First Night Springfield returns. Here's what to know

Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal- Register
·2 min read
First Night Springfield is a celebration of the area's arts community
First Night Springfield is a celebration of the area's arts community

A family-friendly celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve has a new dimension.

For the first time, the Springfield Area Arts Council is co-producing First Night Springfield with the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

That means all afternoon activities for children, 1-2:45 p.m., and evening performances, 6-9:45 p.m., will be inside the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., where the center has several theatres.

Sheila Walk of the Springfield Area Arts Council is bowing out, but not completely

Fireworks will be launched by Nostalgia Pyrotechnics from Third Street and Capitol Avenue at 10 p.m.

“The Arts Council is proud to continue bringing this event to downtown Springfield," said Sheila Walk, who is retiring as SAAC's executive director. "(First Night) has become a tradition for many."

Members of the Springfield Dance Theatre perform at the Hoogland for First Night Springfield Saturday Dec. 31, 2022.
Members of the Springfield Dance Theatre perform at the Hoogland for First Night Springfield Saturday Dec. 31, 2022.

It was first staged in Springfield in 1987 and is one of the longest-running First Night events in the country.

The Hoogland is marking its 20th anniversary.

Evening performers

Among the evening performers are David Cain (jazz), Capital Big Band, Capital City Improv (comedy), Central Illinois Irish Dancers, Mark Gifford (piano and sing-along), The Muni (theatre), Springfield International Folk Dancers, Springfield Theater Center (theatre), Zwie Damm Clowns (troupe), Sangamon Valley Chord Company (barbershop music) and Mike Anderson (storyteller).

Storyteller and musician Mike Anderson is among the First Night performers.
Storyteller and musician Mike Anderson is among the First Night performers.

Sangamon Watercolor Society will exhibit its members’ work in the main floor gallery.

A full schedule had not been finalized as of Thursday.

Afternoon activities

Afternoon crafts will be provided by Garvey-Tubman Center, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lowe’s and Sangamon Watercolor Society.

Children's crafts will be part of the First Night activities at the Hoogland Center For the Arts on New Year's Eve. The children's activities run from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
Children's crafts will be part of the First Night activities at the Hoogland Center For the Arts on New Year's Eve. The children's activities run from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Among the performers are Hoogland Education Program, Lincoln Ring of Magicians, Sangamon Valley Chord Company and Springfield Dance Company.

No pre-registration is required for the children’s event.

Tickets

Evening tickets are $5 for youth and $20 for adults.  They may be purchased at the door or in advance by going to Hoogland’s website at www.hcfta.org/tickets.

First Night is a fundraiser for the SAAC and Hoogland.

Children's activities are free.

The LRS Skating Rink at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's Union Square Park.
The LRS Skating Rink at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's Union Square Park.

Free skating

The LRS Skating Rink at Union Square Park will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Skating is free and is sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Parking

In addition to free on-street parking, the parking garage next to the Hoogland will be open at no cost.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: All First Night Springfield activities will be at Hoogland Center