Ring in the New Year with Port Townsend’s beloved First Night, an all-ages celebration presented by The Production Alliance. This year’s theme, Extraterrestrial Extravaganza, invites earthlings of all ages to explore a universe of live music, circus arts, stargazing, interactive art, history-and-art exhibits, fireworks, and more.
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Embrace the magic of the unknown as downtown Port Townsend transforms into a galactic playground! A night of creativity, connection, and cosmic wonder. Let’s blast off together into the New Year and make it out of this world!
Entertainment
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Raptor Rhythm Brigade
3PM
Tuff Puffin
4:30PM
Unexpected Brass Band
6:00PM
Feral Fire Collective
6:40PM
Circus Show
Don't forget your tickets on pre-sale. Day of event prices will go up.
Lantern Making
3PM to 6PM | Cotton Building
Beam up your imagination for an afternoon of Lantern Making! This year’s theme, Extraterrestrial Extravaganza, invites you to design glowing creations inspired by the cosmos — think spaceships, shooting stars, friendly aliens, and flying saucers. All materials are provided, and everyone is welcome to join in. Let your inner space artist shine as you craft a lantern to light up the night sky.
Lantern Parade
Starting at 6PM
As dusk falls, the magic begins! Join the Lantern Parade and watch your creations come to life in motion. The Unexpected Brass Band will lead the way with out-of-this-world tunes as our community of glowing voyagers parades through the streets. Bring your family, your friends, and your intergalactic spirit — together we’ll make First Night shine brighter than a galaxy!
Decorate Your Own Sun Magnet
with Luz Rosario
From 3–5 PM at First Night, join artist Luz Rosario to create your own papier-mâché ceramic sun magnet. Choose from a variety of paints and decorate your sun in any style you like—bright, bold, whimsical, or totally unique. We’ll have 100 suns available, so come early to claim yours and enjoy this fun, hands-on project. Take home your finished magnet and bring a little extra brightness to your fridge for the new year.
Fireworks!
Starting at 7PM
Gather under the winter sky as First Night Port Townsend concludes with a dazzling fireworks display. Bursts of color and light fill the air, celebrating community, creativity, and the arrival of a bright new year — hello, 2026!
Food Vendors
Become a Volunteer
Want to help bring the magic of this year’s celebration to life? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to welcome guests, support craft stations, assist with circus seating, help with ticketing, and keep the event flowing smoothly. No experience needed — just a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in!
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All volunteers are invited to our Volunteer Party on December 13 at TPA Clubhouse at the Fairgrounds, where we’ll celebrate you, share treats, and give quick training for roles that use our Square readers.
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If you love community, creativity, and joyful chaos, we’d love to have you on the team!
Community Contribution
First Night is powered by community — and you’re a vital part of it. Your participation and donations help support local artists, youth programs, and free community events that bring people together all year long.
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Every glowing lantern, every smile in the parade, and every note from the band is made possible through your generosity. When you give, you help keep the arts accessible, joyful, and alive in Port Townsend.
Together, we make the night — and our community — shine brighter.
