A new decade is coming.
Where you start it can mean everything. Maybe the love of your life will run to pick you up before midnight at the fantastic gala your friends are dragging you to. Hey, it happened to Sally in “When Harry Met Sally,” so it could happen to you too. Or you may accidentally spill a piece of lasagna on an acquaintance at a buffet line, and the following apologies and conversations will lead you to your next plum job.
Of course, you don’t have to be awake until midnight or go out on the town. Countdown to 9pm and say it right. But at the very least, give it a good hug, a kiss and a fare in the last ten years before we all make a collective leap into the future.
Below is a wide range of activities for all ages to consume on the last night of the year and decade.
“New Year’s Eve: Broadway and Beyond” by Colorado Springs Philharmonic
When: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
On: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave.
Price: $ 35 to $ 68; 520-7469, pikespeakcenter.com, axs.com
Broadway New Year’s Eve is a tradition for many. Maybe it can also be yours, after listening to vocalist Joshua Franklin, who listened to some tunes from your favorite musicals. Franklin is a Broadway veteran, with appearances on “Jersey Boys,” “Legally Blonde,” “Anything Goes” and “Grease.” Thomas Wilson will direct.
AdAmAn Fireworks Display
When: 23:55 pm Tuesday
On: Cim Atop Pikes
Price: Free; adaman.org
These mountaineers will not stop in front of anything to provide a cascade of fireworks over our favorite mountain on New Year’s Eve. AdAmAn will begin the hike at 9 a.m. Monday, arrive at Barr Camp for a small recovery of soul and bonfire, and then head out to the peak at 8:30 p.m. They arrive at the summit around 2:30 pm to prepare for the night’s festivities. Fortunately, the Four-Wheel Traction Club arrives at 11:45 pm to take these exhausted travelers up the mountain after they have completed their annual functions.
Erotic Poetry Festival
When: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
On: The Mercury Cafe, 2199, California, Denver
Price: $ 10; 303-294-9258, mercurycafe.com
Here’s a way to end the year you never knew you needed: the annual Mercury Cafe tradition since 1995 of erotic poetry readings from some of Denver’s best poets. All styles and forms are available, including slams, word, prose and more. And to break the sweat-free style, there are some not at all seductive tribal belly dancers.
New Year’s Eve murder mystery
When: Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
On: Briarhurst Manor Estate, 404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs
Price: $ 99; 685-1864, briarhurst.com
People and dining rooms come together during this annual five-course dinner at Briarhurst Manor Estate. As you dine, a cast of characters unfolds a murder mystery around you. After dessert and coffee, you and your co-workers will be able to make the best impressions of Sherlock Holmes and try to solve the crime.
New Year’s Eve celebration at Boot Barn Hall
When: Tuesday at 6:45 p.m.
On: Boot Barn Hall and Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive
Price: $ 100, includes dinner; 888-718-4253, bootbarnhall.com
Boot Barn Hall will celebrate the last century with themed meals, music, costume and dance contests and giveaways. Two buffet stations will include food from the 1920s and 1970s, including a Waldorf salad, king chicken, smoked salmon mousse and a nostalgic candy bar. On stage will be Speakeasy, a tribute band from the 1920s and Pulse, who will perform dance songs from the 1970s to the present day. A free toast with champagne will begin the new year.
New Year’s Eve Gala of the White Rose Gala
When: Tuesday at 9 p.m.
On: Operapera Ellie Caulkins, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Price: $ 79; 720-507-1376, newyearspartydenver.com, axs.com
Press the rewind and you could find yourself at a 1920s themed party on New Year’s Eve. The White Rose Gala is one of Denver’s most popular shindigs to boast about: five floors of themed interactive experiences and art photography installations; more than 50 performers, including flapper girls and ballroom dancing performances; and a crowd dressed to impress with 1940s costumes.
Latin New Year’s Dance Party
When: Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
On: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.
Price: $ 55 to $ 60; 576-8900, randysinatra.com, eventbrite.com
That’s why you’ve been taking dance classes all year. Launch your best salsa, bachata, meringue, cumbia and other types of Latin dance moves at the Latin New Year’s Eve dance party hosted by DJ Brasil. To feed your elegant set of feet, there will be feeding stations full of tostones (fried green bananas), Cuban pork bars, chicken street tacos and more.
Celebration of New Year’s Eve at noon
When: Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On: Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.
Price: $ 26.25; pikespeakchildrensmuseum.org
New Year’s Eve is not just for adults. This party deals with children with a balloon drop and a confetti at noon, along with music, dancing, games and activities, face painting and more. You can buy food and drinks.
“A Night in Vienna” by Colorado Symphony
When: Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
On: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Price: $ 20 to $ 94; 877-292-7979, coloradosymphony.org
The first concert means you can enjoy classical music and still close 2020 in the city. The Colorado Symphony will present a program of waltzes and marches. Directed by music director Brett Mitchell.
Bubble Bash by Guffaw 2021
When: Tuesday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
On: Millibo Art Theater, 1626 St. Tejon St.
Price: $ 12.50, 44 $ 44 family packages; 465-6321, themat.org
There is a running clown at the Millibo Art Theater. He is a good clown, however, happy to make the last day of the year good for your children. There will be bubbles, craft time and cookies and milk.
Roarin New Year’s Eve Gala
When: Tuesday at 8 p.m.
On: City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St.
Price: $ 65; 210-254-5662, ponytailrenegade.com/events-1/roarin-20s-nye-gala
What would it have been like to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the age of Prohibition? Find out at Roarin’s New Year’s Eve 20s gala, where buying a ticket will provide you with a password and access to the cash bar at the private venue. This is a night dedicated to the 1920s, with period performances, Front Range Big Band and Dizzy With a Dame big band music, free swing dance classes and retro snacks and candies. The event is organized by Ponytail Renegade, an organization dedicated to empowering women through movement and healthy living.
Fundraising for the New Year’s dance party
When: Tuesday at 8 p.m.
On: The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, 8 S. Nevada Ave.
Price: $ 75, $ 130 for two; csdance.org/nye-dance-party-fundraiser
Help the Colorado Springs Dance Theater build its scholarship fund for young dancers and help underprivileged children see a professional performance. Tickets for the party include lots of dancing, classes, a quiet auction, quiet disco, ballroom dance resolution, midnight toast, two drink tickets and hearty snacks.
New Year’s Eve at The Broadmoor
When: Tuesday
On: Broadmoor Hall, 1 Lake Ave .; International Center, 21 Lake Circle
Price: $ 250 for the New Year’s Eve gala; $ 150 for New Year’s Bash, $ 75 late entry after 9:30 p.m .; 855-634-7711, broadmoor.com/new-years-2020
All right, the big hotel in the south will have two parties once again to welcome the new year. The first is the Broadmoor New Year’s Eve gala, starting at 7:30 p.m., which features a four-course gourmet dinner, music by The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra and a toast with champagne. Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Bash starts at 8pm and features Soul X and DJ Karson, who provide funk, rock and blues, while you analyze your selection of small dishes such as sushi stations and Spanish paella. There is champagne at midnight.
Puttin ‘at the Ritz New Year’s Eve party
When: Tuesday at 8 p.m.
On: The Gold Room, 18 S. Nevada Ave.
Price: $ 65 to $ 115; goldroomlive.com/shows/nye-party
It’s like celebrating Halloween twice this year. Find your best flapper, gangster, silent screen star or dress from what you have in your 20s, and do it in the center to celebrate.
Jon Stringer, with Kris Shaw
When: 19:30 and 22:00 Tuesday
On: Loonees, 1305 N. Academy Blvd.
Price: First program $ 15 to $ 20, second $ 30 to $ 40; 591-0707, looneescc.wixsite.com/loonees
There’s no pressure on Austin, Texas, comedian Jon Stringer or anything, but it’s best to make the New Year’s follow-up as much fun as possible. He was a finalist in Funniest Person in Austin in 2012, third in Funniest 2013 in South Texas and winner of the last standing Texan of 2013. In aid of the fun department is the inaugural event Kris Shaw, a buffet of kitchen and a bottle of complimentary champagne at each table.
Other events
• Annual Torch Parade and Monarch Mountain Fireworks Show, with Roundhouse Assembly music Tuesday at 3 p.m., torch parade in the evening, registration at the service desk for guests to participate in the parade, must be greater 7 years old, 7 to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult, all participants must be able to ski or snowboard for an intermediate race while keeping the torch lit, Monarch Mountain, 23715 Highway 50, Exit, free; skimonarch.com
• New Year’s Eve with Suga Bear and the Showtime Band, Tuesday at 8 p.m., Stargazers Theater and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Drive, $ 35- $ 55; 476-2200, stargazerstheatre.com
• New Year’s Eve celebration at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, with a live band, drinks and snacks, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, $ 50- $ 90; 687-5284, utepassculturalcenter.itgo.com
• Remains of Salmon, with Tiny Universe by Karl Denson and Lindsay Lou, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mission Ballroom, Denver, $ 29.95 – $ 99.95; missionballroom.com, axs.com
• New Year’s Eve fireworks in Denver, 9 p.m., and midnight Tuesday, 4 p.m. Mall, 1001 16th St., downtown Denver, free; denver.org
• BoomBox with Backbeat Brass, with Dynohunter and GoodSex, at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ogden Theater, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, between $ 35 and $ 45; 888-929-7849, ogdentheatre.com, axs.com
Contact the writer: 636-0270
Children and families will soon begin the new year in the celebration of noon vigil. Tuesdays are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Event Center.