About

First Night began in Boston, MA in 1976. The vision of the event is to build a sense of community spirit and unity by bringing together the diversity of the community through this joyous celebration of the arts. First Night is an alcohol and drug-free celebration held in cities and towns around the World.

This is the seventh year for First Night River Bend. You and your family will enjoy live art and entertainment including a special Children's Area with jugglers, magicians, clowns, art projects and lots more.

Each venue at the beautiful Lewis and Clark Community College campus in Godfrey, IL is staffed with volunteers and site managers to answer your questions and point you in the right direction so you won't miss a thing. Click on the menu buttons to find out more!

Madison County Transit provides door-to-door rides to First Night for persons with disabilities for $1-$2 a ride.

Call 931-7433 (8am-4:30pm) to make reservations by 12/27/02. (You must be registered with MCT to receive a spot) First Night RiverBend is part of the First Night International Organization.

Mission

First Night® River Bend mission is to provide a safe, entertaining, and family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations in the River Bend area. In so doing, we wish to broaden and deepen our city’s appreciation of the visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse, and high-quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the River Bend community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all.