FIRST NIGHT'S BIG IDEA - ART FOR ALL!
Help us meet our goal!
Since the launch of First Night Monterey on December 31, 1993, our mission has been to bring the community together by celebrating our cultural diversity through the arts each New Year’s Eve. From the beginning, we embraced the arts as a journey of exploration, forming unique partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, highlighting traditional cultural and arts organizations, and creating year-round cultural opportunities for all. Over the years, we have seen how the arts can inspire acceptance, strengthen community bonds, and create meaningful life experiences.
Each year, we rely on sponsors, donors—and button buyers—to help us provide top-quality technical support for our performers and to continue inspiring the youth and families who participate. This year, we aim to raise $20,000 to cover essential expenses, and we are reaching out to friends like you to help us meet this goal. We are also pleased to share that the First Night Monterey Board of Directors will match your donation, doubling the impact of every gift we receive.
Please use the form below to make your donation. On behalf of the Board and Staff of First Night Monterey, thank you for your generous support. As we celebrate 33 years of uniting the community on New Year’s Eve in Monterey—and throughout Monterey County with our free outreach program, Art for All—your contribution ensures we can continue this important work. To receive full recognition for your support, please complete and submit the form along with your donation, and keep a copy for your records.
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
DONATE NOW!Donate Today And Make A Difference! Thank You!
First Night Monterey is a nonprofit charitable organization 501(c) and your donation may be tax deductible. You will receive a letter from First Night Monterey acknowledging your donation for tax purposes.
Partner with First Night Monterey
Celebrate the Arts. Inspire the Community. Build Your Brand.
First Night Monterey is Monterey County’s premier New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts, bringing thousands together for a family-friendly, alcohol-free night of music, dance, visual arts, and cultural performances. First Night celebrates and showcases the many cultures of our community. Now in its 33rd year, First Night Monterey has grown beyond New Year’s Eve to include year-round arts education, summer camps, and free outreach workshops serving youth and families throughout the county.
We invite you to become a sponsorship partner and align your brand with this beloved tradition. Your support fuels:
- 9 hours of entertainment featuring local and regional artists
- Kids’ Night Out, an afternoon of hands-on interactive art and performances for families
- Twilight Procession, a vibrant parade of community groups and giant puppets
- Music, dance, and interactive art across multiple downtown venues
- Two finale performances to ring in the New Year
Why Sponsor First Night Monterey?
- Brand Visibility: Gain exposure to thousands of attendees and a broad online audience.
- Community Impact: Support arts access for all, including underrepresented communities.
- Exclusive Benefits: Receive recognition on banners, event signage, promotional materials, social media, and press releases.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer a range of sponsorship levels, from Presenting Sponsor to Community Partner, each with tailored benefits. Let’s work together to create a custom sponsorship package that aligns with your business goals.
Join us in making the arts accessible and unforgettable for all! Bringing the community together in a safe and family environment to celebrate our past year and look forward to our new year! Our theme this year, chosen by the CSUMB Communication design students, “We’ve Got the Beat”, celebrates the beat of the new year with music, movement, and cultural expressions from around the world. Highlighting diverse musical performances, dance traditions, and interactive rhythm-based art.
For sponsorship details, please contact Ellen Martin, Executive Director at ellen@firstnightmonterey.org
Your sponsorship is the key to keeping our award-winning programming affordable for all children and families.
First Night Monterey has been honored by the following associations:
- The Arts Council for Monterey County
- The California Arts Council
- First Night International
- The Monterey County Herald
- The Monterey County Weekly ('Best Community Event')
- The Salinas Californian
- The San Francisco Chronicle (#5 in article 'Ten Reasons to Visit Monterey County Now')