Whether you’re easing into the new year with an early dinner, diving headfirst into late-night revelry, or stretching the celebration across the entire weekend, Estes Park has no shortage of ways to mark the moment. From refined prix fixe meals and high-energy concerts to daytime Bingo, this New Year’s Eve roundup offers something for every kind of celebration style. However you choose to spend Wednesday night, remember to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly: Explore Estes will be offering safe rides home on New Year’s Eve between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. Call 970-235-1156 to schedule a ride in advance for the best availability. Here are our picks for A&E events from Dec. 31–Jan. 4.
Boozy Bingo at The Barrel
Kick off New Year’s Eve with Boozy Bingo: NYE Day Party at The Barrel on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. This free, early-afternoon celebration swaps the usual quiet countdown for cocktails and quick-fire bingo rounds. Expect cheeky calls, surprise challenges, and prizes that keep the energy high and the laughs coming. Whether you’re warming up for a long night ahead or celebrating early and heading home happy, this laid-back daytime bash is a festive way to slide into New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse
Spend the final evening of the year savoring a refined holiday meal at Twin Owls Steakhouse, open from 4 to 9 p.m. on December 31. In addition to the regular dinner menu, the kitchen is offering a lineup of New Year’s Eve–only specials. Start with Snowy Peaks Dry Riesling saffron mussels served with garlic bread or a warming cup (or bowl) of lobster bisque. Entrée options include a luxurious 7-ounce Wagyu filet mignon with truffle compound butter or pan-seared branzino finished with lemon caper romesco. Dessert brings a lighter, elegant finish with a merlot-poached pear topped with whipped Greek vanilla yogurt and blackberry gastrique. Regular dining menu is also available.
New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Celebration at Bird & Jim
Toast to the year ahead with an indulgent New Year’s Eve dining experience at Bird & Jim (915 Moraine Ave.). From 4 to 9:30 p.m., guests can settle in for a thoughtfully curated progression of winter-forward dishes finished with decadent desserts. The $85 prix fixe menu is complemented by optional wine pairings ($40 or $75), making this an ideal choice for those looking to toast the year ahead with great food, great wine, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended.
New Year Eve at Park Tavern
Park Tavern (247 W. Elkhorn Ave.) is turning New Year’s Eve into an all-night celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The evening begins with dinner service from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring a special four-course menu designed for the occasion. At 10 p.m., the energy shifts gears with a late-night party running until 1 a.m. A $20 cover includes a complimentary drink, with appetizers available until midnight, while DJ Rocky keeps the music flowing and the dance floor moving.
Random and True New Year’s Eve Set for Rock Inn
Enjoy New Year’s Eve with the warm, roots-forward sound of Random and True on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rock Inn. The duo—Geoff Clark on vocals and guitar alongside Steve Tice on bass and harmony vocals—brings an easygoing blend of acoustic Americana, country, folk, and rock. It’s a relaxed, early-evening way to enjoy live music before the night’s livelier celebrations begin.
New Year’s Eve at the Legion
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at American Legion Post 119 on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 5 to 10 p.m. Blue Sky Mountain Band will keep the dance floor moving with a high-energy set from 6 to 10 p.m. While the prime rib buffet is already sold out, you can order from the Tavern menu throughout the night. Admission is free, the champagne toast comes with an early bird countdown at 10 p.m., and the event is open to all ages (21+ for champagne and bar).
New Year’s Eve Jabronathon at The Barrel
Say goodbye to 2025 the loud way at the New Year’s Eve Jabronathon, a no-frills, high-volume blowout at The Barrel (251 Moraine Ave.) on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Snowbelt kicks things off with warm harmonies and acoustic grit before Jingle Jangle Jabroni storms the stage at 10 p.m. with a full-on punk assault built to carry you straight through midnight. Doors open at 8 p.m., music starts at 9, and a free champagne bottle for everyone fuels a midnight toast that’s rowdy, messy, and anything but refined. $5 entry.
New Year’s Eve at The Stanley Hotel
Ring in 2026 with an unforgettable night of intrigue and elegance at The Stanley Hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve Crystal Ball. This 21+ masquerade invites guests to don their most striking masks and couture for an evening where gothic glamour meets high-energy celebration. Be captivated by the macabre vaudeville stylings of Soul Penny Circus, keep the dance floor alive with DJ Blondtoast’s electrifying set, and capture the magic at the MiHi Entertainment photo booth. Door are at 7 p.m. and then rages on until 12:30 a.m.
New Year’s Eve with Sugar Mountain at Ember
Ease into the final hours of the year at Ember Restaurant & Bar, where New Year’s Eve festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. with live music from Sugar Mountain. Expect a lively, groove-forward set alongside thoughtfully crafted food and drink specials that keep the night moving. As the clock turns, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary champagne pour to welcome 2025. Reservations are strongly recommended, so call 970-586-6409 to secure a table.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ at the Historic Park Theatre
The third installment in the “Avatar” franchise, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” remains this week and into the weekend at the Historic Park Theatre. The film follows Jake Sully and Neytiri as they confront a new threat to Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang. The venue will also hold a free screening of “Jurassic Park” on Saturday, January 3, at 10 a.m., as well as paid Haunted Ghost and History Tours throughout the week.
Hoppy Holiday Bar at Avant Garde Aleworks
Toast to the festive season at Avant Garde Aleworks (920 Dunraven St.) as the taproom transforms into the Hoppy Holiday Bar, running daily through Jan. 4. This holiday pop-up features a special seasonal drink menu with whimsical pours like Winter Strong Ale, plus cozy non-alcoholic options including hot cocoa and hot-buttered rum. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music, join a town-wide Snowman Scavenger Hunt, craft custom stockings, or test their wit at Festivus trivia.
New Year’s Day Bloody Mary Bar at The Barrel
Shake off the confetti and ease into the new year at The Barrel’s (251 Moraine Ave.) Thirsty Thursday: New Year’s Day Bloody Mary Bar on Thursday, Jan. 1, from 1 to 9 p.m. Whether you’re bouncing back from a late night or just in the mood for a bold, savory cocktail, this all-day Bloody Mary build-your-own bar has you covered. Load up your glass with classic and spicy garnishes, boozy add-ins, and all the fixings to suit your recovery (or celebration) style.
Tristan Andersen at Snowy Peaks Winery
Start the new year with live music at Snowy Peaks Winery (292 Moraine Ave.) on Friday, Jan. 2, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Tristan Andersen brings a relaxed, melodic sound to the Tasting Room. The show is free to attend, but seating is limited, so reservations are recommended—call 970-586-2099 to save your spot.
First Friday! Art Groove
Explore Estes Park’s creative side during the monthly FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove, when galleries, studios, and maker spaces across town open their doors from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of art, music, demos, and community connection. View the complete schedule here.
Flying A’s at The Legion
The Flying A’s take the stage at the Tavern at the Legion on Friday, Jan. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at American Legion Post 119 (850 N. St. Vrain Ave.). Expect an easygoing evening of live tunes paired with hearty Tavern food and a full bar, perfect for settling into the weekend. Stick around for the weekly Queen of Hearts raffle, with ticket sales starting at 6 p.m. and the drawing at 7 p.m.
Karaoke Night at Lonigans
Take the stage at Lonigans (106 W. Elkhorn Ave.) for Karaoke Night, happening every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight. It’s free to join, making it the perfect late-night outing with friends, family, and plenty of sing-along fun.
Rock Cut Bingo Night
Round up your crew and head to Rock Cut Brewing Company (390 W. Riverside Dr.) for Bingo Night on Sunday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Held on the first and third Sundays each month, this free community favorite features multiple rounds of bingo with prizes up for grabs, cold beer on tap, and an easygoing, social vibe. It’s a low-key, high-fun way to cap off the weekend with friends.
Sunday Dinner Live Music at Lonigans
Wrap up the weekend with good food, craft cocktails, and live tunes at Lonigans (106 W. Elkhorn Ave.). Every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m., the pub hosts free live music in a family-friendly setting.