By Joe Metro
Photo by Syd White
So, you have no plans for New Year’s Eve, and you turn to the only reliable source you know: Provo Music Magazine’s Joe Metro. Well, never fear! I have you covered. Here is a list of my top ten things to do this New Year’s Eve!
And unlike last year’s New Year’s Eve post from PMM, all of these do take place on December 31. So there is no need to worry about checking the date. The last on this list is a bonus and may surprise you! Read more to find out.
2026 Decades Countdown
The Provo City Rec Center is hosting “2026 Decades Countdown.” Starting at 7 PM, this silent disco allows you to choose whichever decade you’d like to listen to and boasts dance zones, performances inspired by your favorite decade, vintage-themed activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t forget the fireworks show at 9 PM and at the end of the night at 12 AM! Tickets are $12.51 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Heart & Seoul Karaoke
Want to keep it lowkey and intimate with your pals? Go to Historic Downtown Provo and reserve a room at Hear & Seoul Karaoke. This is a great place to keep your evening chill while still having Provo music in your NYE plans. You can also couple this with other events/parties throughout the evening! Reservations fill up quickly, so snag your spot here!
Music and Movement
Next on the list is something for the youngins. Springville Public Library hosts Music and Movement on Wednesdays. With New Year’s Eve being a Wednesday this year, this is a great activity to bring your kids to. It’s geared towards kids ages 1–5 years old. There are two different times: 10:30 AM to 11 AM and 11:30 AM to 12 PM. There is no admission fee.
Black Jacks Bar
Do you want something in South Utah County? Gideon Mazikeen and Seth Bonnell are DJing sets at Black Jacks Bar in Spanish Fork, UT. If you’re looking for drinks and dancing while bringing in the New Year, this is the spot for you! Doors are at 9 PM. Ladies, you get in for free. Fellas, tickets are $12.51, and they can be purchased at Eventbrite. This is a 21+ show and venue.
ABG’s Bar
Don’t forget everyone’s favorite downtown Provo pub, ABG’s Bar! While it hasn’t been announced yet, they will be having a NYE show. Last year was Lindenfield and Queenadilla. Keep an eye out on their Instagram and our Weekly Shows post this Monday to see who’s playing!
The Gateway: Last Hurrah
Ring in 2026 at Last Hurrah, Utah’s biggest free New Year’s Eve party at The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City, presented by The Gateway and Downtown Alliance. From 8 PM to midnight, enjoy nonstop entertainment including live DJs and performances on an outdoor stage (with DJ Bangarang leading the final countdown), street performers, pop-up bars serving cocktails and champagne, a family-friendly game room with activities and hot chocolate, and Gateway restaurants and shops open late. Cap off the night with Downtown SLC’s only New Year’s Eve fireworks show at midnight, all in a high-energy, festive atmosphere. Entry includes security screening, small clutch bags only (medical and diaper bags allowed), strollers permitted, and no outside food or beverages.
The Last Disco of the Year
Eventos Reception Center in Salt Lake City is putting on “The Last Disco of the Year!” They are offering dinner, drinks, dancing, and fun. Starting at 8 PM, you’re welcome to an all-you-can-eat buffet until 9:30 PM. But don’t worry! After the buffet there are unlimited soft drinks and The Ultimate Disco Dance Party! There is a dress code. They ask you to attend in formal wear, and white, silver, or gold colors are encouraged. Ticket prices are steeper compared to other tickets on this list. You can purchase your ticket for $124.56 through Eventbrite.
PettyMac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac / Tom Petty
Redemption Bar and Grill in Sandy offers an evening of your grandmother’s favorite bands. Throwing it back in more ways than one, PettyMac is a tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty. Music starts at 9 PM and goes until 11:30 PM. Get some great food and drinks as you listen to some timeless classics at a place that offers fantastic vibes. Tickets are $22.48 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. This is a 21+ show and venue.
NYE Velvet Countdown
Downtown SLC will give you your rave fix for New Year’s Eve with the NYE Velvet Countdown show. There will be two stages with Junkie Kid headlining. Mushroom Cloud, Night Spine Kollective, Drippla, and local Utah groups will be supporting acts. They encourage rave, nightlife, or New Year’s attire. This is an 18+ event. There is a bar for those of you who are 21+ and have your ID on you. Tickets are $30.93 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bonus
Still not satisfied with anything on this list? Hit my line for the Joe Metro Special. I’ll spend New Year’s Eve with you. I’ll dance with you. I’ll hold you in my big arms, in a tender embrace. I’ll whisper sweet nothings in your ear as the night passes. I’ll be your New Year’s Eve kiss. But don’t fly too close to the sun. I’m a rogue, a rapscallion, a stranger in the night. I will disappear as the fireworks explode overhead, and I won’t call in the morning—DM at your own risk.
Whatever you may choose to do for New Year’s Eve, please ring in 2026 happy, healthy, and safe. From us here at Provo Music Magazine, we love you (yes, even you). Have a good night, and may all your dreams come true!