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 Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2018! Featuring over 20 performance venues, most of which are indoors, First Night happens rain or shine. Our theme for First Night Monterey 2018 is 25 Years of Magic in celebration of our 25th anniversary.

Activities begin at 3pm with the Opening Ceremony held on Colton Lawn stage on Pacific Street. Kids Night Out begins at 3:30pm with interactive art activities including face painting, henna tattoo artists, puppet art theater, folk music, and folk music for children of all ages. 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.

Parking: Event parking is available in the downtown Monterey garages, and MIIS and City Hall parking lots. First Night Monterey is also partnering with MST to provide a Park and Ride program. Park near Macy's Furniture Gallery at Del Monte Center, wait at the MST bus stop outside Macy's Furniture Gallery, and MST buses will pick you up on a regular schedule beginning at 3pm. When you want to go home, catch the bus back to Del Monte Center at the Simoneau Plaza Transit Center anytime before 1am.