First Night State College

Greetings from the future. It’s New Year’s Eve, where the air is crisp and cold and the streets of Downtown State College are bustling with families welcoming the start of 2027. It’s First Night State College!

Among the most charming and recognizable features of First Night State College are the one-block ice sculptures. Carved from crystal-clear blocks of Pennsylvania ice, these unique works of art transform downtown into a winter gallery, creating moments of surprise and delight for thousands of New Year's Eve visitors.

Located throughout Sidney Friedman Park, the Mayor Welch Plaza at the State College Borough Building, and the downtown Festival Zone, each sculpture becomes a stop on a community-wide scavenger hunt as families, friends, and visitors explore First Night's performances and activities. Along the way, the sculptures are admired, photographed, and shared, adding to the festive atmosphere that makes First Night such a beloved holiday tradition.

For just $500, your business or organization can sponsor one of these handcrafted ice sculptures, helping bring this memorable experience to life while demonstrating your commitment to a safe, family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration. Sponsors receive recognition alongside their sculpture, associating their name with one of First Night's most popular attractions and placing their brand in front of thousands of attendees throughout the event.

A one-block ice sculpture sponsorship is an affordable way to support the arts, celebrate our community, and help create the magical experience that welcomes the New Year in downtown State College.

Please complete and return the attached form if you would like to sponsor one or more First Night one-block ice sculptures this year!

Thank You from First Night State College!

Where would we be without our volunteers, performers, sponsors, donors—and most importantly, you? Seeing our community come together once again to welcome the New Year was truly special, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make First Night unforgettable.

Have feedback or photos to share? We’d love to hear from you as we look ahead to making next year even better.

As we turn the page from First Night to Arts Fest planning, we’re already dreaming big for July as we prepare to celebrate the 60th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

Happy New Year and thank you for being part of these cherished community traditions ✨

Adam & the Armadillos will bring their honky-tonk to the State Theatre at 8:00 pm. This will be there first appearance at First Night State College.

Local favorites Tussey Mountain Moonshiners will be performing their progressive bluegrass/Americana at the University Baptist & Brethren Church at 6:00 pm. While you are at the church visit their Soups and Sweets Cafe for a bite to eat.

The PennSoulvanians will be performing at the State College Presbyterian Church at 4:00 pm. They will be singing rock, R & B, reggae and hip-hop.

Adam Swartz Puppets performs Punky's Steamworks! Adam's shows will be in Westminster Hall at the State College Presbyterian Church at 2:30 & 5:30 pm. Adam Swartz designs, creates original, interactive puppet shows for all ages.

Local favorites Kate & Jules will be performing at the University Baptist & Brethren Church at 2:00 pm. They will be performing rock, blues and Americana. There is something for everyone's ear.

Amazing Feats of Comedy will present three shows at the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center beginning at 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 pm. Michael & Ethan Rosman will perform hilarious and high-energy routines featuring magic, juggling and circus acts. Great for all ages.

You won't want to miss Cirque Celebration presented by Dance on Air and Allison's Dance Company. They will showcase dazzling aerial artistry and acrobatic displays. They will present three shows at the State Theatre at 12:30, 3 & 5 p.m. A First Night State College button is required.