See photos from First Night 2007 (New Year's Eve 2006).
First Night Austin Dates:
The date for First Night Austin 2009 (end of 2008) is Wednesday, December 31, 2008.Watch this forum discussion for details about First Night Austin.
First Night Austin 2009 Activities:
A processional, fireworks, digital portraits, sculptures, puppet shows and a puppet-making workshop, theatrical performances and dancers in the streets, a hat-making workshop, clog dancing, jugglers, and drums are just a tiny sampling of the afternoon and evening activities. More Activities and EventsThis PDF file from the First Night Austin 2008 organizers provides complete details including information on restrooms, wheelchair access, seating at indoor venues, event history, and a complete timeline of what's going on and where.Location:
First Night Austin 2009 will take place on 6th and Congress to Auditorium Shores and the 2nd St. Retail District. Lavaca, Guadalupe, Cesar Chavez and the 1st Street Bridge are closed between 2pm and 1am. Congress Avenue between 7th Street and Cesar Chavez will be closed between 5:30pm and 7pm for the Grand Procession.Parking / Transportation:
Free parking at the State Capitol Complex garages, the One Texas Center garages, and Town Lake Center. Capital Metro provides free Starlight 'Dillo service from 1:30pm to 1:30am. For cyclists, bicycle racks are outside of the Austin City Hall.Official Information Centers:
Purchase First Night Austin 2009 T-shirts and posters and get info at:- 6th and Congress from 2:00 - 7:00 pm
- One Congress Plaza from noon - 11:00 pm
- Austin City Hall from 2:00 - 11:00 pm
First Night Austin 2009 Venues:
Venues for First Night 2009 are to be announced.First Night 2008 venues:
- Austin City Hall
- Second Street Retail District
- Lady Bird Lake / Auditorium Shores
- First Street Pedestrian Bridge
- W Hotel, 200 Lavaca
- Radisson Hotel
- Austin Children's Museum
- Computer Services Corporation, 200 W. Cesar Chavez
- Stratus Properties, Block 21
Festivals and Fireworks:
Although many of the events and activities are going on throughout the event, there are also a few one-time events:
- Family Festival: 3:00 to 6:00 pm
- Grand Procession: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Remarks by Congressman Lloyd Doggett & Mayor Will Wynn: 7:45 pm
- Family Finale Fireworks: 7:45 pm
- Grand Finale Fireworks over Lady Bird Lake: Midnight
First Night Austin Photos and Videos:
I took these First Night 2007 photos and made this video of the Red Tubes at First Night.
Also browse these videos from First Night Austin posted on YouTube.