This will be the 18th year for First Night Akron, the evening-long, alcohol free festival of music, dance and theater by which to ring in 2014. Various venues around the downtown area, many from Knight Arts grantees like the Akron Art Museum, Neos Dance Theatre, Actors’ Summit and the like, will present entertainment for families looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate.

Many people may not, however, know that there is a concurrent event, Last Night Akron, that’s in its 2nd year, centered in the hip and thriving Musica on Maiden Lane district in the heart of Downtown. I kind of like the notion of Last Night as the name, especially since it really is the last night of the year, but it’s a good and fun corollary title for the larger First Night Akron celebration.

Last Night poster.

The event is apparently going to be a semi-big deal. It’ll begin with something new this year, a pre-party at the Uncorked Wine Bar located above Musica, from 7-9 p.m., at which there will be heavy appetizers, drinks and live art demonstrations. Sounds pretty cool.

The evening will segue with performances on Musica’s stage by rock group The Ride,  acoustic guitar songs by Jason Christman at 9 p.m., and indie/alternative dance duo, The Akronyms (Keithan Auk and Gina Fabulous, as noted on their Facebook page).

Rounding out the entertainment for the evening will be DJ Kenny Kidd, who will provide dance music for revelers throughout the evening.

Along with entertainment will be things like raffles and a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight.

Last Night Akron returns to Downtown from 7-9 p.m. pre-party and 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for main event on Tuesday, December 31 at Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron; 330-606-9074;  www.akronmusica.com. Tickets are $60 (includes food and drink) at the door; $25 for designated drivers.