First Night Monterey

The First Night concept was created in 1976 by a group of citizens in Boston. The tremendous success year after year inspired First Night Celebrations in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

First Night Monterey (FNM) was started by Paulette Lynch and her husband Ken Peterson in 1992, aided by a group of artists and Monterey Peninsula residents who wanted a creative alternative to the traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. Paulette came to Monterey from the Boston area, and brought the First Night model to Monterey. First Night Monterey premiered with First Night Monterey 1993 on December 31, 1992 to wide acclaim.

Today thousands of residents and tourists alike rate all the programs very highly. They talk enthusiastically about the spirit of joy and hope that makes First Night so valuable to them and their families. Our volunteer core has grown along with the audience and participation as an artist becomes more competitive each year. First Night Monterey has won awards for promoting the arts, building community and creating innovative programming.

• The Official Millennium Celebration for Monterey County
• Designated a Signature Event by the City of Monterey
• Wide variety of musicians, dancers, singers, poets, and more
• Performances, exhibits and arts activities from 3 PM to midnight
• Over 20 venues downtown -- indoors, outdoors and historic sites
• Multicultural in all respects -- sharing traditions as well as visions for the future
• Carefully selected, high quality presentations
• Welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities
• Affordable, accessible and alcohol-free celebration of New Year's Eve