Firstnight2026

First Night Morris 2026

Your Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Experience! Beginning in 1992, First Night® Morris County is now the LARGEST First Night® in New Jersey! Join your friends and neighbors for our 34th year of ringing in the New Year with an unmatched array of performances.

First Night Morris County 2026 is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, family-friendly, substance- and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown. We offer a high-quality, curated cultural experience that unites the community and supports local partners.

Your admission button gives you unlimited access to over 7 hours of spectacular entertainment—an excellent value for the whole family. You’ll enjoy:

  • 80 Performances at 23 Venues (21 In-Person, 1 Streaming, and 1 On-Demand) and 40+ On-Demand Films.
  • Diverse Program featuring something for everyone:
    • Music Highlights: Experience the spectacular, first ever joint performance of Frank Vignola and Rio Clemente live and streaming from the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Also enjoy the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, the soulful Bozza Brazil, festive Random Test Reggae, the inspiring Harmonium Choral Society and Opera.
    • Visual Arts: Explore three major art galleries, including two exhibitions at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and the curated show “Visual Meditations: Line, Color & Form” from Dr. Lynn Siebert of Morris Arts at the County of Morris Administration Building.
    • Dance & Movement: Learn Cuban Dance and dance to Frank Sinatra with Eric DeLauro of the Rat Pack Band.
    • Comedy & Fun: Catch one of four performances by two distinct comedians, an Illusionist, and Mr. Hypno for unique, late-night fun.
  • The Film Festival starts early at 4:30 PM, featuring family-friendly, teen, adult, and award-winning international films.
  • The Children’s Fun Festival at Morristown High School from 4:45 PM to 9:00 PM, providing interactive, enriching programming.
  • The program concludes with the grand finale Midnight Countdown to Welcome in the New Year.
  • Unmatched Convenience: Complimentary Shuttles start at 4:30 PM, and Complimentary Parking is available at any Morristown Parking Garage starting at 4 PM, ensuring easy access and comfort for everyone.

New This Year

  • New Historical Exhibits, Pathways to History Showcase in Collaboration with the Morris County Historical Society, and New Featured Historical Venue Profiles (inside your Program).
  • New Shuttle Bus Pick-Up locations closer to Complimentary Parking.
  • Additional Will Call Button Pick-Up at Morristown High School (4:30 PM to 8:30 PM).

New This Year via FNM365, Our Year-Round Impact Program

  • Meet FRED (First-Night Resource & Event Directory): FRED, developed by our FNM365 STEM Leadership Interns from the Morris County School of Technology, is here to help you navigate the night! This technology is a direct and visible outcome of our year-round FNM365 program, demonstrating our commitment to youth education and community accessibility. Don’t worry, a dedicated Team of Volunteers will also be available to answer your questions too.

About First Night Morris County Inc.:

First Night® Morris County, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse, and high-quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all with Year Round Community Development Thru FNM365.

Our Mission

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey.

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MPAC is grateful to the following donors whose major support helps to sustain the general operating needs of our organization:

Fmkirby Discoverjerseyarts New Jersey State Council on the Arts Morris County NJ
New Jersey Cultural Trust Jacobs Levy Equity Management The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
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