First Night Akron
You might want to head south this New Year’s. With two dozen bands and musicians, fire-breathers, street magicians and an LED light show, the Rubber City has quite the party planned. Featuring more than 40 new experiences—from professional dance theater, to a PechaKucha presentation and a Silent Disco — the 21st First Night is hoping to be its biggest yet. $10. Dec. 31. 6 p.m.-midnight, downtown Akron, downtownakron.com
Swing in the New Year
Bring your closest cats to the West Side Music Settlement for a romp in jazz history with a 17-piece jazz orchestra. Cleveland State University’s key nonprofit ensemble, the Jazz Heritage Orchestra — featuring former members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra — will run the gamut on the bop and swing canon, from Count Basie ballads to hot-and-funky displays of Quincy Jones. Led by a former lead trumpeter for Basie’s orchestra, Dennis Reynolds, this classy supergroup puts on a great show for those looking to jazz up their evening. $50 includes Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, Dec. 31. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Ave., themusicsettlement.org
New Year’s Eve at the Rocksino
If you are over 2016 already, flash back to the ‘80s with this Decade of Excess bash that packs in Blondie music videos, Donkey Kong and Pac-Man arcade games and a super-rad Rubik’s Cube contest. Bop along to the beats of local throwback band the Spazmatics and enjoy a bodacious light show. Plus, all weekend long laugh to rad jokes by the “Rock Star of Comedy” local Pete George. ‘80s party, $35 in advance, $50 day of, Dec. 31 9 p.m.; Pete George, Dec. 29, 7 p.m., Dec. 30-31 7 & 9:30 p.m., $20-$40; Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, hrrnp.com
Red Wanting Blue
If you like a little bit of rock and a bit of acoustic, you don’t have to choose between the two. Columbus indie rock band Red Wanting Blue plays a chill acoustic show Dec. 30 and then returns Dec. 31 for a celebratory electric New Year’s bash. The band, which recently released a 20th anniversary concert film and album, is joined by Canadian group the Trews. $49-$69 two-day tickets, Dec. 30 7 p.m., Dec. 31 8:30 p.m., House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., houseofblues.com/cleveland
Wild Days of Winter
Yeah, Dec. 31 is sure to be wild. But start off 2017 with a different kid of fun that takes you all the way back to childhood days of crossing the gumdrop bridge to reach King Kandy. With plenty of family-friend activities, from train rides to snowshoe-walking, this indoor wonderland comes alive with Lake Metropark’s life-sized version of Candy Land that has a nature-inspired twist. Free, Thru Jan. 1, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com