First Night State College, produced by the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, offers many opportunities for community members to step right up and get involved.
Who Makes First Night Happen? You Do!
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available to fit all budgets. Sponsorship recognition increases with the level of investment. We would be delighted to work with you to tailor the most appropriate sponsorship for your business or organization. Learn more here.
Donate
Every New Year’s Eve, First Night State College brings the streets of State College and the Penn State campus alive with fabulous and diverse entertainment, ice sculptures, resolution exhibits and the excitement of one year ending and another beginning. Please give generously to make this event thrive! Learn more here.
Volunteer
If you would like to join other volunteers in the fun of making First Night State College a reality, there are many opportunities for you to get involved! Learn more here.
In addition to an array of sponsorship partnerships in all budget ranges, the event is funded by the sale of admission buttons, race entry fees, food vendor fees, grants, individual donations (both online and on site), and the First Night annual fund.
There are also countless ways for individuals and organizations to volunteer their time and talents, including checking admission buttons at a performance venue, baking cookies for or staffing the Warm-Up Station, conducting an art and craft or performance workshop, and helping clean up after the event.
Sponsors and Supporters
We are grateful to all the businesses, individuals, and organizations who support First Night each year. Our major sponsors for First Night 2025 are featured below. You can see the complete list of sponsors here, and a list of our other supporters here.
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. First Night State College receives grant support from the Centre County Commissioners and The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
Buy a Button!
A First Night button gets you into all performances and some activities – for just $15!