New Year's Eve in Monterey
This year, Monterey has two great ways to celebrate New Year's Eve, one just for grownups and one for the whole family.
Grownups Only: Silver Fishes & New Year's Wishes
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Silver Fishes & New Year's Wishes" returns to ring in 2010!
Dance the night away in front of the Outer Bay, Marine Mammal Gallery and Kelp Forest exhibits. Two live bands and a DJ will play songs that will keep you moving all night long. There will be a complimentary champagne toast and party favors. If you attend the VIP event, you'll not only get all that, but also access to three themed VIP lounges with half-price signature drinks and complimentary food.
The event runs from 9pm to 1am. Standard tickets are $75 for Aquarium members and $95 for the general public; VIP tickets are $150 for Aquarium members and $175 for the general public. Purchase tickets on the Monterey Bay Aquarium's official Silver Fishes & New Year Wishes page.
Family-Friendly: First Night Monterey
First Night is a celebration of the arts in Monterey. This city-wide festival is, according to First Night International, the fifth largest First Night celebration of the 139 celebrated around the globe. Events at the 25 performance venues start at 3pm and don't end until midnight, providing a plethora of opportunities for families to ring in the new year with plenty to do. First Night is a meaningful, alcohol-free, kid-friendly alternative to the traditional New Year's Eve celebration. Here are some insider tips to help you get the most out of your First Night celebration!
Button Up!
On December 31, you'll be able to buy buttons at booths around Monterey. But if you plan ahead, you can save up to $8 per person!
Buttons, which give wearers entry into every First Night event, can be purchased in person or on the First Night website. Online buyers can pick up their buttons at the Monterey Conference Center Main Lobby on December 30 and 31 from 10am to 3pm, and at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay's Information Center from 3pm to 10pm on the 31st.
Prefer to purchase in person? Visitors can buy buttons at the customer service window of any Monterey County Safeway. They can also be purchased at several other locations through Monterey County, including both Monterey Visitors Centers.
Get a Schedule
With 25 venues, 75 performances, a parade, and other activities, you'll be overwhelmed by First Night if you don't plan ahead! The program guide will be available on the web in December.
Acts performing at First Night Monterey include:
- Spector Dance
- Shinsho-Mugen Daiko
- Jonah and the Whale Watchers
- Claudia Villela
- Marylee
- Black Irish Band
- Red Beans & Rice
- Cantus Monterey
- Brett Mikels
- Mario Flores Latin Jazz Band
- The Wharf Rats
For a complete and up-to-date list of First Night Monterey performers, see the list on the First Night Monterey 2010 website.
Map It
The schedule comes with a venue map, which is a crucial part of planning your day, as First Night sites are spread over a half-mile area of Monterey. Take the distance between points into account when planning which events to attend.
Arrive Early to Can't-Miss Events
There is no reserve seating at First Night; every event is first-come, first-served. If there's a performance you want to see or an activity you want to participate in, make sure to arrive early. These venues fill up fast!
Colton Lawn is Kid Central
There will be children's activities at the Conference Center, the Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street and the Youth Art Collective Gallery, but the center of kid-dom is, without a doubt, Colton Lawn in front of Colton Hall on Pacific Street. There will be music, dancing, magic and puppet acts, children's activities and more! Bring your child here at 3pm for Opening Ceremonies, and get a great start to First Night.
Parade-Watching Spots
The First Night Monterey Twilight Parade starts at 5:15pm and proceeds down Alvarado Street. It's sure to be fun for everyone with floats, clowns, dancers, giant puppets, drill teams, stilt walkers, children and many others joining in. Claim your sidewalk spot early for a prime viewing location!
Grand Finales: Serra Ballroom and the Golden State Theater
This year's First Night Monterey has two separate Grand Finale events, at the Serra Ballroom at the Monterey Conference Center and the Golden State Theater. Keep an eye on the First Night Monterey website to find out who is performing at the Grand Finales!
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