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 Chanukah, 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 2026 — full of more freebies, discounts and deals!
Free & Cheap New Year’s Eve
Visit the Denver Zoo — Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Standard winter admission $19 to $26. Timed-ticket required. 2025
Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science — Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard admission $21 – $26. For best experience, buy in advance. 2025
Visit the Denver Art Museum — CLOSED. 2025
New Year’s Eve Free Fireworks in Downtown Denver — Shows at 9 p.m. & midnight with best viewing along the 16th Street Mall. 2025
New Year’s Eve at New Terrain Brewing — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dog Log (Phish tribute) perform. FREE. 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy., Golden. 2025
New Year’s Eve at Fiction Beer Company — 2 p.m. to midnight (or later). Year in Review trivia starts at 6 p.m. Second beer release of the day goes on tap at 7:30 p.m. Live music with Ransom Act from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Finally, ring in the new year with a free beer shot to toast. FREE. 7101 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 2025
New Year’s Eve Party at Ratio Beerworks RiNo Taproom — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. RiNo resident DJ Daytona will be spinning music throughout the night. Midnight countdown, balloon drop and beer toast to 2025. FREE. 2920 Larimer St., Denver.
2025 Trivia & Chill NYE at Western Sky Bar & Taproom — 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. and is all about 2025. Laid-back after-party (wear your PJs and play board games) until 1 a.m. FREE. 4361 S. Broadway, Englewood. 2025
90’s New Year’s Eve at Pindustry — 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Party like it’s 1999. Entertainment, games, lanes, drinks, bites, live music and balloon drop. Nothing But Nineties plays from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. General Admission is $15 purchased online or at the door (GA tickets get you in the door and are not inclusive of any activities). 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd. Greenwood Village. 2025
New Year’s Eve Bash at Cheers — 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. Features The Grind 5280 and Van Zeppelin. Free buffet, party favors for first 100 people, midnight champagne toast. Tables are first come. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 11964 Washington St., Northglenn. 2025
The Black Buzzard Haunted NYE Countdown Concert — 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jordan Burgette & Residing Elsewhere take you to a gloomy mountain town tucked away in the Rockies, Ruby Pines. Dress spooky, dance the night away, and ring in the year to the rock n roll fusion sound of Ruby Pines, a compilation set from underground collective CA$H CORP, a full-band hip-hop set by Moses Graytower & The American Dream, and sounds by lethalpar. Tickets: $15. 1624 Market St., Denver. 2025
Y2K NYE at Improper City — 8 p.m. A night full of music and dancing. Photo booth with free printable photos. Temporary tattoo station. Heated tent with yard games. Tickets are $25 and get you a welcome drink and balloon drop at midnight. 3201 Walnut St., Denver. 2025
New Year’s Eve with Phat Daddy — 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets start at $30. Held at Q’s Pub & Grille, 10133 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton. 2025
More on New Year’s Eve
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 $21 – $26. For best experience, buy in advance. 2026
Visit the Denver Zoo — Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Standard winter admission $19 to $26. Timed-ticket required. 2026
Visit the Denver Art Museum — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission $19 to $27. Kids under age 18 always FREE. 2026
More on New Year’s Day
Various Locations
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