Goodbye 2016 and hello 2017! This year is finally coming to a close, and there's plenty on in the Bay today and this evening to help you say your farewells to 2016.

Be aware of the road closures throughout the day, and have a great evening!

If you're into big booms, keep an eye out for a fireworks spectacle taking place at midnight tonight from a central city location. The fireworks can be seen across the city so you can watch from the comfort of your backyard or porch. And for the little ones, head to the Tauranga waterfront for a family-friendly fireworks display from 9.30pm.

And if getting your groove on is how you want to say au revoir to this year, head down to The Strand for a New Years Eve street party. La Mexica and Brew Bar are joining forces from 4pm on December 31 through to 3am on January 1.

A full list of things to do on the last day of 2016 is available here thanks to My Tauranga.

Saturday 31 December

Annual Book Fair

Mount Lions & Lioness clubs need donations of good quality books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs & vinyl records for their 17th Annual Book Fair Auckland Anniversary weekend, January 2017. Drop-off points are: The Mount Mainstreet office in Phoenix carpark, Mon - Fri 8am-5pm, Car Air BOP Ltd 138 Newton Street, Mount, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or Resenes, 43 Waihi Road, Judea, Mon-Friday 8.30 - 4pm. For collection, Shirley 07 575 2725

Dragon Boating

Bay Dragons women's team looking for new recruits. Ages 16+. Saturday's 7.30am. Mon, Tues & Thurs 5.30pm. Sulphur Pt. Brooke 022 0782 308

Frequency – New Years Eve

ASB Baypark, 81 Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui 7pm – 12am. Tauranga's New Year's Eve event for under 18's. General admission $25. http://www.frequencynye.co.nz/

New Years Eve BBQ

On the Waterfront, downtown the Strand, Tauranga. Starts 5pm. Bring your own BBQ food or buy food from the food vendors on site. Fireworks start 9.30pm & at midnight. Games for the kids, spot prizes, entertainment.

Papamoa Community Park

Join in the fun - growing soil, food & community. Fun for all ages, dawn till dusk. Gardening bees 2nd & 4th Sat 9am - 3pm. Between 51 & 53 Hartford Ave, Papamoa. Chris 021 0241 5454 or [email protected]

Petanque at Blake Park

Every Saturday - coaching & competitive play 1pm. Equip available, all levels welcome. Jo Ann 578 3606

The Extravaganza (Gypsy)

Waihi Beach Community Centre, Beach Rd, Waihi Beach Dec 31 – Jan 3 9am – 5pm. Crafts & stalls, food & drink, readers, rides, entertainment, shows, kids fun. Free admission.

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1940's - 90's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710