Harrisonburg’s reputation for putting on a fantastic celebration during First Night is proven by its popularity. Several venues around downtown host mini-concerts featuring local bands, fresh food is made on Court Square with a DJ playing great beats, fun activities are available for the littles, you can get pumped up on the dance floor with your best buds (or complete strangers… there’s no judgment here), and of course, a fireworks display will light up the night sky at midnight to start the new year off with a showstopper.

Below is the line-up of events for this year’s First Night Celebration, which is proudly sponsored by yours truly… The Harrisonburg Homes Team!

During Entire Event on Court Square (6:30 pm – midnight)
A Resolution Clock Tower with the famous Painted Face Boards
Strite’s Donuts, Crazy Fox Coffee with Tres Leches Cupcakes & Brownies
DJ on the main stage

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
One World, One Sky
at JMU’s John C Wells Planetarium

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Children’s activities, with a street bubble wrap dance party at 9:00 pm
at Explore More Discovery Museum

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Magic Treehouse
at JMU’s John C Wells Planetarium

6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Tanglewood Puppets & Mike Deaton’s Rhythm (alternating every 45 minutes)
at Massanutten Regional Library

7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dynamic Earth
at JMU’s John C Wells Planetarium

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Magic of Brian Bence — then he’ll be strolling the streets from 9:30 pm – 11:15 pm, weather permitting
at Wilson Downtown Gallery (our office!)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers & The Shenandoah Valley Minstrels
at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ

7:00 pm – 10:15 pm
Faithful Men and John Robert (alternating every 45 minutes)
at Asbury United Methodist Church

7:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Glick & Phillips and Nothin’ Fancy (alternating every hour)
at First Presbyterian Showker Hall

7:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Walking Roots Band and Brian Buchanan (alternating every hour)
at First Presbyterian Sanctuary

7:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The Travelin’ Hillbillies and Everyday People (alternating every hour)
at Court Square Theater

7:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Begging to Differ and This Side Up (alternating every 45 minutes, with a 15 minute break at 9:15 pm)
at Community Mennonite Church

7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Back to the Moon
at JMU’s John C Wells Planetarium

8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Little Walter & The Convictions (with a 30 minute break at 10:00 pm)
at City Council Chambers

9:30 pm – 11:45 pm
Acme Swing Mfg. Company
at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ

10:15 pm – 11:45 pm
Beth Matthew
at Asbury United Methodist Sanctuary

MIDNIGHT
Fireworks
from the Municipal Parking Lot

Note: You can view the schedule in spreadsheet format here, and you can learn more about the entertainment here.