Things to do in Denver this weekend: 12/28 – 1/1

It’s officially the end of 2022! Denver celebrates New Year’s Eve this weekend, and the city is hosting crisp events to embrace the change of year. Start the weekend hanging out with the ghost of Christmas past at the Honor Farm holiday bar and end it by grabbing mimosas and waffles at the Penthouse Caribbean Restaurant Cafe. Whatever you have planned, be sure to check out this roundup of events happening in Denver.
Bump Day Funk Jam

Photo courtesy of Herb’s Hideout website
When: December 28, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Herb’s Hideout, 2057 Larimer Street, Denver
Cost: N / A
The truth : Join Herb’s Bar for an open jam sess! All genres are welcome and a backline will be provided. Come down and bring your voice and your instruments and rock.
Decadence

Photo courtesy of David Rossa
When: December 30 – 31, 6:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver
Cost: Get your tickets here.
The truth : America’s biggest NYE dance festival returns for two nights on December 30 and 31! Some of the biggest names in EDM will support two main stages. Performers include Gris, Ganja White Night, Porter Robinson, Dillon Francis, San Holo, Zomboy and more!
The String Cheese Incident at Mission Ballroom

Photo courtesy of The String Cheese Incident on Facebook
When: December 29 – December 31, 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Mission Ballroom
Cost: $50-$85, find tickets here.
The truth : The String Cheese Incident will present a special three-day New Year’s Eve show at Mission Ballroom. There will also be special appearances from Kanika Moore and Antwaun Stanley. Don’t miss this concert!
NYE with the Flobots

Photo courtesy of Flobots on Facebook
When: The 31st of December,
Where: Herman’s Hideout, 1578 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $30-$700, find tickets here.
The truth : Ring in the New Year with the Denver Flobots. This all-night celebration will feature special guests, an open bar, DJs, confetti blasts, giveaways and more!
Day One: The Regretraverse

Photo courtesy of Norad Underground on Eventbrite
When: January 1, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Standard Bar, 1037 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $17-$33, find tickets here.
The truth : This The trippy musical marathon at Bar Standard will leave you wanting more! You are welcome to create your own avatar as you step into the future with Regretaverse. Several rooms will host house, techno, disco, DnB and more than 50 DJs. Digital avatar, onsies themed futuristic clothing encouraged. 21+ only.
Baby We’re Dead Inside Holiday Cocktail Bar

Photo courtesy of Honor Farm on Eventbrite
When: December 28 – December 31
Where: Honor Farm, 1526 Blake Street, Denver
Cost: N / A
The truth: The holiday spirit is still alive at Honor Farm and the ghost of Christmases past haunts the bar! Pro tip: On Sundays there are Drag brunches, horror trivia and themed events.
(GAME) Rolling Sushi Class

Photo courtesy of Colorado Sake Co. on Eventbrite
When: December 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Colorado Sake Co, 3559 Larimer Street, Denver
Cost: $69, find tickets here.
The truth : If you want to learn a new skill for the new year, get a head start on this in-person cooking class. Learn how to roll sushi in three different styles from a sushi chef in the Taproom while sipping sake. Tickets include all ingredients, tools, and two glasses of sake per person.
New Year’s Eve (Eve!) Beer + Food Pairing

Photo courtesy of Lady Justice Brewing on Eventbrite
When: December 30, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Lady Justice Brewing Company
Cost: $75, find tickets here.
The truth : Join Chef Camille Shoemakers of Lady in the Wild Food Truck and Lady Justice Brewing for a special New Year’s Eve experience. Gather friends and loved ones for fresh Mediterranean dishes paired with tasty beers to celebrate the New Year a little early .
Scandinavian New Year’s menu at OAK

Photo courtesy of OAK
When: the 31st of December
Where: OAK at Fourteenth, 1400 Pearl St, Boulder
Cost: $85 per person, make reservations here.
The truth : Chef John Bissell is bringing the taste of Norway to Colorado this New Year’s Eve. This grand 5+ course menu will draw inspiration from traditional and modern techniques and flavors. The Nordic spread will also include foraged ingredients such as canned ramps, bilberry, bilberry, fermented gooseberry, lamb pancetta, beet juice, sour milk, celery -root and selected game such as pheasant and venison.
Holiday Brewing Company NYE Beer Pairing Menu

Photo courtesy of Holidaily Brewing Company on Facebook
When: December 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Holiday Brewing, 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden
Cost: $70, reserve your place here.
The truth : On NYE Holidaily presents a private 4-course dinner with beer hosted by Barrett & Pratt Provisions. Enjoy four savory entrees, like Kabocha Squash Pie and Tender Braised Prime Rib) and four beers hand-selected by Holidaily’s head brewer, Alan Windhausen. Each dish is gluten and corn free and can be made completely dairy free upon request on the evening of. Space is limited so reserve your spot now.
Lois Whiskey Dinner

Photo courtesy of X
When: December 28, 6 p.m.
Where: For[a]ged, 1825 Blake Street, Denver
Cost: $75 per person, book here.
The truth : Join Chef James Germain for an exclusive five-course dinner accompanied by a special selection from the House of Laws Whisky. Some menu items will include cold smoked elk, carpaccio, seared scallops, Cornish Game Hen Roulade, Smoked Rack of Lamb, Cherry Deer Sausage, Crip Moulard Duck Breast and more . This delicious dinner experience will be hosted at For[a]ged – modern Japanese-inspired cuisine and raw bar by chef Duy Pham at Dairy Block.
Afro music and brunch

Photo courtesy of PMG featured on Eventbrite
When: January 1, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Penthouse Caribbean Restaurant Cafe, 1600 Champa St. #230, Denver
Cost: $20-$80, find tickets here.
The truth : Nothing better to start the new year than with a mimosa and waffles! This Afro-Caribbean and traditional American is a unique fusion of flavors and is sure to satisfy any brunch lover. Book unlimited mimosas and a table in advance.
Exhibition of photos from the Magpie Arts collection

Photo courtesy of Larimer Square on the website
When: December 30 – January 7, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 1428 Larimer Street, Denver
Cost: To free
The truth : Magpie Arts Collection and Larimer Square are teaming up to host a pop-up art exhibit titled 72 Hours: Stockholm. Denver photographer Jeff Fieberg was inspired by capturing the moment without any planning or research. Fierberg landed in Stockholm for just 72 hours and challenged himself to be fully immersed and capture the essence of the country. This photo exhibit will feature a mix of metallic prints and framed prints on metallic photo paper. Don’t miss this unique show!
Catch Me If You Can – Themed New Years Eve Party

Photo courtesy of FlyteCo Tower
When: December 31, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: FlyteCo Tower, 3120 Uinta St., Denver
Cost: $89 – $1080, find tickets here.
Info: Fly into the New Year with an air travel-themed party inspired by the movie Catch Me. This celebration comes with major perks such as Denver’s top DJs, three free drink tickets at their multiple bars, bowling, mini-golf, arcade games, 9-11 p.m. festive gifts for all! Dress up in the golden age of 1960s aviation clothing or your best flight crew attire and celebrate the New Year at the FlyteCo Tower. 21+ only.
Midnight fever at the Rally Hotel

Photo courtesy of Rally Hotel
When: December 31, 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Rally Hotel, 1601-1893 20th St., Denver
Cost: General admission $195, VIP $250, find tickets here.
The truth : Celebrate the New Year in style in Rally Hotel’s huge indoor lounge and third-floor outdoor balcony overlooking McGregor Square. Enjoy roving entertainment, live music, an open bar, all-you-can-eat bites, a photo booth, and a grand fireworks display! 21+ only. Pro tip: book an overnight package and receive for two at Midnight Fever, a bottle of bubbles and brunch for two at The Original! Book here.
Adrift’s Disco Funk New Year’s Eve

Photo courtesy of Adrft on Eventbrite
When: December 31, 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Adrift, 218 South Broadway, Denver
Cost: $10, find tickets here.
The truth : Boogie and beat your way into the new year with Adrift’s 70s themed disco party! This groovy evening will feature music from PHURN, retro drink specials, a Knuckle Sandwich food truck and a free champagne toast at midnight. Grab your favorite bell bottoms, psychedelic patterned shirts, ruffled collars for some fun vibes this weekend!
Mercury Poetry Slam

Photo courtesy of Mercury Cafe on Eventbrite
When: January 1, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St., Denver
Cost: Free, but a $7 donation is suggested
The truth : Come to Mercury Cafe for a Denver tradition that spans over 25 years. Arrive early to see The Jam B4 The Slam where members are invited to perform improvised music and spoken word. During the Slam, poets will compete for $50 and bragging rights for the Sunday Night Slam! After the slam, there will be an open mic open to all singers, comedians, preachers, etc.
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