practicalities
towing a "light load" at first night austin 2007
Plan Ahead
The First Night Austin 2008 program is subject to change. Check the website throughout the month of December for any updates.
Weather
First Night Austin is a rain or shine event. Programming takes place regardless of weather conditions, though it is subject to change.
Be Comfortable and Considerate
For comfort at indoor and outdoor locations, wear layers and shoes suitable for walking. Please show respect for all First Night Austin venues. Food and beverages are not permitted in event venues unless otherwise posted. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor venues. By City Ordinance, no drinking or open containers are allowed in the public rights of ways in the event area.
Bicycle Racks and Valet Service
Bicycle racks will be positioned on Auditorium Shores where free bike valet service is also available from Austin Cycling Association.
Parking & Public Transportation
Parking in the State Capitol Complex garages and surface lots will be free of charge on New Year’s Eve. See map for specific garages/lots. Capital Metro will provide free shuttle service beginning at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until 8:30 p.m. to service the First Night Austin 2008 festival goers. Catch a CapMetro bus at Waterloo Park. All other Capital Metro buses will run according to their usual Monday schedules. Please view map for shuttle routes and available parking.
The Convention Center Garage, 201 East 2nd Street, entrances on Brazos and San Jacinto, will cost $7 per vehicle. Other paid garages and surface lots are available throughout the event footprint, but will fill quickly with the public attending First Night Austin and other festivities downtown. Check www.downtownaustin.com/transportation/parking/lots/ for specific locations.
Road Closings
Roads are closed at the discretion of the Austin Police. The event footprint, Lavaca, Guadalupe and Cesar Chavez around Austin City Hall, as well as the 1st Street Bridge are closed between 2:00 p.m. and approximately 1:00 a.m. Congress Avenue is closed between 7th Street and Cesar Chavez between 5:30-7:00 p.m. for the duration of the Grand Procession.
Restrooms
Portable restroom facilities with accessible units are located at the 1st Street Bridge food court, Auditorium Shores and Austin City Hall.
Lost children
Lost or found children should be reported to the nearest police officer or to an identified First Night Austin staff member or volunteer. A Lost Children Center will be located in the First Night Austin Volunteer Headquarters (located in the Media Room) at Austin City Hall from 3:00 p.m. – midnight.
Emergency Medical Services
Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Austin EMS augments its normal deployment for New Year’s Eve. EMTs, paramedics and police are stationed throughout the city to ensure a safe evening for everyone.
Wheelchair Access
All official First Night Austin 2008 venues are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs.
American Sign Language
If you are hearing impaired and would like additional information about First Night Austin, please contact Relay Texas at 711 and request that they call First Night Austin at (512) 374-0000.
Seating at Indoor Venues
Indoor venues have limited seating that will be offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Seating is not guaranteed, so we encourage you to use our Program to plan your celebration and arrive early for indoor performances. Performances start at scheduled times and late admission is at the discretion of the management.
Official Information Centers
Purchase First Night Austin 2008 T-shirts or ask your questions at one of three Information Centers: Congress and Cesar Chavez, 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.; City Hall Plaza, 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.; and First Street Bridge @ Auditorium Shores, 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The Goodhealth.com Food Court
Sponsored by Seton
This year's Food Court is sponsored by Goodhealth.com and the Seton Family of Hospitals. Goodhealth.com is a free website dedicated to providing Central Texans with everything they need to know about healthy living, from nutrition and fitness, to mind and body. All proceeds from The Goodhealth.com Food Court will benefit First Night Austin.
