New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and it seems like there’s a party at every venue in town.

Here are some of our top picks:

Jackson Square:

It doesn’t get more traditional New Orleans than the annual dropping of the fleur-de-lis and fireworks show over the Mississippi. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. and feature performances by Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Free and open to the public.

Joy Theatre:

OffBeat presents a funky, foot-stomping celebration with the fabulous New Mastersounds, Dumpstaphunk, and Jon Cleary (9 p.m., tickets for $60)

Audubon Zoo:

Start out the 31st with the perfect daytime even for families with young kids, Zoo Year’s Eve. It begins at 10:30 a.m. and features a Pepsi toast at noon, lots of games and activities, and performances by Terrance Simien (Creole for Kidz), the New Orleans Saintsations, and the Fat City Drum Corps. Free with zoo membership.

Tipitina’s:

Come on out for another high-energy performance by Galactic, a New Orleans New Year’s favorite. The California Honeydrops, and Quickie Mart will be playing as well! (9 p.m., tickets beginning at $75. VIP passes cost $200 and include a full catered dinner by Jacques-Imo’s, a full open bar, and limited edition merchandise)

The Maple Leaf:

A New Year’s Eve bash with Big Sam and Friends (including Jermal Watson, Dwayne “Big D” Williams, Andrew Baham, Danny Abel, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, and guests) and the Colin Lake Band (10:00 p.m., advance tickets start at $20)

Blue Nile:

The Soul Rebels and the Wild Magnolias, featuring Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (9 p.m., $30)

Le Petit Theatre:

A sure-to-be-unforgettable show by the one-and-only Dr. John. (10 p.m., tickets start at $150 and include a glass of sparkling wine.)

Hyatt Regency Hotel:

This year’s Big Night New Orleans features some crazy acts. Performances by Cowboy Mouth, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, Brass-A-Holics, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Royal Teeth, Glen David Andrews, Kid Kameleon, DJ Candy D, DJ Mike Swift, 610 Stompers, and the Bad Girls of Burlesque (9 p.m., tickets onsale now starting around $120)

Howlin’ Wolf:

Ring in the New Year with two of the city’s top brass bands, Rebirth and the Hot 8 (10 p.m., tickets start at $70)

Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse:

For a little something different in the Quarter, come to a New Year’s Eve Masquerade, featuring Purple Disrespect and Burlesque (9 p.m., call 553-2299 for more information)

Little Gem Saloon:

It’s always good time with Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers. Come dance your way into the new year. All aboard! (10 p.m., $30)

The Country Club:

This Bywater bar and restaurant is hosting a five-course, gourmet dinner party beginning at 5 p.m., featuring live music by the Hot & Spicy Swing Band.

Chickie Wah Wah:

The Mid-City bar is hosting its 1st Annual Boudin Ball, featuring Cajun food and performances by Ed Volker and Los Reyes De Legarto, Leyla McCalla, and Dege Legg (10 p.m.)

The Old Arabi Bar:

To escape the hubbub of downtown and still get a great view of the fireworks, come on out to ‘da parish for Mike Darby and band (9 p.m., no cover.)

Rock ‘N’ Bowl:

Enjoy a night of blues with Tab Benoit and Jonathan Boogie Long (8:00 p.m., tickets for $27)

PubliQ House:

For awesome music that’s a little weirder (electronic “Swamp-Tech”, plus puppets), come out to the PubliQ House for Quintron & Miss Pussycat with Babes and The Heavy Lids (8:30 p.m., tickets starting at $20)

One Eyed Jack’s:

End the year with the most bumpin party around, DJ Soul Sister’s 12th Annual New Year’s Party (9 p.m., tickets starting at $10)

Whatever you end up doing, have a safe and Happy New Year from everyone at OffBeat!