Austin is ready to ring in 2009 with the giant First Night Austin outdoor celebration.
The New Year’s Eve party is expected to attract more than 100,000 people to the downtown area from 3 p.m. until midnight. The free, family-friendly event includes 60 art exhibits, workshops, a parade, fireworks and other interactive events.
The centerpiece of the New Year’s Eve celebration is the
Resolution Clock Tower.
The three-story, 34 foot tall, dual faced functioning wooden clock is the creation of Community Art Makers. From until 6 p.m., First Night attendees can write their New Year's resolutions on the structure. Then at 8 p.m. the clock will be set ablaze.
Austin artists Dave Umlas and Marrilee Ratcliffe are the creative minds behind the intricate sculpture.
"So often 'art' is the tangible thing produced, something placed on a wall and revered or reviled," said Ratcliffe. "We're trying to turn this perception on its head a little. What we build is large and meant to create an impact upon introduction, destruction and disappearance."
"Our pieces are intentionally massive and intricate. It takes a dedicated team to build them. Upon their destruction, what is left is the skills we have garnered and the relationships we've built, the community we have created and that is the real art. We burn it so that we can restore and build it again," Umlas said.
First Night Austin will wrap up the street party with fireworks from 11:45 p.m. until midnight. The fireworks will be ignited on Lady Bird Lake just west of the South 1st Bridge.
Road ClosuresThe city of Austin said because of the large crowds headed to Downtown Austin for the First Night celebration, it will close many Downtown Austin streets.
Noon Dec. 31, 2008, until 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009- Cesar Chavez Street from Colorado to San Antonio streets.
- Lavaca and Guadalupe streets from Cesar Chavez to Second streets.
- The 1st Street Bridge (1st Street from Cesar Chavez Street to Riverside Drive).
5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008 until 8 p.m. - Congress Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets.
6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008, until approximately 8 p.m. - Congress Avenue from 7th to Cesar Chavez streets.
11 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008, until 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009- Cesar Chavez Street from San Antonio Street to the Lamar Bridge.
- Lady Bird Lake will be closed from the 1st Street Bridge to the Railroad Bridge near the Seaholm intake structure for firework safety.
1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009All roads open.
Getting to First NightNo parking or shuttle will operate specifically for First Night. Capital Metro is extending its regular bus service for the event and regular parking lots and garages are available.
Capital Metro bus serviceDowntown parking options
