Living & Entertainment

From dance parties to dining, here’s where to spend New Year’s Eve in Tacoma

New Year’s Eve is nearly here, and there are plenty of places around Tacoma to celebrate.

Whether you’re looking to ring in 2026 with a special dinner or a dance party, we’ve got you covered.

Bars and venues

Steel Creek

The downtown restaurant and bar will host its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, encouraging guests to take a shot of Fireball Whisky as the clock strikes midnight. Aptly named the “Fireball New Year’s Eve,” the party will feature a DJ, free mechanical bull rides, a photo booth and a free dance lesson. General admission pre-sale tickets are $15. Doors open at 5 p.m., but tickets are required past 7 p.m.

Miró Tapas

This small plates restaurant, which opened in October, is throwing a Casino Royale party on New Year’s Eve. With the event named after the 2006 James Bond film, visitors can expect craps, roulette and blackjack, along with dinner and a champagne toast to ring in 2026. Tickets are $148, and the party kicks off at 8 p.m.

The SandBar & Grill

If you’re feeling nostalgic this year, the SandBar & Grill will host the Flashback Cover Band on New Year’s Eve. The band plays hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, according to its website. There’s a $5 cover, and festivities start at 9 p.m.

Evergreen State Brewing Co.

The waterfront brewery will host Lucia Flores-Wiseman, a finalist on season 27 of “The Voice.” The Seattle-based singer-songwriter will start performing at 7 p.m.

Super Funny Comedy Club

This downtown comedy club is throwing a Sneaker Ball this New Year’s Eve. Per the name, guests are encouraged to wear sneakers. “Get ready to dance the night away in your most comfortable shoes!” reads the advertisement for the event. The festivities will include Vibe Bingo, which is a musical version of the game. The party is geared toward the 30+ crowd, according to the comedy club. Tickets are $44, and the party starts at 9 p.m.

Airport Tavern Music Hall

This music venue and bar in South Tacoma is throwing it back this New Year’s Eve with a 2000s-themed party, featuring a mix of pop, hip hop and rock hits. Guests are encouraged to “embrace Y2K fashion and culture” while listening to artists like Britney Spears and Eminem. Tickets are $26. The doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 10 p.m.

The Spanish Ballroom at McMenamins' Elks Temple in Tacoma will hold a New Year’s Eve party this year.
The Spanish Ballroom at McMenamins' Elks Temple in Tacoma will hold a New Year’s Eve party this year. Kathleen Nyberg Tacoma

Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple

The live music venue at McMenamins is throwing it back even further this New Year’s Eve with a “Back to the 80s” party. Along with DJ Dance Dance, the Seattle-based tribute cover band Nite Wave will make sure guests get their fill of Duran Duran, INXS, Prince and more. Advanced tickets are $59. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel

The casino is hosting a “Cosmic Countdown” this New Year’s Eve, promising a DJ, live music, party favors, confetti canons and “electrifying party vibes.” The party is in the event center, and tickets range from $39 to $95. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The Mix

This gay bar and nightclub in downtown Tacoma is throwing a “Gaypocalypse” party this New Year’s Eve, featuring popular Tacoma-based drag queen Anita Spritzer and many others. The Mix calls the event a “drag finale sure to save lives.” There’s a $10 cover, but it goes down to $5 for those “suited for the Gaypocalyspe.” The party starts at 8 p.m.

Restaurants

The striking view of Tacoma from Stanley & Seafort's dining room enhances diners enjoyment of the iconic restaurant known for its seafood and steaks. Photographed Oct. 14, 2013
The striking view of Tacoma from Stanley & Seafort's dining room enhances diners enjoyment of the iconic restaurant known for its seafood and steaks. Photographed Oct. 14, 2013 Dean J. Koepfler The News Tribune archive

Stanley & Seafort’s

This restaurant with harbor and city views has put together a three-course prix fixe dinner for New Year’s Eve, featuring a choice of soup or salad, an entrée and a dessert. Menu highlights include New England clam chowder, a seafood trio and crème brûlée. Dinners range from $62 to $67 per person. Hours on NYE are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Melting Pot

This fondue restaurant is offering a five-course meal starting at $88 a person. The meal includes a starter, salad, cheese fondue, entrée and chocolate fondue. Reservations are available from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bite and Bar960 at Hotel Murano

The restaurant at this downtown hotel has a special New Year’s Eve menu with offerings such as local oysters, prime rib and a chocolate espresso tart. Bite closes at 10 p.m., but Bar960 in the lobby will be open until 1 a.m.

The Fish Peddler

This seafood spot on Foss Waterway has put together a three-course menu for $115 a person, including wine pairings with each course and a champagne toast to end the night. The menu includes offerings like crispy duck Caesar bites, Chilean sea bass and a chocolate fondue platter.

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