10 things to do around Chicago this weekend: Free New Year’s Eve fireworks and the return of Ramova Theatre

As 2023 comes to a close, there’s lots to do to ring in the new year, including plenty of ways to see fireworks for free.

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert

This annual holiday tradition that’s appropriate for audiences of all ages includes a full orchestra, European singers and dancers from Austria’s Europaballet.

2:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets are $35-$147 at cso.org

iO Theater’s New Year’s Eve Party

iO Theater is open on NYE with seven productions from 7-10 p.m., including live drag performances, sketch, improv and musical comedy. Then from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., there’ll be a NYE after party with DJ Skoli.

7 p.m. Dec. 31 at iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St.; general admission tickets are $30, VIP tickets are $90 at ci.ovationtix.com and (312) 300-3350

‘A Very Neo New Year’

Enjoy an hour of festive, bizarre and hilarious two-minute plays, ending with a midnight countdown and celebratory toast. Then stay for a post-show dance party with refreshments from midnight to 2 p.m.

Doors open at 10 p.m., show starts at 11 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland; tickets are $25-$35 at neofuturists.org

Navy Pier New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Head down to Navy Pier early on New Year’s Eve to secure a spot for the lakefront fireworks show at midnight to ring in 2024.

11:59 p.m. Dec. 31 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; free, more information at navypier.org

Riverwalk New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Art on The Mart are partnering for this NYE celebration. Starting at 7:30 p.m., a custom projection will be on display at The Mart. The evening will end with a fireworks show from six bridges along the Chicago River starting at midnight.

7:30 Dec. 31, best viewed from the Riverwalk on Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street; free, more information at chicago.gov

Lindsey Stirling

The classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author known for entertaining audiences with her electronic violin brings her “Snow Waltz” tour to Chicago. Her latest album includes holiday classics and original songs.

8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.; tickets are $49 at auditoriumtheatre.org

Slo’mo Presents: Pleasure Palace

The historic Ramova Theatre returns with its first major event in decades: a NYE bash themed for the 1920s. The evening will include a live jazz band musically directed by Akenya, with dance performances choreographed by Empress Darling Shear and DJ sets by Slo ‘Mo’s VITIGRRL and Icey Bby.

9 p.m. at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets are $55-$125 at ramovachicago.com

Teatro ZinZanni

The New Year’s Eve show at this dinner-cirque experience include a feather boa for all guests, a post-show aerial performance by Cassie Cutler, a countdown hosted by Lucy Darling and dancing until 1 a.m.

8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Teatro ZinZanni, 32 W. Randolph St. 14th floor; tickets $219-$274 at zinzanni.com

New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve

New Philharmonic, featuring soprano Alisa Jordheim and tenor Jesse Donner, will perform Strauss waltzes and polkas, arias, light classical, pop tunes and movie music.

1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; tickets are $76-$87 at atthemac.org

Local H

This band continues its tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve in Chicago. This year, they appear with local indie rock band Sybris.

10 p.m. Dec. 31 at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St.; tickets are $35 at bottomlounge.com