Northampton First Night, New Year's Eve

Happy New Year! You’re invited to attend First Night—Northampton’s most beloved signature event. On Thursday, December 31, 2026, downtown Northampton will once again come alive with performances, fireworks, and celebrations in every corner of our city. For 40+ years, First Night Northampton has been New England’s premier New Year’s Eve arts festival — bringing together 10,000+ attendees, 100+ performances, and a spirit of joy that carries us into the new year. First Night Northampton takes place throughout downtown Northampton. It features over 100 performances at multiple indoor venues and public outdoor spaces. A fireworks display will light up the sky at 6:15 PM, and we’ll kick off the countdown to midnight with our unique downtown “ball-raising” celebration outside Hotel Northampton. The easiest and most economical way to enjoy First Night Northampton is to purchase your First Night button online. FIRST NIGHT LOGISTICS Parking: On First Night, there is free on-street parking. All of Northampton’s municipal lots are free EXCEPT for the downtown parking garage. Smith College parking lots and the Smith College garage on West Street are complimentary and open to the general public. There are also lots at Forbes Library, the Northampton Senior Center, and the Northampton Community Arts Trust at 33 Hawley Street. Please remember that access to and from the E.J. Gare Parking Garage will be restricted from approximately 4:30 PM to 6:45 PM because of the fireworks display. The same is true for the adjacent municipal lots. Similarly, parking is restricted at 8:00 PM in order to empty spaces adjacent to the Hotel Northampton for the ball-raising. Please do NOT park at bagged meters or in areas that are clearly marked as restricted.