First Night Austin

Artistic Celebration Ushers in New Year

Austin has a reputation for being a ‘different kind of town.’ True to its unique nature, Austin stages a one-of-a-kind event every year to ring in the New Year. First Night Austin transforms downtown Austin into a seemingly endless string of art displays, musical performances and entertainment.

The goal of First Night Austin is to celebrate the arts – both visual and performing – and give residents and visitors a safe way to welcome the new year. Austin was the first Texas city to implement a First Night program and has been holding it annually since 1976. Recent years have regularly seen over 100,000 people make their way through the two dozen venues which participate in First Night Austin.

This year's event is set to begin at 2 p.m. Performances and displays will be ongoing until midnight. First Night Austin culminates with a pyrotechnics display over Town Lake.