First Night Spokane

First Night Spokane is a huge new years eve celebration of the arts that's been happening since 2001. Similar celebrations happen in about 200 other cities in North America, Australia and New Zealand. The good thing about these First Night celebrations is that they are very family friendly. No alcohol can be served and the sponsorship is partially paid for by alcoholic beverage companies.

It all takes place in downtown Spokane and is made up of numerous venues, some inside and some outside. It's fun to be able to walk around the downtown area when there are no cars on the street. All along Spokane Falls Blvd there are bon fires so that you can warm up along the way.

So what kind of things go on? Well there is all kinds of music and performing arts happening all over the downtown area.  You can ice skate at the Ice Palace in Riverfront Park. All you need to do is show your admission button and pay for skate rental if you don't have your own.

There are numerous performing arts programs going on in one of the 5 party zones located in the downtown core from Washington St to Madison St (about 6 blocks east to west) and from 1st St to Spokane Falls Blvd (about 5 blocks North to South).

The party gets going at 7:00 pm and goes until about 1:00 am (that's when the busses stop running). The closing ceremonies take place at 11:45 in Riverfront Park and end with fireworks at midnight.

Here is a map, schedule and parking information that you can print out before you leave home. They are all .pdf files so just hover your mouse over them or right click to download them.

It's a good idea to park at the Riverpoint Campus just East of Downtown Spokane and catch one of the shuttle buses that come about every 10 minutes. Be sure to pick up an admission button before hand to save some money.