New Year's Fest 
A performing arts festival
40 Years of Continuous Entertainment

This year marks the 40th anniversary of New Year's Fest. For those history buffs, we survived ice storms, sub-zero weather, Y2K, and COVID. We never truly missed a beat. Every year, not one single year cancelled. It's a tradition.

 

As a cultural arts festival showcasing local, regional, and national talent, we typically feature around 22 artists.  If you have never attended, 

New Year’s Fest is an all-ages performing arts festival that takes place on New Year's Eve in Downtown Kalamazoo. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and runs until 12 a.m. to ring in the New Year.  The event features bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers, and even super heroes and princesses. And, to top it off at midnight there is a ball drop and fireworks.   

 

The event features about 22 performances that host their show a couple of times during the night to combine about 72 different performances. Performances are scheduled for 4-30 minute or 3-45 minute performances that rotate throughout the night.  This allows attendees to schedule their attendance based on when they can/want to attend within their time frame. This is one event where you literally design your own entertainment schedule. You can come for a couple of shows, one show, or try to schedule to see up to 5 shows.  

 

The 2025 New Year's Fest will host performances in 5 indoor performance locations, 1 heated tents, and live music from Bronson Park Stage. You need an admission button to attend the shows in the performance spaces. The admission button is $10 in advance, and $15 in Bronson Park starting at 5:00 p.m.  The outdoor live stage, heated entertainment tent, fireworks, and ball drop are all free.  So is participating and riding the Holly Jolly Trolley (that runs from 6:00-11:00 pm). 

​

We are currently recruiting artist and working on an amazing - 40th anniversary worthy - line up. So, while you wait for the announcement, see below the artists that have performed over the past 10 years. It makes you a little nostalgic.