First Night, Inc

First Night, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that produces the landmark New Year’s Eve celebration and conducts the First Night Neighborhood Network, a community outreach and arts education program that directly serves hundreds of children and families in Boston’s neighborhoods each year. Founded in 1976, First Night was started by a group of artists and local residents who sought an alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. Since then, the celebration has grown from a small arts event centered on the Boston Common to a major citywide festival of the arts with related year-round community programming. The First Night celebration serves as a showcase for Boston’s cultural and artistic communities through over 250 exhibitions and performances by both local and internationally recognized artists. First Night attracts a total audience of more than 1.5 million people annually. The unique concept that originated in Boston 30 years ago has served as a model for more than 200 similar celebrations worldwide. First Night has truly become a cherished Boston tradition. First Night New Year's Eve activities take place from 1pm to midnight on December 31st at over 40 indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Boston. The purchase of a First Night Button grants admission to venues featuring the best in theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film. Museums, theaters, churches and performance centers open their doors to First Night Button holders throughout the entire day. Popular attractions include the Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center with its interactive activities for all ages, gigantic ice sculptures on Copley Square and the Boston Common, two glittering fireworks display, and a Mardi Gras-style Grand Procession that sweeps through the streets of Boston.