The new year is almost here, folks, and so is First Night State College.

The alcohol-free celebration is returning to downtown State College for the second year in a row courtesy of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. The event, which first came to Happy Valley on New Year’s Eve in 1994, will feature live events throughout the night as the borough rings in the New Year.

First Night State College will host three feature acts this year. Comedian Robert Mac will perform at the Penn State Downtown Theatre at 4:30, 7, and 9 p.m. Comedian and juggler Michael Rosman will showcase his skills at The State Theatre at 3:30, 7:30, and 10 p.m, while hypnotist Alan Sands will perform at the State College Municipal Building Community Room at 5, 7, and 9 p.m.

Live music will also be performed throughout the night. Cabaret group Natascha and the Spy Boys will perform at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 7 p.m, while Jon Rounds will appear with the Guitar Brothers at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 8:30 p.m. Joshua Davis will round out the musical performances with his band “Love Salad” at the State College Presbyterian Church at 10 p.m.

The festival will also host a 5K walk/run beginning at 6:30 p.m. The race will begin at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street.

First Night State College will also showcase ice sculptures throughout the evening at the 100 block of South Allen Street, as well as smaller displays at Mayor Welch Plaza and Sidney Friedman Park.

The festival will host more events and celebrations throughout the night. A full list can be found on the official First Night State College website.

Admission to all indoor events will be granted with a $10 2023 First Night State College button, which can be purchased at event doors and select businesses downtown. Children 12 and under will get in for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

About the Author

Joe Lister

Joe, shockingly, was Onward State's managing editor from 2024-25. It was an honor. He's off employed doing journalism things, hopefully. If you want to complain about anything he's ever written, you can find him on Twitter (iamjoelister), email (jlister2021@gmail.com), or Signal (iamjoelister.93).

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