Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Night?
First Night is a community celebration of the New Year through the arts. It is held throughout Downtown Spokane, and it blends a combination of visual and performing arts into a presentation that fills the Downtown core.
What is there to do?
Lots! Much more than anyone can see in one evening. There's music, all sorts, from classical to folk to rock to some that's hard to put into a category. There's comedy, dance, and theater. There are displays of visual art - paintings, sculpture, and so on. Every year is a little different - Check out the Visual and Performing Artist's Bios link to see all the great things happening at First Night this year.
I don't like big crowds - why should I come to First Night?
Even though there are many people that attend First Night, it's important to remember that they are spread out all across Downtown Spokane. If you go to a popular event, you will certainly find many others there, but it's usually not a big challenge.
We normally don't go out on New Year's Eve. We've gotten tired of the same old drunken parties.
One of the founding principles of First Night, as specified in the official standards of First Night International, is that First Night celebrations be non-alcoholic and must not be, wholly or partially, sponsored or underwritten by alcoholic beverage companies.
It's very hard to get someone to watch the kids, so we usually don't go out.
You can bring them along! First Night has lots of activities for kids, starting with Kids Night Out, their own private New Year's celebration. Many of the evening activities and performances would be fun for kids as well. You can even book a hotel room with one of several downtown hotels offering special First Night packagesand make it a real adventure. Go to www.winterinspokane.com for a complete list of participating hotels.
How do we attend First Night?
Each adult will need a button - there are a number of locations where you can purchase buttons in advance. Kids 10 and under accompanied by a button wearing adult are free. On New Year's Eve, just dress warm, pin on your buttons, and come Downtown!
