accompanied by party favors and live music as well. And hey, maybe stay the night while you're there, too—nothing quite so soothing as the knowledge that you don't have to drive home at the end of the night. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tucson Marriott University Park, 808 E. Second St. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. See details on Facebook.
New Year's Eve With The Bennu at Sky Bar. Sky Bar is taking off to the stars for New Year's, with a special set by The Bennu, Tucson's own psychedelic jazz group. But just because The Bennu can play some out-there grooves doesn't mean their music is any less danceable, technical or rockin'. This party allows you to make the next decade one of sonic exploration, but still get in all the NYE classics like a New Year's countdown and a champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 536 N. Fourth Ave. See details on Facebook.
The Princess Bride at The Loft Cinema. If you want your New Year's kiss to have a little more magic this year, stop by the Loft Cinema's screening of this fairy tale classic. More than a film screening, this New Year's Eve party includes props, a pre-show Princess Bride competition, a costume contest and even a free champagne toast at night. What props are involved? Inflatable swords, of course. En garde! 11 p.m. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $15.loftcinema.org/film/the-princess-bride-new-years/
Fedoras & Boas at Chicago Bar. The eastside is getting classy with Chicago Bar's New Year's party. Dress up as fedorable as you can, and get over to this party where general admission also gets you hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Chicago Bar is also inviting a whole bunch of local performers, including DJ Haru, Nikk Doug, the NYE Funxtion Band and emcee Shaun Harris. Even more special guests are due to arrive as the night progresses. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 5954 E. Speedway Blvd. $15 at the door. See details on Facebook.
Party Like It's 1999 at Rialto (with Prince!). So apparently the '90s weren't last decade, and the Rialto Theatre is helping you deal with that shocking revelation in the only way they know how: spectacle. But this party is more than a throwback, it's also a celebration of all things Prince. The evening features the Prince tribute act Purple Madness and a DJ set by Future Syndicate. You can even wear Prince attire and get half-price drinks! Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9. $20 to $50. 318 E. Congress St. rialtotheatre.com
TRUE: A 5Rhythms Dance for the New Year. Have you ever taken a 5Rhythms class? It's a combination of meditation and dancing that explores the rhythms of flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness to help you get back in tune with yourself, and, indeed, with the universe you hold within you. If you're into that sort of thing, that is. And if you are into that sort of thing, this class with Melanie Cooley is a pretty perfect way to close out the year, right? Dancing in a moment of transition as we shed the old and welcome a new decade. Why not squeeze in a chance to try one more new thing this decade? 5 to 9 p.m. Rhythm industry Performance Factory, 1013 S. Tyndall Ave. $45 in advance or $50 day-of. See details on Facebook.
80s and Gentlemen at Casino Del Sol. Can you believe it's almost 2020? Before we know it, it's going to be 2030, at which point we'll be halfway between 1980 and 2080. If that doesn't make your head spin, what does? Celebrate whatever '80s you want while this local cover band rings in the new year in their signature style. You can dance the night away, and, of course, enjoy a balloon drop and champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Whatever decade it is, you never really hear people talk about regretting how much they danced on New Year's Eve. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. Free. 21+. See details on Facebook.
Gentle Ben's New Year's Eve Party. Here's your opportunity to party on University and still feel good while you do it. Gentle Ben's Brewing Co. is partnering up with A Light Network for a party that supports local education. Sticking with the theme, they're inviting you to dress up like it's prom night. There will be DJs, cocktails, photo booths, and course, beer. All money from the cover charge will be donated toward local education, helping students, teachers and schools in Tucson. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 865 E. University Blvd. $10 cover. See details on Facebook.
Introvert's New Year's Eve. So, yeah, we get it. If you're really, really introverted, you're likely to be cozied up at home for this hectic holiday. BUT maybe you're an introvert who loves staycations, and booked a room at Hotel McCoy already. Or maybe you don't mind being around people in general, but draw the line at noisy, sweaty, drunken crowds. This might be what you're looking for: Sparkly drinks and live music are on hand, of course. But they're accompanied by coloring and crafts instead of dancing and ordering rounds of shots. May your 2020 be as chill as this event is! 7 to 11:30 p.m. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free. 21+. See details on Facebook.
Queer Dance Party at 191 Toole: We know downtown Tucson likes to get wild for New Year's, considering this is one of about 50 NYE parties happening. But if you really want to get wild downtown, this is the party to attend. 191 Toole invites you to "Reveal Your Kink" at this shindig, where there will be fetish attire, a "kinky photobooth," dancers, five DJs and much more. Why not start the next decade a little more free and wild (or bound, if that's your thing) and hit up one of the most memorable, LGBT-friendly dance parties of the night? 9 p.m. 191 Toole Ave. $6. 21+
