First Night State College

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.

The State College Area High School Thespians kick off the First Night performances at noon in the State College Municipal Building Community Room. They will present Enchanted New Year's Eve.

Today's the day! Bring your family and friends, and join us as we welcome 2026 with art, joy, and shared tradition. First Night State College isn’t just an event — it’s a community experience you won’t want to miss 🎊

Thank you again to our Major Sponsor the Borough of State College, our Presenting Sponsor the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, and Platinum Sponsor Mount Nittany Health.

First Night State College is Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Start out your visit to First Night State College by watching the ice carvers bring the large ice sculptures to life beginning at 10 am.

Magical guests are joining us this year… Reindeer from Spruce Ridge Reindeer 🦌

Bring the family to meet these gentle, wintertime favorites and learn more about them up close!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4a0Dz8B

First Night State College is Wednesday, December 31, 2025.