It took a group of yuppie Bostonian artists to take something as wholesome as drinking oneself into mild dementia on New Year’s Eve and try to replace it with art. No drinking, no awkward hugs, no upended Jeeps. Believe it or not, people still got behind it.
That was 1976 in Boston, and ever since, these “First Night” celebrations have been springing up all over. The gist: ditch the drink and celebrate the coming of the New Year with incredible performances by local and regional artists instead. Music is a must, along with magic, performance art, dancing, live comedy, kid-friendly showcases and just about anything else you can put on a stage that doesn’t involve removing one’s clothes.
If you’re like me and subscribe to the belief that you don’t have to get hammered to have fun, First Night just might be your scene. Major events are now hosted throughout the country (find links here), but today we’d like to zero in on one of our favorites: First Night Alexandria.
Why Alexandria? For starters, we like the town itself. Just minutes from D.C., Alexandria, Virginia is an odd meld of quaint history and modern affluence, something no more apparent than up the main tourist drag along King Street. Second, show for show, venue for venue, Alexandria puts on a fabulous First Night. Let’s talk specifics.
First Night Alexandria will be held on December 31, 2009 in Alexandria’s Old Town (along King Street) at 19 venues stretching from the Torpedo Art Factory on the Potomac to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. In just five hours, more than 100 acts will hit the stage and light up the night with rock and roll, storytelling, stand-up comedy, dance and karaoke (plus plenty of other chances for audience participation). These are joined by classic festival fun like face-painting, clowning, variety show and all the eating you can handle. View the schedules here.
As the turn of the hour draws near, join the throngs of people headed west to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. When the clock strikes midnight, join in the celebration with a song and a dazzling fireworks display. You just might find yourself having a good time without a single Jäger shot.
Again, First Night Alexandria takes place this December 31. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. No one can stop you from walking up and down King Street, but to access the venues you will have to purchase a badge. Adult badges cost $15 when purchased online before December 23. Children 12 and under are admitted free with adult wearing a badge. First Night Alexandria is an alcohol-free event. BYOB is not allowed. Learn more.
Work off the buzz of that flashy finale with a lazy walk back to your hotel room. Both of our recommendations are within walking distance of King Street, but give you a few blocks’ peace from the madness.
Have a fun, safe and surprisingly memorable New Year’s Eve in Alexandria, Virginia.
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First Night Alexandria – New Year’s Eve near Washington D.C.
It took a group of yuppie Bostonian artists to take something as wholesome as drinking oneself into mild dementia on New Year’s Eve and try to replace it with art. No drinking, no awkward hugs, no upended Jeeps. Believe it or not, people still got behind it.
That was 1976 in Boston, and ever since, these “First Night” celebrations have been springing up all over. The gist: ditch the drink and celebrate the coming of the New Year with incredible performances by local and regional artists instead. Music is a must, along with magic, performance art, dancing, live comedy, kid-friendly showcases and just about anything else you can put on a stage that doesn’t involve removing one’s clothes.
If you’re like me and subscribe to the belief that you don’t have to get hammered to have fun, First Night just might be your scene. Major events are now hosted throughout the country (find links here), but today we’d like to zero in on one of our favorites: First Night Alexandria.
Why Alexandria? For starters, we like the town itself. Just minutes from D.C., Alexandria, Virginia is an odd meld of quaint history and modern affluence, something no more apparent than up the main tourist drag along King Street. Second, show for show, venue for venue, Alexandria puts on a fabulous First Night. Let’s talk specifics.
First Night Alexandria will be held on December 31, 2009 in Alexandria’s Old Town (along King Street) at 19 venues stretching from the Torpedo Art Factory on the Potomac to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. In just five hours, more than 100 acts will hit the stage and light up the night with rock and roll, storytelling, stand-up comedy, dance and karaoke (plus plenty of other chances for audience participation). These are joined by classic festival fun like face-painting, clowning, variety show and all the eating you can handle. View the schedules here.
As the turn of the hour draws near, join the throngs of people headed west to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. When the clock strikes midnight, join in the celebration with a song and a dazzling fireworks display. You just might find yourself having a good time without a single Jäger shot.
Again, First Night Alexandria takes place this December 31. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. No one can stop you from walking up and down King Street, but to access the venues you will have to purchase a badge. Adult badges cost $15 when purchased online before December 23. Children 12 and under are admitted free with adult wearing a badge. First Night Alexandria is an alcohol-free event. BYOB is not allowed. Learn more.
Work off the buzz of that flashy finale with a lazy walk back to your hotel room. Both of our recommendations are within walking distance of King Street, but give you a few blocks’ peace from the madness.
Have a fun, safe and surprisingly memorable New Year’s Eve in Alexandria, Virginia.
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No related posts.