Northampton Arts Council Welcomes Back The Artistic Heartbeat of Live Performance To Downtown for 37th First Night Northampton
On December 31st, the Northampton Arts Council joins corporate partners, area businesses, performing artists, and downtown venues to celebrate New Year’s Eve. On First Night, thousands of people enjoy family-friendly entertainment from noon until midnight in what has become our city’s longest-running signature event.
First Night’s 37th year marks the return of large audiences gathering for vibrant community tradition. Like previous years, First Night offers afternoon and evening programming that includes family entertainment and the best of local music and arts. Spectacular fireworks displays from the roof of the city’s parking garage return at 6:15pm. At 30 minutes before midnight, the event culminates with a gathering at the Hotel Northampton to greet the official arrival of a new year with a unique countdown and “ball-raising” accompanied by DJ Bongohead and the Peace & Rhythm Crew.
This year, NRBQ headlines First Night Northampton at the Academy of Music Theatre. You can look forward to family-friendly acts like Yo-Yo Guy, Tom Knight Puppets, Henry the Juggler, Ed Popielarczyk Comedy Magic, Mad Science of Western New England, The Nields, and Funktionlust throughout the day. First Night’s list of confirmed musicians includes Katherine First & Kitchen Party, Myles Jeh, Lisa Bastoni, Soul Magnets, Mark Nomad, Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry, Fancy Trash, and the Fawns. The full line up is coming soon.
A First Night pin is a ticket that opens the doors to all the performances at the many venues and local businesses taking part in our festivities. First Night is embedded in our community as a way to come together with friends, neighbors, and visitors at this substance-free celebration!
The Northampton Arts Council produces First Night 2022. The event is a vital source of revenue that will enable the council to offer more innovative arts programming, larger artist grants, and educational outreach initiatives. The funds raised have special significance as we continue to face the challenges of transitioning into a new phase of arts and community in downtown Northampton.
First Night would not be possible without its most important partner—the city of Northampton. The offices of the Mayor, Central Services, police, fire, public works, and licensing departments are instrumental to its success. The Northampton Arts Council also depends upon the generosity of performance venues throughout the town and pin vendor locations throughout the Valley. Most importantly, the council relies on an incredible number of volunteers who make complex logistical operations run smoothly.
This year, The Northampton Arts Council has thoughtfully considered the safety and care of all in attendance. Read about First Night 2022’s Health and Safety Guidelines here: https://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/health-and-safety-guidelines.
For more information about First Night Northampton including how to purchase pins, how to sponsor First Night, and health and safety guidelines please visit firstnightnorthampton.org.
First Night on Social Media:
First Night Northampton 2022 Sponsors
We are fortunate to work with a loyal group of sponsors who generously underwrite First Night each year. We are especially pleased to be joined by our partners at PeoplesBank and are grateful to those businesses and organizations that are supporting us for the first time. Special shout out to the City of Northampton for continuing the tradition of fabulous fireworks! We thank you all for your commitment to the arts and to the community.
Platinum Co-Sponsors
Gold Venue Sponsors
Massachusetts Cultural Council
WHMP. 93.9 The River, Pure Oldies 96.9
Silver+ Venue Sponsors
Silver Venue Sponsors
Health New England
D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc.
NETA Care
Smith College
C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.
Freedom Credit Union
Thornes Marketplace
Bueno Y Sano
Hotel Northampton
Bronze Venue Sponsors
Eastside Grill
The Coca-Cola Company
Valley Home Improvement/Valley Solar
Whalen Insurance
Dorothy Nemetz and John Todd
River Valley Co-op
First Night Supporters
Easthampton Savings Bank Foundation
Commonwealth Registry of Nurses, Inc.
Construct Associates, Inc.
Cooley Dickinson Health Care
Cornucopia Natural Wellness Market
Cotton Tree Services
Delap Real Estate
Finck & Perras Insurance Agency, Inc.
Florence Bank
Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank
Greenfield Savings Bank
Jones Group Realtors
Maple and Main Realty
Paul & Elizabeth's
People’s United Bank
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin
UMassFive College Credit Union
Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Paradise Copies
First Night Friends
Bluebonnet Diner
Broadside Bookshop
Icarus, Wheaten & Finch
Marisa Labozzetta and Martin Wohl
Packard’s
Smith College Museum of Art
Theory Skate & Snow
Turley Publications
West Branch Capital LLC
Wohl Family Dentistry
Woodstar Café
National Grid
USA Waste and Recycling
Ostberg & Associates
First Night Donors
Downtown Sounds Workers Co-op
Law Offices of Colleen C. Currie
Pengyew Catering
Lisa van Gordon d'Errico Attorney at Law
Eastworks
State Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester District
Linda Manor Extended Care
