We did it folks! We’ve had a year of vaccines, new technology, supply chain issues, and good movies. Its been an up year for some, and a down year for others. With all that said, we have almost officially navigated the holiday season! There is just one more thing to celebrate…. THE NEW YEAR – and I have the perfect way to bring it in…
First Night Springfield is an annual celebration of the arts that takes place on New Year’s Eve every year, and is open to the public! In it’s 35th year, this family friendly event aims to not only bring families closer together, but also to bring the community together as well. There’s so much to do! From free children’s crafts @ the Hoogland, to an improv show later that night, plus so much more! Downtown Springfield is where you’ll want to be!
This is an event that runs throughout the day at various locations throughout the downtown area starting at 1pm, going all the way until 11pm.
Allow me to be your guide! Here are my ‘Top 5 things to do’ at First Night Springfield:
- Children’s Crafts at the Hoogland (1pm-4pm):
Various organization’s will be providing crafts for the kids that day, like – The Springfield Art Assoc., Illinois State Museum, YMCA, plus more!
2. Stone Cold Blues Band (Friday Night Jazz) @Boone’s Saloon (5:30pm-7:30pm):
No cover charge!
3. ‘Watch Party’ @ First Presbyterian Church (6pm-7pm):
A locally-written play by Robert Davis to mark Watch Night, an African-American tradition. There is no charge for this event but donations will be accepted!
4. Improv @ The Hoogland Center for the Arts (7pm-11pm)
Arena Food Service will sell light refreshments.
Tickets are $5 for youth and $20 for adults. They may be purchased at the door or in advance by going to Hoogland’s website,
5. ‘Express Your Seoul’ performance @ The Hoogland Center for the Arts (7pm-11pm)
Arena Food Service will sell light refreshments.
Tickets are $5 for youth and $20 for adults. They may be purchased at the door or in advance by going to Hoogland’s website.
For more information on “First Night Springfield”, and to purchase tickets ahead of time, go to springfieldartsco.org/first-night/ .
