7 nights out
First Night Spokane
The theme of this 13th annual event is “Once Upon a Night, Art Comes Alive.” The family-friendly festival of arts and entertainment features more than 150 performances at 40 venues.
When: Tuesday; entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and ends with fireworks at midnight; Kids Night Out event with crafts, live performances and more takes place from 3-6 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center with extended hours from 7-9 p.m. For a map and schedule, see Page C3 and C4.
Cost: $15 advance; $18 on Tuesday; children 9 and younger admitted free. Buttons available at Cenex Zip Trip stores, River Park Square Concierge, Auntie’s Book Store and Auntie’s Annex, and TicketsWest locations. Free parking and shuttle service, with shuttles every 10 minutes from Riverpoint Campus.
Where: Downtown Spokane
Info: (509) 456-0580, ext. 101, or www.firstnightspokane.org/
Celebrate
New Year’s Eve with Beethoven’s Ninth
Back by popular demand, the Spokane Symphony and Chorale will join for a performance Beethoven’s famous symphony, whose themes of freedom and brotherhood have inspired millions of people all over the world and is now a holiday tradition is Spokane. Eckart Preu brings the tradition from his native Germany.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave.
Cost: $23-$28 adults, $16 children through the Fox box office or TicketsWest outlets
Info: (509) 624-1200 or www.spokanesymphony.org
Lavoy, Bandit Train,
Mama Doll and My Pinky Has a Name
New Year’s Eve celebration includes “Champagne of beers” toast.
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Mootsy’s, 406 W. Sprague Ave.
Cost: $10
Puttin’ on the Ritz
New Year’s Eve benefit for the Spokane Symphony. Evening of dancing to the sounds of the Master Class Jazz Orchestra, with a Champagne toast at midnight. Hosted by the Spokane Symphony Associates.
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post St.
Cost: $75, through the Fox box office
Info: (509) 624-1200 or www.spokanesymphonyassoc.org/
New Year’s Eve Bash
Book an overnight stay and enjoy music from Big Mumbo Blues Band and Peter Rivera.
When: Dinner from 6-8:30 p.m.; music and dancing at 9 p.m.
Where: Red Lion Inn at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive
Cost: $199/includes overnight accommodations for two, dinner buffet, midnight snack and beverage toast, party favors and parking.
Info: (509) 326-8000 or for reservations visit www.redlion.com/nyeblues.
Gonzaga men’s basketball
The Zags kick off West Coast Conference action on Monday, hosting the Dons of the University of San Francisco. On Thursday, they’ll host the Gaels of Saint Mary’s.
When: 6 p.m. Monday and Thursday
Where: McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N. Cincinnati St.
Phone: (509) 313-6000
Cost: Yeah, right. Home games are long sold out. Both games will be on TV – Monday on KHQ and Thursday on ESPN2.
Info: www.gozags.com/
First Day
First Night attendees receive free admission to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture on New Year’s Day to visit current exhibits and see live performances by singer-songwriter Makenzie Curtis (10 a.m. to noon), illusionist Matt Van Zee (noon to 2 p.m.) and guitarist Mike Ross (2 to 4p.m.). Campbell House will be open as well.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: Free with First Night button; otherwise $10/adults, $7.50/seniors and $5 students with ID
Where: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave.
Info: (509) 456-3931 or northwestmuseum.org