Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville continues its annual tradition of providing two ways to celebrate the new year:
The free Noon Year's Eve celebration was born out of the desire to grow youth and family programming at the museum. As a holiday not typically associated with little ones -- since the main event takes place well past their bedtime -- Crystal Bridges wanted to give families a way and a place to gather to celebrate the coming new year.
FAQ
Noon Year’s Eve
WHEN — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 31; Coca-Cola toast at noon
COST — Free
New 365
WHEN — 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31
COST — $60-$75
WHERE — Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville
INFO — 418-5700, crystalbridges.org
"We definitely have some staple, go-to activities -- the family dance party is always a big hit; the countdown and Coca-Cola toast is a big hit; party hats and headbands are going to be a staple -- everyone loves creating their own party hat and headband with pipe cleaners and pompoms and letting their creativity shine," says museum educator Holly York.
But the event does change from year to year as the lineup of performers and activities changes, along with general expansion to accommodate for the roughly 3,000 anticipated guests. New additions this year include family karaoke, the Northwest Arkansas Magic Mirror Photo Booth and a family friendly concert by NPR Tiny Desk award winner DDAT.
"We will also have a balloon drop this year, which we have not had in the past," York adds excitedly.
If you've found a babysitter for later on New Year's Eve, or you don't have little ones to celebrate with, you may be more interested in Crystal Bridges' New 365 event that begins at 9 p.m. After trying something completely different each of the last few years, organizers turned to the public to determine exactly what they wanted from their New Year's Eve experience at Crystal Bridges.
"And the response that we received was that they're looking for something to celebrate the whole museum, they want to be in all the galleries, but they want to have something that is accessible and something they're familiar with," explains public programs manager Sara Segerlin. "They want to see local performers and have music that they're familiar with. So we listened to what the public interests were in experiencing this very big evening."
More local faces, musicians and artists spread to every nook and cranny throughout the galleries, greater representation and inclusion of indigenous artists, expanded food options, new outdoor programming -- these are just a few of the exciting changes to the New 365 event for this year.
Visit the museum's website for full details, schedules and a list of performers for both events.
NAN What's Up on 12/30/2018