First Night Monterey
Visitors can experience over 20 diverse performance groups across multiple venues, featuring musical styles from classical and jazz to hip hop and reggae, alongside dance and the written word. The celebration includes Kids' Night Out with interactive art activities, a Twilight Procession, and collaborative mural projects. Festivities conclude with an indoor Grand Finale and midnight countdown.
What to Expect
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve community celebration of the arts.
Event Details
Duration
The event lasts nine hours, from 3 PM through midnight.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Monterey
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
First Night Monterey, Inc.
Food & Drink
The event has a varied selection of food and beverage booths; First Night Monterey is alcohol-free.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and all-ages arts fans
Vibe
Artful, festive, communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult buttons (16 and older): $30 early bird mid-November through mid-December; $32 advance purchase through December 30; $35 on December 31, available at the event. Youth buttons (6–15 years old): $15 early bird mid-November through mid-December; $18 advance purchase through December 30; $20 on December 31, available at the event. Children five and under are admitted free. Prices and dates are subject to change until purchased. – Get tickets
- Hours: December 31, 3 PM through midnight.
- Accessibility: The celebration offers a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities.
Tips & Advice
- Buy buttons online during the Early Bird window, mid-November through mid-December, because the price goes up closer to New Year's Eve and again on the day.
- Online buttons aren't mailed, so plan a stop at Will-Call on December 30 or 31 to pick them up before the celebration.
- Review the program in November and December and map out your night, because there are nine hours of entertainment across many downtown venues.
- Bring younger kids early for Kids' Night Out, which runs from the opening ceremony through the Twilight Procession.
- Children five and under get in free, so you only need buttons for older kids and adults in your group.
Special Events & Promotions
- 2027 theme: "Color the Night!"
- Kids' Night Out, running from the opening ceremony to the Twilight Procession
- Indoor Grand Finale with the countdown to the New Year
- Early Bird button pricing online from mid-November through mid-December
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Night Monterey good for families?
Yes. It's a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration for people of all ages. Kids' Night Out is dedicated to children.
What is Kids' Night Out?
It's a block of art activities and interactive fun for children. It starts with the opening ceremony and ends with the Twilight Procession.
What kinds of performances are there?
Over 20 groups play multiple sets across downtown venues. Styles range from classical, hip hop, jazz and reggae to dance, the written word and visual arts. The night ends with an indoor Grand Finale and New Year countdown.
What happens if it rains?
First Night goes on rain or shine. About 85% of the performance sites are indoors.
How do I get my admission button?
Your button gets you into everything. Buttons bought online aren't mailed, so pick them up at Will-Call on December 30 or 31. You can also buy them at select local stores in December or at the event. Buttons are non-refundable.
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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.