It’s time to welcome the roaring ‘20s.
Again.
Enter 2020 with 20/20 vision this New Year’s Eve with Boulder’s best celebrations. Boulder and the surrounding cities know how to usher in a new year, and a new decade.
If you’re looking for something special to do, whether it’s fancy or funky, here are some of the best ways to welcome 2020.
The Hotel Boulderado
The biggest New Year’s celebration in Boulder is at the historic Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St. Every year, this beautiful hotel holds a NYE party in the mezzanine, beneath the colorful stained glass ceiling. For 2020, the theme is Carnevale Di Boulderado.
The glamorous party includes a buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music (by Colorado’s Elevation Band), party favors, carnival performers, a sweets station, a photo booth, a midnight toast with complimentary champagne and more.
Since 1909, the hotel has hosted New Year’s parties. The countdown climaxes with a fun balloon drop.
It’s also the Boulderado’s 111th anniversary; 111 in 2020? That feels lucky.
License No. 1
If you can’t get tickets to the Boulderado’s big bash, Licence No. 1, the speakeasy-style bar in the basement of the Boulderado, is holding its own New Year’s Eve party.
The celebration comes complete with a DJ and signature drink specials. You’ll find party favors, light bites, a photo booth, games, souvenir shot glasses and a complimentary champagne toast.
It’s not as elaborate as the Boulderado, but you can still bask in the history and energy of Boulder’s biggest party, even if not directly.
St Julien Hotel & Spa
The St Julien Hotel & Spa, also in downtown at 900 Walnut St., holds an annual New Year’s Eve party every year. This year’s celebration will highlight music from Funkiphino in the Ballroom, The Good Manners Band in the Great Room and Oh Like WOW in Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro. Three bands in three different locations in the hotel.
In addition to live music, the event includes food stations, party favors a champagne toast with Chandon (yes, please!) and a balloon drop at midnight.
Ask about tickets and special overnight room packages.
Oskar Blues Brewery
Many of Boulder County’s bars and breweries hold fun events for New Year’s Eve, and they often include live music.
For example, Oskar Blues, 921 Pearl St. in Boulder, ushers in the New Year with live music by Abear. Boulderites love his ties to the Jerry Garcia Band. The music starts at 9 p.m. and runs into 2020.
Avalon Ballroom
The Avalon, 6185 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, is where to go if you want to dance. The Avalon holds annual NYE parties where social dancing is the highlight. Head here to waltz and ballroom dance starting at 7 p.m., accompanied by music on the piano. Then, it’s time to swing dance until 9:45 p.m. Late-night is time for the After Midnight Jazz Sextet live music; wrap up the night with salsa and Bachata until 1:30 a.m. Tango until 1 a.m., in a different room.
Not sure how to dance? Get a salsa or Bachata lesson at 7:15 p.m. You can also just enjoy dance performances in the ballroom, food and snacks, homemade cider and a champagne or cider toast at midnight.
Tickets are available in advance at www.dancelaughlove.com or at the door (although you don’t need to reserve a spot in advance). Minors can attend, and it’s open to couples, singles and groups.
BDT Stage
You might not think to go to a dinner theater for New Year’s, but this is Boulder’s dinner theater, which is on another level. The BDT Stage, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., welcomes the Face Vocal Band to its stage for NYE.
Face (an all-vocal rock band from Boulder) is made up of four acapella singers and a vocal drummer. They’re highly entertaining and one of Colorado’s favorite performances to watch.
Tickets include dinner.
