Send out 2021—and ring in 2022—at these parties, concerts, clubs and more
New Year’s Eve 2020 was the weirdest Las Vegas has ever known. Whatever. That was last year, and while we’re clearly not done with this pandemic, the megastar concerts, headlining club DJs and all-out parties are back in force this year. We’ve long been ready to put 2021 to bed and push onward and upward, and it feels good to see our city return to its status as the best place in the world to ring in the new year. If you haven’t made New Years’ plans yet, mask up, get boosted and read on about out some of your options. Fireworks on the Strip After taking last year off, Fireworks by Grucci will once again design and choreograph an eight-minute display of pyrotechnic wizardry at midnight on December 31, launching from atop several resorts, including Resorts World, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Treasure Island, Venetian and the Strat. Fremont Street Experience The Downtown drag will host the official New Year’s Eve party for the City of Las Vegas, an ’80s- and ’90s-themed dance party featuring live performances from Bobby Brown, Vanilla Ice, Village People, Tone Loc and A Flock of Seagulls. Early bird tickets cost $35 through December 23 before a Christmas Eve increase, and of course the Viva Vision light show will display custom graphics all night long. December 31,6 p.m., vegasexperience.com. Area15 The year-old, much buzzed-about art and entertainment experience destination just off the Strip will host Playa Playground for its first official New Year’s party, spanning across three venues with different “sound camps,” art car stages, interactive installations, food trucks, games, carnival rides and more. Tickets started at $235 at press time. December 31,8 p.m., area15.com. Brooklyn Bowl The Bowl will host a Y2K-themed New Year’s bash with all the hits from the aughts spun by DJ CO1. Tickets range from $20-$30. December 31,9:30 p.m., brooklynbowl.com. Glittering Lights The holiday spectacular at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host an East Coast New Year’s fireworks celebration at 9 p.m., adding even more sparkle to 600-plus animated and illuminated displays along its 2.5-mile drivable course. Attendees can also enjoy music, hot chocolate, kettle corn and more. December 31,4:30 p.m., glitteringlightslasvegas.com. FlyOver Las Vegas The new multisensory flight ride experience on the Strip will stage a New Year’s Eve Glamping Soirée that includes unlimited rides, easy access to the Strip, specialty drinks at the Lost Cactus lobby bar and more. Tickets start at $250. December 31,6 p.m., flyoverlasvegas.com. Katy Perry If there’s ever been a pop artist you just know will build a spectacular Las Vegas Strip residency production show, it’s Perry, who takes the baton from Resorts World’s opening act, Carrie Underwood, just in time for New Year’s Eve. Perry will also debut her new collaboration with Alesso, “When I’m Gone,” on opening night. December 29 & 31, January 1, Resorts World Theatre, axs.com. Lizzo If you haven’t been following Lizzo on TikTok, you missed one of the best things in this not-always-so-great year. The singer, rapper and budding fashion icon helps Virgin Hotels Las Vegas wrap up its rookie season with smash summer single “Rumors” and plenty more tricks in her arsenal. December 31, Theater at Virgin, axs.com. The Go-Go’s Vegas’ most unlikely NYE headlining act is also one of its most exciting. The ground-breaking ’80s rockers come to Vegas fresh from being inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
