Categories: Books

Count Down New Year’s Eve at First Night in Columbia, Missouri

Fire throwing, music, dancing and performance… the annual First Night: Columbia celebration includes everything but the kitchen sink in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. Spread across various locations in Columbia, Mo., First Night is focused on providing family-safe activities to let you count down New Year’s Eve with your kids, provided they can keep their eyes open until the ball drops.

Brief History
Reigning as the king of family-friendly-alternative events, First Night is an annual, international event that began in Boston in 1976. Currently the tradition is being celebrated in over 150 communities. Columbia has taken part in the festivities for several years.

Plan Ahead!
Performing arts are the name of the game and there is absolutely no way to see it all at First Night. There are constant events going on starting from 6 p.m. all the way until If you attend, you will absolutely need to look at the schedule available online here.

One personal favorite is Sphyre of Prometheus: a troupe of performers who play with fire, throwing, tossing, swallowing and dancing with it. They will be performing on the Boone County Courthouse Square (outdoors) from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. It is definitely worth braving the elements to watch them.

Columbia favorite Joel Meyers, magician extraordinaire, will be performing. A local favorite, his illusionist act is also definitely worth checking out.

While performances are a bit more condensed this year, with a huge amount of events confined to the United Methodist Church and the Stephens College Campus, you’ll still likely find yourself wanting to travel a bit.

Topping off the end of the night, of course, is a grand finale countdown and fireworks to start out the new year. Did you expect anything less?

Sophisticated Palette?
First night is not only for the kids. There are visual arts galleries to see at the event, particularly at the Spare Parts Gallery.

And while you may not be excited by any of the magic or puppet shows (yes, “shows” plural! First Night definitely has the puppetry covered this year.), the music is for all-ages.

Open mic performances will also be going on; a great opportunity to participate in a little bit of karaoke poetry and music or just to sit back and watch.

So if you want to avoid the bars and drunks, or even just to have something to do before braving the bars, First Night: Columbia is definitely a worthwhile event.