City: San Diego, CA

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: This is a G-rated New Year’s Eve event, so you can celebrate with the family. It’s a no-alcohol affair where you buy a button (that’s your ticket) for $10—less if you buy it before the event, and kids age 6 and younger get in free. There’s something for everyone, from fireworks to mimes and performances by steel bands and mariachi bands and acrobats. There’s lots of food, too—everything from pizza and hot dogs to foot-long sandwiches, ribs, and chicken. Insiders always save room for the strawberry cheesecake and gourmet coffee. Each year events expand and vary; for 2006, a dramatically lit hot-air-balloon display and short-film festival provided drama and variety. First Night begins at 6:00 p.m. and goes until the midnight fireworks. Proceeds support the arts community. There’s also a First Night San Diego celebration at Embarcadero Marina Park. Call your local parks and recreation department for other First Nights in the area.