Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/29/2025
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- First Night Morris County 2026 is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, family-friendly, substance- and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown. It offers a high-quality, curated cultural experience that unites the community and supports local partners. Your admission button grants you unlimited access to over 7 hours of spectacular entertainment—an excellent value for the whole family.
* 80+ Performances at 20+ Venues (In-Person, 1 Streaming, and 1 On-Demand) and over 40 On-Demand Films.
* Celebrating America’s 250th: This year’s event serves as the official launch for Morris County’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, highlighting the county’s pivotal role in securing America’s independence.
* Historical Showcases: Explore the Pathways of History Community Showcase at Morristown High School, spotlighting over 30 local historical organizations.
* Heroines of History: Visit the Woman’s Club of Morristown for an interactive program featuring costumed interpreters portraying women who shaped the community’s civic and cultural life.
* Revolutionary Exhibits: At Macculloch Hall, enjoy the “Eyewitness to History” exhibit marking the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Morristown, alongside 18th-century tunes from The Dolce Trio.
Tickets are available for purchase online until December 31st at 3:00pm. In-person buttons will be sold at the MPAC Box Office (2:00pm to 3:30pm), the Morristown Library (3:30pm to 9:00pm), and the MPAC Box Office Reopens (8:30pm to 10:00pm). Additionally, a limited amount of tickets will be on sale at the Hyatt Regency Morristown (5:00pm to 9:00pm) and Morristown High School (4:30pm to 8:30pm).
Music & performance highlights include:
Vignola & Clemente: A spectacular joint performance live and streaming from the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
Marc Milovats – Holiday & Hits: A festive, high-energy musical celebration at the Hyatt Regency.
Mayo Performing Arts Company: An emerging artist showcase featuring “An Evening of Song,” including Broadway favorites and more.
Variety for All: Enjoy the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, the soulful Bozza Brasil, and comedic sets by Myq Kaplan and Matt Jenkins.
Interactive Family Fun: The Children’s Fun Festival at Morristown High School features Dinoman, Fun with LEGO, the Craft Creation Station, and the Child’s Play Challenge Course.
The Film Festival: Dive into a cinematic journey with over 40 films available throughout the night. Experience curated screenings in-person starting at 4:30 PM, featuring family-friendly, teen, and adult award-winning international films. For those who prefer to watch at their own pace, our on-demand platform offers a robust selection of films that you can enjoy throughout the evening and beyond.
The Grand Finale: The night concludes with the traditional Midnight Countdown and Fireworks to welcome the New Year.
Unmatched Convenience: Complimentary Shuttles start at 4:30 PM, and Complimentary Parking is available at any Morristown Parking Garage starting at 4:00pm.
Dinner & New Year’s Eve in Morristown: Make it a full “night on the town” by exploring the vibrant local dining scene. Through a special partnership with the Morristown Partnership, attendees can easily access a comprehensive Local Dining Directory featuring downtown’s best eateries. Whether you are looking for a quick family bite or a celebratory dinner, the directory is available via the First Night website, mobile app, and QR codes located right in your official program book.
Live-Stream & On-Demand Convenience: Can’t make it to every venue? Enjoy the MPAC Live-Stream or browse On-Demand content through the First Night Morris App, allowing you to experience world-class performances from the comfort of your own device.
First Night® Morris County is a self-funded, volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering appreciation for the arts and providing year-round community development through the FNM365® program.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14
(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum Partner for "The Peace Flag Project"
(CLINTON, NJ) -- The Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum, in collaboration with Handwork 2026, invite the public to celebrate the opening of "The Peace Flag Project," a fiber chain of hundreds of community-made flags displayed along the banks of the Raritan River and pedestrian bridge.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th
(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
2026 Princeton Festival to Take Place June 5-21 at Morven Museum & Garden
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce that world-renowned bel canto soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and The Bacon Brothers, Michael and Kevin, are scheduled to perform at the 2026 Princeton Festival. At the core of the Festival, there is live opera with Festival veteran and current Met Opera star Toni Marie Palmertree returning to sing the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. These major stars typify the quality of musical offerings to be found at this year's Festival which runs from June 5-21 on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
