Alaska News

New Year's Eve in Anchorage: How and where to ring in 2013

Out with the old, in with the new: Tuesday will usher in 2013, but on Monday it's all about the party. So where should you spend your last day of 2012?

No idea? Don't worry. We've got you covered.

Below is the short list of events and venues around Anchorage where you can ring in the New Year with friends, family and pleasant strangers.

All-ages and family-friendly gatherings

  • Town Square (560 West Fifth Ave.) will be getting down in usual fashion with the Fire and Ice New Year's Eve Celebration, a fun, family-friendly and free event, 5-8 p.m. Read more.
  • H2Oasis Water Park (1520 O'Malley Rd.) is putting on a third-annual beach party at the park. Bring your bathing suit and enjoy the warmth of a hot tub, the thrill of a waterslide or the masses on the dance floor with L.A.-based DJs Label Us Hooligans. This event costs $25-$30 and is family and teen friendly. Read more.

Special parties, events and soirees

  • Hotel Captain Cook (939 W. Fifth Ave.) welcomes the New Year in its Grand Ballroom with games, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Music provided by DJ Reyme and an emcee host. The event starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 and must be purchased before the event. Read more.
  • Alaska Experience Theater (333 Fourth Ave.) DJ Twizt will spin as party goers sample the "Hawaiian style buffet dinner" and enjoy a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. Event entry is $30 and the evening begins at 10 p.m. Read more.
  • Egan Civic & Convention Center (555 W. Fifth Ave) has plans for the youth with a Rock the Countdown show. Vertical Horizon, Alien Ant Farm, Hawthorne Heights and Static Cycle will play. Show starts at 9 p.m., tickets are $49. You can purchase them here or read more.
  • Dena'ina Convention Center (600 W. Seventh Ave.) and Five Star Entertainment are throwing a New Year's Masquerade Ball. DJ Shawn Williams and Alaska reggae band H3 will play. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 day of. Event begins 8 p.m. Get tickets here.
  • The Fiesta Room (440 W. Third Ave.) hosts Alaskan band Giants Make Way for their EP "You'll Bury All Your Friends" debut release party. Noise Brigade, Divides, Penny & The Dolphins and Nine Day Fall will join the Giants. Event starts at 8 p.m., tickets are $10 at the door.
  • Platinum Jaxx (901 W. Sixth Ave.) brings Anchorage clubbers "Into the Future" with a dance party and music provided by DJ Scratchy and DJ Ross. Tickets are $20 in advance with limited table reservations. Party starts 10 p.m. and will feature a balloon drop at midnight.
  • The Sons of Norway's Viking Hall (8141 Briarwood Dr.) will feature the music of Marge Ford and The Polka Chips. Tickets price is $35 per person and includes appetizers, dessert, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Call 349-1613 for reservations and information.

Bars (for 21-and-over entertainment)

RELATED: Need a free ride home this New Year's Eve? Here's how

Downtown

  • Pioneer Bar (739 W. Fourth Ave.) DJ Encyclopedia Brown and friends will usher in 2013. The event is free.
  • Mad Myrna's (530 E. Fifth Ave.) welcomes dance party enthusiasts. The night begins at 10 p.m. with a champagne toast at midnight. Entry is $5 before 10 p.m., $10 after.
  • Ginger (425 W. 5th Ave) is a mellow spot for New Year's Eve activity. Nothing planned, but the bar's TVs often provide a good opportunity to watch the ball drop at midnight.
  • Darwin's Theory (426 G Street) a great little New Year's Eve spot.

Midtown

  • Taproot (3300 Spenard Rd.) Beginning at 8 p.m. Rebel Blues and Shy Bones will take the stage to ring in the New Year with live music. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
  • Bear Tooth (1230 W. 27th Ave.): World famous gypsy punk band DeVotchKa will grace the Bear Tooth stage. Tickets are $45 and in danger of selling out. Get them online here.
  • The Carousel Lounge (3301 Spenard Rd.) will host a lineup of live bands. No cover charge, show starts 9 p.m.
  • The Buckaroo Club (2811 Spenard Rd.) is always a good place to greet a holiday.

Celebrate with care, and remember: Free rides home for you and your car are available should you go overboard on festive cheer.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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