The kids are home from school, relatives are visiting or maybe you and your special someone are just now trying to map out how to celebrate New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day. You need a game plan that’s inexpensive because you broke the bank on Christmas and Hanukkah, like so many of us.
Tempting though it may be to spend big bucks on ringing in the new year, there’s really no need. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks of FREE or low-cost events and activities around town well-suited for bargain hunters.
Our list includes some things to do that normally don’t appear on our calendar, followed by the calendar list for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Know of any we’ve overlooked? Email Laura@MileHighOnTheCheap.com with details.
We’ll keep updating this list, so check back often.
As always, to keep up with latest money-saving promos and events in the Denver/Boulder area, sign up for the daily Mile High On The Cheap e-newsletter. Trust us, your wallet will thank you.
Here’s to a happy 2024 — full of more freebies, discounts and deals!
Free & Cheap New Year’s Eve
Visit the Denver Zoo — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard winter admission $10.50 – $15.75. Timed-ticket required.
Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science — Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard admission $20 – $25. For best experience, buy in advance.
Visit the Denver Art Museum — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission $15 to $18. Kids under age 18 always FREE.
New Year’s Eve Free Fireworks in Downtown Denver — Shows at 9 p.m. & midnight with best viewing along the 16th Street Mall.
New Year’s Eve at Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill — 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Rowdy Shadehouse performs. $10 cover includes live music, midnight champagne toast, party favors and fun. 4651 Highway 73, Evergreen.
A Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve at Pindustry — 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Great Gatsby themed party. Entertainment, games, lanes, drinks, bites, live music and balloon drop. Wash Park plays from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. General Admission is $15 purchased online or at the door. 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd. Greenwood Village.
New Year’s Eve Party at Cheers — 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. 80’s Prom Night theme. Features Mr. Steak and Fire & Ice (tribute to Pat Benatar). Free buffet, party favors, midnight champagne toast. Tickets $10 to $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 11964 Washington St., Northglenn.
New Year’s Eve at The Shindig — 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.. Live music by Atomic X-Perience from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., then DJ and dancing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Enjoy delicious food from the pizza kitchen until 11 p.m. and full bar will be open all night with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! FREE. 9360 Station St., #175, Lone Tree.
New Year’s Eve with Those Crazy Nights: Tribute to Journey — Doors open at 8 p.m. Starts at 9 p.m. Tickets $25. Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver.
New Year’s at Flight Club — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Individual Ticket option of $45 per person, includes two drink tickets, Bottomless Bites — unlimited replenishment of the special events menu, complimentary midnight champagne toast and the ability to play ‘Social Darts’ with other guests. 1959 16th Street Mall, Denver.
More on New Year’s Eve
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ice skate for free at the airport. Photo by Denver International Airport
Free & Cheap New Year’s Day
Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science — Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard admission $20 – $25. For best experience, buy in advance.
Visit the Denver Zoo — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard winter admission $10.50 – $15.75. Timed-ticket required.
Visit the Denver Art Museum — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission $15 to $18. Kids under age 18 always FREE.