15 ways to ring in the new year in Maine

10 a.m.-noon and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine, 250 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, $22, $18 members. kitetails.org.

Kids can hit the sand at the New Year’s Eve indoor beach party at the Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine. The “seaside” fun includes meeting real sea creatures like sea stars and anemones, a sea star wand-making craft activity, treats from the snack shack and an interactive performance that culminates with a countdown sea star drop in Maddy’s Theatre.

6 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Kennebunk. On Facebook.

For a whimsical take on New Year’s Eve, head to downtown Kennebunk. The evening features ice skating at the Waterhouse Center and free admission to the Brick Store Museum from 6-9 p.m. Then the main event happens twice; once for early birds and three hours later for purists. A giant wild blueberry ball will be dropped, with much fanfare, from the bell tower of the First Parish Unitarian Church at 9 p.m. and at midnight.

9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $28 in advance, $40 at the door. statetheatreportland.com.

Start Making Sense is a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based Talking Heads tribute act. Their live shows are electrifying homages to Talking Heads’ best-known songs, with some deeper album cuts also in the mix. Singer and guitarist Jonathan Braun does David Byrne justice. The band will have you singing along to hits like “Burning Down the House” and “Once in a Lifetime.” The late start means the band will still be on stage when the clock strikes midnight. This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this is New Year’s Eve!

9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland, $36 in advance, $40 at the door. onelongfellowsquare.com.

Kick up your heels and dance your way into 2026 with the music of local act Primo Cubano. Most of the chairs will be stowed, so there will be plenty of room to shake your hips to traditional Cuban music. Founded by guitarist Paul D’Alessio, the band also features vocals, trumpet, percussion and bass.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water St., Gardiner, $25. johnsonhall.org.

Johnson Hall Opera House’s executive/artistic director Michael Miclon will be hosting a variety show that won’t keep you up past your bedtime. The New Year’s Eve Spectacular features music, comedy, magic and assorted other mayhem. There’s no need to nap beforehand, because this shindig wraps up at 9:30 p.m.

9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland, $20, 21-plus. portlandhouseofmusic.com.

Get yourself truckin’ into Portland House of Music for a psychedelic bash. Half Dead features a collaboration of members of The Maine Dead Project and Boston-based jazz act The A-Beez. The latter is led by keyboardist Amy Bellamy and bassist Aaron Bellamy. Combining forces, the hybrid band will perform energized Grateful Dead songs interwoven with originals and covers.

9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Space, 538 Congress St., Portland, $20 in advance, $25 day of show, 21-plus. space538.org.

Nap accordingly, because this rager goes until 2 a.m. Space is teaming up with dance party gurus Moonshake. The night features an immersive light show, custom sound system and a whole lot of house music, including electro and techno tunes. DJ sets will be spun by Cecil G., Erin Ames, KTTNMTTNS, Teal Child and Won Pound. You’re in for an immersive night of the kind of dance floor madness you can lose yourself in.

7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Sanford Performing Arts Center, 11 Alumni Blvd., Sanford, $29-$52. sanfordpac.org.

Illusionist Chris Funk’s show is called Redefining Wonder, and you’ve never seen anything quite like it. Funk fuses music with magic during a multimedia performance that features live-feed cameras, interactive videos and several onstage surprises. He’ll wow you with his illusions, and also with his prowess playing violin, guitar and saxophone.

4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Downtown Old Orchard Beach. On Facebook.

OOB365 invites you spend the last night of the year bundled up on the beach. Bring your Christmas tree and add it to the massive bonfire. A huge fireworks show starts at 7:30 p.m. and there will be live music with 808 and the Don Campbell Band. You’ll sip and nosh on hot cocoa, toasted marshmallows, kettle corn and cotton candy.

9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Aura, 121 Center St., Portland, $10, 21-plus. auramaine.com.

New Year’s Eve at Aura means you’ll be out on the dance floor until 2 a.m. DJ Jay-C will be slinging the beats while go-go dancer TEALL knocks your socks off. VJ Foo will be providing a legendary visual and light show to make sure all of your senses are satisfied. At just $10 a ticket, this is a party that won’t break the bank.

3-9 p.m. Main Street/Festival Plaza, downtown Auburn. newyearsauburn.com.

For a family-friendly way to welcome in the new year, head to downtown Auburn. The 7th annual New Year’s Auburn celebration features a beer garden (21-plus), food trucks and fireworks. Live music will be performed by After Dark, Hello Newman and Toby McAllister & the Sierra Sounds.

1:45 p.m.-9:20 p.m. Downtown Gorham locations, $7. newyeargorham.com.

The town of Gorham presents a family-friendly celebration that starts with skating at the rec center and ends with fireworks. In between, the schedule includes a glow room dance party, face painting, kids’ obstacle course, snacks from the Gorham High School Robotics Club, wildlife encounters show, mad science show, chorus concert, teen dance party, improv comedy and much more.

5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland, $35 general admission in advance, $45 at the door, $300 (table for 5), $500 (table for 8). maineirish.com.

Enjoy an early New Year’s Eve celebration with an Irish twist. The Maine Irish Heritage Center’s gathering features a happy hour set at 6 p.m. from singer-songwriter Jim Sharkey of County Roscommon in Ireland. Just before 7 p.m., there will be a countdown to New Year’s Day in Dublin. Then you’ll enjoy a rousing performance from local Celtic and American roots band Bailey’s Mistake. Food will be available from Noble Pizzeria and Barbecue.

9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Lincoln Hotel, 17 Lincoln St., Biddeford, $65. eventbrite.com.

The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford continues to be a thriving hot spot, and their party on New Year’s Eve is no exception. The elegant bash includes a live DJ, decadent sips and bites and a gorgeous space that’s decked to the nines for the holidays. Specialty cocktails will be available for purchase as you party your way to the midnight countdown.

8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield, $50. stonemountainartscenter.com.

Nestle into the cozy space of Stone Mountain Arts Center for sets by two terrific acts. Soggy Po’ Boys play a blend of traditional blues and New Orleans style jazz. Celia Woodsmith is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter with a sound that incorporates bluegrass, blues, Americana and folk. Come early and enjoy dinner, then sit back and be entertained. The show will wind down in plenty of time for you to make it home by midnight.