Scottsdale is a young and thriving city and I feel like every. freaking. New Year’s Eve there’s NOTHING to do for those in their 20s that doesn’t involve going to the bars!! Most of the ASU kids have gone home for the holidays and town feels dead. BUT if you’re like me you’re totally over the bar scene and have no interest freezing in Old Town on New Year’s Eve where it’s too loud to speak to the person next to you lol.
Last year was the first year I just went to a house party with a friend at my boyfriend’s house and it was honestly so much more fun. I personally prefer the “small party feel” where you can get to know one another while still drinking and goofing around, playing games, and going to bed at a reasonable hour 😉
real talk: the real reason I like house parties is because the second I get tired I can just go to bed lol
If you’re like me and are totally over the Scottsdale/Mill bar scene, see below for some of my recommendations for what you can do on NYE! xx
Dinner at AZ/88
I’ve heard AZ/88 is a perfect alternative for those who still want to do something on NYE but feel like staying at home or going to a house party is too lame. Get a little dressed up and head to AZ/88 right in Old Town (near The Mission). They design a Christmas tree each year out of something different (ie. bottle caps, feathers, etc) and just have really good, big, strong drinks haha.
Rooftop Party at Lustre BarÂ
I always felt like rooftop bars were just for those in LA, NYC, or Chicago, but I’ve been to the Lustre Bar a couple of times to meet with clients during happy hour and it’s beautiful! It’s on the 3rd floor of a hotel right in the heart of downtown Phoenix near the Suns’ stadium. They’ll have 2 dance floors with DJs, multiple bars, a photobooth, a heated rooftop and an inside ballroom.
Tickets: $40-50/person
Top Golf
We saw an ad for this all-gold party while we were at Top Golf a few weeks ago and seriously have considered this option lol. Basically you can rent out a bay from 9pm to 1am and they’ll provide fun NYE favors, live entertainment, a chef-inspired menu, and a “midnight celebration to remember”.
Tickets: $28-75/person (need at least 6 people to reserve a bay)
What I’m Actually Doing…
I think Justin & I are probably going to do dinner at AZ/88 and then we’re going over to a friend’s house party / house-warming party! They just moved in a few weeks ago so we’re excited to see their new place.
If you end up going with one of these choices, let me know! The party at the Lustre is a little more “old-town” style with loud music and dancing, but the other two should be more low-key. I’ve also heard many of the Fox Restaurants (ie. The Henry & Doughbird) are having NYE dinners as well so those could be worth looking into.
Have a wonderful New Years!!!
xx – bbooks