Hello downtown Phoenix readers! It’s T.J. Triolo, your downtown Phoenix guide, back with your final Downtown Digest of the year. With 2018 coming to a close, it’s time to celebrate the new year. The events this week include a lot of local New Year’s Eve parties. So start singing Auld Lang Syne and end 2018 with a bang!
The Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Eve Celebration
Monday Dec. 31
Starts at 7 p.m.
Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
The Phoenix Symphony is holding a year-end concert featuring a variety of songs, including classics like “Fly Me to the Moon,” with some modern hits mixed in later. There’s a complimentary glass of champagne included for the two-hour performance. Tickets cost $45–$125.
Event link: https://tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=11277
New Year’s Eve Carnaval
Monday Dec. 31
Starts at 8 p.m.
Valley Bar
130 N. Central Ave.
Valley Bar is ringing in the New Year South American style with samba drums from Samba de Cavalo, cumbia music from Los Esplifs and DJing from Djentrification. Djentrification is described as a “vinyl crate digger,” which I’ve never heard of and had to look up. Turns out it’s someone who looks through old records to find rare ones. At least I think I got that right! This party will also feature burlesque, tarot card readings, sparkling wine tastings and a toast at midnight. Entry costs $20.
Event link: https://www.valleybarphx.com/event/1799507-new-years-eve-carnaval-samba-phoenix/
12019 Flannel Ball
1 Monday Dec. 31
9 p.m.–1 a.m.
Roosevelt Growhouse
1025 N. 2nd St.
The Growhouse is hosting the annual New Year’s Eve Flannel Ball, which sounds like my type of event because I like flannel shirts. I seem to find the ones I like cheap at Goodwill, which is a big plus because I don’t like spending much money on clothing. Anyway, show up wearing your best flannel shirt for games, live music, art, a beer garden and more! Tickets cost $25.
Event link: https://www.flannelball.com/#welcome
Cancer Survivors Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Friday Jan. 4
5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
I think we can all agree that cancer sucks. This exhibit features art by cancer survivors, showcasing how artistic expression can give cancer patients a way to heal. The artwork here will be on display and available for the public to buy through January 27. This Friday will be the first day to see everything, so get here first before some of the art sells! This event is free.
Event link: https://www.herbergertheater.org/event/repetition-exhibit-opening-copy-copy-copy/
“Self Help” Puppet Slam
Friday Jan. 4 and Saturday Jan. 5
Starts at 8 p.m. each night
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
302 W. Latham St.
I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a puppet slam. Basically, professional puppeteers bring in puppets and the audience never knows what they’re going to see. You might end up with a comedic performance, a creepy one or just a strange one. There will be multiple performances throughout the night too. This time, the founders of the Magical Moonshine Puppet Theater from Northern California are going to be here. I dare say that’s a very weird name for a puppet theater, and I love it. Tickets cost $12 in advance, $15 the day of the event.
Event link: https://www.azpuppets.org/
Contact the reporter at thomas.triolo@asu.edu.
Downtown Devil's community section editor. I also write the Downtown Digest, a weekly column with things to do, with experience writing news articles and creating news videos as well. Graduating from ASU in May 2020.
