Denver's New Year's Eve Fireworks Show 2011

Don't forget that the sky will once again sparkle over the 16th Street Mall with Denver's annual New Year's Eve fireworks show on Dec. 31. Two spectacular fireworks shows will occur at 9PM (a more family-friendly crowd for sure) and midnight. Fireworks will be launched at two undisclosed sites along the 16th Street Mall. It is recommended that viewers stand along the 16th Street Mall for optimal viewing. FREE!

New to the show this year are six live DJs located strategically around the mall from 8:00 PM--Midnight, playing top 40 hits and egging on the countdown. 

Denver's New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show is considered to be one of the top 10 New Year’s Eve displays in the country and attracts more than 150,000 people each year. Along with the revelers, expect costumed entertainers, magicians, mascots, balloon artists, stilt walkers, and comedians. Crowded? Yes. Fun. You betcha. 

How To Get There: After 7PM, all public transportation in Denver is FREE, making it easy to come downtown by bus or Light Rail. We recommend the bus, because the lines for Light Rail are atrocious. Also keep in mind that Denver attorney Michael Sawaya is offering reimbursement for cab fares with a maximum value of $35. Details here. Even at that, you'll need  good luck hailing a cab on New Year's Eve. Your best chance is in front of a hotel. We say stick with RTD.

Also on Dec. 31 the music and fun extends to the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, where a local DJ will perform live at the rink from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Southwest Rink will open at 10:00AM on New Year’s Eve and remain open until 11:00PM. It will reopen on New Year’s Day at 10AM. For more information, please visit www.SouthwestRink.com.

NYE FREE Fireworks Show on 16th Street Mall

Hey...don't forget that once again Downtown Denver and VISIT Denver are offering two fireworks shows to downtown on New Year's Eve. The way the weather is shaping up be sure to dress warmly. The best viewing along the 16th Street Mall. The show goes off at 9PM and midnight on December 31. Remember that all RTD services will be FREE on New Year’s Eve starting at 7PM, meaning you can take the bus or light rail downtown for all the festivities. Cabs are nearly impossible to find downtown, so plan accordingly. Yes, we know that some local cab companies and Miller Coors are handing out free vouchers at Front Range bars and restaurants, but we personally have had cab drivers in downtown Denver refuse to honor the vouchers on more than one New Year's Eve. So...like we said...plan accordingly.

Denver Fireworks Show NYE -- Take the Bus!

Downtown Denver's 2010 New Year's Eve fireworks show will be held at 9PM and at midnight Dec. 31.  

The two fireworks programs are identical, and both are launched simultaneously from dual sites along the 16th Street Mall, which also provides the best viewing. Obviously the 9PM show is more family oriented, and the midnight show has a bit more of a raucous crowd. Choose accordingly.

Note: cabs are non-existent in downtown Denver, and those that are around are very very pricey. Consider taking the train, which is pleasant enough heading downtown but a nightmare coming home -- lines and wait times for a train departure after the fireworks can be an hour or more, which is a real buzz kill. With that in mind, you might prefer to investigate taking a bus. Either way RTD will be providing FREE rides on all regular bus and light rail service, as well as access-a-Ride and skyRide service on New Year's Eve from 7:00PM. until 6AM on New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2010. RTD has offered this free fare program for the past nineteen years. RTD, we salute you!

Note that RTD is not offering more service or additional routes, but all of the regularly scheduled service will be FREE of charge.