The Best New Year's Eve Concerts & Special Events in Los Angeles
Updated on December 20, 2018
From elegant affairs to massive dance parties, Los Angeles is ready to ring in 2019 with some of the best New Year’s Eve events in the country. Read our round up for the best concerts and special events to say farewell to 2018 and welcome the new year.
Go Metro: all Metro Rail lines, plus Orange and Silver Lines, will run 24 hours on New Year's Eve with free fares from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.
N.Y.E.L.A. - Grand Park
Grand Park and The Music Center are ringing in 2019 with the annual N.Y.E.L.A. celebration, featuring two stages of music and a spectacular interactive countdown with 3-D digital video mapping on City Hall. Featuring live performances by Aloe Blacc + Maya Jupiter and special guests, Irka Mateo, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and the Grand Scheme. All-female DJ lineup with Ericalandia, Kronika and Spinorita. The festivities also include food trucks and photo booths to capture the final moments of the year and the first moments of 2019.
N.Y.E.L.A. takes place from 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Admission is free. N.Y.E.L.A. is a family-friendly and alcohol-free event - there will be no on-site beer garden or point of purchase. Outside food is permitted in backpacks or totes. No outside beverages including juice and soda.
Grand Park Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
DITA VON TEESE NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA - THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
The Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese and friends are ringing in 2019 with a glittering New Year's Eve Gala show at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown L.A. The evening of glamour will include show-stopping performances by Von Teese alongside a stellar cast of some the brightest stars in modern burlesque. In addition to the jaw-dropping performances, fans will also be greeted by a dazzling display of some of Dita’s own haute couture, Swarovski-embellished costumes as they enter the historic venue.
After curtain call, you can toast 2019 with Dita! A very limited number of Meet and Greet tickets are available for purchase - guests will have a unique photo op with Dita and receive a New Year's Eve 2019 memento. To reserve your space, email aftershow@dita.net.
842 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014//} ?>
PINK MARTINI - WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
Pianist Thomas Lauderdale and the celebrated “little orchestra,” Pink Martini perform a quintessentially eclectic New Year’s Eve program at Walt Disney Concert Hall that mixes the heat of Brazilian samba, the party sounds of ’30s Cuban dance music, and a dash of Parisian café cool. Featuring a dozen musicians and a rare joint appearance by singers China Forbes and Storm Large. Two performances on Monday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
PROHIBITION NYE - UNION STATION
Travel back to the Roaring Twenties at Prohibition NYE, taking place in the Ticket Concourse of the landmark Union Station in Downtown L.A. L.A. based duo CLASSIXX will take the main stage at the midnight hour to perform an energetic, disco-inspired DJ set. Supporting acts include saxophonist Justin Ward, L.A.'s own DJ Gadachy, Jackie Emerald, MDA DJs Daniel Minaya & Mogli, along with jazz ensemble Lyndsay & the All Nighters, and burlesque performances from Dollhouse Entertainment. The event features a premium open bar and 60-foot midnight ball drop. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear formal attire (black tie optional) and women are encouraged to wear gowns and Roaring Twenties era attire. Prohibition NYE starts at 9 p.m. and is a 21 and over event. General Admission tickets and VIP tables on sale at Eventbrite.
800 N Alameda St Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
TWO BIT CIRCUS
Start the New Year with a high tech immersive experience at Two Bit Circus, the sprawling "Micro-Amusement Park" in the Arts District that offers multi-person Virtual Reality, Escape and Story Rooms, indie arcades, molecular mixology, and "farm-to-circus" fare. Priced at $75, General Admission tickets include unlimited game play on the Midway and Arcade, two tickets to the main attractions (Story Rooms and VR), two drink tickets, and midnight champagne toast. Level up with a VIP ticket ($100) which adds VIP Deck access, guaranteed seating and private bar. Dress to impress with festive, circus-inspired or tech-enabled attire. NYE event is 8pm - 1am, 21 and over.
EVE - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
On Monday, December 31, Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2019 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest and most exciting New Year’s celebration. EVE is included in the price of admission and invites guests to spend the day and night enjoying world-class rides and attractions, then stay for a special park-wide party that will culminate at midnight with a traditional New Year's Eve countdown and a spectacular fireworks display.
Starting at 9:00 p.m., Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza in Springfield™, and an area near “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” will transform into three uniquely-themed party hubs, featuring a wide variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to EDM to Latin pop. The celebration will continue with enhanced DJ shows and after-party entertainment until 2:00 a.m. A selection of food and beverages, including specialty desserts, champagne, beer, wine and specialty cocktails, as well as 2019 memorabilia will be available for purchase.
Guests are invited to celebrate in style with the all-new Ultimate EVE package. Highlights include theme park admission starting at 6:00 p.m., access to private lounges, buffet dining, private cash bars, reserved VIP viewing areas for the fireworks, complimentary midnight champagne toast, commemorative 2019 party favors, and unlimited Universal Express access to all rides and attractions. Tickets for EVE and the Ultimate EVE package are now on sale at the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608//} ?>
FASTER PUSSYCAT - WHISKY A GO GO
The legendary Whisky A Go Go carries on its Sunset Strip legacy with a New Year's Eve lineup featuring Faster Pussycat, Hookers & Blow featuring Dizzy Reed of Guns N' Roses, Joey C. Jones, Whiskey Dogz, Love N Revenge, and Dead Fervor. General Admission tickets are $40.
Boomer Bash - Sportsmen's Lodge
Located in Studio City, the landmark Sportsmen’s Lodge was the playground of the stars during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Now in its fifth year, the Boomer Bash is an ideal event for Baby Boomers and age appropriate celebrants. Taking place 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the largest ballroom of the Sportsmen's Lodge, the Boomer Bash features a three course gourmet dinner and music by The Skyline Band and the Doc Rock-it Group.
12833 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604//} ?>
THE HIGGS - THE MINT
The Mint presents a headlining New Year's Eve set by The Higgs, a California-based band that blurs musical boundaries and unifies the different sounds of jam rock, prog, alt-rock, reggae and blues into an awesome musical fusion. Opening for The Higgs, L.A.'s own Mestizo Beat is a collective of musicians that composes and performs music influenced by early 1970s funk, soul, afro-beat, and Afro-Cuban genre. General Admission tickets are $25 presale and $35 at the door on Dec. 31. Available for purchase separately from GA, the $75 VIP Add-On Ticket includes a special roped off section, dedicated open bar, and complimentary food. Doors at 7 p.m., 21 and over.
6010 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035//} ?>
ADAM JACKSON & MUDBUG BRASS BAND - VIBRATO
Herb Alpert's acclaimed jazz supper club, Vibrato presents two seatings on New Year's Eve, starting with a first seating from 5pm to 8:30pm featuring Adam Jackson and a complimentary glass of champagne. Priced at $250, the Celebration Seating is 9pm to 1am and features the Mudbug Brass Band, four-course prix fixe menu, champagne toast, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Reservations at the Vibrato website.
2930 N Beverly Glen Cir Bel Air, CA 90077//} ?>
OZZFEST - THE FORUM
For the first time since its 1996 debut, OZZFEST - the annual music event that celebrates hard rock and heavy metal - has created a special one-night-only New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2019. Taking place at The Forum on Monday, December 31, the event features headliner Ozzy Osbourne and some of the greatest names in rock (and OZZFEST alumni): Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Jonathan Davis (of Korn), plus the OZZFEST debut of Body Count featuring Ice-T. The NYE party will include an outdoor stage (Zakk Sabbath, DevilDriver, Wednesday 13), holiday festivities, and Ozzy himself onstage counting down to the new year. Tickets range from $49.50 for General Admission to $179.50 for Reserved Seating.
3900 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90305//} ?>
The Annual One-Time-Only New Year’s Eve Revue - Santa Monica Playhouse
The Santa Monica Playhouse welcomes 2019 with The Annual One-Time-Only New Year’s Eve Revue, featuring a family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo musical revue, prizes, sing-alongs, dancing in the aisles and much more. Admission includes a complimentary buffet supper, champagne, sparkling non-alcoholic cider, tiaras, noisemakers and general merrymaking. The late show at 9:30 p.m. includes a meet-and-greet with the cast. The Early Bird celebration at 6 p.m. offers everything that the later show does, plus a great way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family and get home at a reasonable hour, or to kick off an evening of after-theatre dining and festivities. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show are $49.50 for adults and $29.50 for kids 12 and under. The 9:30 p.m. show is $69.50 for adults and $39.50 for kids.
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Ring in 2019 under the stars aboard a beautiful luxury yacht as it glides around the Marina del Rey harbor! Hornblower Cruises is offering three New Year’s Eve cruises. The two-hour NYE Champagne Brunch Cruise boards at 11:30am and features a buffet, free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, solo entertainer, and an optional Premium Bloody Mary Package for 2. Price is $75 per person.
Priced at $236, the NYE Dinner Cruise boards at 8:30pm and cruises from 9pm to 12:30am. The 3.5-hour cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, open bar, midnight toast, 5-course seated dinner, DJ and dancing, photographer, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Enhancement Packages and champagne upgrades for 2 are available.
The Dessert & Cocktail Cruise boards at 9:15 or 9:30 p.m. The three-hour cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, tray passed/displayed appetizers and desserts, DJ, midnight fireworks and party favors. Price is $136.50 per person, not including alcoholic beverages. Enhancement Packages and champagne upgrades for 2 are available.
13755 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292//} ?>
MARINA DEL REY NYE FIREWORKS & GLOW PARTY - BURTON CHACE PARK
The L.A. County Department of Beaches & Harbors invites the whole family to enjoy not one, but TWO New Year's Eve fireworks displays over the beautiful waters of Marina del Rey! Taking place at Burton Chace Park, the Fireworks & Glow Party starts at 7 p.m. with fun, family-friendly activities including DJs, dancers, Circuit Breaker Robot, face painting, bubbles, photo booth, free giveaways, food trucks and more. Just before 9 p.m., there's a 30-second countdown to the Times Square ball drop, followed by a 10-minute fireworks display. Then it's the West Coast's turn, with a 30-second countdown to 2019 followed by another 10-minute fireworks display. Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants.
Parking is available for $8 in County Parking Lots #77 and #4, located at 13650 and 13500 Mindanao Way, respectively. Admission is free, for faster entry RSVP at Eventbrite.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Celebrate the arrival of 2019 under the wings of Air Force One! Now in its tenth year, the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library features a midnight champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, gourmet dessert, and live music by The Platinum Groove. Dance to classics, ballroom favorites, disco, Motown, and top hits from the 50s through the 90s top hits played by a fabulous DJ. From 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. guests can view the amazing Air Force One Pavilion, An American Christmas tree exhibit, and Holiday Lights. Then watch the ball drop and more as you welcome in the New Year.
General Admission (21 and over only): $162 per person, includes general seating at tables of 10. VIP Package (21 and over only): $192 per person includes preferred seating with a private table for your group of four or more and wine for your table. Limited VIP reservations are only available to parties of four or more. Reservations must be made by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26. Cocktail attire is suggested.
40 Presidential Dr. Simi Valley, CA 93065//} ?>
New Year’s Eve: PAST & PRESENT - The Queen Mary
Sail into 2019 at New Year's Eve: Past & Present aboard the legendary Queen Mary. Explore themed decks and ballrooms as you ring in the New Year with music and entertainment by DJ Ravidrums, La Sonora Dinamita, Hells Belles Burlesque, Cirque Berzerk, 2 Grand Dueling Pianos and more. At midnight, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky off the ship's stern. NYE: Past & Present is taking place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is a 21 and over event.
Tickets are $115 per person for General Admission and $215 for VIP, which includes a champagne toast, prime viewing spots for the fireworks, and exclusive access to salons like the Live Wire Lounge and the all-new Boiler Room experience. Dining options include Midnight Breakfast in the Promenade Cafe ($24), prix fixe dinner at Sir Winston's and the No Resolutions Brunch served in the Grand Salon on New Year's Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($42).
1126 Queen's Hwy. Long Beach, CA 90802//} ?>
From lavish dinner menus to decadent soirees and all-night DJ parties, read our ultimate guide to celebrating New Year's Eve in L.A.