Our Mission

First Night Newport is a member of the International Alliance of First Night Celebrations comprised of 130 cities worldwide. 

From 5 pm until 9 pm on New Year’s Eve, we provide visitors and members of Newport County with a family-friendly Celebration of the Arts.  This event assures families and their friends that they may come downtown and celebrate together in a safe and festive environment on New Year’s Eve.  After a fabulous fireworks display over Newport Harbor at 9:15 pm, several establishment provide entertainment from 9:30 pm until midnight presented for the benefit of First Night Newport.

Our goal is to enhance the Quality of Life in Newport County by celebrating family values, the arts, social entrepreneurship, and community. Months prior to our event parents, artists, teachers, students, and volunteers work together on collaborative art and education programs for presentation on New Year’s Eve.

It’s a shared cultural experience created by the entire community. Our event promotes ‘The Role of the Arts in Building Community’. With financial support from our donors and our sponsors, we provide the following community services:

• Affordable entertainment for family members of all age in 14 locations simultaneously
• A safe family-friendly environment for celebrating on New Year’s Eve
• An opportunity for parents and children to cerebrate together as a family
• Free parking and free trolley services to control holiday traffic issues
• Encouragement, unity and civic pride in our community through the support of this event
• A showcase to present the musical diversity and talent local artists from the surrounding area
• A showcase to present Newport’s Cultural Heritage with performances in its historic buildings
• An opportunity for volunteers, teachers and mentors to work together to make this event possible
• An Arts Program at the Boys and Girls Club with young Photographer’s from the Newport Art Museum
• The funds for two Literacy Programs for 5th Grade Elementary School Students
• A Culturally Diverse Artist-in-Residency Program at Thompson Middle School
• Students at Rogers High School with an opportunity to gain Community Service Credits for graduation
• Aid in the growth and healthy development of caring and responsible young citizens