Missoula on Main Returns for a Festive New Year’s Celebration

It’s the holiday season, and one of the best ways to say farewell to 2025 and welcome in 2026 is to spend it with friends and family at some of the many events available at this year’s Arts Missoula’s “Missoula on Main.”

Missoula’s traditional New Year’s Eve celebration started as "First Night" in 1994. Now, over thirty years later, Missoulians still get together at events spread out over two days and at multiple venues across town to ring in the new year.

A Tradition That Began With First Night

Just like in the past, there are multiple free events available, most of which will be held at the Missoula Public Library.

Multiple ticketed events are held on both December 30 and 31. If you are looking to enjoy music, singing, or dancing, there is something for everyone.

Ticketed Performances and All-Access Passes

Missoula on Main offers an “all-access pass” this year for $40, which will get you into any of the featured events. Keep in mind, an all-access pass doesn’t guarantee a seat. There are also individual ticketed events.

The Spotlight Teen Singing Competition will feature 18 Missoula high school teens competing for cash and prizes.

There will be two Dance Showcases featuring dancers from multiple studios and organizations.

This year, the event will feature a two-hour performance of music from around the world. With performances from The Celtic Dragon Pipe Band and Highland Dancers, Salsa Loca, Quartet Caribe, Gender Wayan, and the Brazilian Bateria.

These are just a few of the many events planned for the celebration. Wrapping up the New Year’s evening will be the traditional Midnight Ball featuring the Ed Norton Big Band at the Elks Club, where attendees can dance the night away while they usher in a brand-new year.