After a momentous year in Oklahoma City that saw a spate of growth, the state’s first James Beard award, decadent new hotels, an airport expansion, the completion of Scissortail Park and new restaurants tasty enough to garner acclaim from the likes of Bon Appetit and The New York Times, there is much to celebrate at the end of 2022. And celebrate is something OKC does well, with all manner of parties, dinners and events to cap off a stellar year and ring in a new one. From confetti-filled festivities to lavish tasting menus, here’s where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in OKC.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The Cowboy is getting a jump on the New Year’s Eve pageantry with its New Year’s Eve Eve Fundraiser & Concert on December 30 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The music-filled evening, which starts at 7 p.m. (there’s also a VIP dinner at 6 p.m.), is set to include performances from the likes of Josh Roberts, Gracee Shriver, Kyle Dillingham, Cutter Elliott, Cindy Scarberry and America’s Got Talent winner Darci Lynne.
Black Walnut
When one of Oklahoma City’s most lauded and awarded chefs serves up a New Year’s Eve party, you can rest assured it’s going to be amazing. Black Walnut, the Deep Deuce hot spot from chef Andrew Black, is once again hosting its annual New Year’s Eve event in its private lounge, featuring the debut of a new cocktail menu, music and more. For $75, guests are treated to a swanky evening of Champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a party-worthy playlist from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Bicentennial Park
It’s a festive family affair at the city’s most epic, all-ages New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown. Taking place at Bicentennial Park, Opening Night 2023 starts at 7 p.m. and culminates at midnight with fireworks, music, a luminous pyrotechnics display and the ascension of the Rising Ball. The cost to attend is $8 for a wristband, with live entertainment held throughout the night, plus a children’s area and a mural competition to keep things aptly artsy.
Parlor
This funky, rustic-chic food hall and bar complex in Automobile Alley is pulling out all the stops for its New Year’s Eve fete, with requisite fanfare like a Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. The party runs from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., and for the scant cover fee of $25, guests can exclusive entry, DJ tunes, a swag bag, and free parking — or for a $65 VIP upgrade, revelers get drink tickets, Champagne, and cash prizes. A bottle service menu will also be available, and food will be served until 11 p.m., with select kitchens extending service until 1:30 a.m.
VZD’s
Make it a bluesy New Year’s at VZD’s, where toe-tipping blues band Sweet Brenda & Sour Mash are holding court for the holiday. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the party, with tickets going for $15 — or $80 for tables, which includes entry for four people. True to form, the supper club-inspired restaurant and bar will have its full slate of comfort food and potables, from burgers and queso dip to beer, wine, cocktails and of course, bubbly.
Bin 73
Some New Year’s Eve parties include Champagne at midnight. Others opt for biscuits and gravy. Such is the tradition at Bin 73, which is hosting its 5th annual holiday party with sparkling wine, a countdown celebration at midnight, and music from Brantley Cowan at 9:30 p.m. Oh, and there will be free biscuits and gravy at midnight too. There is no door charge or ticket required to attend.
FlashBack RetroPub
For a casual blast from the past, make it a night to remember at FlashBack RetroPub, OKC’s kitschy wonderland of nostalgic arcade games. For its “Party Like It’s 1999” shindig, which starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m., the barcade will be doling out party favors and serving up decor and music inspired by the millennium. The DJ starts spinning at 8:30 p.m., and anyone who reserves a table gets free admission and Champagne. To make a reservation or learn more, email info@flashbackretropub.com.
