The First Night concept was created in 1976 by a group of citizens in Boston. The tremendous success year after year inspired First Night Celebrations in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. About First Night: The mission of First Night Monterey, Inc. is to bring families together and unite our community in all its diversity through the visual and performing arts, to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts and to celebrate families and community through workshops and the New Year‘s Eve celebration. The centerpiece of First Night Monterey is our alcohol-free celebration on New Year's Eve in downtown Monterey.
First Night Monterey (FNM) was started by Paulette Lynch and her husband Ken Peterson in 1992, aided by a group of Monterey Peninsula residents who wanted a creative alternative to the traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. Paulette came to Monterey from the Boston area, and brought the First Night model to Monterey. First Night Monterey premiered with First Night Monterey 1993 on December 31,1992. A bountiful buffet will be served at Gardener Ranch.