Holiday cheer doesn’t have to disappear with your last sip of eggnog. Before you figure out where you’ll stuff your string lights and blow-up snowman, take a night to commemorate your future. And that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Check out these New Year’s celebrations happening throughout Oklahoma City.
Take me back
Who doesn’t love a throwback? For almost a decade, DJ and host Ryan Drake has celebrated the best of the ’90s and 2000s through his monthly dance parties at 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St. This New Year’s Eve, he aims to bring the party to a fever pitch with mashups of familiar favorites and a playlist of now-classic, chart-topping pop.
“Our NYE party is for the people,” Drake said. “I try to put myself into the shoes of the attendees and think of what I would want out of a big night out. That’s why we have free parking and coat checks, very affordable drinks, and you’ll never pay more than $10 to get in.”
If you’ve never stepped inside Speakeasy, it’s easy to wonder how the venue manages to fit hundreds of people. The secret? Inclusion and intimacy. To Drake, his parties bring the perfect independent blend of “dive bar,” “house party” and unrelenting fun.
But it isn’t enough to look up a playlist on Spotify and set it to shuffle. Drake carefully curates his playlist, and this year promises a unique element to party: a visual hour. Starting at 9 p.m., the celebration will temporarily move away from its theme to showcase the best music videos from 2024. After the pregame, the party will dive headfirst into nostalgic bliss.
“You should expect to scream-sing because you will know most of the songs,” Drake said. “But don’t expect all of them to be played completely. I grew up on Girl Talk, so I try to emulate that energy as much as possible. You might hear four to five songs smashed together in a two-minute period.”
51st Street Speakeasy’s New Year’s Eve party starts at 9 p.m. and ends at 1:30 a.m. Admission is $10. Visit 51stspeakeasy.com.
The roaring (20)20s
Want to go even further back than the ’90s? How about an entire century? OKC Nightlife’s (okcnightlife.com) Gatsby House ushers in the new year with an evening of flappers, Art Deco and no shortage of show-stopping surprise at the Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave.
The party kicks off at 8:30 p.m., and partygoers can expect an event that brings modern flare to a historic aesthetic. Admission includes prepaid drinks from one of several fully staffed bars, a live set from two top-rated DJs and one unforgettable night.
If you need a break from the dancing and revelry, Gatsby House offers two areas for some lower-volume mingling as well as no-cost casino games for anyone who wants to try their luck without breaking the bank. Capping off the night is a massive ballroom countdown with a midnight toast that will echo all the way into 3025.
“Each gets better,” said Luke Wryder, CEO of VIP Nightlife. “Our DJs know exactly what music the crowd likes, our team gets everyone in quickly and the Skirvin staff knows how to serve amazing cocktails efficiently. There isn’t a better shindig in OKC.”
The event’s dress code is semi-formal or cocktail attire, but expect to see plenty of diagonal lines with a gold flourish. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. Tickets start at $89.10. VIP tickets, which include access to a reserved area and appetizers, start at $185.Visit skirvinhilton.com.
In the skies
While Monaco lies at the intersection of France and Italy, a piece of it will float above the OKC skyline this New Year’s Eve. Vast’s Midnight in Monaco takes attendees higher than any other point in the metro, courtesy of Devon Tower’s 50th floor, 333 W. Sheridan Ave.
Beauty and elegance define this one-of-a-kind event. Once you can take your eyes away from the breathtaking view of the city — and we don’t blame if you can’t — you’ll have a chance to win big at the Skylight Casino. Starting at 8:30 p.m., you can play your choice of Blackjack, Hold ’Em, roulette and more against a magical backdrop. And who knows? You might walk away with more to celebrate than just the New Year.
From there, you can move into the Infinity Lounge, which will be converted to a dancing hall complete with a live DJ. If you ever feel parched, Vast’s cash bar is loaded with creative cocktails inspired by 007. You’ll be covered if you work up an appetite, too, thanks to a rich selection of savory hors d’oeuvres. Finally, at midnight, you’ll toast in unmistakably Monaco fashion, minus the Grand Prix.
The event’s dress code is upscale business. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $170. Groups of up to eight can reserve a table for $1,800, which includes two bottles of champagne. Visit vastokc.com.
Fun and Follies
Parties are great, but some events command the spotlight and demand a grand stage. Luckily, you don’t need to book a flight to Vegas for a jaw-dropping spectacle. Adèle Wolf’s annual revue, Adèle Wolf’s New Year’s Eve Follies, at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., fits the bill.
Wolf is dedicated to bringing world-class performance art to Oklahoma City, and she’s bringing a few friends to help! This year’s lineup features Apathy Angel, an award-winning contortionist from New York City; Kyla, a high-flying aerialist from New Orleans; and Jezebelly, a hilarious and glamorous burlesque performer from Chicago who was featured in Vogue. The revue also features a colorful cast of local talent including vocalist Deonna Marie and belly dancers of the Aalim Dance Academy.
“My goal is to present a show that not only stands out in Oklahoma and enhances our state’s cultural landscape, but also ranks among the best revues in the world,” said Wolf. “That so many top artists from around the world are excited to come work with us is really validating and shows I’ve been on the right path.”
While the bulk of the Follies have never been performed in Oklahoma, Wolf’s long-time fans can still expect a few familiar routines, one of the most recognizable being her routine inside a giant champagne coup. Regardless of their exact order, each performance builds an electric momentum that concludes with a midnight toast and an explosive finale.
“It’s the perfect way to forget your troubles, revel in the present and look to the future with optimism,” said Wolf.
For Wolf, the Follies are more than just a show. It’s a momentary reprieve from reality, a night to let go and get lost in the excitement. And her commitment to delivering a truly special evening shows in her growing following.
“I love spotting old faces and new ones in the crowd,” said Wolf. “I think we can all find a lot of comfort and meaning in nostalgia while also building excitement for what lies ahead. It’s always an honor to usher an audience into the new year!”
Adèle Wolf’s New Year’s Eve Follies starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $63-$95. Visit adelewolf.com or okcciviccenter.com.
Purposeful party
What’s a New Year’s Eve celebration without a little funk and soul? For the sixth year running, the award-winning band Shortt Dogg lights up newly remodeled The Bryant Center, 2200 N. Bryant Ave., with a performance as important as it is powerful.
The Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party is a fundraiser for Bring Back The Music, a program dedicated to engaging underprivileged youth with performing arts education. Across the country and especially in Oklahoma, support for the performing arts in schools continues to decline. Johann Kimbro, Shortt Dogg’s founder, bandleader and the executive director of Bring Back The Music, aims to change that.
“Even though this is a fun community event, the funds from it will go to support performing arts education in Spencer,” Kimbro said. “We serve nearly 200 students from eastern Oklahoma County, so the funds from this event will go along way in supporting their musical education.”
Shortt Dogg is no stranger to incredible New Year’s Eve bashes. Formed in 1998, Shortt Dogg was a mainstay of Oklahoma City’s Opening Night, which ended its 37-year run in 2023. Even so, the 10-piece cover band still felt the demand for its unique flavor of dynamic tunes.
Along with Shortt Dogg’s performance, you’ll enjoy a midnight breakfast courtesy of B&B Catering. 360-degree photography will also be available for anyone who wants a digital memento of the extraordinary bash.
And while this is a semi-formal event, Kimbro still expects it to be a warm, cozy and relaxed evening where old friends can reconnect and new bonds will form.
“Shortt Dogg instills a sense of community,” Kimbro said. “The purpose of this celebration is to look back at the years behind us and take stock in where we’ve come from. At the same time, we’ll take stock of the future and the new generations of musicians that will take up our torches.”
The event begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $60. Visit bringbackthemusic.org.
Midnight magic
Sure, some of us dreamed of joining the circus. But this New Year’s Eve, you’ll have a chance to live it. Join the Spring Family Circus as it brings its immersive parade of acrobatics, side shows and bombastic burlesque to Anthem Brewing, 908 SW Fourth St.
Midnight Masquerade and New Year’s Eve Cabaret will feature performers from around the world and head-turning local artists. The event also adds an air of mystery, as guests are encouraged to wear a bedazzled mask. (Don’t sweat it if you don’t have one — masks will be for sale at the entrance.)
For Spring and Natalie Abell, the circus’ co-owners and performers, Midnight Masquerade creates an opportunity for them to bring their undeniably special brand of entertainment back to Spring’s home state.
“I’ve done this full-time for 15 years,” Spring said. “Natalie and I have lived in New York, Chicago, L.A., Vegas — all over the place. We’ve seen all these amazing things, and I’ve finally come back to where I’m from. And I want to bring that here.”
From death-defying acrobatics and Spring’s unbelievable hand balancing to Natalie’s glass walking and a “human ball drop,” the event offers something that will make everyone’s heart race. But beyond the spectacle, Spring and Natalie hope their act leaves an energizing impression on attendees that they can carry into 2025.
“I always love New Year’s because it gives me a time to think back and have a memorable experience with friends,” Natalie said. “We hope that the magic we build on stage will affect them positively in the new year.”
And just as Natalie and Spring chased their dreams to become world-class entertainers, Spring hopes Midnight Masquerade will empower those watching to do the same.
“They’re going to see something incredible that inspires them to do something incredible in their life, too,” Spring said. “It’s going to help them dream ahead for their new year.”
The event starts at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $75. VIP packages are available at $100. Visit springproductions.net and anthembrewing.com.
New Year’s Eve Event Guide
’90s-2000s Dance Party
9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
51st Street Speakeasy
1114 NW 51st St.
405-463-0470
$10
Gatsby House
8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Skirvin Hilton
1 Park Ave.
405-272-3040
$89.10-$849
Midnight in Monaco
8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Vast
333 W. Sheridan Ave.
405-702-7262
$170-$1,800
Adèle Wolf’s New Year’s Eve Follies
10 p.m.-12 a.m.
Civic Center Music Hall
201 N. Walker Ave.
405-594-8300
$63-$95
The Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party featuring Shortt Dogg
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Bryant Center
2200 N. Bryant Ave.
thekitchenokc.com/the-bryant-center
405-605-3022
$60
Midnight Masquerade and New Year’s Eve Cabaret
8:45 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Anthem Brewing Company
908 SW Fourth St.
405-604-0446
$75-$100
This article appears in New Year’s Eve Guide.