The city of Austin hosts a family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve bash with live music and a fireworks show. Local food trucks will be on-site. Past headliners have included local bands Superfónicos and Los Coast. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Vic Mathias Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-974-7819. www.austintexas.gov/any
Watch the ball(oons) drop
Thinkery hosts its fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve balloon drop and Bubble Wrap-stomp. Guests can enjoy music, winter crafts and kid-mosas. 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. $20 (members), $25 (nonmembers). Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave., Austin. 512-469-6200. www.thinkeryaustin.org
Catch a show at ACL Live
Local duo Ghostland Observatory performs, making it the first time in years that Willie Nelson has not headlined the New Year’s Eve show. Nelson will begin a run of 16 shows over two months Jan. 3 in California. 9 p.m. $59-$79. Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Drive, Austin. 512-225-7999. www.acl-live.com
Celebrate at the library
The Central Library hosts its second annual event on its rooftop garden, which offers views of fireworks. Local band White Denim performs, and apps and snacks are provided by local business ELM Restaurant Group, owner of Cookbook Cafe and 24 Diner. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $225-$250. Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. www.eventbrite.com
