Miami’s best New Year’s Eve events to celebrate 2019

What happens when one of Miami’s most fun bands invades one of Miami’s most fun bars during one of Miami’s most fun night of the year? If you’re answer had something to do with “fun” then you are very correct. Our favorite Key West rockabilly heroes ring in the new year at Sweet Liberty, where your ticket gets you an open bar, raw bar and a plenty of opportunities to tear up the dance floor.

Want to live large on the last day of 2018? The Faena might be the right pick for you. The entire property is activated with multi-course dinners being served inside Francis Mallmann’s Los Fuegos and Pao by Paul Qui. Inside Faena’s bougie bar, Living Room, live music and champagne flow. At midnight, head out to the Damien Hirst golden mammoth for live performances and fireworks.

The Fontainebleau’s annual poolside New Year’s Eve bash is always one of the hottest (and priciest) tickets in town. But the evening always promises some huge names and this year is no different thanks to performances by Colombian megastar J Balvin and Swedish DJ Alesso. Also, your ticket gets you access to an open bar until midnight. That hangover is going to be rough. 

Dance music diehards, we found your New Year’s Eve happy place. Marco Carola and Jamie Jones spin straight into 2019 at Miami’s beloved Club Space. This thing probably won’t end until well after the sun has come up—so stamina is key here.

Few bars around Miami have had a better year than the Wharf, so it’s only right they celebrate with a huge waterfront party. Expect all the usual food vendors (yes, Garcia’s will be there), plenty of drinks and some surprises along the way.

No velvet rope or six-figure cover fee here. This Wynwood block party is gloriously free. It’s also sure to be big, loud and crowded. There should be plenty of food and drink and your RSVP to the event gets you one free cocktail. 

The gorgeous waterfront Rusty Pelican offers two royal-themed NYE options: a “ballroom” party with a tasty buffet and even tastier open bar or a sit-down five-course meal. Hard to pick, right? Start saving up and maybe you can do both, fancy pants.

Comedy tornado Tiffany Haddish brings her stand up show to Miami to ring in the New Year. Haddish is a blast on a normal Wednesday afternoon but on New Year’s freaking Eve? She’s going to bring the energy of three trillion nuclear bombs. 

The glittering Japanese spot celebrates New Year’s Eve with a themed dinner and waterfront party overlooking the Miami River. Pick from “Tokyo Nights,” a prix-fixe tasting menu with pours of La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot and Kirinzan Sake (price is contingent on arrival; $195 before 8pm), or Osaka evenings, a chic outdoor bash on Zuma’s terrace ($175). Alternatively, if your budget allows, you can always ring in 2019 at both. Reservations can be made over the phone (305-577-0277) or via email, info@zumarestaurant.us.

So this one technically falls just before New Year’s Eve on December 30—but it’s still going to be one hell of a show (Is it ever not with the Roots?) and a great way to get in some New Year’s fun while narrowly avoiding those New Year’s crowds.