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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.
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 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).