Welcome to
First Night Northampton
Happy New Year! You’re invited to attend First Night—Northampton’s most beloved signature event. On Tuesday, December 31st, the Northampton Arts Council and Greenfield Savings Bank welcome you to the 40th edition of our city-wide New Year’s Eve party. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled the Paradise City with a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Gather with friends, neighbors, and visitors at 23 terrific downtown venues for an astounding array of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers. Our efforts are supported by generous local sponsors and dedicated volunteers. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit community arts.
Our noon kick-off at the Academy of Music (#1 on the map) offers twice as many thrills with TWO performances of SHOW Circus Studio’s eye-popping Let There Be Light. Or join the action at “Bugaboo Revue,” presented by Talking Hands Theatre at 1 pm and 2 pm at Hallie Flanagan Theatre at Smith College (#4 on the map.) Don’t miss a repeat of last year’s double feature starring the A2Z Yo-Yo Team and Mad Science of Western New England in the 1 pm -4 pm slot at Theatre 14 at Smith College (#3 on the map.) Our performance program is filled with hours of excitement for kids and adults. In the afternoon, enjoy jugglers, magicians, dancers, puppets, a cappella voices, plus classical and contemporary music from solo to quintet, acoustic to electric. We even have a guitar orchestra! Jam with Pamela Means at St. John’s Episcopal (#5 on the map,) or sing along with the Nields at their family show in First Churches Sanctuary. Treat yourself to the Valley Light Opera, making another appearance with two performances of songs from current and past VLO productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas at Theatre 14 at 4 pm and 5 pm.
Fireworks at 6:15 top off the afternoon and signal the start of the evening entertainment. The City of Northampton hosts a fabulous display that lights up the sky from the roof of the central parking garage. You can see the fireworks from all over town. After that, the festivities continue with diverse offerings, including a performance by the beloved Northamptones at the Academy of Music at 7 pm and capped by performances by Aisha Burns at 8 pm, Mary Lambert at 9:15 pm, and Soul Magnets at 10:15 pm. Feel like dancing? Stroll down Hawley Street, where you’ll discover Peace and Rhythm Dance Party at the 33 Hawley Mezzanine (#21 on the map.) Or walk up Gothic Street to catch the musical impresario Mal Devisa at the Parlor Room at 9 pm. Prefer to sit back and listen? First Night favorites Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry appear at Edwards Church, while the rocking Ian St. George Band will be on the 4th Floor of Bishops Lounge at 8 pm. In the mood to hear some hip-hop? Check out Myles Jeh at Theatre 14 at Smith College at 9 pm.
Later, it’s time to gather at the Hotel Northampton for the iconic raising of the ball. Steve Sanderson of WRSI will host the Midnight Countdown with Peace & Rhythm DJs spinning upbeat tunes that will have you dancing in the streets. A single bargain-priced button opens the doors to every event at every venue. Buy one early at a local vendor or online, and check out the companion performance schedule and the following logistical tips.
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