Have any plans yet for New Year’s Eve? If you’re free and eagerly looking forward to the new year, get out and celebrate its arrival with the rest of the community at First Night Alexandria. The event is back for 2021 and is slated to encompass the entire day on Friday, December 31st.

Also known as the New Year’s Eve Festival of Music, First Night Alexandria kicks off with kid-friendly performances, games, and more at noon. There are two sessions for kids and older adults between 12 and 5 p.m., and then the fun for grown-ups begins at 6 p.m. That’s when the welcome ceremony signals the beginning of live music shows all across Old Town Alexandria. They’re coupled with a Countdown to 2022 Street Party that starts at Market Square at 10 p.m. sharp. Dance, drink, and feast with your fellow party goers as you start to count down the minutes until the new year arrives. You will know exactly when that moment is—fireworks will begin to explode in the sky over the Potomac River when the clock strikes midnight! Note that some of the First Night Alexandria events are ticketed (including the live concerts), but the countdown party and fireworks are free for all to enjoy.