After four years, Neon Indian finally put out a full-length and it's one of the best dance anthems of 2015 (in this editor's humble opinion), and Chicagoans are guaranteed to be dancing like maniacs to its songs through midnight and beyond. Plus, you get two specialty cocktails and a champagne toast to welcome the new year. (East Room, 2828 W Medill Ave, $50, 8pm. Advance tickets $40)
If a traditional party with lots more booze is more your thing (we're not judging), check out our collection of the 24 best New Year's Eve parties in Chicago. These have open bars well past midnight, loads of snacks to offset the libations, music, 2016 paraphernalia and more. Take a gander, you won't be disappointed. (Various locations, most start at 9pm. Expect to pay $50+)
3. Do it local
Keep the 2016 celebrations going well into the weekend at Ian's Party, a music festival shared by venues Double Door, Subterranean and Chop Shop featuring the crème de la crème of Chicago's indie music scene for three days. (Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee Ave; Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave; Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave; various times on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Day pass $15, weekend pass $30)
Catch one of the most recent exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring the work of Puerto Rican-born artist Rafael Ferrer. Internationally known, Ferrer's art helped found what's now known as process art in the late 1960s. (Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, 10am. $12 suggested admission)
Go back to the era of early rock & roll in the 1950s, when it was heavily entwined with R&B, jazz and soul. Nick Waterhouse and his band are quite seasoned musicians, regularly frequenting the LA and Las Vegas club circuits. Seeing his ensemble isn't just like the real thing, it is. (Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave, 9pm. $25, advance $20)