Donate With MC Gives! Your Donation Goes Further!

The annual Monterey County GIVES! program begins today and First Night Monterey is honored to be a part of this community giving program with matching funds available. Please consider making a donation to help us continue our ArtWorks! program in underserved areas of Monterey County. MC GIVES! runs from November 11 through December 31.

Buttons on Sale — First Night Monterey 2022!!

First Night Monterey, Monterey County's premier New Year's Eve celebration of the arts is back LIVE for its 29th year, and the event on New Year's Eve 2021 promises to be the best one yet! This year's theme is "New Beginnings!", celebrating our re-emergence from pandemic life. Order your buttons now for best prices! Buying a button ensures that First Night Monterey offers the best in community arts and performing acts; many FNM venues are indoors, and an admission button is your ticket to these performances! Be part of a family friendly, alcohol-free celebration ringing in 2022!

NOTE: Following state and CDC protocol, all attendees over 12 must show proof of COVID vaccination or a negative covid antigen test within 72 hours to be admitted to our indoor venues, along with photo ID if over 18.

A Sneak Peek of FNM 2022 Performances!

Planning for First Night Monterey 2022 is progressing rapidly, and we are pleased to announce performers as they are confirmed. This year's performances will include some of our long-time favorites as well as artists new to First Night. Check out who's new for First Night Monterey 2022, or see all; check back frequently for updates!

Who's New for 2022 Performers by Genre

Volunteer Sign-Up for FNM 2022

Be a part of First Night! Artful activities are on-going now through the new year as we produce First Night Monterey 2022. You can help! It would be impossible to produce FNM without the hundreds of volunteers. Volunteer now, individually or as part of a group! Get involved! Artful activities are on-going! High School and College Students: Build up your community service hours; volunteer in a fun and creative environment! Expand your resumé with relevant experience; service learning hours are available.

Be a Part of First Night's Twilight Procession!

Your group is encouraged to join us as we process down Alvarado Street, beginning at 5:30PM. First Night Monterey is first and foremost about community, so we hope you will choose to be a part of this holiday tradition. We feature artists, dancers, giant puppets, marching moms and other local community groups. Procession route begins at Franklin Street down Alvarado Street (wrong way) towards Pearl. Join us!

Apply now!

First Night 2022 Poster Competition

Since 2003, First Night Monterey staff has collaborated with CSUMB professor Bobbi Long and the Service Learning class for Graphic Design students, engaging the students into a creative competition to design the annual First Night Monterey Poster and Buttons. FNM artists work with the design students from theme concept to design for five weeks in class until selection of the final poster design. This year's winner, Kayla Lee, is a Senior at CSUMB.

First Night Monterey 2022 - Celebrating 29 Years!