Welcome to
First Night Northampton
The Northampton Arts Council is now accepting performer applications for First Night Northampton 2026, our city’s 41st annual New Year’s Eve celebration and festival of the performing arts. This beloved event showcases the depth and diversity of artistic talent in our region and beyond. We invite musicians, dancers, theater troupes, puppeteers, comedians, circus acts, storytellers, multimedia artists, and more to apply.
About the Event:
First Night Northampton takes place throughout downtown Northampton on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. It features over 100 performances at multiple indoor venues and public outdoor spaces. A fireworks display will light up the sky at 6:15 PM, and we’ll kick off the countdown to midnight with our unique downtown “ball-raising” celebration outside Hotel Northampton.
Why Perform at First Night?
Share your talent with thousands of enthusiastic attendees
Be part of a tradition that celebrates community, creativity, and connection
Receive an honorarium for your participation
Promote your work in one of New England’s most culturally vibrant cities
Performer Guidelines:
All genres and performance types are welcome
Sets are typically 30–60 minutes in length
All performances must be family-friendly and alcohol-free
We encourage applications from both emerging and established artists
Tech capabilities vary by venue; please include any special requirements in your application
How to Apply:
Submit your application here: https://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/apply-to-perform
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2025
Please include:
A brief bio and performance description
Links to sample work (video or audio preferred)
Tech rider or setup needs
Preferred performance time range (if any)
Contact information
For questions or accessibility needs, email arts@northamptonma.gov.
Let’s ring in 2026 together—on stage, in the spotlight, and in the heart of Northampton.
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