Alexandria’s 30th annual First Night celebration is just around the corner.
Here’s what you need to know before the family-friendly, alcohol-free event.
First Night runs from 2 p.m. until the fireworks show at midnight along the waterfront on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The event includes performances from Grammy-nominated Culture Queen, a juggling act with trickster Parris Dineen, and early fireworks at 6 p.m. along the waterfront if you want to get the kids home early.
According to Visit Alexandria:
This year’s celebration will feature a twilight fireworks display at 6 p.m. on Alexandria’s waterfront geared to families who want to enjoy the show with their kids and loved ones. First Night Alexandria will also still host an abbreviated encore display of the New Year’s fireworks at midnight on the waterfront. Visit the event website for more information.
Tickets cost $10 for daytime activities around town and scale up to $35 per ticket for adults and $50 for a “VIP Fast Pass” ticket to various venues. Kids ages two and below can attend for free.
Wristbands can be picked up at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street) on Saturday (Dec. 28) and Sunday (Dec. 29), and at City Hall at Market Square (301 King Street) on New Year’s Eve.
On parking and transportation, event organizers encourage ticket holders to park near the venues of their choice. The free King Street Trolley runs every 15 minutes up and down King Street from the King Street Metro station to City Hall/Market Square (301 King Street).
“All of the venues are within a 1 mile walking distance from the GW Masonic Temple to the Potomac River,” First Night Alexandria says on its website. “There are lots of parking garages in the area that you can consider as well as street parking, bikes, scooters and the trolley system, which is available until 11 p.m.”
Hungry? Food trucks can be found from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial 101 Callahan Drive.
In the event of a washout, the rain date for the fireworks is 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The First Night Alexandria schedule of events is below:
First Night Alexandria Matinee (2 to 5 p.m.)
Kids Celebrate at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Drive):
- Culture Queen
- Groovy Nate
- Dineen Jugglers
- Mike Rose Magic
- Let’s Make a Face
- Yellow Door Youth Lions
NYE Rockin’ Day Party at the Durant Arts Center (1605 Cameron Street)
- Line Dancing Divas
- Hand dance demo
- Saxy Entertainment
First Night Alexandria Primetime (7-11 p.m.)
Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute Band 7:00, 8:45, 10:15 p.m.
7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 p.m.
7:15 and 9:15 p.m.
7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 p.m.
7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 p.m.
7:45, 9:15, 10:45 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.
7:45, 9:30 and 10:45 p.m.
7:15, 8:15, 9:15, 10:15 p.m.
7:00 and 8:15 p.m.
7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m.
7:00 and 11:00 p.m.
7:15, 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15 p.m.
Classic Rock 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 p.m.
7:15, 8:00, 8:45, 9:30, 10:15 p.m.
Happy New Year!
