Original text from an earlier festival edition. Dates, performers, prices, addresses and application instructions below are historical; they do not describe the returning 2027 edition. Old forms and transaction controls are disabled. Read current information ↗
Release Date: Monday, January 5th 2015
Cold temperatures don't deter New Year's Eve revelers
First Night Akron attendance estimated at 14,000-15,000
Online survey available to collect audience feedback
Despite temperatures that dipped to -2 degrees with the wind chill, the 19th annual First Night Akron brought between 14,000-15,000 revelers to Downtown Akron to enjoy New Year's Eve in a safe, clean and family-friendly environment.
"Together we inspired, entertained, amused and delighted our audience with artists and groups showcasing their craft in some of Downtown Akron's best venues for a safe, welcoming and wonderful start to 2015," said Suzie Graham, Downtown Akron Partnership president. "Thank you to our venues, to METRO RTA for continued support as a venue and transportation between sites, to over 300 volunteers, and to our incredible partners for the financial support that brings this event to our community."
| Life-sized Lite Brite at the Akron Art Museum |
Twelve downtown sites were filled with more than 80 artists and groups showcasing music, dance, theater, and interactive and visual arts. Two new venues were added to the event footprint, The Nightlight cinema and Palladian Palette. Several new and engaging artists and activities made their debut, such as Dark Side of the Moon, Cafe 80's, The Gage Brothers, the Fire & Ice Tower, Walking in Circles, Wandering Aesthetics and Ballet Le Reve. The #BetterAkron2015 digital media challenge sponsored by Time Warner Cable Connect a Million Minds initiative collected more than 40 videos of community members sharing resolutions to make Akron better in the new year. All videos can be viewed on the Akronist's YouTube channel. Annual favorites like Jason Alan Magic, the horse drawn carriage, Akron Big Band and Akron Derbytown Chorus returned to entertain guests of all ages.
| Fabulous FirstMerit Fireworks on Main St. |
Each year, First Night Akron conducts a survey to collect feedback from the audience and uses the suggestions for planning future events. With First Night celebrating 20 years this December, survey information is more valuable than ever. The survey is available at www.downtownakron.com and www.firstnightakron.org. For every 300 respondents, a randomly chosen winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to a Downtown business of his/her choice.
First Night Akron is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the city of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com.
Thank you to generous First Night partners:
Platinum:Acme Fresh Market, Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.Com, Charles C. and Dorathea S. Dilley Fund of Akron Community Foundation, city of Akron, county of Summit, FirstMerit Foundation, GAR Foundation and PNC Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Gold: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, John S. Knight Center, METRO Regional Transit Authority, Time Warner Cable and The University of Akron. Silver: Labels & Letters, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, Robert O. & Annamae Orr Family Foundation, Pat Catan's Craft Centers, Roetzel & Andress LPA, Sisler McFawn Foundation and the Welty Family Foundation. Bronze: A. Schulman; Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund; Cohen & Company; GOJO Industries, Inc.; Huntington Bank; Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust KeyBank, Trustee; Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation; Moffitt Foundation; The Murdough Foundation; R.C. Musson & Katharine M. Musson Charitable Foundation; Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation; Lloyd L. and Louis K. Smith Memorial Foundation and Step2. Special Friends: Akron Summit Community Action, Inc., Box Creations, Glenn R. and Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation, Coca-Cola, The Maynard Family Foundation and Miller's Party Rental Center. Official Radio Partner: 98.1 WKDD.