New Year's Fest of Kalamazoo
Visitors can create their own entertainment schedule across multiple indoor venues, heated tents, and an outdoor park stage. The festival showcases an eclectic lineup of live bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers, and family characters like superheroes and princesses. In between shows, guests can explore food trucks, play yard games, ride the Holly Jolly Trolley, and gather for a midnight ball drop and fireworks display.
What to Expect
All-ages downtown performing arts festival featuring rotating shows and midnight fireworks.
Event Details
Duration
6 hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Kalamazoo
Organizer
New Year's Fest of Kalamazoo, Inc.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and live-performance fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
High
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission button: $10 in advance or $15 in Bronson Park starting at 6:00 p.m.; required for shows in performance spaces. The outdoor live stage, heated entertainment tent, fireworks, ball drop, and participation and rides on the Holly Jolly Trolley are free. – Get tickets
- Hours: Event: 6:00 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Holly Jolly Trolley: 6:00-11:00 pm; admission buttons available in Bronson Park starting at 6:00 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your admission button in advance at Harding's Markets, KELC Events or online through Local Hop, because buttons cost more in Bronson Park on the night.
- Bring cash or a check to button locations like Midtown Fresh Market, because some advance-sale spots don't take cards.
- Print the performance grid when it comes out in November, circle your shows, and pick a backup for each in case a small venue fills.
- Follow the festival on social media or download the New Year's Fest app to catch schedule updates and find out when a performance is full.
- Carry as little as you can, because bags are searched at every location, which slows you down when you hop between venues.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children 7 and under attend free.
- Admission buttons cost less bought in advance than in Bronson Park on the night.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good for kids?
Yes. It's an all-ages festival with magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, superheroes and princesses, and children 7 and under get in free.
What can I enjoy without an admission button?
The outdoor live stage, the heated entertainment tent, the fireworks, the ball drop and the Holly Jolly Trolley are all free. A button is only needed for shows in the performance spaces.
What is there to do between shows?
Bronson Park has yard games, activities, vendors and food trucks, plus live music from the stage if it's warm. You can also stop by the Celebration Tent, ride the Holly Jolly Trolley, or visit downtown businesses.
What if a show is full when I get there?
Each venue has its own capacity, and smaller ones can fill up. Choose a second option for each show, or head to acts with no set showtime. Full performances are announced on Facebook, Instagram, X and the New Year's Fest app.
How can I perform at the festival?
Entertainer applications are open to musicians, actors, dancers and variety acts through the 'Apply to be an Entertainer' link.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.