First Night, best night: The people's party will welcome 2010 in style

An outdoor winter party with no alcohol might not sound inviting, but anyone who has attended Pittsburgh's annual First Night celebration can set straight that misapprehension.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will hold its New Year's Eve festivities tomorrow for the 15th straight year, repeating a tradition that fills Downtown streets and concert venues. This party has been a success, offering entertainment for the youngest child to the oldest adult, with performances for a multitude of musical tastes and activities that encourage participation as well as those designed for spectators.

It seems that every year, new offerings entice visitors to return or beckon first-timers to come on down. This time, the new locations include the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, the ToonSeum cartoon museum and the Trust's Arts Education Center, all on Liberty Avenue.

Old favorites remain popular, too. You can't have a Pittsburgh celebration without fireworks, and First Night offers two shows -- a display at 6 p.m. that gets the party started and satisfies the youngest revelers who may not make it until midnight, when the second display marks the start of a New Year and the conclusion of the events.

Watch the people's parade or march along; catch fire dancers or learn the Salsa; witness magic shows or create your own puppets; and sample a world of musical styles. Even the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the River City Brass Band will perform. If you can't find something to your taste at First Night, you just aren't looking.

Don't be put off by the weather forecast, because 90 percent of the events are indoors. Outside, warming barrels on the street provide heat and charm.

And you can't beat the price. First Night is free for children 5 and under. For everyone else, a button costs $8 and can be purchased either at Theater Square, Downtown, or at participating Giant Eagle stores. Tickets, which are free with the button, are required for some venues and they should be obtained in advance to guarantee admission. All of the details are available at www.firstnightpgh.org or by calling 412-456-6666.

There's no better way in Pittsburgh to ring in the New Year.