First Night Boston 2015

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston announce that First Night Boston 2015, the annual New Year’s Eve festival celebration, will take place December 31, 2014, throughout downtown Boston.  Presented by Highland Street Foundation, First Night Boston 2015 provides a communal moment for citizens to celebrate the spirit and communities of Boston and serves as an economic driver by providing opportunities to showcase the business, hospitality and cultural offerings of downtown Boston, during the holiday season.  Through music, dance, theatre, visual art, spoken word, and interactive activities, the city showcases the diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods.

In 2014, The City of Boston became custodian of First Night Boston, the largest and longest-running New Year’s Eve arts festival in the country. Each year from 1:00 p.m. to midnight on December 31, nearly one-million people gather in downtown Boston for a celebration that showcases over 1,000 artists in 200 performances and  events at over two-dozen indoor and outdoor venues. First Night Boston features an afternoon Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, a Grand Procession parade that sweeps down Boylston Street, colossal ice sculptures that dot the city’s landscape, and a dazzling ?reworks display to welcome the New Year. For nearly 40 years, First Night Boston has become a cherished Boston tradition and a signature event of the city.

 “First Night is one of Boston’s signature annual events,” says Mayor Martin J. Walsh, “in the same company as the Boston Marathon and Independence Day celebrations. Founded in 1976, by a group of artists and community activists, it’s the oldest and largest New Year’s arts festival in the world. Over the years, it has been replicated by over 250 cities and towns. While maintaining its accessibility and innovative spirit, First Night Boston will be an attraction for residents and visitors, supporting businesses in our local and regional economy.”

“First Night Boston is a wonderful event,” says Blake Jordan, Executive Director, Highland Street Foundation “that provides access to the arts for Massachusetts families. With the Family Festival at the Hynes, to the Grand Procession parade, there is a great variety of fun family activities to choose from.”

“It’s an honor to help steward such a long-time, favorite Boston event,” says Kenneth Brissettte, Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. “The upcoming First Night will attract amazing performers, and we’re thrilled to partner with so many of the city’s businesses, cultural orginaizations, and hotels.”

First Night Boston 2015 Sponsors (as of September 19, 2014)

Highland Street Foundation                                        Presenting Sponsor
Bank of America                                                               Family Festival Sponsor
Sheraton Hotel                                                                 Hotel Sponsor
The Boston Globe                                                            Media Sponsor
WBZ                                                                                       Media Sponsor

Featured programming, button sales, and VIP ticket packages will be announced shortly. 
For more information visit firstnightboston.org.