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 2025 — 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.
Drone Show Over Parker — Show starts at 6 p.m. at Echo Park Stadium. Approximately 200 drones will create displays in the sky that will be best viewed from the stadium’s parking lot or bleachers. Lots open at 5:30 p.m. 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd. in Parker.
New Year’s Eve Free Fireworks in Downtown Denver — Shows at 9 p.m. & midnight with best viewing along the 16th Street Mall.
Pre-Game NYE at Old 121 Brewhouse — Noon to 6 p.m. Celebrate with $3 Brut IPA toasts every hour toasting the New Year across the world. They’ll have a live stream of celebrations on the big screen. Live music by Nomad Neighbors from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cupbop Food Truck will be parked on site. FREE. 1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd., #60, Lakewood.
New Year’s Eve Over Yonder — 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Beer, Phish playing live from Madison Square Garden, NYC in 4K on a giant screen, exclusive food menu from Nomad Taqueria (or BYOF), dancing, chill area, non-alcohol options, and more. Will ring in the New Year with Phish in East Coast time, then keep the party going and do it again at 12 a.m. MT. No Cover. Over Yonder Brewing, 18455 W. Colfax Ave., Unit 103, Golden.
New Year’s Eve’ning at New Terrain Brewing — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Foggy Mountain Spaceship perform. FREE. 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy., Golden.
Louisville Underground New Year’s Eve Bash — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Totally FREE party with the Johnny O. Band and Marina Eve. Doors open at 7 p.m. Get tickets in advance. 640 Main St., Louisville.
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.
2024 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 2024. Laid-back after-party (wear your PJs and play board games) until 1 a.m. FREE. 4361 S. Broadway, Englewood.
A Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve at Pindustry — 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Great Gatsby themed party. Entertainment, games, lanes, drinks, bites, live music and balloon drop. That Eighties Band 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.
Beacon NYE 2025 — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Amazing dance floor, body paintings and more. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 2854 Larimer St., Denver.
New Year’s Eve Bash at Cheers — 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. Roaring 20s theme. Features The Nu Wave, Poison’D, and Rebel Souls. Free buffet, party favors for first 100 people, midnight champagne toast. Tickets $10 to $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 11964 Washington St., Northglenn.
New Year’s Eve at Wonderland Brewing — 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Music from DJ Chasing Lights. Tickets $20.30 and include one 16 oz. beer, appetizer buffet and a brut champagne beer toast at midnight. 5450 W. 120th Ave., Westminster.
Midnight at Miracle Bar at Union Station — 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For the first time ever, opening its doors on New Year’s Eve. Join Buddy the Elf as you welcome 2025 with whimsical cocktails, bubbly champagne, and plenty of ops. Tickets $25 (includes midnight champagne toast). Open to 21+. Reservations required. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver.
Improper City’s New Year’s Countdown Party — 8 p.m. A night full of music, dancing, and good vibes. Tickets are $25 and get you two free beers or hibiscus margaritas and a complimentary champagne toast during the balloon drop at midnight. 3201 Walnut St., Denver.
Mockingbird New Year’s Eve — 8 p.m. A night of awesome house music, dancing and craft cocktails. Tickets: $25. Each ticket gets you one free drink token. 2737 Larimer St., Denver.
Weird Touch New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Roxy on Broadway — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Non-stop dancing, midnight balloon drop. Tickets: $25. 554 S. Broadway, Denver.
New Year’s Eve Bachata/Salsa Party at Que Bueno Suerte — 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Bachata/Salsa Party with dancing, drink specials and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets $25 to $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 1518 S. Pearl St., Denver.
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 $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.
More on New Year’s Day
Various Locations
CO