Alternative rock band You Am I is the headline act at the family concert at Civic Square, with the 10-time ARIA award winner set to play sets either side of the 9pm fireworks.

You Am I - who toured in 2013, 20 years after their first album - will follow popstar Alex Gibson, a Canberran and finalist in The Voice who will perform from about 7pm.

Andy Kent, You Am I's bass player, said 2013 was a year all about celebrating big anniversaries.

''[Year] 2013 was interesting. We went back and took some records that we made a few years ago on the road,'' he said.

Kent said the recent tour allowed band members to reflect on their careers and achievements. But what about new year's resolutions?

''I am going to stare into the fountain at Lake Burley Griffin and see what comes to me. I am sure there will be some pearl of wisdom,'' he said. ''Maybe the new way forward is not knowing!''

Seven-piece Tuchasoul will bring in the new year with their soulful take on the latest popular hits. About 300 metres away, the all-ages Bass in the Place will bring the beats to Garema Place from 9pm, with electronic act Uberjak'd - South Australia's No.1 DJ in this year's inthemix awards - joining other local DJs.

Pyrotechnic displays at 9pm and midnight will be set against specially produced soundtracks.

Events ACT's Adelina La Vita said the stars at the free city events promised a climactic end to Canberra's centenary year.

''You Am I are an iconic Australian rock band and we wanted to make sure we farewelled the centenary year with a huge bang and welcome in 2014 in a memorable way,'' Ms La Vita said.

''Alex Gibson will definitely feature and people, particularly kids, will recognise him from The Voice, and he's a local so it's great to see a Canberran on the stage bringing in the new year and bidding farewell to the great centenary party.

''Last year it was full to the brim in Civic and in Garema Place it was absolutely pumping, and we expect the same numbers as last year.''

Alcohol and glass are not permitted at the two free city events.

ACTION buses will run to a reduced timetable. The after-midnight Nightrider buses are free, with extra services on all eight routes. Bus travellers are encouraged to check out action.act.gov.au.

Prepared by Erin Kelly

IN THE CITY

Alex Gibson, You Am I and Tuchasoul perform in in Civic Square from 7pm to 12.30am, while DJ Felixx, DJ Rawson, Uberjak’d and The Projektz will set hearts racing at Bass in the Place at Garema Place from 9pm to 1am. Both events are alcohol and glass-free.
Where: Civic Square and Garema Place, City.
Cost: Free
Contact: Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or events.act.gov.au/nye

THE GREAT GATSBY EXTRAVAGANZA

Step back into the roaring ’20s for a Gatsby-themed night of indulgence at the National Arboretum. Tickets include canapes on arrival, a three-course dinner, beverages and entertainment from The Baker Boys Band.
Where: National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Canberra
Cost: $150
Contact: 6130 0170 or gingercatering.com.au

LIVE EVIL PRESENTS HEAVY NEW YEAR

A darker way to celebrate the New Year. If all that Christmas cheer was too much, revel in the likes of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and more.
Where: Transit Bar, 7 Akuna Street, City
Cost: $40. NYE package also available.
Contact: 6162 0899 or transitbar.com.au

10 COURSES AT A. BAKER

Indulge in a 10-course grazing menu beside a backdrop of live music at one of Canberra’s hottest new eateries, A. Baker. Food will be matched with local wines and Australian spirit-based cocktails. Where: A. Baker, 15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton Cost: $160 Contact: 6287 6150 or hello@abaker.com.au

HYATT HOTEL

Relax in the Hyatt’s heritage-inspired tea lounge and garden with a pre-dinner drink or canape, indulge in a variety of food stalls and kick up your heels to a live band. Alternatively, celebrate 2013 with a dinner buffet at the Promenade Cafe.
Where: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Prices start at $55 for children and $110 for adults
Contact: 6269 8901 or canberra.park.hyatt.com

HELLENIC CLUB

Strap on your dancing shoes and celebrate 2014 at the Hellenic Club’s Olympus Room. Don your most glam attire, dine on a four-course meal and dance the night away to groove, soul, and R&B band Plump. Where: Hellenic Club of Canberra, Matilda Street, Phillip Cost: $80 Contact: 6281 0899 or hellenicclub.com.au

SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB CRUISE

Glimpse the fireworks from prime position on Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy a three-course dinner and watch the 9pm fireworks aboard the MV Southern Cross or step out a little later for a cocktail cruise to ring in the New Year, taking off from Lotus Bay in Yarralumla. The Southern Cross Club also has a number of dinner dances and family events throughout Canberra to celebrate 2014. Where: Lake cruises leave from Lotus Bay, Mariner Place, Yarralumla Cost: Varies - see website for details Contact: 6273 1784 (lake cruises) or cscc.com.au

CIVIC SQUARE

GAREMA PLACE