If you arrived here looking for places to go for Phoenix New Year’s 2009 / 2010 — LOOK HERE. What is below is for last year!

Looking for something to in the Phoenix metro area on New Year’s Eve? I bet you can find something that appeals to you. Here are a few choices I compiled a list from various resources that cover all sorts of things to do come December 31. Welcome to Ringing in 2009, Phoenix Style!

First and foremost, I have to say — whatever you chose to do to celebrate New Years, please don’t drink and drive. Seriously, call a friend, call a cab, ride the light rail for FREE! Just don’t drive if you’re even slightly buzzed. It’s just not worth the consequences.

The Big Daddy

Fiesta Bowl Block Party – Mill Avenue and Tempe Beach Park. 40 bands on 11 stages. Styx is headlining. Party alongside 100,000+ people from 5:00pm – 1:00am. Fireworks, games, bands, carnival – this is the big show. $20 in advance, $25 at the gate.

The High Falutin’

Artrium Party at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix – 122 North 2nd Street, Phoenix. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Admission include 4 drink tickets, light hor d’oeuvres, party favors and entertainment by The Groove Merchants — a ten piece horn band. $89 in advance, $99 at door.

IMPACT New Year’s Eve Charity Gala — Arizona Grand Resort. Plated dinner, silent auction, comedy show with Mark Cordes, keynote address by Ray Madaghiele, live band until 1 a.m. with B Platinum Entertainment, Champagne toast at midnight, party favors. Proceeds go to the House of Refuge in Mesa, AZ. $89 in advance, $125 at some point. Pre-registration required.

Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Eve Concert — Symphony Hall, Phoenix. “A Tribute to Broadway”. Ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne. $26 – $76.

Rocking It

Last Exit New Years Eve Bash — Featuring The Black Moods, Tramps & Theives, Dead Hot Workshop, Shelby James & The Crying Shames. 1425 W. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ Doors open at 8:00pm. $10. 21+ only.

New Year’s Eve Blues Spectacular — Rythm Room Concert Club. Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey and Tomcat Courtney. 1019 E. Indian School RD. Phoenix, AZ. Doors open at 8:00pm. $15.

Scottsdale Ultimate Block Party — Craftsman Court (between 3rd and 5th Avenues). Five bands including the Gin Blossoms and The Dan Band. Midnight fireworks. $20

Westgate Rocks New Year’s Eve Party — The Rock of Ages Theme will feature music, fashion and entertainment spanning the decades, highlighted by specials at Westgate’s many bars and restaurants and live entertainment from DJ Soulman and Valley-favorite Metalhead. 21+ Loop 101 & Glendale Ave – Waterdance Plaza. $20 in advance, $30 at door. $15 military discount.

Healthy

Midnight Madness Three-mile Run & Walk — Rose Mofford Sports Complex. 9833 N. 25th Avenue. Phoenix, AZ 85021 $20 until 12/23, $25 after.

Family Style

New Year’s Eve Family Desert Party — Rawhide at Wildhorse Pass on the Mission Patio. Cash bar. Dinner buffet (burgers, hot dogs, ribs) starts at 8:30 p.m. Marshmallow Roast. Entertainment includes cowboy atmosphere, dancing, live music, fireworks, family cowboy games, party favors. $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under.

New Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo — 9:00am – noon. Live music, fun and games with Radio Disney, prize drawings and give-aways. SNOW!  Special bubbly toast at noon for kids to ring in the new year. Free for members or with regular Zoo admission.

Town of Gilbert Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Party — 8:00pm – midnight. An alcohol free event. Family and teen music, activities for all ages. McQueen Park Activity Center. 510 N. Horne St, Gilbert, AZ. $5/family, $2/person at the door.

Westgate Rocks New Years Fountain Park Family Fun — Ring in the New Year a little earlier.  For the young and young-at-heart, family-friendly events will include live music, group games, arts and crafts, and a magician, face painter and caricature artist.  This celebration is free and open to all ages and will ring in the New Year at 10 p.m. Loop 101 & Glendale Ave – Fountain Park.

Other Stuff

Just about every resort in the area will have a New Year’s Eve event, with a varied assortment of activities, and prices. Most bars and clubs will also hold events — call ahead.

Enjoy your New Year’s celebrations! I hate to harp on it, but please don’t drink and drive. Having witnessed up close and personal a drunk driving tragedy this year I can assure you that it sucks beyond belief. You don’t want to start off 2009 sitting in jail, or worse.