☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
As we head into the final two days of the year, we’re making a final push to meet our $15,000 #newsCOneeds fundraising goal. We need to raise just under $650 dollars. Come on, Bucket Listers. We’re so close to crossing the finish line. Thanks to the Lenfest Institute, all donations are doubled through December 31, making this moment especially impactful. Your support helps us not only serve our community in the coming year with free hyperlocal neighborly news, but also mentor the next generation of journalists for years to come.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
2025 Trivia & Chill
📍Western Sky Bar & Taproom | Wednesday, December 31, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Ring in the New Year with a relaxed trivia night at Western Sky Bar & Taproom. The event runs late, making it easy to transition from trivia to a midnight countdown. It’s a great option for people who want to celebrate the new year without the chaos of a club scene!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Downtown
📍16th Street | Wednesday, December 31, 9-9:08 p.m. & 12-12:08 a.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with two free fireworks shows over downtown Denver! The eight minute displays start at 9 p.m. and again at midnight from rooftop locations. The best viewing area is along 16th Street.
Mile High Tree Ball Drop
📍Tivoli Quad | Wednesday, December 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Head to Tivoli Quad for Denver’s iconic Mile High Tree celebration. The evening features free light and music shows throughout the night! Watch the illuminated ball drop as the countdown to midnight brings the crowd together.
NYE Hip-Hop Party ‘26
📍Bar Red | Wednesday, December 31, 9p.m.-1 a.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with no cover at Bar Red’s Hip-Hop Party ‘26! DJs spin hip-hop favorites all night long, setting the tone for a high-energy celebration. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Noon Year’s Eve 📍Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus | Wednesday, December 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Perfect for families and morning people, Noon Year’s Eve offers a countdown at the Children’s Museum Denver. Kids can celebrate with music, activities, and a balloon drop, no late bedtime required. This daytime celebration is lively, inclusive, and stress-free.
Live Music
Keith Hicks
📍Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel | Tuesday, December 30, 4-6 p.m.
Unwind after the holidays with Keith Hicks at the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel! It’s a great way to experience live music without a late night commitment. Grab a drink and enjoy a mellow performance downtown.
Free Karaoke at Ballyhoo
📍Ballyhoo Table & Stage | Friday, December 2, 5-10 p.m.
With no cover charge, anyone can jump on stage and sing their favorite songs at Ballyhoo Table & Stage’s free karaoke night. Whether you’re performing or cheering others on, it’s a great social night out. Come early to secure your song pick!
Open House La Picoza Takeover ft. Tedd Adam with Groove District and David Cruz
📍Larimer Lounge | Friday, January 2, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Larimer Lounge is hosting a free late-night takeover featuring Tedd Adam with Groove District and David Cruz! The Open House vibe makes it easy to drop in and stay as long as you like. This event highlights local talent in a classic Denver venue.
Last Call DJ: HOWRU? Emo/Y2K DJ Set
📍Goosetown Tavern BBQ | Saturday, January 3, 8 p.m. -2 a.m.
Relive the early 2000s at Goosetown Tavern & BBQ! DJ HOWRU? spins emo, pop-punk, and Y2K favorites all night long. The free, 21+ show invites guests to stay late for throwback tracks and crowd-favorite singalongs.
Art & Culture
First Friday Art Walk
📍Artists on Santa Fe | Friday, January 2, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
The First Friday Art Walk of 2026 brings Denver’s art scene to life along Santa Fe Drive! Galleries will be open late with new exhibitions and artist receptions. The evening includes music, food trucks, and pop-up vendors.
Artists on Santa Fe 38th Annual Holiday Exhibition
📍Artists on Santa Fe | Continues through Monday, January 12
Artists on Santa Fe’s annual holiday exhibition highlights a wide range of local talent! The show features works in multiple mediums, perfect for browsing or inspiration. It celebrates the creativity and diversity of Denver’s art community.
“All Mixed Up” Group Art Exhibition
📍Niza Knoll Gallery | Continues through Sunday, January 11
Niza Knoll Gallery’s “All Mixed Up” is perfect for anyone curious about Denver’s evolving art scene! The group exhibition blends styles, techniques, and perspectives into one cohesive show. It encourages viewers to make their own connections between pieces.
“She Makes an Impression: Colorado Women Take a Look at Themselves”
📍D’art Gallery | Continues through Sunday, January 11
This group exhibition at D’art Gallery showcases works by Colorado women artists exploring identity. The show features diverse perspectives and artistic approaches. Visitors can experience powerful reflections on gender and personal narrative!
ALL IN! Group Show at Sync Gallery
📍Sync Gallery | Continues through Sunday, January 11
“ALL IN!” is a group exhibition featuring Sync Gallery members! Visitors can explore how different artists approach their work side by side. The exhibition reflects the collaborative spirit of the Santa Fe Arts District.
As we wrap up the year, we want to say thank you so much for being part of the Bucket List community. Your engagement and generosity make everything we do possible. With just two days left, now is the perfect time to help us close the remaining gap and reach our $15,000 #newsCOneeds fundraising goal. Together, we can continue uplifting local voices, informing and connecting the community and mentoring future journalists. Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year, and thank you for supporting local journalism!
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Natalie Montoya
Events Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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