Which Boston public celebration introduced the term “First Night” for a New Year's Eve arts festival?

First Night Boston introduced the term “First Night” for a New Year's Eve arts festival.

First Night Boston began on December 31, 1975, as an alternative to conventional New Year's Eve entertainment. The event brought artists and audiences together for performances and visual arts in venues around Boston, Massachusetts. Its aim was to make high-quality cultural programming accessible to a broad public during the holiday.

The concept spread to other cities in the United States and Canada. Local First Night organizations typically arranged concerts, theater, dance, exhibitions, and a midnight celebration. The format made New Year's Eve into a citywide arts event rather than a party centered only on restaurants or clubs.

First Night Boston is not the same event as Boston's annual Fourth of July celebration, which is associated with the Boston Pops and Independence Day. Nor is it the Boston Marathon, held in April. The “First Night” name became a model for many community arts festivals.