When the clock strikes 12 on January 1, 2020 – where will you be?
Some cultures believe how you leave the old year is how you’ll live the new year. If you’ll be stuck in a corner, third-wheeling at your friend’s apartment with their partner and chugging a bottle of Cooks’ Champagne, you might want to reconsider New Years’ Eve plans.
Before you start cooking your black-eyed-peas, check out this list of events and activities in Memphis that’ll seal your 2019 as one year to remember or launch the new decade as one of excitement, thrill and new beginnings.
Hulesy Britt & Cynthia Daniels present The Party Life: NYE Experience at Hilton Memphis
One of the first things you see when you visit nyepartylife.com is this: Leave Your Wallets at Home on NYE! Enjoy Open Bar & Hors D’Oeuvres All Night Long. What else is there to say? What other selling point do you need? An open bar and a purse free party? Sign me up!
Leave your New Year’s Eve experience in the hands of Cynthia Daniels, well-known event coordinator and founder of Memphis Black Restaurant Week along with Memphis 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Awards. One of the most anticipated events of the year, Cynthia Daniels and Hulesy Britt have curated tour de france experience that begs for more after midnight – and the party doesn’t stop. This is a good spot for you to take the bae and their parents if they’re visiting Memphis for the holidays. If you’re looking for sophisticated fun with the boo, a chance to get dressed up with a pair of flats in your purse and a – one more time for the people in the back – AN OPEN BAR, this is where you need to be. Starting at 9 PM, The NYE Experience will jump off at the Hilton Hotel at 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. There will be a balloon drop at midnight with soulful performances from local artists including Courtney Little and Karen Brown. Since the drinks will be flowing all night, consider booking a hotel room for the night with one of the special package offers with ticket sales. Cynthia and Hulesy have made it possible for you to drink and party responsibly. You and your group of friends can secure a table, but move quickly – they’re selling like Chings’ Hotwings.
Curtis Givens and Socialpreneurs present NYE Celebration at Love
“Ain’t no party like a Curtis Givens party!” Memphis’ numero uno socialite and party promoter, Curtis Givens, is linking with Tony Smith and Andy Woods this NYE and giving you a 40/40 club experience that Jay Z would envy. You’ll need your finest garbs for this one. Cub Love, located at 7144 Winchester Rd, is owned by Givens and always provides a good time to its patrons. This may be the closest you’ll get to a P. Diddy 50th birthday bash in Memphis. Tickets and tables can be purchased online, and trust – you’ll want a table to enjoy your drinks, hookah and food that many folks in Memphis enjoy. Don’t miss out on this. The Socialpreneurs are known to throw parties that leave everyone talking the next day, and what better way to start the new decade than with good conversation about a good night. Take your boo or go single and meet a new fling for the new year. #EatDrinkSocialize
You think the Peabody won’t turn-up? Think again. This JUNT sells out every year and is packed from wall-to-wall. It’s the most anticipated NYE party in the city. You’ll need to hire a babysitter and find a sequin, shiny outfit quickly if you plan to attend the “South’s Grand Hotel.” Entertainment is hosted by DJ Epic, Seeing Red and a Memphis favorite, Almost Famous. Start your night with a dinner on Main Street and walk over to the Peabody Hotel to dance the year away. Word on the street is VIP is already sold out! So chop chop!
Beale Street
If you’re looking for something a little more easy on the knees and ankles, check out the famous Beale Street! The 8th Wonder of the World is exactly the most epic place to bring in the new decade with fireworks, music and people you’ve never met. Put on your tennis shoes and bar hop from Wet Willies to B.B. King’s. Stop for a hearty dinner at Miss Polly’s or dance for free in the middle of the street (stay clear of the Beale Street flippers). Clubs with live bands and fire dj’s will be sure to be live all night long. Whether you’re in the mood for Blues, Hip Hop, Country or Rhythm and Soul, Beale has everything you need to party away and forget the trials of 2019. Beale will be sure to gather tens of thousands of people as it does each year. If you want to be around the crowd, but not in it – try stopping by popular bars like Tin Roof and The Hu Hotel who are having NYE specials. You must be 21 and above to turn-up!
Speakeasy Spectacular at Minglewood
If you’re looking for a theme-like shindig, try the Speakeasy Spectacular at Minglewood. This party will bring the 1920s to life in 2020. According to their website, you’ll sneak in through a back door with a special password that you’ll receive when you buy your tickets. You’ll be escorted into the 1920s themed area, escorted by bouncers into the “world of bathtub gin, roaring jazz and the sensuality of our smoldering stage shows.” There will be a dance floor where everyone will join for the new year countdown. The party will then transition into 2020 themed ambiance with futuristic lights, lasers and the latest pop hits. There’s also a complimentary buffet and free champagne for the midnight toast. Proceeds go towards Friends for Life and community efforts toward access to PrEp.
NYE Dinner and Dancing at Graceland
Nothing says NYE in Memphis like Dinner and Dancing at Graceland. The Guest House at Graceland is a great escape from the kids, family and groove with your favorite King of Rock-n-Roll. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just enjoy the architecture and ambiance of the Whitehaven landmark, you’ll enjoy what the Guest House has to offer. Dinner and Dancing for Two includes guestroom, dinner buffet for two people from 8pm – 10pm, champagne toast at midnight and dancing from 9pm – 1am with special guest band, Party Planet.
You don’t have to bring in the New Year at home watching It’s A Wonderful Life for the 10th time this season, or going to Watch Night service at your grandmother’s church. Start the decade with some new Memphis traditions with friends or make new ones. Kick off your new year in Memphis style and TURN UP!