FAQ
Q: What is First Night Akron?
A: First Night Akron is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the New Year through the arts. It is a major visual and performing arts festival created by and for the community to welcome the New Year in Downtown Akron on December 31st each year. First Night Akron is in its 14th year!
Q: When is it?
A: First Night Akron takes place on New Year’s Eve – Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 5 p.m.-midnight.
Q: Where does First Night Akron take place? Is all of the entertainment outdoors?
A: First Night Akron takes places at a variety of INDOOR venues in Downtown Akron. The First Night Akron 2010 venues include the Akron Art Museum, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Greystone Hall, John S. Knight Center, Lock 3, METRO Transit Center, The Shoppes at Akron Centre, Summit Artspace and the UA Polsky Building. There are a few activities that take place outdoors, like the fireworks displays and other visual displays, but the majority of the entertainment takes place indoors. The fireworks displays take place at Lock 3 at 9 p.m. and midnight.
Q: Who’s invited?
A: You are! First Night is an event for the entire community to enjoy. Invite your spouse, kids, aunts, uncles, grandparents, date, neighbors, friends and coworkers to come with you!
Q: How do I get to Downtown Akron?
A: From the WEST:
Take I-76 EAST to the Main Street/Downtown exit (exit 22a). Follow exit to Broadway Street (one way). Make a left on Broadway (one way, North) and proceed to Exchange Street.
From the EAST:
Take I-76 WEST to the Main Street/Downtown exit (exit 22a). Follow the Downtown exit and merge onto Broadway Street (one way, North). Take Broadway Street to Exchange Street.
From the SOUTH:
Take I-77 NORTH to Route 8 NORTH and exit at the Perkins Street/Downtown exit. Turn left (West) on Perkins Street and proceed to High Street (one way, South). Make a left on High Street.
From the NORTH (Using I-77 SOUTH):
Take I-77 SOUTH to I-76 EAST and exit the Main Street/Downtown exit (exit 22a). Follow exit to Broadway Street (one way, North). Make a left on Broadway and proceed (North) to Exchange Street.
From the NORTH (Using Route 8 SOUTH):
Take Route 8 SOUTH and exit at the Perkins Street/Downtown exit. Turn right (West) on Perkins Street. Proceed to High Street (one way, South). Turn left on High Street.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Free parking is available in all city owned decks and lots in Downtown after 3 p.m. on First Night.
View the interactive Downtown Parking Map.
Q: How do I get around once I arrive at First Night?
A: First Night revelers wearing their First Night admission button will be able to ride the METRO shuttles that run the First Night footprint from 5-11:30 p.m. Stay warm while traveling from site to site by hopping on a shuttle at the deck or lot you park in or at the entrance of any of the First Night venues. Jump on a bus at Cascade Plaza after the Midnight Fireworks Show to get a ride back to the parking lots and garages.
Q: How much does First Night cost?
A: First Night admission buttons are $10. Children under 10 are FREE. An admission button allows you access to all First Night venues and activities. This year your admission button also earns you discounts at local businesses around town through January 31, 2010.
Purchase buttons online or view a list of button sales locations.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact the First Night office at 330-762-8555 or firstnight@downtownakron.com.