Ring in the new year with Williamsburg’s annual family-friendly celebration Wednesday night.
First Night Williamsburg returns for its 22nd iteration this week, with performing arts and events in an alcohol-free setting through the City of Williamsburg’s downtown area and the College of William & Mary.
Headlining this year are Bria Kelly, a Smithfield native who was a finalist on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice,” and Ronny Cox, an actor and acoustic singer-songwriter.
Kelly will perform at 7:15 p.m. and again at 8:15 p.m. at Phi Beta Kappa Hall, and Cox will play at 7 and 8:15 p.m. at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
In addition to Kelly, new to the line-up this year are soul singer Caleb Hawley, Virginia Beach’s classic rock group The Lastones and magician Joshua Lozoff.
A full slate of evening acts starts at 7 p.m. at venues throughout town.
Children’s programs, including music and games, run from 3 p.m. though a kids’ fireworks show at 7 p.m.
For those staying up later, the grand finale show starts at 11:30 p.m. at Zable Stadium with a performance by Bobby “Blackhat” Walters. The fireworks go off at midnight.
Buttons, which permit admission to all performances, are $15 each, with children ages 5 and under free. They can be purchased online through 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve for pickup at William & Mary’s Sadler Center from 1 to 9 p.m. Buttons are also available from these local stores. Buttons do not include food or beverages at the event.
For more information, visit the First Night Williamsburg website.
