This year’s roundup of New Year’s Eve events includes something for everyone — from Chappell Roan fans and families with young kids to runners and polka fanatics.
All events take place Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted.
Make Believe Midnight
Akron Children’s Museum (216 S. Main St.)
Dec. 27 | 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.
Kids will love this chance to celebrate the new year a few days early. Surprise characters and interactive craft stations will be located throughout the museum, giving guests the chance to create party hats, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, confetti poppers and wishing wands. There will also be live music from children’s musician Mr. Jeff, dancing and a balloon drop. Children: $10-$12; adults: $8-$10, akronkids.org
Zoo Year’s Eve
Akron Zoo (505 Euclid Ave.)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Looking for a family-friendly way to ring in 2025? Head to the zoo for its afternoon celebration featuring animal encounters, a magic show, a noon ball drop and more. Included with Akron Zoo general admission, akronzoo.org
Recovery New Year’s Eve Event
House Three Thirty (531 W. Market St.)
Noon to 5 p.m.
The Summit Recovery Hub, The Summit FM and House Three Thirty are teaming up for a wellness- and recovery-focused New Year’s Eve celebration. A taco lunch will be provided to attendees, courtesy of the Summit Recovery Hub. Afterward, enjoy music, crafts and a chance to reflect on 2024 and set intentions for 2025. Free, facebook.com
New Year’s Eve Day Polka Dance
Slovene Center (70 14th St. NW, Barberton)
1-5 p.m.
Polka with the Zolkas at this early New Year’s Eve event. Admission includes a meal and drink, pork and sauerkraut to take home and all the polkas you could ever want. $25, thehallhub.com
The Great New Year’s Eve 5K Race
Bulldog Stadium (3227 East Graham Road, Stow)
4 p.m.
Get a head start on your 2025 fitness goals and support a great cause. This out-and-back course will take runners through Stow neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit Bulldog Bags, which provides food to students experiencing food insecurity in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. $43.40, runsignup.com
Dance in the New Year with Swizzle Stick Band
Jilly’s Music Room (111 N. Main St.)
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Join the Akron cover band for a night of Motown, funk, soul and more. Admission includes reserved seating, party favors and a midnight toast. Guests will enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu and happy hour specials until 9 p.m. $65-$85, fanimal.com
New Year’s Eve Special featuring Terry McNeely & Mike Merk
Funny Stop Comedy Club (1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The Cuyahoga Falls club will host two comedy shows featuring comedians Terry McNeely and Mike Merk. For the earlier seating, guests can choose to only attend the show or can add the dinner buffet. For the later seating, guests can choose between the show and midnight buffet or the show, dinner and midnight buffet. 7 p.m. show: $37-$100; 10:30 p.m. show: $50-$125, funnystop.online
NYE 2024 Celebration featuring DJ Spellbound
BLU Jazz+ (47 E. Market St.)
Doors open at 8 p.m.
The downtown jazz club is teaming up with Baxter’s Speakeasy and Circle of 5ths for a night of dancing, eating and drinking. There will be specialty cocktails and mocktails and a menu featuring smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, oysters and more. $10 in advance; $15 at door, blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com
Glitter n’ Gold New Year’s Eve Karaoke Party
Barmacy (804 W. Market St.)
8 p.m.
Join the Highland Square bar for dancing, karaoke, party favors, food and drinks. Free, facebook.com
Pink Pony Zub’s NYE Dance Party
Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar (795 W. Market St.)
8 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Highland Square sandwich shop/bar will morph into the Pink Pony Club as it closes out 2024. Put on your dancing shoes (or cowboy boots) and enjoy free food, drinks and music from DJ Gran Torino. Free, mrzubs.com
