FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD
WHAT IS FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD?
For 39 incredible years, this beloved celebration of the arts has been the heartbeat of Springfield’s year-end festivities. Since 1987, tens of thousands have gathered to enjoy an evening filled with music, theater, art, and family-friendly entertainment.
As the longest-running First Night west of the Alleghenies, this tradition is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Make your plans to be part of this sparkling celebration!
EVENT DETAILS
Ring in the New Year with Sparkle and Style!
Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve as First Night Springfield lights up downtown with dazzling fireworks, captivating performances, and nonstop fun for all ages! We’re ringing in the New Year with style by kicking off the Route 66 Centennial Anniversary.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Don’t wait—plan now to be part of Springfield’s most dazzling year-end tradition! Admission buttons serve as your ticket to the festivities and are limited to the first 500 ticket buyers. After buttons run out, admission tickets will be given to guests. Youth (15 and under) will receive wristbands.
This 39th annual celebration of the arts is packed with excitement from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM at three iconic Springfield locations: the Hoogland Center for the Arts, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Union Square Park. Guests will receive detailed schedules and maps upon arrival to make the most of their evening.
The night ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky at 8:00 PM. Gather with friends and family at Capitol Avenue and Fourth Street for the perfect finale to an extraordinary day.
Wednesday
December 31, 2025
Activities & Performances
12 – 7:45 PM
Fireworks
8 PM
Click the icon to view our Google Map
Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 S 6th St
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N 6th St
Union Square Park
500 E Madison St
Fireworks
Fourth and Capitol
Adults (16+)
$25
Youth (15-)*
FREE
*must be accompanied by at least one Adult
SCHEDULE
12 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join us in welcoming 39 years of First Night Springfield!
12 – 5 PM
Crafting Activities
Create a variety of fun New Year’s themed crafts!
DJ Dino-Mite
Move and bop into the New Year with groovy songs all afternoon!
1 – 1:30 PM
Magician Richard Landry and Snowball the Bunny
A special magic show with your favorite duo.
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Hoogland Dreamers, Believers, Creators, and Achievers
Discover the talent of young performers as they light up the stage with scenes and songs from their theatre education program.
2:30 – 5 PM
Sunshyne the Clown and Tim the Twister
A fun 30-minute magic show begins at 2:30 PM, then face painting and cool balloon animals will be made for the rest of the afternoon!
3:20 – 3:50 PM
Cowboy Randy
A dazzling show for young and old with amazing roping tricks. Plus, enjoy a yodeled song or two from out on the range.
4 PM
Around-the-World New Year’s Countdown
It’s midnight somewhere! Enjoy this special family-friendly countdown so the kids don’t have to stay up late, complete with confetti cannons to welcome 2026!
1 – 5 PM
Ice Skating
Enjoy free skating with family and friends. Donations to ALPLM are appreciated to help defray the cost of skate maintenance.
DINING ROOM
5 – 7 pm
Kids’ Crafting Activities
Enjoy a variety of arts crafting activities hosted by the Garvey-Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center and the Fae Folk Art Collective. Youth must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
LRS THEATRE
5 – 5:45 PM
The Muni
Step into the magic of summer with a showcase of beloved moments from past outdoor productions, plus a preview of next season’s exciting lineup that will have you counting down the days until summer!
6 – 6:45 PM
Springfield Theatre Centre
Enjoy a fun and inspiring showcase of specially selected musical numbers that are sure to bring joy to the whole family!
7 – 7:45 PM
N.I.L.8
Springfield’s own N.I.L.8 has been shaking the walls since 1989. Led by brothers Jeff and Bruce Williams, this hardcore punk foursome delivers a high-energy show you won’t forget.
This performance is recommended for a mature audience.
PEGGY RYDER THEATRE
5 – 5:45 PM
Chris Vallillo
Hear rural America come alive through powerful roots music, vivid storytelling, and songs that grab your attention from the very first chord.
6 – 6:45 PM
Springfield Poets and Writers
Discover poetry with nine dynamic voices from our local literary community. Experience an engaging series of readings from this nonprofit organization devoted to inspiring and supporting the literary arts.
7 – 7:45 PM
FReSH RAIN
Big energy, big sound, and all the hits you love. Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate every note with this dynamic band from St. Louis.
CLUB ROOM
5 – 5:45 PM
Johnnie Owens
This Springfield jazz singer captivates audiences with his rich, soulful voice and commanding stage presence. Don’t miss the chance to experience his unforgettable live performance.
6 – 6:45 PM
Square of the Roots
Get ready to be swept up in a high-energy mix of funky, bluesy, gritty rock with hints of folk, jazz, and country. This Rochester-based band brings a dynamic live performance and infectious sound!
7 – 7:45 PM
Ben Bedford
Immerse yourself in lively tunes that bring folk music to life on stage.
H.D. SMITH GALLERY
6 – 7:45 PM
Painting Session with the Sangamon Watercolor Society
Unleash your creativity and enjoy the art of watercolor painting—whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned painter, this hands-on activity is fun for all ages!
POLLY ROESCH SOCIAL ROOM
5 – 7:45 PM
Quiet Room
Need a break from the excitement? Step into the quiet room to relax and recharge in a peaceful space away from the hustle and bustle. This is a sensory friendly environment, with supplies provided by the Hope Autism Clinic.
8 PM
Fireworks Spectacular
Weather permitting.
ART RAFFLE
WIN BIG
Don’t miss your chance to own a stunning, original painting by renowned Springfield artist Felicia Olin, valued at $200! This exclusive artwork will go to one lucky winner in our First Night Springfield Art Raffle. Size: 16″ x 20″
TICKETS
$10 for 1 | $25 for 3 | $50 for 6
Purchase your tickets at the Springfield Area Arts Council office with cash or check, online with a credit card, or from any SAAC board member using cash or check. You can also purchase your tickets during First Night between 3 – 8 PM in the H.D. Smith Gallery of the Hoogland, giving you a chance to see this spectacular work of art in person!
DRAWING
The raffle drawing will take place at the end of First Night Springfield on New Year’s Eve.
You do not need to be present to win. SAAC will contact the winner directly to arrange pick-up of this one-of-a-kind artwork.
Support the arts and take home a piece of Springfield’s vibrant creativity. Buy your tickets today!
HOT CHOCOLATE WALK
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sip, stroll, and explore downtown Springfield during First Night! Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate from local businesses hosting special holiday hours as you enjoy this cozy addition to the festivities.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Limited-edition First Night Springfield mugs are your ticket to the walk—only 75 are available! Mugs are $10 each and can be purchased in advance online or in person at the Springfield Area Arts Council office. During the event, mugs will be sold at the Hoogland and the Dana-Thomas House while supplies last. If purchased in advance, mugs can be picked up in the SAAC office beginning December 23 or at the Hoogland box office during the event.
EVENT HOURS
The walk runs from 3 PM to 8 PM. Take your time visiting participating businesses, exploring their unique offerings, and enjoying holiday cheer.
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
Beelzebuns – 213 S 5th St
The Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Cafe – 524 E Capitol Ave
Dana-Thomas House – 301 E Lawrence Ave
Studio on 6th – 215 S 6th St
The Wakery – 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza
Special thanks to Downtown Springfield, Inc. for their collaboration in bringing the Hot Chocolate Walk to life.
PARKING
Enjoy convenient parking options during First Night Springfield!
Free Parking:
- All metered spaces downtown
- Herndon Ramp Parking Garage (attached to the Hoogland Center for the Arts)
- Visitor parking lot at the Dana-Thomas House
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Parking Garage:
The garage is located at the corner of Sixth and Madison Streets, with entry on Sixth.
- Rates:
- 0-4 Hours: $5
- 4-12 Hours: $10
- More than 12 Hours: $15 per day (or portion thereof)
- Bus/RV Lot: $10/day (Advance reservations through Visit Springfield are required for free bus parking.)
- Payment Options:
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX
- Cash: Only accepted at the museum ticket desk (9:00 AM–4:00 PM). Not accepted at the garage.
- Important Notes:
- Please park only in the designated parking spaces. Unauthorized parking in reserved or accessible parking spaces may result in towing at the owner’s expense.
- Parking is at your own risk. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is not responsible for any damage, theft, or accidents that occur in the parking lot.
- Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, illicit drug use, violence, and excessive noise are strictly prohibited within the parking facility.
- Failure to follow rules may result in consequences that vary depending on severity, such as revocation of parking permit, towing your vehicle, contacting law enforcement, etc.
- You are responsible for keeping your entry ticket. Full daily rate will be charged for lost tickets.
- Please do not leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
Enjoy the festivities, and safe travels!
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
The generosity of our sponsors enables SAAC to pay performers and bring a low-cost, family-friendly celebration of the arts to downtown Springfield.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$10,000
Exclusive recognition as Presenting Sponsor on all event
promotions. Logo / name featured prominently on posters, website, and social media. Mention in all press releases and media interviews. Full-page ad in program. Opportunity for an on-state recognition moment at the event.
COMMUNITY PARTNER
$5,000
Includes 10 tickets.
Prominent logo / name placement on posters, website, and social media. Mention in press release. Half-page ad in program. Recognition before each performance.
ARTS SUPPORTER
$2,500
Includes 8 tickets.
Logo / name included on posters, website, and social media. Quarter-page ad in program guide
FRIEND OF FIRST NIGHT
$1,000
Includes 4 tickets.
Name listed in event program and website. Recognition on social media thank-you posts.
DONOR
$500
Name listed in event program and mentioned on SAAC website.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
COMMUNITY PARTNER
ARTS SUPPORTER
FRIEND OF FIRST NIGHT
DONOR