A community celebration of the arts, First Night Monterey is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration held on New Year’s Eve, 3pm-midnight, in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2026! Featuring multiple performance venues, First Night happens rain or shine.

Update 12/30: Even with some showers in the forecast, First Night Monterey 2026 is very much on and full of ways to celebrate. Your First Night button gets you into the premier indoor venues all evening - music, dance, and hands-on art - so there’s plenty to enjoy while staying warm and dry. (85% of performances are indoors!)

Activities begin at 3pm with the Opening Ceremony held on Colton Lawn stage on Pacific Street. Kids Night Out begins at 3pm with interactive art activities. The Twilight Procession will take place at 5:30pm as we process down Alvarado Street. And be sure to make your New Year's resolution at the interactive Resolution Sculpture!

Musical performances tonight will range from Classical to Hip Hop and Jazz to Reggae. We’ll also have dance venues, written word venues, and a whole lot of visual art. The Grand Finale begins at 11:15pm.