First Night State College is Tuesday, December 31, 2025
This website will be updated with this year’s information in mid-November. For now, you can see last year’s info to get a feel for the event.
Follow the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and on Facebook and Instagram for updates!
Warm Your Heart. Donate to First Night!
We’re making it easy for you to shop at your favorite artists for gifts with our 2024 Holiday Market. You’ll avoid the uncertainties of “supply chain issues” and those dreaded words “some assembly required”. We have over 50 talented artists selling work in a variety of media, from ceramics to jewelry to wood—something for every taste and budget. Many artists are offering free shipping too! You’ll be shopping small and supporting individual artist-entrepreneurs at the same time.
First Night State College means great family-friendly entertainment! We present music, comedy, and variety in downtown churches, theatres, and public buildings. Our musical acts cover the range from classical to rock ‘n’ roll and from Celtic to ukulele. If you want to say good bye to 2024 with a few laughs we’ll do our best to make you chuckle with three variety acts plus an improv troupe. You’re sure to find something you like at First Night!
At First Night, you needn’t just watch other people having fun; you can join in! Put on your running gear for our 5K resolution run. Give your brain some exercise at at our trivia competition. Carry a puppet or drum in our grand procession—it’s not just for children! Flex your creative muscles in our art, craft, music, and puppet workshops for children and adults. Or just check out our ice sculptures, make a resolution, and enjoy the evening with someone you love. At First Night State College there are lots of ways to join in the fun!
A First Night button is your key to a great evening. A $15 button provides admission to all of our shows on a first-come, first-seated basis. Buttons are available online (through December 15), at selected downtown merchants, and at our performance venues. Plan on eating while you’re here; we have great food options, both sweet and savory. There’s no need to drive home late at night–area hotels are offering special package rates. Make First Night State College part of your holiday celebrations!
A First Night button gets you into all performances and some activities – for just $15!
Do some holiday shopping at the Festival store! We have jigsaw puzzles, vintage Festival posters, t-shirts, and more!
We’re grateful to all the individuals, businesses, and organizations who support First Night each year. You can see the complete list of sponsors here, and a list of other community supporters here.
More sponsors, as well as other donors and volunteers, are always welcome!
