Ring in 2025 in Wichita at these New Year’s Eve events
The countdown for bidding 2024 goodbye and welcoming 2025 is ticking.
From pickleball and pool play to dance bands and smooth jazz, plus specials offered by some entertainment centers, here are a few event options in Wichita for adults or families to consider when making New Year’s Eve plans. While generally New Year’s Eve is a time to look forward, there are a few special events where one can relive the past by going to a prom-themed party at a local pub or moving to the music of the ‘80s and other past decades.
For adults and late-night revelers
Prairie Rose Opera House, 15231 SW Parallel St., Benton, is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner and a dance package, featuring classic country and pop music by Chuck Band. Dinner starts at 6 p.m., and the dance runs from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40, dance-only tickets are $25. Ticket sales end at 11:50 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30; to buy tickets, visit prairieroseks.com
Sur La Table in Bradley Fair offers an option to get cooking and make a celebratory dinner on New Year’s Eve. The class, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m., is part of the store’s Date Night cooking class series. Participants will make an elevated version of a steak-and-potatoes meal followed by a chocolate souffle. Tickets are $99 per person. For info or to book: surlatable.com
Paul Bogart and his band will take the stage at 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve at Wichita Union Stockyards, 6251 W. McArthur Road. Doors open at 7 p.m. Three ticket options are available, ranging from $35 to $50; all include a breakfast bar by Rent the Chef and a midnight toast. Info: kwlsradio.com
Rack ‘em up during a New Year’s Eve pool tournament at Shooters, a billiard hall and restaurant at 2726 S. Hydraulic. Participation is limited to 16 teams, with play starting at 7:30 p.m. The team entry fee is $30 with a $5 registration fee; part of the fees will be donated to a cystic fibrosis charity. Call 316-262-0072 for RSVPs.
Purple Madness, a Prince tribute band, returns to Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas, on New Year’s Eve from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Besides music by the tribute band, which features front guy Bobby Miller, the event includes a DJ and midnight champagne toast. Tickets, sold through Ticketmaster, range from $30 to $50. Info: crownuptown.com/events.
If you’re nostalgic for the ’80s, ring in 2025 with the ‘80s rock tribute band Paramount and special guest Monterey Jack at The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg Drive, on New Year’s Eve. General admission tickets are $20 in advance. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; wear Cotillion merch to move to the front of the admission line. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Info: 316-722-4201, thecotillion.com
A lot of smashing will happen at the New Year’s Eve pickleball party at Riverside Tennis Center, 551 Nims, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $39 and include food and beverages. Reservations for this 18-and-older event are required. Info: wichita.gov/1353/Riverside-Tennis-Center
Eberly Farm is putting on its Evening of Elegance once again for New Year’s Eve from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the 15-acre farm located at 13111 W. 21st St. Tickets are $135 for a couple or $75 for a single entry and include two drinks per person (beer and wine only) A $135 ticket includes entry for two people, four total drinks (beer and wine only), party food and party favors, Additional concessions and mixed drinks are available for purchase. Info: eberlyfarm.com, 316-722-3580
Grammy-nominated, Nashville-based guitarist Denny Jiosa and his quartet will help bring in the new year at Walker’s Jazz Lounge, 252 N. Mosley, during a 9 p.m.-midnight show Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $50-55. Info: walkersjazzlounge.com
New Year’s Eve is going to be electric at Wave, 650 E. Second St. The headliner, electronic musician and DJ Le Youth, will be joined by the five-piece electronic jam band 2LOT and electronic dance music DJ Sunshine. The latter two acts are from Wichita. Doors open at 9:30 p.m.; the event ends at 2 a.m. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $50 for VIP. Info: waveict.com
If you want to socialize over drinks, several Wichita bars and breweries are offering New Year’s Eve celebrations, ranging from a reunion of mug club members at Hopping Gnome to a ‘70s and 80s music party at Artichoke Sandwich East and a fire-and-ice-themed prom night at O’Malley’s Irish Pub.
For all ages and families
Organizers of the New Year’s Eve event at Field Station: Dinosaurs, 2999 N. Rock Road, Derby, say it will be a “dino-mite” day at the attraction. The event, which runs from 1 to 9 p.m., also has an international aspect to it, as a different dinosaur from around the globe will be featured every hour. There will be games, hands-on activities, noisemakers, party hats and a kid-friendly bubbly toast at the top of every hour. Admission: $12 for all ages older than 2. Info: kansasdinos.com
Dave & Buster’s, 2644 N. Greenwich, has two New Year’s Eve party options. The earlier, more kid-friendly event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $42.86 and include an appetizer banquet, unlimited soda, coffee and tea, a $20 game card with unlimited video game play, ginger ale toast, noisemakers and party hats. The evening event, which runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., includes similar items but with a premium buffet, a $25 game card and a champagne toast. Tickets are $79.33; the $110.53 VIP option includes two drink tickets. Tickets are limited for both events. To book, go to daveandbusters.com/us/en/holidaydeals/new-years-at-dave-and-busters. For more info, call (214) 904-2304.
Wichita’s three Bowlero locations are offering daytime and nighttime bowling bashes on Dec. 31. The earlier options, which start at noon, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m., are for two hours of bowling. The evening package, which starts at 9 p.m., includes four hours of bowling. Tickets range from $15.99 to $47.99, based on the time of day and upgrades. To book or for more info: bowlero.com.
Don’t forget about some ongoing winter events or special holiday break options, like extended hours for roller skating at Carousel Skate Center or taking in the final days of Botanica’s Illuminations.
