Last Updated on December 29, 2022, 8:48 PM | Published: December 29, 2022
Well, we all made it through 2022.
Reaching the finish line on a year is always reason to celebrate, and whether you prefer a cozy night on the couch and fireworks on TV or a private party with friends and family, the year’s final night can be a great time to stay in and off the streets.
But if you’re like thousands of others in OKC, staying in just won’t be an option on New Year’s Eve. You’ll be ready to dress up, bust out, and party harder than ever all over town.
With practically every bar and club in the city throwing their biggest party of the year, not to mention the many massive outdoor celebrations and sendoffs, it can be daunting to decide where exactly you want to ring in the new year.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best parties in the city for every type of party-goer, whether you want to rock the year out with some live music, dance the year away, or even get to bed early after some mid-day family fun.
Oklahoma City has something for everyone this New Year’s Eve.
Opening Night – Bicentennial Park
Obviously, there’s no way to run down New Year’s happenings in OKC without covering what is sure to be the biggest party in town.
Each year, the Oklahoma City Arts Council gathers a lineup of performers, entertainers, and activities that remains unrivaled among the city’s many other festivities.
This year, of course, is no different.
Arts Council has been assembling musicians, magicians, dancers, clowns, and more to make sure that the big night sees 2022 off in style.
Standout performers include local guitar legend Edgar Cruz, funky headliners Shortt Dogg, and the fantastically soulful rising star Sarafina Byrd, who will undoubtedly be a major artist to watch in this coming year.
Things kick off at 7:00pm both in and all around Bicentennial Park, as performers will be gracing stages at Civic Center, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Downtown OKC Library, and even at City Hall, all building up to the ceremonial ball-drop.
Visit artscouncilokc.com/opening-night/ for more details.
Uptown Get Down – Tower Theatre / Ponyboy
The weather Saturday night doesn’t look to be terribly cold, but if you’d still like to stay indoors and heat up with some weirdo indie-pop and all-night dancing, then the Tower’s Uptown Get Down is for you.
The musical lineup for the night is stacked high with party-perfect indie-pop from energetic, experimental Hey Steve to electro-funky Chair Model to recently buzzy, local dream-poppers Stepmom.
When the bands wrap up and the countdown to 2023 is over, the after party fires up with tunes from DJ Ric Float.
And if you crave a little more “upscale” in your “uptown,” the entirety of Ponyboy next door will be one big, sprawling VIP area for the night, with music of its own from DJs Spenser Powers and CG Jordan, not to mention complimentary bites and the requisite champagne toast.
The party is free, but the VIP experience next door will cost you.
For tickets, info, and more, visit towertheatreokc.com.
Blue Note
If what you’re looking for is a classic “neighborhood bar” vibe for your festive finale, look no further than the Note.
2022 has been a huge year for the legendary dive and venue, as the new ownership (also the former ownership of the now dearly departed Hi-Lo) tackled a mammoth remodel project that brought the Blue Note beautifully up-to-date while retaining all the classic charm and beloved dive-y character.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to check out the “New Note” on a night without their usually stacked live music lineup, New Year’s Eve is looking to be your best bet yet.
DJ Chipmunk will be on hand kicking out the jams, and attendees will be treated to a complimentary champagne toast alongside the countdown at midnight.
If you’re mourning the Hi-Lo on this holiday, then come out to Blue Note and keep that local spirit alive.
My So-Called Band at The Jones Assembly
One thing you can always be sure of living in OKC: If it’s a party night, there’s a solid chance that the city’s party-band kings (and queen) My So-Called Band will be throwing a bash somewhere.
This time, that somewhere is the Jones Assembly, where the 90s nostalgia will run wild and the drunken sing-a-longs will be non-stop as MSCB blasts through an all-night set taking them straight through midnight and long past.
Will there be surprises? Possibly. Will there be a wild, raucous midnight countdown from the stage? Probably. Will there be that one, inescapable 4 Non Blondes song? Almost definitely.
Tickets are already running low, so to grab some before they’re gone, visit thejonesassembly.com.
Noon Year’s Eve at Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Okay, so maybe you’re a parent of smaller children and maybe staying up until midnight even on a regular night is just out of the question for you.
What you want is OKCMOA’s Noon Year’s Eve event.
Rather than making you wait up all night long, they’re giving you the chance to celebrate the occasion with your kids a full twelve hours earlier with art-making, activities, and even a countdown to noon and a just-as-good-as-the-real-thing balloon drop.
The event is free for all children, but there will be a $15 admission charge for parents.
For tickets and info, visit okcmoa.com.
Unstoppable Noise – Everywhere Citywide
Hey, if your favorite part of New Year’s Eve is listening to illegal fireworks until 2 or 3 in the morning, then come on down to my neighborhood where that party never seems to end.
In all seriousness, whatever you do and wherever you party this New Year’s Eve, remember to be safe, be courteous, and please DO NOT drink and drive.
Here’s to 2023!
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
