1. Columbus Jazz Orchestra presents Swingin’ the New Year (Dec. 28, 8-10 p.m.)
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
Byron Stripling and Bobby Floyd lead a small group through an uplifting show just in time for the New Year. The show is part of the Jazz Arts Group’s Inside Track music series. http://www.jazzartsgroup.org
2. First Night Columbus (Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-midnight)
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.; COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
Columbus rings in the New Year with a huge variety of family entertainment, including a health and wellness station, Saturday morning cartoons from around the world, COSI exhibitions, the Ohio Idol singing competition, and an ice-centered magic show, as well as live music, dance and fireworks. http://www.firstnightcolumbus.com
3. Midnight Circus (Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.)
Hollywood Casino Columbus, 200 Georgesville Rd.
Circus-themed live entertainment on the casino floor, a performance by Life of the Party and a midnight balloon drop in the o.h. Lounge are part of the casino’s New Year’s Eve celebration. http://www.hollywoodcolumbus.com
4. New Year’s Eve at Shadowbox Live (Dec. 31, 9 p.m.)
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St.
Shadowbox’s New Year’s Eve bash features an appetizer, dinner and dessert banquet; a two-hour-plus concert and dance party with Shadowbox’s house band, BillWho?; party favors and a champagne toast at midnight; and a cash bar. http://www.shadowboxlive.org
5. Short North Stage presents Wild Women Swing the Blues (Jan. 3, 8-10 p.m.)
Garden Theatre, 1187 N. High St.
New York singer Eileen Howard joins forces with Columbus native duo Pascal Fouquet and Jennifer Milligan for an evening of blues and ballads. http://www.shortnorthstage.org
