Welcome to

First Night Northampton

🎉 The countdown to 2025 is on, and there’s no better place to celebrate than First Night Northampton! This beloved New Year’s Eve tradition, now in its 40th year, will light up downtown Northampton on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with 12 hours of nonstop music, laughter, fireworks, and family fun!

Presented by the Northampton Arts Council and Greenfield Savings Bank, First Night Northampton is the region’s biggest and most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration—a vibrant, citywide festival of the arts that turns every corner of downtown into a stage, a dance floor, and a joyful gathering place.

What to Expect: A Night of Magic and Memories

🎶 Over 100 Live Performances

First Night Northampton brings together hundreds of talented artists across 20+ venues, from rock bands to classical quartets, improv comedy to circus acts. Whether you’re into toe-tapping folk music, soulful indie ballads, or side-splitting comedy, there’s something for everyone!

Here are just a few of this year’s must-see performances:

• 🎸 The Folk Implosion: Indie rock icons return with their classic hit “Natural One” and more!

• 🎻 Katherine First & Kitchen Party: Transport yourself to a rollicking Cape Breton ceilidh with traditional Irish and Scottish music.

• 🎺 Expandable Brass Band: Loud, funky, and energetic, this street band will have you dancing in the streets!

• 🎤 Ciarra Fragale: A rising star blending Motown-inspired heartbreak pop with modern indie charm.

• 😂 Funktionlust: Northampton High School’s improv troupe will leave you laughing all night.

✨ Family-Friendly Fun All Day Long

Kick off the festivities with performances and activities tailored for kids and families. From puppet shows to interactive workshops, First Night Northampton is designed to delight and inspire all ages.

🎆 Fireworks at 6:15 PM

Start your evening with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the sky from the roof of the E.J. Gare Parking Garage. The perfect way to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration!

🎉 Midnight Ball-Raising

Gather outside the Hotel Northampton for the city’s iconic ball-raising ceremony. With music, dancing, and the excitement of the countdown, it’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss.

Get Your Buttons!

Your all-access button is your ticket to everything First Night Northampton has to offer! For one low price, you can experience it all: the music, the comedy, the art, and the joy. Buttons are available for purchase online or at local retailers. Don’t wait—get yours today!

Plan Your Visit

🅿️ Parking Made Easy

Enjoy free parking in municipal lots and at Smith College, which has convenient downtown access. On-street parking is also free all day.

😷 Stay Safe and Healthy

While proof of vaccination is not required, we encourage attendees to wear N95 masks and stay home if feeling unwell.

A Celebration for the Community

First Night Northampton is more than an event—it celebrates art, community, and resilience. Proceeds from the event support local arts initiatives, ensuring Northampton remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.

Let’s Celebrate Together!

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime 40th anniversary celebration. Gather your friends and family, bundle up in your warmest winter gear, and be part of something truly special. First Night Northampton 2025 is your chance to ring in the New Year with joy, music, and memories that will last a lifetime.

“Like” our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram to keep up with the excitement.

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About the Poster Art

Liz is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Montague, MA. She holds a certificate in Graphic Design from Massachusetts College of Art, and a B.A. from Smith College, where she studied Environmental Science and Studio Art.

For five years, Liz worked on creative teams both large and small, learning the tricks of the trade. In 2020, she left her job at a larger design firm to start Liz Moran Design. With that change, she enjoys a closer connection to client outcomes and the creative process. Liz is especially interested in collaborating with organizations that have a social or environmental mission.

See more of her work at lizmorandesign.com or follow along on Instagram.

If you want your First Night Northampton 2025 poster, click here.