First Night Boston

The First Night Boston annual New Year’s celebration of the arts is a production of First Night, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and celebrating community and diversity through the arts. Founded in 1976, First Night Boston is the original First Night and the largest New Year’s celebration in North America. First Night has been the inspiration for as many as 200 other First Night organizations throughout North America and abroad. The festival consists of four major sections: afternoon Family Festival, Mardi Gras-style Grand Procession, Evening Indoor Performances and large-scale outdoor ice sculptures, fireworks displays and environmental art installations. Currently, the event attracts over 1 million people each year. First Night 2006 will be a special festival that celebrates First Night’s 30th Birthday.

Along with its New Year’s Eve festival, First Night, Inc. conducts The Neighborhood Network, a year round arts education and outreach program that annually serves 2,000 young people in Boston’s neighborhoods. First Night events and programs are funded through the sale of festival admission buttons, sponsorships and philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, government organizations and corporations.