Picture this: it’s the final countdown to 2018, you are in a sea of 20,000 people, with lasers beaming all around you and an intangible energy pulsating through the crowd. 10…9…8…7. The countdown begins. 6…5…4. You wrap your arms around your squad as the adrenaline continues to build. 3…2…1. Fireworks explode on stage, streamers fall from the sky, and the DJ pauses just long enough for the crowd to echo in unison “Happy New Year!” before the bass drops.
There’s nothing quite like ringing in the new year at a music festival. Being outside in the fresh air, surrounded by a crowd of like-minded people, listening to music — the experience lights a spark inside you that will last all year long. If you’re headed to the states this NYE, skip the club scene and start the new year with a bang at these festivals!
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#1 SlowGlobe Music Festival in Lake Tahoe, California
Ski all day, then thaw out at the biggest NYE party on the west coast. Nestled among Northern California’s world-class ski resorts, this snowy 3-day fest is a winter wonderland, foodie haven and music festival all wrapped into one. Besides world-class music (there’s plenty of that), you will find big air snowboard demonstrations, fire dancers and an amazing selection of local food vendors offering everything from fresh seafood to decadent desserts. While you can expect sub-freezing temps, there’s something magical about the winter atmosphere, majestic mountain panoramas and lights reflecting off the falling snow – and there’s always spiked hot chocolate to warm you up.
Get the VIP treatment: Escape the crowds and book a private cabana with all your friends, where you can ring in the new year with a bottle of Dom Perignon.
#2 Countdown NYE in San Bernardino, California
Dance into the new year at the “it” festival of the LA area. The party happens at one of our fave festival venues, the NOS Events Center, which has a gorgeous lake perfect for staging your romantic midnight kiss – we even saw someone pop the question here last year. For 2 nights, prolific festival promoter Insomniac Events transforms the grounds into a LED-infused sonic playground, an immersive experience that goes beyond the music. There’s 3D art installations, photo booths, an ice skating rink, and three stages of unreal production to give you all the feels this NYE. The countdown is ON.
Get the VIP treatment: Upgrade to VIP tickets for access to exclusive viewing decks, gourmet food options, luxury bathrooms and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
#3 Decadence NYE in Denver, Colorado
For all that glitters, indulge in the mile high city’s most lavish new years celebration. Hosted inside the Colorado Convention Center – which is the size of a small city – this massive event is the epitome of glamour, with a lineup that seems to outdo itself every year. True to its name, Decadence comes to life with exquisite decor, over-the-top production and all the little touches that memories are made of. Take a ride on the on the carousel, jam out at the silent disco and sip on bubbly as the clock strikes 12. This year’s theme is “The City Beyond Tomorrow”, so we’re expecting a futuristic twist on America’s biggest NYE festival.
Get the VIP treatment: Elevate your experience to an ultra-posh VIP cabana, where you’ll have champagne, a personal server and the best view in the house.
Life’s one big party.
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