Close out 2016 with this roundup of events in and around Northwest Austin.

THURSDAY


1. Myq Kaplan performance
Comedian Myq Kaplan has appeared on the “Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” the “Late Show with David Letterman” and “Comedy Central Presents.” His debut album, “Vegan Mind Meld,” was one of iTunes’ top 10 best-selling comedy albums in 2010, followed by “Meat Robot” in 2013 and his one-hour Netflix special, “Small, Dork and Handsome” in 2014. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $14 (general admission), $19 (reserved). Cap City Comedy Club, 8120 Research Blvd. 512-467-2333. www.capcitycomedy.com

FRIDAY


2. IKKiCON
The annual Japanese animation and pop culture convention is a three-day event with panels, workshops, games, costume contests, and dances for fans and guests. IKKiCON continues until Sunday. Various times. Free (age 6 and younger), $25 (ages 7-11), $55 (weekend), single-day and online discounts available. The Renaissance Austin, 9721 Arboretum Blvd. http://ikkicon.com


3. Kwanzaa celebration
Commemorate Kwanzaa, the secular holiday celebrating African culture and history, at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St., Austin. The event is from 6:30-8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Find more information here.


4. Community art exhibits’ closing
The Asian American Resource Center closes its exhibits “Vivid Strokes: Contemporary Paintings from Vietnam,” “Vietnamese American Art: Selected Works” and “Vietnam to Austin: Restoring Community.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road. 512-974-1700. www.austintexas.gov/aarc


New Years Eve



SATURDAY 


5. Happy New Year!
Ring in 2017, Austin-style. The city begins its free annual New Year's event at 3 p.m. at Vic Mathias Shores at the intersection of South First Street and West Riverside Drive with music, family-friendly activities and a fireworks display. If you are looking for more options, here is a non-comprehensive list of Austin restaurants and bars ringing in the new year with parties and offering prix-fixe menus.



SUNDAY


6. Austin Free Week
Local bands, venues and promoters celebrate the new year by hosting free music shows throughout the city. The annual event, which continues until Jan. 10, has been held during the first week of January each year since 2003. Visit the website for a list of event times and locations. Free. www.do512.com/freeweekaustin