This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Are you looking for an exciting way to ring in the New Year? Look no further than EVE WinterFest! This six-day celebration opens the best of downtown to you and your family. From world-class arts and entertainment to live performances and concerts, there's something for everyone at this downtown party. Here are your top reasons to celebrate the end of 2016 at EVE WinterFest.
Six Days to Celebrate
EVE has traditionally been a three day festival, but has doubled in size to encompass all six days between Christmas and New Years Day. With a slew of family-friendly activities from December 26-31, there are plenty of options to get the kids out of the house for multiple days. The America First All Access Pass permits passholders entrance into over a dozen downtown venues. So, spread out your visits and there is something to do every day! See below for schedule.
America First All Access Pass
The America First All Access Pass (included in every EVE WinterFest ticket) grants you access or discounted rates to Salt Lake's best venues, including Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, Utah Jazz game, Gallivan Center Ice Skating (additional charge applies, plus rentals), The Leonardo, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Temple Square, City Creek Center, Off Broadway Theatre, and Broadway Centre Cinemas.
Family Friendly
There's fun for the entire family at EVE WinterFest. Families can celebrate together with interactive art exhibits, hands-on learning at Discovery Gateway, an indoor Bounce Town, and much more.
Utah Jazz Game
Catch the home team square off against the 76ers on December 29th! Jazz tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 1,000 people who show up in person, on December 27th @ 12 Noon at The Union Pacific Grand Hall at The Gateway. The Jazz game is open to multi-day EVE ticket holders only. See all the details here.
Live Performances and Concerts
Hear the best of local bands, classical concerts, Latin rhythms, DJ mixes, and much more at EVE WinterFest. One six pass gets you into live concerts and performances that'll keep you rocking into the New Year.
Hop Rising Lounge
Got a taste for local brew? Find your favorites from local breweries Squatters and Wasatch Beers available throughout the Salt Palace, along with domestic offerings and wine. Enjoy the high point offerings in the Squatters Hop Rising Lounge in the heart of the Salt Palace, EVE's home base.
Discover an international celebration at the World Stage. Some of the world's best artistic and cultural performers will be showing Utahns how they ring in the New Year. From Brazilian fire dancers to Japanese Taiko drummers, there's a new world to discover at the World Stage.
Are your kids bouncing off the walls during the holiday season? Bring them to Bounce Town, Salt Lake's largest venue for indoor inflatable fun. And Bounce Town isn't just for kids—most areas are open to all! Come enjoy more than two dozen different inflatable features.
The BallRoom
This isn't your traditional BallRoom. Our BallRoom features DJs pumping music, colored lights, and more than 2,000 beach balls, ranging from six inches to six feet tall. It's the best kind of mayhem, where you can express yourself and—dare we say it—have a ball. There's even a Junior Ball Room just for the littlest EVE-goers. Get the ball rolling at the Salt Palace, the heart of EVE WinterFest.
MirrorBall Countdown
Celebrate at the Comcast Countdown Plaza and watch the MirrorBall descend over the crowd at the Salt Palace. The 20-foot-wide ball is accompanied by a light show and fireworks. On 12/31 the MirrorBall will ascend into the night sky accompanied by a light and laser show guaranteed to make your celebration memorable.
The Salt Palace, which is home to most of the indoor activities, including BounceTown, BallRoom, World Stage, Big Band Stage, as well as the MirrorBall and Countdown Stage, is open on the final two nights of EVE:
December 30th: 6 PM – 10 PM
December 31st: 3 PM – 12 AM. Family hour is from 3 – 6 PM
Participating America First All Access Pass venues are open at various times throughout the day and night.
For more information, and advance tickets, visit eveslc.com.
Video: