It’s time to say bon voyage (or good riddance, depending on your year) to 2023 and welcome in 2024, and as always, the metro area is brimming with options for every kind of celebrant. Whether you’re looking for a big, swanky party, an event with lots of crowds that everyone can enjoy, or something aimed for the younger crowds, Denver has you covered.
Child-centered
Noon Year’s Eve at Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
The ever-popular child-friendly option is back for another year, bringing all the fun of New Year’s Eve in Times Square well before bedtime.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a ball drop at the top of the hour, every hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It takes place out in the museum’s plaza in the Snow Days outdoor experience and will feature music courtesy of Mr. Kneel, New Year’s-themed programming, treats from The Teaching Kitchen and more.
Get details at www.mychildsmuseum.org.
For adults
“Union Station Through the Ages” New Year’s Party, 1701 Wynkoop St.
Union Station is such a great space that they can’t help but do the holiday up right and this year looks to be no exception, with three options for guests to select from.
The Journey to Tomorrow ($75 per guest, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
The Great Hall party, featuring a DJ, food truck and complimentary midnight Champagne toast.
Studio B424 at the Cooper Lounge ($100 per guest, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
A VIP trip to the mid-century years of the 50s, 60s and 70s, guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, a more relaxed seated experience and a champagne toast with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
Bootleggers Ball ($285 per guest, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Held in the Webb Gallery, this Roaring 20s party will feature live jazz and swing music by La Pompe, a spread of delicious eats and an all-inclusive selection of cocktails, wine and beer.
Select your option and get information at https://www.denverunionstation.com/events/new-years-eve-2023-union-station-a-journey-thru-the-ages/
For everyone
IgNight NYE, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer St.
Hosted by ONE Denver (Office of Nighttime Economy Denver), this event blends the usage of fire and ice to celebrate 2024 in a way that has something for everyone.
Running from 4 to 7 p.m., the event features ice sculptures made on site in front of visitors and the presence of a 50-plus-foot-tall hot-air balloon for all your selfie backdrop needs. It will also feature a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt and interactive movie characters. Plus, if you decide to stay downtown for the annual fireworks display, you’ll be in a great spot.
The event is free, but attendees must RSVP at https://one-denver.org/ignight-nye/.
Make the season bright at DMNS
Life can get a bit grey this time of year, so why not head over to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, and brighten things up with its exhibit, Wild Color?
A celebration of the beauty of the natural world, the exhibition showcases a diverse collection of vivid plants and animals, with each color in the rainbow getting an opportunity to shine. The exhibit spans 7,000 square feet in the Museum’s Anschutz Gallery and features all kinds of vibrant offerings for guests to explore.
Entry comes with museum admission, so head over to www.dmns.org for details.
Wings Over the Rockies updates Wright Brothers exhibit
Most people are at least familiar with the Wright Brothers name, even if they don’t know much about the aviation pioneers. The Wings Over the Rockies museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd. in Denver, aims to do something about that by celebrating the 120th anniversary of Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first powered flight with an enhanced Wright Brothers exhibit.
The exhibit includes a roomier and more informative Wright Flyer simulator. According to provided information, to make the experience even more realistic, the simulator will feature a new projector and a larger, brighter screen and more graphics to make the viewer feel like they are actually there. The exhibit will also feature an original Wright Model K Propeller signed by Orville Wright at his home in Dayton in 1944 and provide information on “the third Wright brother,” their sister Katharine.
Visit wingsmuseum.org for all you need to know.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Laura Jane Grace at the Marquis Theater
If you were a fan of alternative music and punk rock in the first 15 years or so of the 2000s, then its pretty likely you’re familiar with the work of Laura Jane Grace, who fronted Florida’s seminal group, Against Me! The band is currently on hiatus, but that hasn’t stopped Grace from releasing her own music, and she’s preparing to kick off 2024 with a new album, “Hole in My Head,” releasing in February.
She’s getting an early start on touring behind the album and will be performing a New Year’s Eve show at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 at the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. in Denver. Opener Mya Byrne is joining for what is sure to be a raucous way to welcome in 2024. Get tickets at www.livenation.com.