Make Plans for 20th Annual First Night Alexandria

First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the new year through the performing arts. Local shops, restaurants and buildings in Old Town Alexandria will turn into performance venues on Wednesday, Dec. 31, to showcase local talent. First Night events are held throughout the day and evening hours. Events begin at noon.

• See the full schedule of events here.
• See a map here of venues with information and times.

It’s fun, affordable, safe and family friendly. Fireworks are back this year, set to go off at midnight over the river. Best viewing is anywhere along the river from Oronoco Bay Park to Waterfront Park. Some of the display will be visible from the steps of the Masonic Memorial but the best viewing will be closer to the river.

The price of a badge is $15 until Thursday, Dec. 18, and to gain admission to all First Night Alexandria venues you need just one badge per adult. Kids 12 and younger and active military are FREE! Badges for those over 12 years of age may be purchased here. Admission badges will not be mailed. You can pick them up on Dec. 31 at either the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. or the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.

Military must provide an active ID to receive their First Night Badge. Military badges can only be picked up on Dec. 31 at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. any time between noon and 10 p.m. or at any venue after 7 p.m. Spouses and other family members of active military must purchase badges.

You can purchase badges at these venues in Alexandria:

• Burke & Herbert Bank
• Del Ray Variety
• John Marshal Bank
• Unwined
• Hooray for Books!
• King Street Blues
• Virginia Commerce Bank
• Imagine Artwear
• St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
• Visitor Center at Ramsay House

For more information, visit www.firstnightalexandria.org or call 703.746.3301.

PHOTO: Fireworks will light up the sky over the Potomac River on New Year’s Eve in Alexandria; photo courtesy of firstnightalexandria.org