Arts and Entertainment

Say hello to 2018 with New Year’s Eve fireworks and parties in Anchorage

The holidays have come and gone, and now there's only one thing left to do: say hello to 2018. Before leaving this year behind, why not spend some time celebrating? New Year's Eve is an annual reset button, and organizers all around town are gearing up to help you say goodbye to 2017.

In Anchorage, the big fireworks display will blast off in downtown by Town Square Park at 8 p.m. With both family-friendly and adults-only events taking place all around town, there are plenty of options for anyone looking to dress up and step out for the evening.

All ages and family friendly

Town Square celebration

The city's biggest New Year's Eve celebration is a free, family-friendly event. Head to Town Square and check out an interactive aurora borealis light show, street performers, carnival games, interactive photo ops and live music. Food trucks will be on hand, including Boom Ba Laddy's and Tiki Pete's Alaskan Dogs. Be sure to stay and catch the fireworks as they get started at 8 p.m. $3 flat rate parking in Fifth Avenue and JCPenney parking garages and $5 flat rate at Sixth and Seventh Avenue parking garages. 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Town Square Park, 551 Sixth Ave. (anchoragedowntown.org)

Girdwood torchlight parade

Watch skiers and snowboarders at Alyeska carry torches in a procession down the mountain, followed by a fireworks show. Free. The best viewing is at the Daylodge base area. 9-10:30 p.m. Sunday, Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Ave. (alyeskaresort.com)

Party at Spenard Roadhouse

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Ring in the new year at Spenard Roadhouse with good friends and good music from DJ Haunted Surfer. Take a pic in the photo booth and check out the dinner and cocktail specials, as well as a late-night menu. Free to attend. Minors OK during this event if they're accompanied by their parents. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Spenard Roadhouse, 1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd. (Search "New Year's Eve With Spenard Roadhouse" on Facebook)

Salsa your way into 2018

Ring in the new year at Alaska Dance Promotions studio. Eat some food, have a couple of drinks and dance the night away. Spend the evening showing off your best salsa and bachata. Family-friendly. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 9 p.m. Sunday, Alaska Dance Promotions, 300 E. Dimond Blvd., Suite 11A. (Search "ADP New Year's Eve Party" on Facebook)

'Dance, Dance, Resolution'

Recover Alaska and Recovery for Life invite you to a substance-free New Year's Eve. Dress to impress and get ready to dance. Snacks and a sparkling cider toast will be provided. There will also be door prizes. Tickets are $5; 17 and under get in free. 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Church of Love, 3502 Spenard Road. (facebook.com/recoveralaska)

Eagle River fireworks show

Alliance Christian Fellowship is hosting a free fireworks display for the community of Eagle River at Lions Park. This is a kid-friendly event for families looking to celebrate the new year together. Food trucks will be on site, with plenty of fire pits to help keep you warm. 6-8 p.m; fireworks show at 8 p.m. Free. Sunday, Eagle River Lions Park, 18344 Eagle River Road, Eagle River (Search "Eagle River New Year's Eve Fireworks" on Facebook)

New Year's bash at Hard Rock

Rock in the new year with activities for the whole family from 5-8 p.m. Last Train hits the stage at 9 p.m. Champagne toast at midnight! $10 and 21 and over after 9 p.m. Event starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Hard Rock Cafe, 415 E St. (hardrock.com/cafes/anchorage)

Adults only

Masquerade party at the Captain Cook

Get dressed in your best for the 2017 New Year's Eve masquerade. Slip on your shiniest shoes and most elegant dress, and don't forget your mask. DJ Steve Franklin will be playing today's hits as well as iconic tracks from the past. There will also be games and chances to win prizes. $75. 7 p.m. Sunday, Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W. Fifth Ave. (brownpapertickets.com)

Rooftop party at 49th

Get a front-row seat when the fireworks light up the night sky at 8 p.m. downtown while partying on the roof at 49th State. End 2017 with a complimentary beer toast at midnight. $5. 7 p.m; fireworks at 8 p.m. Sunday, 49th State Brewing Co., 717 W. Third Ave. (brownpapertickets.com)

Video dance party at Williwaw

DJ Spencer Lee returns to Williwaw for a special dance party featuring videos from the '80s and '90s through today, including the top 20 songs of 2017. There will also be a photo booth, as well as food and drink specials. VIP tickets include roof access to view the fireworks at 8 p.m, exclusive access to Blues Central and more. $10 general admission; $50 VIP. 7 p.m. Sunday, Williwaw, 609 F St. (williwawsocial.com)

Party like Bond

Bring out your best tux and little black dress for a night of extravagant James Bond-themed partying. There will be live music from DJ Special, a casino royale, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, themed cocktails and more. $85-$145. 8 p.m. Sunday, Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, 401 E. Sixth Ave. (bondnye.com)

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Dinner and dance

Head to the Carpenter's Hall for live music by Don Walker, food, cocktails and dancing the night away. Tickets $20, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Carpenter's Hall, 407 Denali St. (907-279-0097, 35plussinglesclub@gmail.com)

Hollywood New Year's party

Bernie's closes out 2017 with a special Hollywood-themed New Year's Eve celebration. They'll be rolling out the red carpet for guests and featuring sets by DJ Livingston and DJ Victamone. Make sure you're around for the balloon drop at midnight. Free. 9 p.m. Sunday, Bernie's Bungalow Lounge, 626 D St. (Search "New Year's Eve All That Glitters" on Facebook)

The Humpy's NYE celebration gives you access to three parties for the price of one. Head to Bootleggers for Jukebox Joe and classic karaoke. Hear a set by DJ Just Adam and grab a slice of pizza at Flattop at 9:30 p.m. I Like Robots will take over the Humpy's stage at 9:30 p.m. to get people up and dancing. Doors at 5 p.m.; $10 cover goes into effect at 9 p.m. Sunday. Sixth Avenue and F Street. (Search "New Years Eve Celebrations" on Facebook)

'NYE with yer homies'

Spend the last night of the year dancing to the best house tunes around. Featuring sets from DJ Tony H and Todd Armstrong. 21+ only. Full bar provided by Koot's. $20 at the door. 9 p.m. Sunday, Anchorage Community Works, 349 E. Ship Creek Ave. (Search "NYE w/ yer Homies" on Facebook)

Bring on the bling at Myrna's

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Mad Myrna's wants you to bust out your sparkles, sequins and glitter, and is offering cash prizes for the best male, female and couples costumes. The Friday Night Divas will also be hosting a special New Year's Eve show at 9 p.m. $10 at the door. 10 p.m. Sunday, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave. (facebook.com/madmyrnasak)

DeadPhish Orchestra at Sitzmark

Ring in the new year in Girdwood with DeadPhish Orchestra, a four-piece cover band from Colorado bringing you a mix of Grateful Dead and Phish. It's a three-day New Year's extravaganza at the Sitz. $10 Friday-Saturday; $20 New Year's Eve. 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, The Sitzmark, 100 Olympic Circle, Girdwood. 21 and over. (alyeskaresort.com)

New Year's at Koot's

Featuring live music by H3 on the main stage and a set from DJ Blaque in the Swing Bar. There will be Champagne and drink specials, including "purple drank." 10 p.m. Sunday, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road. (koots.com)

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