Release Date: Friday, November 20th 2009
First Night Akron Celebrates 14th Year: Don’t miss “A Night of Firsts”
The holiday season has officially started and 2010 is just around the corner! Make plans for New Year’s Eve and join the fun in Downtown Akron! Now in its 14th year, First Night Akron is a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other. This family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting memories. Come in out of the cold and celebrate the New Year! On Thursday, December 31, 5 p.m.-midnight, enjoy indoor entertainment and fun for all ages throughout Downtown Akron featuring music, dance, theater, visual and interactive arts! Admission buttons go on sale Friday, November 27 at a variety of locations throughout the community and online at www.firstnightakron.org.
A Night of Firsts
Think First Night Akron is the same every year? Well, you’ve never seen it like this before! First Night Akron 2010 is celebrating “A Night of Firsts!” Every artist will premiere something new! Artist premieres range from new songs, performances and dances to new interactive projects and works of art! Whether it’s your first time at First Night or your 14th, you’re sure to have a unique experience! Check the Event Guide to see what each artist will premiere.
A Few First Night Changes
First Night looks a little bit different this year. The footprint is more compact and easier to navigate, but still features more than 90 artists and projects to enjoy! First Night artists are using the space in creative and imaginative ways – so guests don’t have to miss any performances because of travel time!
New to the First Night footprint is Greystone Hall, packed with musical entertainment for every taste. As an extra bonus, revelers can visit the new METRO Transit Center, celebrating its first birthday during First Night Akron 2010!
You’ll also find that the 9 p.m. Kids Fireworks and FirstMerit Fireworks at midnight have moved to Lock 3! Come down to Lock 3 and countdown to 2010 with us. If you had a favorite viewing spot for the fireworks in the past, be sure to check www.firstnightakron.org for recommended viewing locations and see if your spot is listed. We wouldn’t want you to miss the show!
Did you know…
- Stay warm all night at INDOOR venues throughout Downtown Akron and on METRO buses that take you to your favorite First Night venue!
- First Night features great original music and covers ranging from The Beatles and Jimmy Buffet to rock, jazz and folk!
- There are activities for everyone to enjoy – couples, singles, families, empty nesters, neighbors, young professionals and friends!
- First Night is new and fresh each year, featuring new projects, artists and musicians!
- Start or end your night at Lock 3 with fireworks! Enjoy the Akron Children’s Hospital Kids Countdown Show and kids fireworks at 9 p.m. and the Midnight Countdown Show and FirstMerit Fireworks Show at midnight!
- FREE parking in Downtown is available all night long!
Experience the best of the arts for one great price! First Night Akron 2010 admission buttons are only $10 and children under 10 are admitted FREE when accompanied by a button-wearing adult. Buttons go on sale Friday, November 27 at various locations throughout the community including Acme Fresh Markets, participating FirstMerit Bank branches, Akron Art Museum, Akron Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk, Borders Books & Music at Chapel Hill, Carolyn’s Cupboard in Wadsworth, The Library Shop on Main, Lock 3 and Stage Left Boutique at the Akron Civic Theatre. Buttons and First Night Akron logo items may also be purchased online at www.firstnightakron.org.
Find out more online at www.firstnightakron.org! Visit First Night’s website for a full schedule of First Night events, indoor venues, artist premieres, free parking, button sales locations and more!
First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.