The countdown is officially on to … well, the countdown. The New Year is right around the corner and that’s certainly cause for celebration. So put on your best your sequins and suits; here are the can’t-miss parties to help you usher in 2021.
Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE 2020-2021
Reunion Tower will illuminate the night sky in the final moments of 2021 with a fireworks show featuring more than 4,000 pyrotechnics. While organizers says people cannot camp out in Reunion Park, they are partnering with several local venues for watch parties.
View the spectacle from the Old Red Museum in downtown, which is hosting New Year’s Eve 2020 Champagne Life: Royalty at the Castle. The event includes dinner, with the option of table service, and dancing to the tune of Natural Change Band and celebrity DJs. ($99-$2,799.99; buy tickets)
We highly recommend posting up on a patio for the fireworks. Happiest Hour near American Airlines Center has a rooftop patio with 360-degree views of downtown Dallas. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a “megaparty” with a $50 cover, which includes balloon drops, dancing and drinking, including a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. ($50; buy tickets)
Saint Rocco’s Italian restaurant in Trinity Groves offers another patio with a front row seat to the fireworks. It’s hosting a party for the all-inclusive price of $150, which includes a dinner buffet, Champagne toast at midnight, entertainment from the Limelight Band. ($150; buy tickets)
If you’re looking do to something more casual, consider making a dinner reservation at one of the other restaurants in Trinity Groves and sticking around for drinks on the patio. No matter which eatery you choose, the patio offers an excellent view of Reunion Tower. Even better: Take a stroll on the Continental Avenue Pedestrian Bridge to find a spot. Just remember to bundle up.
Don’t want to leave your couch? No problem. Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE fireworks will be broadcast on KXAS-TV (NBC5) and streamed on the tower’s Facebook page.
Lonestar NYE Live
Lonestar NYE Live
Everything is bigger at Texas Live, the entertainment complex adjacent to Globe Life Park in Arlington. And the inaugural Lonestar NYE Live event is no different. The venue hopes to welcome 10,000 people to eat and drink at its numerous restaurants and bars, and dance alongside the two-stepping staff at PBR Texas cowboy bar. In its outdoor plaza, Texas Live plans to host Americana musician Austin Allsup and a midnight fireworks show, which folks can attend for free. Tickets start at $25 to gain access to the happenings inside. Pro tip: Use the code “autumn” to receive $20 off select ticket levels.
Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Texas Live, 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington. $25-$300. Buy tickets.
New Year’s Celebration at Scat Jazz Lounge
Fort Worth’s premiere jazz club, Scat Lounge, is hosting a New Year’s Eve soiree with a live performance by Red Young and His Hot Horns. Tickets include admission to the show, passed finger foods, a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight.
Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at Scat Jazz Lounge, 111 West 4th St., Fort Worth. $650. Buy tickets.
Brew Years Eve
Brew Years Eve
Raise a pint to the New Year at the local Noble Rey Brewing Co. in Dallas. The brewery opens its doors for Brew Years Eve, a night of live music from local acts J/O/E and Matthew and the Arrogant Sea, plus plenty of beer to compliment the good times. Food trucks will also be parked onsite. The brewery is unique among the Dallas scene because it offers vintage arcade games and video games for patrons to play for free. When’s the last time you played Street Fighter in heels?
Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Noble Rey Brewing Co., 2636 Farrington St., Dallas. $50-$125. Buy tickets.
Free Bryce Merritt concert
Don’t want to spend a fortune on New Year’s Eve? Good news: You don’t have to. Nashville-based pop singer Bryce Merritt for free at The Rustic in Uptown. All this event requires is an RSVP to attend; however, there is a VIP option ($50) that includes access to a lounge with premium viewing, passed appetizers, and a complimentary Champagne toast.
Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Rustic, 3656 Howell St., Dallas. Free to $50. RSVP or buy tickets.
Keith and Margo’s 28th Annual Murder Mystery Midnight Madness
Scenario: You’re attending a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party when suddenly someone is murdered. That’s the premise for an immersive mystery dinner where attendees are tasked with solving the crime. A ticket to this night of killer entertainment includes appetizers, a gourmet dinner, one drink ticket and a Champagne toast. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Omni Dallas Hotel at Park West, 1590 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Dallas. $129. Buy tickets.