This year, First Night presents a wide array of theater, variety and the spoken word. Poets perform their original work for open critique by audience members. This sporting match features two teams of comedic athletes competing for laughs and points, with a referee keeping things moving and calling fouls. These actors take spectators on a roller coaster ride as audience ideas are shaped into scenes, songs and stories, making the viewer a part of the show. Two incredible jugglers couple their dexterity with an outrageous sense of humor.
Performers create original contemporary stories with audience participation.
Children under 4 are free. Attendance this year is expected to top 1.6 million people. The festival will consist of over 1000 artists participating in more than 250 performances and exhibitions in over 50 indoor and outdoor venues, transforming the city into a grand, glittering stage. First Night Boston was established in 1976 as a citywide festival of arts and culture, and has grown to become the largest annual New Year's Eve event in the United States. It is the model for over 200 similar celebrations throughout the United States, Canada, England and New Zealand.