New Year's Eve revelers who value variety most in their party choices for Dec. 31 should look no further than Last Night Fayetteville, the area's largest New Year's Eve event that takes place in and around the downtown square.
"Last Night is more than just an event, it's a festival," enthuses co-founder Lauren Embree. "We have nine stages of entertainment this year. Last year we had 11. In scope of performers and attendance, we don't believe there's a larger New Year's celebration anywhere nearby.
FAQ
Last Night Fayetteville
WHEN — 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday
WHERE —Around the Fayetteville square
COST — $5-$85
INFO — lastnightfayettevil…
"Whether you like live music, comedy, dance, small crowds, large parties or have kids, Last Night really offers something for everyone. With such a variety of entertainment options available in several different venues, all in one evening, Last Night Fayetteville is a nonstop night of celebration. We like to say the festival is 'everyone friendly,' meaning everyone from families to seasoned party-goers will find the perfect way to ring in the New Year."
Embree says that there is no need to sacrifice quality for quantity, pointing out that area favorites like musicians Arkansauce, the Silvershakers and the Trumann Rail Boys are on the schedule, as well as comedy troupes like That's What She Said and Comedians NWA. Family-friendly fare includes Shaky Bugs, Art Feeds and Fayetteville Public Library Storytellers.
Nationally known music duo Handmade Moments will also be returning to the area to perform.
"What's so special about this performance is that it's the first time they've played in Northwest Arkansas since embarking on an ambitious tour in December of 2015," says Embree. "Earlier this year they were involved in a terrible car accident in California, and it really shook the local music community. We're so happy they've made it through recovery, and we're looking forward to celebrating the coming of a new year with them!"
Embree, with her husband David, founded Last Night Fayetteville in 2011, when they featured 12 acts on four stages and hosted approximately 700 guests. This year, they're expecting more than 1,600 ticket holders with another 1,000 who will attend for the free Hog Drop Countdown to Midnight -- a uniquely Arkansan spin on the tradition of the ball drop in New York City's Times Square -- followed by fireworks.
"My favorite moment every year is when thousands of people gather around the square for the Hog Drop Countdown to Midnight," she says. "It's always an incredibly special moment to stop and look around at the thousands of smiling faces and know that we've successfully pulled off another event."
Growing so quickly means constant flexibility and learning on the job, says Embree.
"The first step is to give up any idea of sanity completely. There are a ton of moving parts to this event, and it is quite a challenge to keep everything moving forward from planning to execution. It really takes an entire year to plan for just this one night -- finding sponsors, contracting artists and venues, developing marketing campaigns, scheduling PR opportunities, coordinating ticket sales, recruiting more than 100 volunteers ... and no matter how well you plan, it always feels like a rush in the final weeks."
The evening begins with the Silvershakers performance on the Main Stage at the Fayetteville Town Center and culminates with the Hog Drop Countdown and fireworks at midnight at the Outdoor Stage at Town Center Plaza. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at Town Center.
NAN What's Up on 12/30/2016