First Night 2007 : New Years Eve in Northampton

True to form, Northampton celebrates New Year's Eve with a combination of the arts and family-oriented programming. With more than 12 hours of entertainment, set amidst unique dining experiences and eclectic retail stores, First Night Northampton 2007 has something for everyone. Once you find parking, you can easily walk to the First Night Northampton 2007, restaurants, retail stores, ATMs and bars in downtown Northampton.

Eating Itinerary for First Night Northampton 2007

Between the events, which are hosted by various churches and arts venues in downtown Northampton, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cup of coffee from the locally-owned Haymarket Cafe (Cracker Barrel Alley, Northampton, 413-586-9969), which is much preferred to the corporate Starbucks.

Or, enjoy a sit-down lunch at any local favorites including the Fresh Pasta Company (249 Main Street, Northampton, 413-586-5875), Bueno Y Sano (134 Main Street, Northampton, 413-586-7311), or Sylvester's (111 Pleasant Street, Northampton, 413-586-5343). For a special New Year's Eve dinner while you are enjoying First Night Northampton 2007, consider Spoleto Restaurant (50 Main Street, Northampton, 413-586-6313), an upscale restaurant serving new and traditional Italian dishes.

Family Events at First Night Northampton 2007

"Official" First Night Northampton 2007 family events start at noon, and include the Caribbean Street Carnival in Pulaski Park (adjacent to the Academy of Music), magic shows (at the Unitarian Society), music and live performances. Some events aimed at kids and families overlap, so be sure to do a little planning ahead of time.

Some highlights of Family Events at First Night Northampton 2007:

1:30-3:45: First Night Youth Talent Show, St. Mary's Parish Hall.

2:00-2:45 and at 3:00-3:45: A dance festival with Amherst Ballet, East Street Ballet, Mass Academy of Ballet, NEDQ Hip-Hop, Northampton Charleston, Pioneer Valley Ballet, and Terpsichore Ensemble at the Academy of Music.

4:00-4:45 and at 5:00-5:45: Folk-rockers Katryna and Nerissa Nields perform for the kids at the First Churches Sanctuary.

4:00-4:45 and 5:00-5:45: Ed the Balloon Man at the Unitarian Society.

6:15pm - Fireworks on the roof of the Northampton Parking Garage.

7:00-7:458:00-8:45, Greg Alexander, traditional folk music, St. Mary's Parish Hall.

9:15-10:1510:30-11:30 - James Delnero and Lost Mountain, bluegrass quartet at St. Mary's Parish Hall.

Adult Events at First Night Northampton 2007

Singles, couples and stray moms or dads may want to head to the Northampton Brewery ( 11 Brewster Court, Northampton, 413-584-9903) to enjoy locally-brewed beer, or over to enjoy the bar scene at Packard's (14 Masonic Street, Northampton (413-584-5957) or Fitzwilly's Pub (23 Main Street, Northampton, 413-584-8666).

"Official" First Night Northampton 2007 events highlights:

5:00-5:45: Art Steele blues, acoustic show, Memorial Hall.

7:00-7:45 & 8:00-8:45: "Tom McCabe for Grown-Ups," spoken word performance, at the Northampton Friends Meeting House.

Where to party: Union Station with
4:00-4:45 & 5:00-5:45: Drunk Stuntmen
7:00-7:45 & 8:00-8:45 with Gypsy Wranglers, acoustic swing music.
9:15-10:15 & 10:30-11:30: Fancy Trash, "Spazzy folk-tinged acoustic indie rock."

First Night Northampton 2007 is the ideal place to enjoy New Year's Eve, and New Year's Eve Day without having to venture into a large city like Worcester, Springfield or Boston.

For information on the official First Night Northampton 2007 button which gains button-holders to entry of all official First Night Northampton 2007 events, email ncfa@nohoarts.org. Buttons go on sale December 1st, can be bought in advance, in person by mail or by email.