FAST FACTS - FIRST NIGHT MONTEREY
WHAT:
First Night Monterey is a vibrant, community-centered celebration of the arts held annually on New Year's Eve. First Night is Monterey's most exciting and uplifting cultural experience, perfect for friends and families looking to ring in the New Year in a fun, safe, and artistic environment.
- Performances: Our event features many diverse groups performing multiple sets across various venues. From music and dance to visual arts, there's something to captivate every audience.
- Kids' Night Out: Dedicated to children, offering engaging art activities and interactive fun, culminating with the 5:30 Twilight Procession, ensuring the younger attendees have a memorable night.
- Program: Check our website in November and December for an overview of the program. Plan your night ahead by reviewing the program and performers - it's a big night with nine hours of entertainment!
Join Us! Celebrate New Year's Eve at First Night Monterey, where creativity, community, and culture come together in a joyous and inclusive event. Get your admission buttons, "button up" and prepare for an unforgettable night of entertainment and artistic expression!
WHEN:
December 31, from 3 PM through Midnight
WHERE:
Historic Downtown Monterey - Multiple performance venues, most sites are indoors. It rarely rains in Monterey on New Year's Eve but regardless, First Night Monterey goes on "Rain or Shine"! 85% SITES INDOORS!
ADMISSION:
Save money by buying early! Admission Buttons are a work of original art and will be on sale for Will-Call pickup at Early Bird prices beginning online in November. Buttons can be purchased at select local stores beginning in December. Your Purchase Directly Supports the Artist Fees. Prices and dates are subject to change until purchased.
ADULT BUTTON (16 and older)
$25 Early Bird Price mid-November to early December
$29 Advance Purchase Price thru December 30
$32 Full Price December 31 (Day of Celebration), available at Event
YOUTH BUTTON (6-15 years old)
$15 Early Bird Price mid-November to early December
$18 Advance Purchase Price thru December 30
$20 Full Price December 31 (Day of Celebration), available at Event
Children five and under are admitted free!
FNM does not mail buttons; pick up your online-purchased buttons at Will-Call on December 30/31. Buttons may also be purchased at select local stores in December (locations to be announced) or may be purchased at the event. Buttons are non-refundable.
PROGRAM:
We invite you to a very special party as we transform the streetscapes, buildings, theaters, churches and concert halls throughout Historic Downtown Monterey into a fun, informative and unique way for the community to experience multiple forms of art on an evening where we celebrate our uniqueness, our commonality and the coming of the New Year!
Activities begin at 3:00PM with the Opening Ceremony. Kids Night Out! begins at 3:30PM with interactive art activities: face artists, interactive art activities and folk music will entertain children of all ages. Join us for the Twilight Procession at 5:30. Commit your New Year's resolution at the interactive Resolution Sculpture, challenging all of us to see the changes we can make in our individual lives!
Performances range from Classical to Hip Hop, Jazz to Reggae, Dance Venues to the Written Word and a whole lot of art; FNM presents artwork completed this past year by youth and community members within our ArtWorks! Outreach projects.
Grand Finale starts at 11:15. Check program and return to our website for complete details, a separate ticket (FREE with your button) is required for the indoor finale; get your finale ticket after 8pm by showing your button at the Portola Plaza Kiosk.
See details of last year's programHOTELS AND RESTAURANTS:
There are many hotels to choose from in Monterey. First Night Monterey has a varied selection of food and beverage booths for your enjoyment. The Monterey Peninsula has excellent restaurants of every conceivable type; far too many to be listed here. For listings and reviews of hotels and restaurants, go to www.seemonterey.com. First Night is located in historic downtown Monterey.