Want to bid 2017 goodbye South Florida-style? Fortunately, there are several events sprinkled throughout the region that feature live entertainment, dancing, citrus fruits and even an illuminated anchor.
MIAMI:
Miami's Big Orange NYE Countdown
Instead of a ball drop, Miami’s iconic “Big Orange” will rise to the 31st floor of the InterContinental Hotel on New Year’s Eve. The neon “Big Orange” sign will begin its ascent at 6 p.m., and when it reaches the top, a fireworks display will light up the Miami sky. The event is free and open to the public.
Wynwood NYE 2018
The theme of Wynwood NYE 2018 is #KeepWynwoodWeird. During the New Year’s Eve celebration in the eclectic neighborhood, there will be live entertainment, fire eaters, artists, dancers and live music. The event goes down at 2250 NW 2nd Avenue. For more information, click here.
Miami Beach New Year's Eve Celebration
The City of Miami Beach shuts down Ocean Drive to vehicular traffic to ring in the new year. There will be a fireworks display at midnight. Ocean Drive will be closed from Saturday at 7 a.m. to Monday at 9 a.m., according to the Miami Herald.
Fontainebleau Hotel
Pop singer Demi Lovato and DJ/Producer KYGO headline a poolside New Year's Eve party at the Fontainebleau Hotel. There will also be performances by Grammy “Album of the Year” nominee Travis Scott. The poolside event starts at 9 p.m. General admission tickets start at $300, according to the official website.
Coconut Grove
Dubbed “the weirdest parade in the universe,” the King Mango Strut parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. The event kicks off at Commodore Plaza and continues along Main Highway and Grand Avenue. Entry is free.
Miami Children's Museum
Local
The MCM holds a Noon Year’s Eve Special to allow families to ring in the new year a few hours early with a balloon drop surrounded by confetti. The event will be held from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Be sure to arrive by 11:30 a.m. for the balloon drop.
BROWARD COUNTY:
Fort Lauderdale's Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown
The City of Fort Lauderdale is hosting a New Year's Eve Celebration from 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. The free event is being held along Southwest 2nd Street and 5th Avenue. Family activities will be held from 3:30-8:30 p.m. A kids countdown is scheduled for 7 p.m. Live music kicks off at 7:45 p.m. The midnight countdown will be marked by an illuminated anchor that'll descend from 100 feet above the main stage and fireworks. For more information, click here. http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/downtown-countdown
Margaritaville Resort
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort’s rings in the New Year with party favors, a balloon drop and a champagne toast. The seaside restaurant will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu starting at 9:30 p.m., which will cost $75 per adult and $35 per child (12 years and under.) Reservations for 10 p.m. seating must be made in advance. For more information, click here.
Xtreme Action Park
The Park will host a Neon New Year’s Eve Party featuring DJ Chris Harrell at 9 p.m. There will be two large projection screens in the park broadcasting a live feed of the New York City ball drop in Times Square along with a free champagne toast. Tickets to the party are $20.17 per person. Xtreme Action Park Arena Roller Skating Rink is located on 5300 Powerline Road in Fort Lauderdale.
Have an event you'd like to share? Please e-mail selima.hussain@nbcuni.com with the details.
