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First Night Monterey - Celebrating Art and Community!

Early Bird Buttons for FNM 2026 on Sale Now!

Join us New Year’s Eve for 50+ performances, art, music & more.

Your First Night Monterey Button is your all-access pass to:

  • ✨ 15+ venues and 50+ performances from 3 PM to midnight
  • ✨ All indoor and outdoor shows
  • ✨ The Twilight Procession
  • ✨ Hands-on art stations and creative fun
  • ✨ Our Countdown-to-Midnight Finale!

That’s nine hours of art, music, dance, and nonstop New Year’s fun! Every button you buy helps keep First Night Monterey’s performances going strong. Ring in the New Year with art, music & fun! Early Bird prices end December 14 — don’t miss out!

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Join us for the Holiday Art Studio in Greenfield

A fun, creative space for families to make art together!

Each week features a new hands-on project inspired by the season – ornaments, decorations and keepsakes to treasure. No experience needed; just imagination, curiosity and joy!

  • ✨ Drop-in sessions Wednesdays 6:00–7:30pm
  • ✨ All ages welcome (under 10 with adult only)
  • ✨ All materials provided
  • ✨ Free to Greenfield Residents

Wednesdays, November 12 – December 17. Presented By First Night Monterey and The City Of Greenfield

Flyer in Spanish Flyer in English

We’ve Got The Beat — and We Need YOU!

First Night Monterey is gearing up for our 33rd Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration — “We’ve Got The Beat!” We’re bringing together new performers, beloved favorites, and amazing art installations for a night to remember — and we need your help to make it happen!

Join our team of volunteers and help us create a joyful, family-friendly celebration to ring in 2026. Families and groups are encouraged to volunteer together!

Be part of the celebration that brings art, music, and community to life! Sign up today! Thank you for helping make this Monterey tradition possible. Together, we’ve got the beat!

Read More Volunteer Flyer Sign Up Now!

Call For Artists! First Night Monterey 2026

Band on Alvarado

First Night Monterey, Monterey County's premier New Year's Eve celebration of the arts is in its 33rd year, and the event on New Year's Eve 2025 promises to be the best one yet! First Night Monterey is inviting visual and performing artists to submit their applications to be part of this annual family friendly, alcohol-free community arts celebration ringing in 2026!

YOU ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL that will help create an exciting evening to Celebrate First Night Monterey's 33rd year. We will be seeking performances and art activities of all types! This year's theme is "We've Got the Beat!"

Read More Apply Now!

FNM 2026 Poster Contest Winner Announced!

photo of Maria Ruiz

First Night Monterey staff collaborates closely with CSUMB and the Service Learning class, which provides students with valuable hands-on experience in publication design while contributing to the promotion and success of First Night Monterey's annual event.

The winnner this year is Maria Ruiz from Salinas, recently graduated with a degree in Communications Design from Cal State Monterey Bay!

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FNM 2026 Poster
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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First Night Monterey

Office: 542 Archer Street, Monterey, CA
Mail: P.O. Box 185, Monterey, CA 93942
Phone: 831.373.4778
Fax: 831.642.9860

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Help us in our mission to bring the arts to underserved communities in Monterey County. First Night Monterey is a 501(c)(3) organization and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction.

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