FIRST NIGHT HARTFORD 2022 ADJUSTING FOR RISING CASES, BUT STILL BRINGING THE FUN AND COMMUNITY

HARTFORD, CT – December 29, 2021 – First Night Hartford will be adjusting its lineup due to the omicron surge, but in-person and live broadcast fun continues!  On Friday, December 31, 2021 from 2 p.m. to midnight, we’re leaning into outdoor activities with an art walk turned scavenger through downtown Hartford, focused on setting intentions for the new year.   A main stage on Trinity Street–beneath the Soldier and Sailors Arch–makes its inaugural debut, and serves as a central performance space.  This outdoor venue will host entertainment, food vending, information, and provide the best vantage point for viewing the fireworks.  

At 6pm and 12am live music (on the mainstage) will accompany the light show.  The 6pm show will kickoff with the arrival of the beloved and traditional People’s Parade (curated by Nightfall, featuring the drums of Hartford Proud) and the 12am show will kick the new year off with the Dwayne Keith Experience and features musicians performed across the day.  

First Night is partnering with LAZ parking to offer special VIP parking for the ultimate socially distanced in-person view of the fireworks.  Parked just outside Bushnell Park, in their Capitol Lot, see the fireworks from the safety of your own vehicle.  The VIP package includes 4 buttons for free access to First Night activities, a party kit, and closed circuit radio access to hear the live broadcast through your car radio.

A collection of Downtown Hartford venues, selected for their size and ventilation, will host activities ranging from live music performances, dance, comedy, improv, theater, face painting, crafts, and more. Visual art pieces inspired by New Year’s intentions, grace the art walk and are available for purchase. 

First Night has reduced the number of indoor venues from 12 to 7, focusing on venues that provide the best ventilation and allow for appropriate social distancing.  Capacity at every venue will also be reduced to at least 70% of its maximum, to ensure individual space needs are allowed.

Masks are required for this event, with vaccinations highly encouraged. Please note, some venues may require vaccination for entry/participation. 

Community partners include the Bushnell Park Carousel, Winterfest Ice Skating Rink, Hartford Public Library, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Old State House, and the Hartford Wolfpack.  Performance partners and artists to include: Nightfall, Dwayne Keith Experience, Nekita Waller, Dreamvoid, Rosanna Karabetsos (Hartford native and Brooklynette), The Other Voice, Nutcracker Suite and Spicy to name a few.  The visual artists include Andre Rochester, Jena Fenton, Muva Mya, Deka Henry, Lindaluz Carillo, Mercury, Kevin Basura, Ashley the Creator, Vash, The Collective NH, and Dave Boraski. 

Buttons can be purchased online on the First Night Hartford website or in-person at Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market, and Highland Park Market. Updates can be found on the Facebook event page here or the First Night Hartford page here. 

Mainstage Schedule (Soldiers and Sailors Arch)

2:00pm- Event Kick Off–Dwayne Keith Experience

2:45pm- Nutcracker Suite and Spicy

3:10pm- Hartford Proud

3:30pm SeaTea Improv

4:45pm- Dreamvoid

5:15pm- Nekita Waller

6:00pm- Parade arrival, Fireworks, and DJ Ch’Varda live mixing to the show

6:45pm- The Other Voice Theater Company

7:15pm- Sonia Morant

8:00pm- SeaTea Improv

8:30pm- Dance Collective

9:30pm- The Other Voice

10:00pm- SeaTea Improv

12:00am- Fireworks and Dwayne Keith Experience

About First Night Hartford

Since 1989, First Night Hartford has been Hartford's New Year's Eve party; a friends and family-friendly, multicultural, artistically unique New Year's celebration with countless professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits that inspire thousands of people of all ages to attend each year. The First Night marks the passage from the old year to the New Year with art, ritual and festivity. First Night Hartford’s mission is to broaden and deepen the public's appreciation of the visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse and high-quality program that offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all.