Countdown: Your Guide to a Rockin' New Year's Eve

First Night Akron

If staying in and watching the ball drop on TV will have you snoozing on the couch long before midnight, check out our list of the top parties that will have you jammin' in the New Year with fireworks, live music and plenty of Champagne. Whether you’re looking to mingle and meet or celebrate with the kids, we’ve got a party for you.

Akron

First Night Akron: This is a citywide party you’ll want bring the kids to. Visit the Akron Art Museum’s 16 foot-long Lite-Brite, grab some old-time candy and roasted nuts at the Peanut Shoppe, tune in to local musicians such as folk rockers Shiver Timbers at the Akron Civic Theatre, wander through the ice sculpture garden and wrap up the year with fireworks at midnight. 6 p.m., $10, children 10 and under free; Various locations. firstnightakron.org 

NYE Get on Up Dance Party: Hosted in Tangier’s cabaret, Akron’s funk band Get On Up will have partygoers on their feet to dance in 2016 with throwback '80s faves. Indulge in an appetizer buffet and Champagne toast at midnight. 8p.m., $70, discounted tickets after 10p.m.; Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron, thetangier.com/entertainment 

Masquerade Ball: Don a mask and add some intrigue to your New Year’s Eve with this ball that has it all: a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, jazzy pop covers by Final Say and hilarious stand-up from  Cleveland comedian Pete George at Club Velvet. 4 p.m. dinner, $35, $75 VIP, Club Velvet $20-$35; hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com/nye-masquerade-ball

Canton’s NYE Party: If your idea of a good time is more sophisticated and less flashing lights and confetti, dress up and feast on a full buffet, a midnight helping of sauerkraut, live music from Kerosene and Karri Fedor, and, of course, noisemakers and a Champagne toast. 7:30 p.m., $50 preorder, $60 at the door; Fieldcrest Estate,1346 Easthill St SE, North Canton, 330-966-2222, fieldcrestestate.com/attend

Noon Year's Eve at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland

Music Box Supper Club: Lace up your boots for Honeybucket’s foot-stompin', whiskey-swiggin’ bluegrass party at the concert hall. Admission includes a midnight toast and an after-party with DJ Terkalerk. Alternatively at the supper club, kick back to some throwback with Steely Dan Tribute Band, and fill up on a $30 food and drink voucher. Steely Dan $50, Honeybucket $20-$35; 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, musicboxcle.com/concerts

Beachland Ballroom & Tavern: What better way to start a new year than with old favorites? The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern rings in 2016 with the sounds of ‘70s with Grateful Dead Revival band Into The Blue. Admission includes hors d'oeuvres and a toast. 8p.m., $15, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, beachlandballroom.com

Cleveland Pops New Year's Eve Celebration: Before you pop the cork on the Champagne, let the Cleveland Pops score your holiday with a lively Broadway Revue by vocalist Connor Bogart O’Brien. Stay for a balloon drop at midnight. 9p.m., $46 -$112, Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

Vault's New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball: Nestled under the Metropolitan at The 9, the Vault’s Masquerade Ball is the most exclusive party in Cleveland. General admission gains you access to Cleveland’s most glamorous party scene. For a little extra, join the after-party in Hush Speakeasy, with an indulgent chocolate bar and an open bar. 9 p.m., $110, $160 VIP; 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, vault9cle.com

Baz Luhrmann's Deco and Dance New Year’s Eve: Bust a move on the dance floor with contemporary beats by DJ Himiko Gogo & DJ Road Chief, bowl a few games and sip a Sacred Heart cocktail inspired by Romeo and Juliet. Inspired by the films of contemporary film director Baz Luhrmann, the event features video installations and decorations in the style of The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet. 9 p.m., $5, Mahall's 20 Lanes, 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, mahalls20lanes.com

Lago’s New Years Eve Masquerade Ball: Attend this premier party to welcome 2016 in style: admission to Lago’s masquerade includes live music from DJ Flaco Flash, an open bar and a buffet of Lago favorites — including Salerno Family Meatballs. Black tie is optional, but this 21-plus event is classy, so expect suits and gowns. 7p.m., $185.62–$561, 1091 W. 10th St, Cleveland, lagoeastbank.com

Graffiti: A Social Kitchen — New Year’s Eve Bash: If you’re craving great food and a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere, head to Graffiti: A Social Kitchen. Nosh on a buffet spread of mini tacos, pasta, salad and more. Sip on a complimentary glass of Champagne and stick around after dinner for the DJ and dancing. 5p.m, $30, 1261 W. 76th St, Cleveland, www.graffitisocialkitchen.com 

Jumpin’ Family Noon Year’s Eve: Skip the late night and bounce into a fun-filled Noon Year’s Eve at the Jump Yard. Inflatable toys and an arcade are sure to keep your youngster occupied, while the DJ, ball drop, a sparkling toast and party favors satisfy your inner kid. Look out for appearances from the Snow Queen and Patriotic Hero. 10.a.m.-2 p.m.; $5, $10; 13700 York Road, North Royalton, jumpyardcleveland.com

Big Bang Cleveland NYE Party: Check out the new Big Bang Dueling Pianos bar and jam out to fun covers from Journey to Silento. Depending on your ticket, you and your crew can skip the line, or even have a table waiting for you.  The $400 VIP option gets you apps, a bottle of Champagne and a space for you and your squad to spread out. 5 p.m., 1163 Front Ave., Cleveland, facebook.com/bangcleveland

Ritz-Carlton New Year’s Eve Celebration: Put on the Ritz this year with a swanky soiree where you can try a selection of bar bites, Champagne and cocktails, and take in live entertainment. 9:30 p.m., 1515 W. Third St,, Cleveland, ritzcarlton.com

Thistledown Racino: Break it down with live music from The Benjaminz, King Lou and DJ Haz Matt at Thistledown Racino. Enter into a New Year’s Eve Drawing with a Total Rewards Card, or visit any of the casino’s bars for $2 champagne from 8:00pm to 2:00am. 8 p.m., 21501 Emery Road, Cleveland, caesars.com/thistledown

New Year’s Eve at Noon, the Children’s Museum of Cleveland: The last New Year’s celebration in the Children’s Museum of Cleveland’s current location, New Year’s Eve at Noon features noisemakers and a family-friendly DJ dance party. 10 a.m.-2p.m., free for members, $8 children and adults over the age of 1, 10730 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandchildrensmuseum.org

Popcorn Ball: Trade in the bright lights of Times Square for the salty aroma of fresh popcorn at the Chagrin Falls popcorn ball drop, where a giant ball of — you guessed it — popcorn made by the Popcorn Shop is dropped in the city triangle at midnight. Slurp free warm and cold beverages, and tide over hunger at restaurants that are open late. Money raised goes to the Chagrin Township Hall Renovation Fund. 9:30 p.m., $25 adults, children free with an adult, 83 N. Main Street, Chagrin Falls, cvcc.org

Noon Year’s Eve at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Experience an ice-carving demonstration, meet new critter friends at the Wild Animal Show, or make an eco-friendly craft. Enjoy music and dancing leading up to the ninth annual ball drop at the stroke of noon. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., free with zoo admission, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo

Ciroc the New Year: Mix it up at the Barley House, with an all-inclusive package featuring music by Cleveland-based DJs Kosher Kuts & Thaiger, a midnight Champagne toast, finger food buffet, open bar, party favors and confetti drop. advance $75 women, $85 men, $100 day of event; 1261 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, barleyhousecleveland.com 

Additional reporting by Katherine Blubaugh