NORTHAMPTON — The city is once again getting ready to celebrate the start of a new year.
First Night Northampton will return to downtown Northampton this year on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., with more than 100 performances and activities at 24 venues.
Those include the Northampton dream-pop indie rock band Winterpills; roots and reggae band ReBelle, which performs in Wolof, English, Creole, French, and Hebrew; the electro-pop band Echo Royale; the Queer Joy Chorus; Elvis impersonator Russell Brooks; the twenty-plus guitar ensemble The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra; Victoria Narvaez, a 13-year-old from Florence who released her first single, “I’m A Star,” in November; klezmer ensemble Klezamir; the family-friendly Juice and Jelly Funtime Band; and more.
“First Night Northampton is a chance for our community to experience the astonishing breadth of creative talent we have right here,” said Brian Foote, executive director of the Northampton Arts Council, in a statement. “From indie rock to folk, experimental sounds to family favorites, the 2026 lineup has something to surprise and delight everyone.”
Nonmusical entertainment includes “Yo-Yo Guy” John Higby, Mad Science of Western New England, comedy magician Ed Popielarczyk, a martial arts demonstration by Northampton Karate, readings by local food writers, puppetry by Talking Hands Theatre, and more.
The 2 p.m. set at the Parlor Room, initially slated for local blues/rock/soul band StompBoxTrio, will instead be “a moment of reflection and love,” according to Northampton Arts Council Arts Events Producer Steve Sanderson, in memory of the band’s frontwoman Evelyn Harris, who lived in Easthampton. Harris, a Grammy-nominated singer, composer, activist, and longtime member of the Black women’s a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, died earlier this month at the age of 75.
“That performance will be a space for people to pause, remember her contributions, and honor the spirit she brought to her music and to this city,” Foote said. “It’s not meant to be somber, but reflective — grounded in gratitude, love, and community connection.”
As ever, First Night will feature a fireworks display launched from the E.J. Gare Parking Garage at 6:15 p.m., early on purpose to accommodate young children’s bedtimes, and the ball-raising atop the Hotel Northampton at midnight, paired with a dance party outside the hotel featuring DJ Studebaker Hawk, DJ Bongohead and Sanderson.
This year’s First Night poster artist is Michael Crigler, whose work “explores the intricate layers of human connection, consciousness, and emotion” and “continues to inspire and expand the possibilities of art in public life,” according to First Night’s social media.
“Michael’s work stood out because it captures both the energy and warmth of First Night,” Foote said. “His design feels celebratory without being flashy — it reflects movement, creativity, and togetherness in a way that feels very true to Northampton. We were excited by how immediately recognizable and inviting the final image was.”
Admission to all of the evening’s performances and activities is included with a button, which is $16 for an adult (if purchased before Tuesday, Dec. 30, or $20 otherwise), $10 for an adult before 6 p.m. events, $10 for seniors for the whole day, and $8 for kids for the whole day. Children under 2 are free.
Buttons are available online or at select local businesses and venues, including the Academy of Music, 33 Hawley, and Hotel Northampton.
However, volunteers who sign up for one of two shifts (11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) will receive a free admission button and can use it to watch shows when they’re not working.
Several local businesses will also offer discounts and free products to people wearing First Night buttons, including free hot chocolate at Herrell’s from 4 to 8 p.m. and a free disco ball ornament at Stay Golden, among other offers.
On-street parking is free throughout downtown Northampton all day, as is parking in all Smith College lots.
“First Night only happens because of the incredible collaboration between artists, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader community,” Foote said. “We encourage people to explore something new, support local performers, and take their time downtown. It’s a celebration built by and for the community, and that’s what makes it special.”
For more information, including button pickup locations, a parking map, volunteer sign-up, and the full schedule of performances, visit firstnightnorthampton.org.