Pop The Champagne!

Northwest Arkansas rings in the new year

There are three things we can all count on: death, taxes and New Year's Eve parties. The end of the year is here, but before tax season is upon us, we'll get a chance to enjoy the bubbly with the ones we love.

And Northwest Arkansas is the place to do it. The area has a rich tradition of celebrating this holiday. From an annual pig plummet to wild dance parties to glow-in-the-dark bowling, there's something for everyone.

Last Night Fayetteville will once again launch a performing arts festival at the downtown square. The event will feature a variety of performances including a Giant Puppet Parade, art and dance exhibitions by Ozark Aerialists, music by Cutty Rye and the annual Hog Drop and Fireworks Finale. General admission is $5 for children 2-12 and $20 for the grownups if purchased in advance. Tickets will be $30 at the door for ages 13 and up. The event offers VIP tickets for $75, providing access to all performances, VIP Lounge at the Main Stage, wine, beer and cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and more. Tickets and full lineup available online at lastnightfayetteville.com.

If staying indoors and keeping the family warm is more appealing, Fastlanes Entertainment in Lowell will host a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration starting at 6 p.m. with bowling, music, unlimited soft drinks and a pizza buffet. Fastlane is also taking reservations for the Countdown Celebration that includes small bites, deli spread and a champagne toast at midnight. These grownup festivities start at 9:30 p.m. For more information and to make reservations call Fastlane at 659-0999.

Another family-friendly event will open at the Metroplex Event Center in Rogers. The Indian Cultural Organization of Arkansas will host New Year Celebration 2015 with a DJ, live performances, dance floor, games and a raffle benefiting CRY America, a child rights organization. General admission is $10-$40 at the door. VIP tickets are available. For information, call the Metroplex at 636-5333.

Hickory Grove Church on Lynch Hollow Road near Clifty will hold its 69th annual New Year's Eve gospel singing from 7 p.m. until midnight on Wednesday. There will be a break in the music for refreshments at 10 p.m. The event is open to the public and free. For more information, call 751-8196.

Lovers of local nightlife may enjoy a dance party with Ultra Suede at the Springdale Holiday Inn and Convention Center. This New Year's Eve Bash will feature party favors, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Participants must be 21 or older. The party starts at 8 p.m. and goes on through 1 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person and $30 per couple and available at fayettevillear.sweetdealscumulus.com.

Swing in the New Year at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs as it pairs the traditional energy of annual celebration and the elegance of a re-created 1940s supper club featuring four-course dining, big band music, a night of dancing and entertainment by Melonlight Dance Studio. To make reservations, call the hotel at 253-9652.

Class Event Center will host Farmington's first-ever New Year's Eve Celebration. The event will feature local party band E and The Boys, a DJ, dancing, a balloon drop and a food bar with soft drinks. Alcohol will not be sold. Advance single tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. Reserved tables for four are $55 and $100 for eight. Tickets may be purchased by calling 236-1007.

The Fayetteville-Springdale Elks Lodge will host live music, dancing and a breakfast buffet at midnight Wednesday. Cost is $40 per person for nonmembers and $35 for members. The event helps raise money for the lodge. For more information, call the lodge at 751-9835.

Reflect on journeys taken and glimpse into the voyages ahead at NEW 365 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art starting at 9:30 p.m. at the museum. Partygoers can enjoy the galleries, stand-up comedy, music, drinks and hors d'oeuvres created by the Eleven chefs. Tickets are $85 for members and $100 for nonmembers and may be purchased by calling 657-2335.

For those who want to celebrate but also get a good night's sleep, the Hive in 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville will host a New Year's Eve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. The farm fresh table will feature a menu from executive chef Matthew McClure ranging from $49-$65. The Hive will also offer a special hangover brunch with Southern-inspired dishes and hair-of-the-dog drinks. Reservations are available by calling 286-6575.

And for a low-key night, join the owners of Brick Street Brews in Rogers for local beer on tap in a family pub atmosphere. Drinks start flowing at 7 p.m. and won't stop until 1 a.m. Thursday. The bar is located at 208 W. Walnut St. in downtown Rogers. For more information call the pub at 633-8683.

Happy New Year!

NAN What's Up on 12/26/2014

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