Alexandria Spotlight
New Years in Alexandria
There's no bigger way to ring in the new year than First Night Alexandria! This annual New Year's Eve bash takes over Old Town with over 100 performances at 21 indoor venues, with live music, dancing, and lots of children's entertainment. The city's most musical evening features Argentinean tango, New Orleans funk, traditional Irish music, rocking rhythm and blues, acoustic folk, jazz violin, and much more, starting at 7 p.m.
First Night's beloved fireworks finale returns at a NEW location, with a display over the Potomac River at the foot of King Street at midnight. The afternoon's Fourth Annual Fun Hunt is joined by all-new FREE activities for families - and dogs - starting at 2 p.m.! New this year, DC's food truck craze will descend on Alexandria with four food trucks in town.
First Night Alexandria is the largest family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year's Eve event in the region. Your ticket for the event is a First Night badge which gives you access to entertainment and activities at spots all around Old Town. Admission is just $15 before December 17; $20 after. Children 12 and under and active military are free.
Make a night of it with dinner at one of Old Town's many dining hotspots or cozy pubs. Book a First Night hotel package for the night or long weekend. Book your hotel stay and take part in special holiday offers from Alexandria attractions, restaurants and shops.
See Schedule of Performances
Printable list of Afternoon Activities
Buy Tickets Now
Special Offers
Listings of performances & Venues for First Night Alexandria
(Performances are 30 minutes unless noted otherwise)
1. Torpedo Factory* | 105 N. Union St.
The Grandsons - Americana, roots rock, New Orleans R&B, swing, Rock 'n Roll. "American music in ablender with the lid off!"
7:00-7:45, 8:30-9:15 and10-10:45 pm
Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun - Perennial First Night favorites. Rockin' rhythm and twang!
7:45-8:30, 9:15-10 and10:45-midnight
2. Alexandria City Hall | 301 King Street
Nicole Belanus - Singer/songwriter with acoustic and folk-rock influences. Strong vocal performance and memorable melodies for fans of Joni Mitchell and Sheryl Crow. Named best vocalist by SingerUniverse magazine.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 p.m.
3. American Legion Post 24 *| 400 Cameron Street
Rose Between the Thorns- Country, blues, southern rock. Songwriters Association of Washington showcase performer in 2010.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
4. The Athenaeum | 201 Prince Street
2nd Story Band Duo - A jammin' and improvisational World Beat Blend of funky Blues & Swing, West African, Caribbean and Jazzy musical stylings … they call their music World Beat Blues.
7, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Vaughn Ambrose Trio - Traditional jazz
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
5. St. Paul's Episcopal Church | 228 S. Pitt St.
Bonnie Rideout - World renowned fiddler, Bonnie Rideout has not performed at First Night Alexandria for several years. This is one performance only!
7–7:45 p.m.
Musikanten & Friends- Formed in 1979 as a Lab Chorus for director Kerry Krebill's Masters Degree at Catholic University, this chamber ensemble performs "mostly a cappella" music from the entire choral repertoire,specializing in works of the Renaissance and compositions of 20th and 21st century American composers. In recent years, they have been performing a complete Renaissance Mass for First Night Alexandria - a great way to enter the new year!
8:15-8:45 and 9:45-10:15 p.m.
QuinTango - The sizzle of tango and the intimacy of chamber music- QuinTango's special blend makes them a perennial First Night Alexandria favorite. Multiple WAMMIE winner.
9-9:30 and 10:30-11 p.m.
6. Old Presbyterian Meeting House | 321 S. Fairfax Street
The Stairwells - All male a cappella from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA
7-7:45 p.m. and 9-9:45 p.m.
Al Petteway & Amy White- Original and traditional, Celtic and Appalician acoustic groove. GRAMMY-winning guitarist, Indie-winning duo as heard on the recent Ken Burns documentaries, "The National Parks".
8-8:45 pm and 10-10:45 p.m.
7. Little Theatre of Alexandria **| 600 Wolfe Street
Mike Rose - The Magic Kinda Guy - Mike Rose returns for his twelfth consecutive year! Performing off-the-wall interactive comedy and magic that your whole family will enjoy. 6:15, 7, 7:45, 8:30, 9:15 and 10 p.m.
8. Downtown Baptist Church | 212 S. Washington Street
Fellowship Hall **
Astro Events moon bounce, interactive games and amateur face painting for children under the age of 10. (NOTE: Parents are responsible for the safety of their own children.)
7-11 p.m.
Sanctuary
Virginia Bronze Handbell Ringers of Northern Virginia - Virginia Bronze is a community handbell ensemble dedicated to advancing the art of English handbell ringing in the Washington metropolitan area. The group performs a wide range of repertoire including secular, sacred, popular and original works.
7, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
KAPO - Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts - Traditional music from Ireland to France and beyond on hammered dulcimer, harp guitar, accordion and wooden flute!
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
9. Lyceum | 201 S. Washington Street
Not So Modern Jazz Quartet Plus One - A five-piece"quartet" playing American popular songs and jazz standards.
7, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Keira Moran - In just a year, 17 year-old singer/songwriter Keira Moran went from playing her first gig to winning a national songwriting contest, playing the Kauai Music Festival, garnering radio play in Los Angeles,Detroit, DC and Sydney, and embarking on a multi-state summer tour. Currently, Keira is writing songs for her next CD, filming the reality show "Giving Back", and working on the score for the film "American Financial". She’s a student at Alexandria’s TC Williams High School.
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
10. Christ Church Sanctuary | 118 N. Washington Street
Service - Welcome the New Year with a 30 minute service beginning at 10 p.m. in the church of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Sing, pray and meet your neighbors in this beautiful and historic church.
10 p.m.
11. Bittersweet | 823 King Street
(This venue sells food; First Night admission badges not required in this venue)
Curtis Blues - Curtis Blues is a musical preservationist of acoustic Mississippi Delta blues from the 1920's to the 1940's. He performs as a one man band, playing drums, guitar and harmonica together. Curtis was named Solo Blues Artist of the year by the DC Blues Society.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
12.Indus Imports | 1010 King Street
Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark – Blues with a funk edge. 2010 winner of DC Battle of the Blues Bands. 2011 International Blues Challenge Semi-finalist.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
13. Nickells & Scheffler | 1028 King Street
(This venue sells food)
David Alberding - Elegant, award-winning songs, performed with an awesome baritone and intricate rhythm-filled guitar. Contemporary folk, rock and blues.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
14. Imagine Artwear | 1124 King Street
Phyllis Chapell & SIORA- A mix of songs in different genres and languages and originals played on guitar with vocals and percussion. Phyllis Chapell was named one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time by Scott Yanow (Downbeat/AllMusic Guide). 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30pm
15. Hooray for Books ** | 1555 King Street
Megan Graves - Hooray for Books' own Miss Megan presents a special interactive storytime in celebration of the New Year!
2, 3, 4, 6, 7,8 and 9 p.m.
16.Jefferson Houston School ** | 1501 Cameron Street
Auditorium
Astro Events – Moonbounce and interactive games for children 10 and under. (NOTE: Parents are responsible for the safety of their own children).
2-11 p.m.
Cafeteria
ThinkFun Games – Interactive games that the entire family can enjoy.
2-11 p.m.
Seaworthy Small Ships- Model boat building and sailing--an activity the whole family will enjoy! NOTE: extra charge for boats.
7-10 p.m.
Lobby
Mister Don - Interactive children's music with lots of movement and audience participation.
7, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
How-To Cowboy: Jokefest - Interactive children's entertainer: "Tell A Joke", "Get a Book" Jokefest was filmed by The Washington Post in2012.
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
17. Durant Community Arts Center * | 1605 Cameron Street
Folsom Prisoners - Country, honky tonk, classic country
7:00, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Ray Owen - Ray whips up a veritable feast of folk, Americana and roots acoustic music, blues and swing, Country-Eastern and Celtic and Western, and stirs in a dollop of comedy, not to mention a few outrageous parodies. Ray's latest album release achieved national airplay and was selected as a candidate for GRAMMY nomination.
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
18. Embassy Suites Hotel * | 1900 Diagonal Road
Susan Jones Jazz Quartet- Jazz violin group
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
19. Alexandria Union Station | 110 Callahan Drive
Matthew Mills - Matthew is an emerging instrumental acoustic guitarist from Northern Virginia who combines contemporary acoustic music with the influence of contemporary jazz and flamenco guitar in every piece. He has performed for over a decade as a neoclassical rock guitarist and is endorsed by Schecter Guitar Research and has conducted guitar clinics for Schecter. In recent years, Matthew has embraced the acoustic guitar and acoustic music as inspiration for his performances.
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
20. GW Masonic Memorial | 101 Callahan Drive
Assembly Hall
Amazing Clowns - Balloon sculpturers. (NOTE: Sculptures for children 12 and under are free; one per child. $10 charge [cash only] for older children and adults.)
7:00 - 11:00 pm
Let's Make a Face – Amazing face painting! (NOTE: Children 12 and under are free. $10 charge [cash only] for older children and adults.)
7-11 p.m.
North Lodge
Janna Audey & Rob Santos- Soothing, soulful, melodic pop/rock musical guitar/vocals duo.
7, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Irish Breakfast Band -Traditional Irish music
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
Theater *
Janine Wilson Band - 2011 Washington, DC Music Association Wammie for album of the year (Wakin' Up), song of the year (It Should Be Me), roots rock album and album design (Wakin' Up). May 2011 -It Should Be Me placed second in the Pop/Rock/Alt/R&B category of the Dallas Songwriters' contest.
7:00, 8:30 and 10 p.m.
Junkyard Saints - Funk, soul and New Orleans party music! Voted "Best roots rock group" 2010 & 2011 by WAMA.
7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 p.m.
Dining Room
Snacks and beverages –
7:30-11 p.m.
*Bring your dancing shoes and kick up your heels!
**Although many activities are suitable for both children and adults, these are especially for children.
FINALE:: Join DJ Ray Casiano as he spins tunes at 0 King Street beginning at 10 p.m. TheStairwells, from the College of William & Mary will sing their hearts out for you from 11:15-11:45 p.m. At 11:55 p.m, join Mayor William D. Euille and friends for a countdown to SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS on the river at midnight!
Alexandria merchants are also ringing in the New Year with special offers and New Year's Brunches the whole family can enjoy. See our current list of offerings below and be sure to check back often as new specials are added daily!
Restaurant Special Offers
Pull up a seat at our beautifully remodeled bar and treat yourself to our award winning food at 20% off. The discount is on food only, separate discounts for happy hour may apply. Enjoy Parisian dining at its finest at Bastille. We offer locally sourced, organic gourmet meals set in a relaxed bistro environment. …more
Ben & Jerry's for Gaylord National Guests!
Redeemable: February 11, 2013 - January 1, 2014 Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
Upgrade to a free waffle cone! …more
$5 Starters, $4 Menuccis & $3 Small Plates at the bar!
Redeemable: July 11, 2012 - January 1, 2014 Bertucci's Italian Restaurant
Handcrafted specials from the Brick Oven combined with handcrafted beer from Samuel Adams! Starters $5 Menucci Pizzas $4 Small Plates $3 Sunday-Thursday from 4pm to close only at the bar! …more
$10 OFF with Your First Online OR Mobile Order
Redeemable: July 13, 2012 - April 1, 2014 Bertucci's Italian Restaurant
$10 Off First Order $20+ When You Create Your Online Ordering Account. Discount automatically applied upon checkout! …more
Enjoy a complimentary Entree (upto $10.00 value) when a second Entree is purchased, dining in only. Also for carry out, take 10% OFF on total bill. Not valid on specials and alcoholic beverages. …more
IL PORTO RISTORANTE 40 Years of Excellence! 1973 - 2013 Let’'s celebrate our 40th Anniversary with specially selected wines by the bottle for only $19.73 each. …more
Complimentary lunch or dinner entree any day of the week with the purchase of any entree of equal or lesser value. Maximum discount $9.00. Not valid with any other special or discount. Dine in only, one coupon per table. …more
Purchase one entree, get a second for half price
Redeemable: February 11, 2013 - January 2, 2014 Teaism Old Town
Purchase one entree and get a second entree for half price. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. …more
Sorry, there are no special offers at this time.
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© 2013 Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-3301 or 800-388-9119 |
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