Let’s not kid ourselves — 2024 wasn’t exactly the year.

We still don’t have a female president, Weld County’s chicken population had a rough summer, Black Pepper Pho in Boulder called it quits, and Liam Payne … well, rest in peace.

If anyone deserves a many-days-long New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s all of us.

So let’s toast on Saturday, recover on Sunday, and by the time Tuesday rolls around, you’ll be ready to raise your glass once more for good measure. Because in Boulder County, who says the ball only has to drop once? From live music to art, magic and even some fancy wine pairings, there’s no shortage of ways to say goodbye to 2024 in style.

Below we have a big county guide to events, but first, if you’d rather kick back and let this New Year celebration be literally magical, then you’re in luck.

The Boulder Magic Show is making its New Year’s debut 2 p.m. performances on Saturday and Sunday at the Dairy Arts Center’s Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Known for making jaws drop and skeptics believers, Colorado-based magician Braden Carlisle presents a perfect family-friendly holiday option. His show offers a great escape into an hour of wonder and laughs with a show that magicians extraordinaire Penn & Teller called “beautifully done!”

When picturing a typical magician, one might imagine a tall, enigmatic figure in a tuxedo and top hat, complete with a long, wiry mustache and an air of mystery. Braden Carlisle, however, breaks the mold — favoring blazers and sneakers, he looks more like Haley Joel Osment with cooler facial hair.

He’s a magician who doesn’t exactly pull rabbits out of hats — rather, he pulls audiences into his world of sleight-of-hand and storytelling. A master of blending magic, comedy and connection, Carlisle’s performances are as much about the shared experience as they are about the tricks themselves.

Carlisle describes his foray into magic as a coincidence that became a perfect fit.

“I like saying it happened sort of by accident,” Carlisle said.

Like many kids who grew up with Harry Potter as the ultimate cool kid of the fictional world, Carlisle was fascinated by magic.

“When I was younger, there was always a little bit of magic around,” he said. “For my fifth or sixth birthday, my dad hired a magician for my party. And one of his friends knew a couple of tricks, too. People would show me things, but I never cared to learn any of them myself.”

That changed one day in high school when Carlisle stumbled upon a YouTube video.

“It was about magic tricks you could do with household items,” he said. “There was a trick with a Sharpie, one with a rubber band and one with a thumbtack — stuff I already had lying around. So I learned them and showed my friends at school the next day.”

What started as a fun experiment quickly snowballed. During his junior year, Carlisle joined the drama department — not as a performer, but working behind the scenes painting sets and managing the lights and sound.

“We had this costume shop for the department, and in one corner they sold magic tricks,” he said. “I thought, ‘That was fun, let me check this out.’ I ended up bothering the guy behind the counter for about 10 minutes, and I felt bad, so I bought something. After that, I just kept going back to that little corner of the costume shop.”

Even in college, Carlisle wasn’t performing professionally yet.

“I just kept picking up tricks — learning from YouTube, the library and showing friends and family,” he said. “Then I did an open mic night. People clapped, they laughed at my jokes and they liked what I was doing. That’s when it hit me: ‘Oh no, I love this.’ And from there, I just kept going.”

Now a professional magician with a family-friendly show that’s on the regular programming at the Dairy Arts Center, Carlisle has honed his craft into something truly unique. Kind of like a Pixar movie, where there are jokes for the parents and fun for the kiddos, his performances combine everything — from sleight of hand to misdirection and card tricks — in a warm, comedic style that can keep audiences of all ages engaged. Even just a quick perusal of his YouTube channel would have anyone engrossed for hours.

“There’s a joke in magic about comedy magicians, and it’s kind of a dig at them,” Carlisle said, “It goes something like, ‘If you don’t like the comedy, at least there’s magic. And if you don’t like the magic, well, maybe you laughed.’ When I was starting out, I thought, ‘I like comedy, I want to be funny, but I don’t want to fall into that category.’”

Rather than just performing tricks, Carlisle focuses on storytelling, creating a connection with his audience that goes beyond the illusions themselves.

“I didn’t want to just go out there and do a magic show, I wanted to really entertain people,” he said. “I love making people laugh so that joke made me think, ‘OK, if I’m going to do comedy and magic, I have to be better than what they’re referencing.’”

What sets Carlisle apart is his ability to cater to kids and adults.

“A lot of kids’ magicians go all in on silliness and just pander to the kids,” he said. “And, OK, if you’ve seen my TikTok, I definitely do that at times — but I also try to throw in things for the parents. I think about the fact that they’re the ones bringing their kids to the show, and they’re paying for a ticket, too. I want everybody to have a good time, not just the kids.”

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Carlisle believes there’s nothing quite like the magic of … well, magic.

“I mean, I think magic is such a perfect way to ring in the New Year, because right now there’s so much going on in the world,” he said. “Taking an hour and 15 minutes to just sit back and believe in magic for a little bit — that’s something special.”

“For adults, it’s a chance to be transported somewhere else, to let go for a bit,” he said. “I’d compare it to watching your favorite movie. You don’t know what’s going to happen next, and it’s exciting. It creates this sense of disbelief — or maybe suspension of disbelief is the phrase I’m looking for — where you can just relax and let yourself be taken on a journey.”

For kids, Carlisle said, the experience is even more magical.

“They already live with this sense of wonder,” he said. “They want to believe in magic — half of them already do. After my shows, I’ll get questions like, ‘Was that real magic?’ And honestly, I always have a hard time answering that. I don’t want to crush their dreams, but I don’t want to outright lie either, so I usually just say something like, ‘Well, it sure looked like it, didn’t it?’”

One of the most unforgettable moments in Carlisle’s show is his jaw-dropping — and slightly disquieting — balloon trick. Carlisle pulls out a long modeling balloon, the kind you’d expect to see twisted into a dog or a giraffe, and instead of sculpting it, he casually starts putting it into his mouth. Inch by inch, the balloon disappears until it’s completely gone. No sleight of hand, no latex pop, just an entire balloon swallowed before your very eyes.

“It’s kind of like sword-swallowing-meets-magic,” Carlisle said. “It’s a stunt, but then I fully swallow the balloon, and it doesn’t come back. That one always gets a really fun reaction. People laugh at first, but then there are gasps when they realize it’s not coming back.”

But for Carlisle, the magic isn’t just about the tricks — it’s about the energy in the room.

“Honestly, my favorite trick is always whatever the audience is reacting to the best,” he said. “It’s all about their energy, and when they’re into it, that makes the entire thing even better for me.”

For tickets to the Boulder Magic Show, running $15-$20, visit the Dairy Arts Center’s website at thedairy.org. Shows are at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Looking for other ideas on how to welcome 2025 with a bang? From live music and elegant dinners to festive parties and family-friendly activities, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate in Boulder County.

Boulder

Boulder Magic Show >> Come to the Dairy Arts Center for this family-friendly event to welcome in the New Year the right way — with a magic show designed to delight the whole family. Hosted by Braden Carlisle, he will curate quite the

magic show; 2-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, The Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut, Boulder; $15-$20; thedairy.org.

New Year’s Masquerade Party >> The theme for this party is black and gold and masks are encouraged. A DJ from Orlando will provide live music; 7:30 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Junkyard Social, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; $20; junkyardsocialclub.org.

New Year’s Eve at Hotel Boulderado >> Toast the New Year under the sparkling canopy of Hotel Boulderado’s stained-glass ceiling. Dance on the mezzanine, sip on bubbles and cocktails and enjoy light bites from an a-la-carte menu. Lionel Young Band will perform the blues; 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St., Boulder; boulderado.com.

Avalon Ballroom New Year’s Eve Party >> Join in for a night of dancing, music and celebration. There will be rooms for swing music, salsa and bachata and jazz; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, The Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder; $50; eventbrite.com.

AMORphosis — Celebration of Change >> This is a night of momentous transformation and saying goodbye to 2024 while ushering in a new year brimming with endless possibilities. Shake off the past to beats of Freaky Houses (SCHMID-E + B2B CHEEKS), Earth, LipCurl and Lafontaine. To mark this transformative night, bring a second outfit to shapeshift at the stroke of midnight in a tansition from dark to light. A coat check will be available. Ages 21 and older; 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; $20-$30; junkyardsocialclub.org.

NYE Dance Party >> Ring in the New Year with a night of music, dance and sizzling performances. Featuring a lineup of Boulder’s best DJs and the legendary DJ Danger Foley, this party promises to keep the dance floor on fire all night long; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A, Boulder; $25-$35; eventbrite.com.

Avanti New Year’s Eve Masquerade >> Tickets include an all-night open bar, specialty drinks and shots, complimentary bites from New Yorkese, DJ Silent J, a photo booth, best-dressed contest and a champagne toast at midnight; 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, Avanti Food and Beverage, 1401 Pearl St., Boulder; $135; eventbrite.com.

St. Julien New Year’s Eve Party >> Ring in the New Year with a journey through time. The Decades Party invites attendees to dress up in the style of their favorite decade. Funkiphino will bring the funk tunes and tickets include an open premium bar and appetizers from 9-11 p.m., then there will be a dessert station, a balloon drop and a midnight champagne toast. This is a 21-and-over event; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday, St. Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St., Boulder; $192; stjulien.com.

Rosetta Hall New Year’s Eve Party >> In addition to live music, good food and great drinks, Rosetta is offering an exclusive VIP experience for its party this

year. Tickets include access to the roof and mezzanine where small bites and seafood will be served until midnight, as well as bottomless sparkling wine; 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St., Boulder; $75-$85; exploretock.com.

Cabin Fever with Loczi at The Fox >> During winter’s cold months and dark nights, Cabin Fever brings the community together for fresh beats and an unforgettable vibe; 9 p.m. Tuesday, Fox Theater, 1135 13th St., Boulder; z2ent.com.

Longmont

Winner’s Circle New Year’s Eve Extravaganza >> This night of fun and celebration will be filled with music, dancing and good vibes. There will be two buffets along with a late-night street food snack bar along with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight; 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday, Winner’s Circle, 2251 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite A, Longmont; $160; eventbrite.com.

Y2K25 NYE Party >> Get ready to party like it’s 1999. The celebration includes live DJ Dagda spinning throwback hits from the ‘90s, cocktails, a dance party, nostalgic vibes, a photo booth and a countdown to 2025; 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday, Abbott & Wallace Distilling, 350 Terry St., Suite 120, Longmont; abbottandwallace.com.

NYE Party at Bootstrap Brewing >> The Joe Cool Band will be jamming out with covers of the best dance music from the ‘60s to today’s hits; 9 p.m.-midnight, Tuesday, Bootstrap Brewing Company, 142 Pratt St., Longmont; bootstrapbrewing.com.

NYE Dance Through the Decades Party >> Ring in the New Year at the Decades NYE Party. Celebrate at the historic Dickens Opera House with a big disco ball, beats from DJ Mark McDonald, a champagne toast at midnight, raffle prizes and more; 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Dickens Opera House, 302 Main St., Longmont; $25-$100; thepassenger.restaurant.

Niwot

New Year’s Eve Dinner Party >> This celebration will feature a welcome cocktail, complimentary bar all night, dinner, live music, cocktail hour, dancing hours and tarot card readings. Come dressed to impress and ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening of fun, friends and festivities; 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Left Hand Grange No. 9, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; $135; eventbrite.com.

Lafayette

New Year’s Eve >> Families can ring in the New Year at WOW! before bedtime. There will be noisemaker crafts, face painting, balloon animals, a family dance party and, of course, playtime in the museum — all leading up to a grand countdown celebration to ring in 2025; 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette; wowchildrensmuseum.org.

Groove ‘N Motion concert >> Colorado’s powerhouse show and variety band features horn-driven classics, current hits, classic rock, R&B/funk/soul, Latin and jazz. There will be two shows: 6-9 p.m. is a dine and dance party with a three-course fixed menu for $125, then there will be a 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Ring in the New Year event for $35-$65; Tuesday, Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Unit T, Lafayette; $35-$125; nissis.com.

Louisville

Noon Year’s Eve >> Celebrate the New Year a little early with books, crafts, a countdown to noon (featuring a balloon drop) and music; 11:15 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville; free; eventbrite.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash >> The Underground is throwing a party with the Johnny O Band and country songwriter Marina Eve. Going strong for 22 years, the Johnny O Band will bring the New Orleans-style blues, funk, soul and original music; 8 p.m. Tuesday, The Louisville Underground, 640 Main St., Louisville; free; eventbrite.com.

Lyons

New Year’s Eve Bash >> Enjoy music from The Kings, a seven-piece band that channels the style of Tower of Power, Sly & The Family Stone, Keb Mo and Little Feat. This party band knows what to play to have listeners dancing; 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 303 Main St., Lyons; $40; eventbrite.com.

Broomfield

Peak2Peak New Year’s Eve >> Dance into the new year with Grateful Dead tunes from a local cover band at Aloft’s Arista Ballroom. There will be three jam-packed sets by Peak2Peak along with light snacks, champagne toast, an indoor pool, a fire pit and free parking; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aloft Broomfield, 8300 Arista Place, Broomfield; $77; eventbrite.com.