Reaction New Year's Eve, one of Chicago's newest music festivals, kicks off Wednesday night with some serious showstoppers. Attendees can expect memorable performances from Thundercat, Run the Jewels, Chvrches, Bonobo and Deadmau5. Skrillex and Chance the Rapper are set to ring in the New Year tomorrow as the festival continues. (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, 5:30pm. $174.50)
2. Have the last laugh of 2015
See host of HBO's Last Week Tonight John Oliver step away from his desk and onto the stage for one (or two) sets of stand-up comedy in the beautiful Chicago Theatre. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, 7 & 10pm. $55–$75)
Diarrhea Planet may not sound like the nicest thing to visit, but this band out of Nashville happens to shred some great pop-punk tunes. Boasting four fuzzed-out guitars, the group plays a bill with record label mates Jeff the Brotherhood. (Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, 9pm. $25–$35)