Schedule
Please see the Entertainment Page for a detailed schedule of events and map of locations.
For more information:
volunteerfirstnight@gmail.com
(540) 810-1246
Plan in Advance
Plan your route in advance and allow ample time to get from one performance venue to the next. Admission to performances is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Venues often fill up quickly so plan to arrive approximately 10-15 minutes before each performance.
First Night – Held Rain or Shine
Dress in layers for inside and outside activities. (*activities will not be canceled as long as conditions are safe for both participants and attendees. If conditions are deemed “unsafe” such as a blizzard, etc. please check First Night Harrisonburg Facebook, Local News Sources, and The City of Harrisonburg’s Information pages)
Food
The Food Vendors: Located on Court Square and Pendleton Bank Parking lot.
Strite’s Donuts are back by popular demand with their hot out of the fryer donuts and this will also feather Crazy Fox Coffee & Hot Chocolate.
Food is always associated with celebrations. In addition to Strite’s Donuts on Court Square, there are many great restaurants and businesses downtown that will have their doors open New Year’s Eve. First Night wants everyone to celebrate and enjoy themselves at this Festival of Arts event. We welcome suggestions and comments to improve this annual event.
Ball Drop
BALL DROP: New this year, there will be two ball drops:
First at 9:30 for families with young children.
Second, at 11:58 PM will begin the count down to ringing in the New Year, 2019.
Around 11:30, DJ Chuck will lead the unique Dance Party from Main Stage. Can we do the impossible this year? Let’s set a record of holding the largest ever dance party on Court Square! Over 2,500 may break the record. Can we do it?
Special Community Project: The Shenandoah Valley Art Mobile is an emerging non-profit organization with the aim of increasing opportunities for the public to engage in the creative process. Currently, they are fundraising to purchase a bus that will be renovated into a visual arts studio. This mobile studio will travel throughout our community, providing encounters with creativity to youth, older adults, and everyone in between.
Map
Please see the Entertainment Page for a detailed schedule of events and map of locations.
Parking
Parking is available in the two parking decks located downtown. Additional parking options are highlighted on the map. If anyone needs assistance with the aid of a golf cart ride from one location to another, call or text 540-810-1246.
Water Street Parking Deck – located between West Water Street and West Bruce Street, accessible from both of these roads
Elizabeth Street Parking Deck – located off of North Mason Street, accessible from Wolfe Street and Elizabeth Street
Street Closures
Street Closures for First Night from 5:00 pm until the event concludes
Main Street from Franklin to Elizabeth Street
Court Square
Performance Venues
Smoking is not permitted in public buildings. Food and drink are not permitted except where sold at event concessions. Seating is first-come, first-served, and all venues will be emptied before the next seating begins. Please respect houses of worship and help us keep all program areas and downtown clean by depositing trash in public receptacles.
Restrooms
Most performance venues have restrooms and are handicap accessible. Additional restrooms are located on the south end of the Court House (5:00 PM till Midnight)
Volunteers
Volunteers with yellow ribbons hanging from their First Night buttons will be more than happy to assist you. Please ask a volunteer wearing a button with a yellow ribbon if you have questions. Volunteers will also have buttons for purchase near most of the venues from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Please see the volunteer page for more information.
Main Stage DJ
For the third year we are happy to welcome back DJ Charles Morris. Chuck comes with 9 years experience, from the usual cookout all the way to the elegant weddings. Any event, any time, DJ Chuck’s one of a kind!
Rockshow Lighting will provide a spectacular light show on Court Square, even better than last year. Rockshow Lighting provides a comprehensive lighting package and programming throughout the evening for First Night Harrisonburg, 7:00 till midnight, ball drop time.