First Night Missoula: More than 100 performances welcome New Year
Published: December 26, 2011
Hundreds of performing, visual and literary artists showcase their talents during First Night Missoula, a spirited cultural celebration presented by the Missoula Cultural Council.
The 18th annual New Year’s Eve community-wide, alcohol-free celebration of the arts brings over 100 performances and activities to 35 venues throughout downtown Missoula, the University of Montana campus, and Southgate Mall from noon until midnight on Dec. 31. Music, theatre, dance, children’s programs, visual arts, and more highlight this daylong event.
Special events include the Children’s Parade of Hats, 1 p.m. at Southgate Mall (masks and decorations are available); ice carvings on the Courthouse Lawn; the First Night Star High School talent competition, 8 p.m. at the Wilma Theatre (requires an additional $2 ticket); and the Grand Finale at the University Center featuring the Ed Norton Big Band and the Drum Brothers.
A sampling of performers includes Malarkey, Rio and Kira Means at the Wilma; Salsa Loca, the Big Sky Mudflaps, Full Grown Men, The Gravely Mountain Boys, John Floridis and Zeppo MT at the University Center; Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre, the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band and Amy Martin at the University Theatre; and the Sweet Adelines, Rocky Mountaineers and Montana A Cappella Society at the UM Music Recital Hall. A flock of poets reads in the University Center’s Third Floor Conference Room; and several participatory dance and theatre experiences are available.
For the full schedule of events and more information, visit www.missoulacultural.org/firstnight.
The festival includes free shuttle service between venues. Admission buttons are $12 in advance and $15 on Dec. 31 (children 7 and under free), and are available online, and at over 20 locations throughout Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. Volunteer and get a free button by calling 406-541-0860.
More First Night festivities
First Night Flathead – 2 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in Kalispell; family-friendly New Year’s Eve gala features music, performing arts, food and youth activities. Call 253-2471 for details.
First Night Spokane – Dec. 31 in downtown Spokane; family-friendly celebration offers an array of entertainment options. Call 509-252-5027 or visit www.firstnightspokane.org for details.
