What Is First Night?
Ring in the New Year with thousands of your friends and neighbors at First Night Harrisonburg. Activities and performances will begin at 6:00 p.m.0
What Is First Night?
Ring in the New Year with thousands of your friends and neighbors at First Night Harrisonburg. Activities and performances will begin at 6:00 p.m. downtown and continue until midnight in the Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg. To celebrate, we will highlight the arts and bring the community together by transforming various locations into performance venues that showcase local and regional talents. Past performances have included a range of live music, from bluegrass to rock n’ roll for the adults, and puppets, face painters and magicians for the kids.
All of the venues are alcohol-free, and are within easy walking distance. And, at the stroke of midnight, we celebrate the dawning of a new year with a ball drop at the Turner Pavilion. A mini-fireworks show will take place within the Turner Pavilion grounds at midnight.
In its 27-year history, First Night has developed a reputation as a safe, exciting, family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year’s celebrations. We anticipate more than 3,000 people joining together as they say goodbye to 2019 and celebrate the beginnings of a new year. So, make plans now to celebrate at First Night Harrisonburg!
Our History
First Night began in Boston in 1976 with a small local group of artists who were inspired to create a new kind of New Year’s revelry that would bring neighboring communities together in celebration, while providing an alternative way of ushering in the New Year.
Decades later, cities across the United States and beyond have created their own traditions that are founded on the same principles of arts, community and celebration.
Twenty seven years ago, Harrisonburg created its own volunteer-driven new year’s celebration that was supported entirely by button sales and the generosity of the community: businesses, foundations and individuals who provided financial and in-kind support.
In 2010, for the first time in 18 years, there was no First Night celebration in downtown Harrisonburg on New Year’s Eve. The lack of volunteer support and funding was the impetus needed to give new life to this event. In 2011, First Night was back. Unfortunately, due to various factors, this will be our final event. Nonetheless, please join us one more time on Tuesday, December 31st, at this year’s celebration.
For more information:
volunteerfirstnight@gmail.co
Stay at Hotel Madison and be in the middle of all the fun. Offering a reduced rate of $99/night for Final First Night attendees. Walk to downtown and all of the events of Final First Night from Hotel Madison!
until midnight in the Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg. To celebrate, we will highlight the arts and bring the community together by transforming various locations into performance venues that showcase local and regional talents. Past performances have included a range of live music, from bluegrass to rock n’ roll for the adults, and puppets, face painters and magicians for the kids.
All of the venues are alcohol-free, and are within easy walking distance. And, at the stroke of midnight, we celebrate the dawning of a new year with a ball drop at the Turner Pavilion. A mini-fireworks show will take place within the Turner Pavilion grounds at midnight.
In its 27-year history, First Night has developed a reputation as a safe, exciting, family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year’s celebrations. We anticipate more than 3,000 people joining together as they say goodbye to 2019 and celebrate the beginnings of a new year. So, make plans now to celebrate at First Night Harrisonburg!
Our History
First Night began in Boston in 1976 with a small local group of artists who were inspired to create a new kind of New Year’s revelry that would bring neighboring communities together in celebration, while providing an alternative way of ushering in the New Year.
Decades later, cities across the United States and beyond have created their own traditions that are founded on the same principles of arts, community and celebration.
Twenty seven years ago, Harrisonburg created its own volunteer-driven new year’s celebration that was supported entirely by button sales and the generosity of the community: businesses, foundations and individuals who provided financial and in-kind support.
In 2010, for the first time in 18 years, there was no First Night celebration in downtown Harrisonburg on New Year’s Eve. The lack of volunteer support and funding was the impetus needed to give new life to this event. In 2011, First Night was back. Unfortunately, due to various factors, this will be our final event. Nonetheless, please join us one more time on Tuesday, December 31st, at this year’s celebration.
For more information:
volunteerfirstnight@gmail.co
Stay at Hotel Madison and be in the middle of all the fun. Offering a reduced rate of $99/night for Final First Night attendees. Walk to downtown and all of the events of Final First Night from Hotel Madison!