Call for Performers: First Night Northampton 2027

The Northampton Arts Council is now accepting performer applications for First Night Northampton 2027, our city’s 42nd annual New Year’s Eve celebration and festival of the performing arts. This beloved event showcases the depth and diversity of artistic talent in our region and beyond. We invite musicians, dancers, theater troupes, puppeteers, comedians, circus acts, storytellers, multimedia artists, and more to apply.

About the Event

First Night Northampton takes place throughout downtown Northampton on Thursday, December 31, 2026. It features over 100 performances at multiple indoor venues and public outdoor spaces. A fireworks display will light up the sky at 6:15 PM, and we’ll kick off the countdown to midnight with our unique downtown “ball-raising” celebration outside Hotel Northampton.

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About the Poster Art

Michael Crigler is an award-winning creative director, published author and multidisciplinary artist whose work examines the intricate layers of human connection, consciousness and emotion. His work has been featured in multiple publications, galleries and museums across North America, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. He has released over 10 studio albums and authored works through Be Free.

Crigler has also founded five groundbreaking companies that challenge traditional business models including Bueno Social (a digital marketing agency) and most recently Bright Matter Studio, a public art and consulting studio with fellow artist Kim Carlino.