2010 First Night Austin Program

Download the program, or pick up a copy at these local area H-E-B's:

H-E-B #1  2701 E. Seventh Street

H-E-B #3  1000 E. 41^st Street

H-E-B #4  7025 Village Center

H-E-B #8  2400 S. Congress Ave.

H-E-B #15  9414 North Lamar

Central Market  4001 N. Lamar

Central Market  4477 South Lamar

H-E-B #25  500 Canyon Ridge Drive

December 31st, 2009 program time line

H-E-B Afternoon Family Festival!
4:00-6:00 pm

Grand Procession
6:00-8:00pm

H-E-B presents: The Illumination on Auditorium Shores
8:00-8:30pm

ARC Waterlight Parade on Lady Bird Lake
9:00pm

First Night Run by Runtex
10:00pm

Tips to better enjoy First Night Austin

Plan for the Weather - First Night Austin is a rain or shine event. Programming takes place regardless of weather conditions, though it is subject to change. In the past years the forecast has ranged from 75 degrees to 20 degrees so remember to check the forecast and wear layered clothing.

Be Prepared to Walk - Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. First Night Austin’s footprint stretches over a large area of downtown and it is important that you and your family stay comfortable while enjoying the event’s sights.

Plan Your Day in Advance - Use the Program Guide and map to plan ahead. It’s impossible to see everything so pick a few performances and plan back-up options in case your first choice is unavailable. Program guides may be found at the Information Centers located at City Hall Plaza and at the GoodHealth.com Food Court or online at www.firstnightaustin.org.

When it Comes to Transportation, go Green - Carpool or take advantage of the Capital Metro Bus lines that will take to you right to the event. Information on these routes can be found onpage 24, at Austin H-E-B stores or at www.capmetro.com. If you have a bicycle, ride and park at any of the 3 bike racks located around the footprint.

Parking – City Garages: The Convention Center Garage (201 East 2nd Street, entrances on Brazos and San Jacinto), and One Texas Center Garage (open after 5 p.m.) (505 Barton Springs Road) will be open and will cost $7 per vehicle. Private Garages: Other paid parking 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 private garage locations and information.

Check www.downtownaustin.com/transportation/parking/lots/ for specific private garage locations and information.

Road closures - The road closure on Cesar Chavez between San Antonio and Colorado, and at the First Street Bridge will begin at noon on December 31st and reopen at 1am. Grand Procession road closures on Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez will begin at 5 pm and will reopen once the procession has cleared.

Feed your body and soul - This year’s food court is, once again, 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.

Restrooms -Restrooms are located in City Hall, on auditorium shores, and near Buford tower.Handicapped restrooms are located on the east esplanade near the Radisson Hotel.Get a Seat Early - 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 this 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. Also, please remember that food and beverages are not allowed in indoor venues.

No Alcohol - First Night Austin is an alcohol free event. No drinking or open containers are allowed and are prohibited by City Ordinance.

In case of an emergency - Austin Police Department will be on hand to help ensure your safety.  Call 911 for all medical emergencies. EMS and police are throughout the city to ensure a safe evening for everyone.

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 at Austin City Hall at First Night Austin Volunteer Headquarters (located in the Media Room)from 3:00 p.m.–midnight.

Wheelchair Access - All official First Night Austin 2010 venues are accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs.

Questions - Should you have any questions while attending First Night Austin, please feel free to ask one of the many roving information volunteers who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Information centers will also be set up on the City Hall Plaza as well as at the GoodHealth.com Food Court.