Button Free Events
Preliminary Schedule subject to change
Bubble Wrap Stomp
Photo: John Markus
Bubble Wrap Stomp
Noisier Than the Noise Parade
A favorite activity of many parents, too! Watch the kids show joy as they break the bubbles and make lots of noise!
A favorite activity of many parents, too! Watch the kids show joy as they break the bubbles and make lots of noise!
From 1PM until there's no more bubble wrap to stomp.
From 1PM until there's no more bubble wrap to stomp.
Community Center Aerobics Room at 1:00 to 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Max Calderbank and Friends
Max Calderbank and Friends
Musicals Through the Years!
Three high school juniors perform a variety of songs from Broadway musicals from three different eras.
Max Calderbank, Avila Rudd, and Adaline Birmingham, all juniors in high school, showcase "Musicals, through the years!", featuring a variety of songs from Broadway musicals from three different eras. These include Golden Age, Post-Golden Age, and Contemporary shows. Their performance includes tunes from The Music Man, Chicago, Footloose, and more! Max and his friends are ecstatic to share the music they all love! They hope to see you in the audience!
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 5:00 PM (Button-free)
The Cape Cod Sax Trio
The Cape Cod Sax Trio
Three Types of Saxes
The Sax Trio will parade around Chatham Main St playing an instrumental mix of funk, fusion, and New Orleans jazz.
The Cape Cod Sax Trio returns to parade around Chatham center for First Night Chatham 2026! From 1:15PM to 2:30PM, they'll play an instrumental mix of funk, fusion, and New Orleans jazz that's sure to get your feet moving in the cold weather. They'll visit several spots around town, so feel free to visit them at one performance, or follow them around all over the place!
Main Street at 1:15 to 2:30 PM (Button-free)
Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia
Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia
With Bill & Tilda Bystrom and Peter Gaines
Trivia featuring knowledge about Cape Cod, Chatham, the holiday season, and some 'Name That Tune' extras.
Hosted by Bill and Tilda Bystrom with musical assistance from Peter Gaines, this event will give Cape Codders and Cape & Chatham want-to-be's an opportunity to show off their knowledge of Cape Cod and Chatham, with the focus on the local community and Cape Cod in general.. It will also include trivia about the holiday season, and feature Peter Gaines doing “name that tune “on the piano.
This trivia event will consist of two 1/2 hour trivia sessions,with different questions for each session. People may participate in both sessions or only one depending on upon their preference. Prizes will be given out randomly so everyone has a chance to win. This is a family-friendly event, already popular at Chatham Bars Inn and First Night Chatham, newly featuring surprise Chatham all star holiday fun helpers. Join the fun!
This trivia event will consist of two 1/2 hour trivia sessions,with different questions for each session. People may participate in both sessions or only one depending on upon their preference. Prizes will be given out randomly so everyone has a chance to win. This is a family-friendly event, already popular at Chatham Bars Inn and First Night Chatham, newly featuring surprise Chatham all star holiday fun helpers. Join the fun!
Community Center 2nd Floor at 7:00 PM (Button-free)
Carnival Caper
Photo: Ron Snider
Carnival Caper
Costumed Road Race
A costumed road race, sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register, show off your costume, and race for fun!
A costumed road race, from the Chatham Squire to the Lighthouse and back, sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register outside the Squire starting at 2 pm; registration fee charged. Costume judging at 2:30 pm; the race starts at 3 pm (a bit under 2 miles round-trip). You can't miss the gorilla in charge. Race registrants get a T-shirt, and beef stew served at the Squire after the race! Spectators line Main Street to cheer on everyone parading down the road in costume - you can run, you can walk, you can hop, skip or jump!
Outside the Squire at 2:00 to 3:30 PM (Button-free)
Catfish
Catfish
Catfish are the Cape's freshest take on the teen hard rock band. Playing various rock and grunge tunes with a heavy emphasis on getting a crowd going.
Catfish are the Cape's freshest take on the teen hard rock band. Playing various rock and grunge tunes with a heavy emphasis on getting a crowd going.
Catfish band members are: Ellie Wester, vocals; Caidon Vasquez, guitar; Liam Barker, bass; and Brady Smith, drums.
Catfish band members are: Ellie Wester, vocals; Caidon Vasquez, guitar; Liam Barker, bass; and Brady Smith, drums.
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 1:00 PM (Button-free)
Chatham Railroad Museum
Chatham Railroad Museum
With Special Displays
A special opening of The Chatham Railroad Museum for First Night Chatham features two special displays
A special opening of The Chatham Railroad Museum for First Night Chatham features two special displays: museum volunteers are operating an "O" gauge train; and a special train themed exhibit of all First Night Chatham buttons, from the earliest to the present, are on display.
The Chatham Railroad Museum is located in the restored 1887 railroad depot that served Chatham for nearly fifty years. Enjoy the museum's many exhibits! Travel back to 1915 when the railroad was a hub of activity portrayed by the diorama of the railroad yard. Imagine riding the 1910 wood sided red caboose, located behind the Museum, which is also open.
The Chatham Railroad Museum is located in the restored 1887 railroad depot that served Chatham for nearly fifty years. Enjoy the museum's many exhibits! Travel back to 1915 when the railroad was a hub of activity portrayed by the diorama of the railroad yard. Imagine riding the 1910 wood sided red caboose, located behind the Museum, which is also open.
Chatham Railroad Museum at 1:00 to 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Curly & Rich
Curly & Rich
Blues, Folk, Bluegrass & More
Curly and Rich draw broadly from the range of acoustic music: blues, folk, bluegrass, some nuggets from the 1970's and 80's, and an original composition or two.
Curly and Rich draw broadly from the range of acoustic music: blues, folk, bluegrass, some nuggets from the 1970's and 80's, a few recent popular songs, and one or two original compositions. Our set list includes songs originally performed by Bob Dylan, Reverend Gary Davis, the Grateful Dead, Bill Monroe, Leo Kottke, Blind Blake, Led Zeppelin (an instrumental version of “Goin' to California”), Graham Nash, and many others. Curly plays mandolin and harmonica, and he sings. Rich plays guitar and sings. Join us in an uplifting, enlivening musical journey!
Elementary School Cafeteria at 5:00 PM (Button-free)
Face Painting by Punky-Doodles & Friends
Photo: Susan Karchmer
Face Painting by Punky-Doodles & Friends
The face painters love seeing the smiles on the childrens' faces as they look in the mirror after painting.
Punky-Doodles is a professional face painter. She and three friends love putting smiles on peoples faces! They love seeing the smiles on the childrens' faces as they look in the mirror after painting.
Monomoy Middle School Small Gym at 12:30 to 3:30 PM (Button-free)
Fireworks at Veterans Field
Photo: Stanlee Wetzel
Fireworks at Veterans Field
Spectacular Displays!
Spectacular fireworks at Veterans Field after the Noise Parade, as a special treat for the young and young-at-heart.
Spectacular fireworks after the Noise Parade will be presented for the whole family. March in the Noise Parade which ends at the Community Center. The fireworks show is at Veterans Field and viewing is from the parking lot and fields behind the Chatham Community Center.
This amazing and special fireworks show is presented by Northstar Fireworks of Vermont; they've been doing the First Night Chatham fireworks for many years.
This amazing and special fireworks show is presented by Northstar Fireworks of Vermont; they've been doing the First Night Chatham fireworks for many years.
Veterans Field at 6:30 PM (Button-free)
Friendly Fowl
Friendly Fowl
Friendly Fowl is a local band who plays original material blending many styles from Jazz/Rock Fusion to Acoustic Melodies.
Friendly Fowl is a local band who plays original material blending many styles from Jazz/Rock Fusion to Acoustic Melodies.
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Kids' Craft Studio
Kids' Craft Studio
Kids craft fascinating stuff, each in their own way. Projects are all child friendly and designed with great creativity. Ages from Pre-K through Elementary.
Get ready to make some noise at the 6 pm Noise Parade on Main St. Stop by the Kids' Craft Studio during the day. Have your child choose from 4 different designs that are kid friendly and fun to make with their own creative touches. Ages from Pre-K through Elementary.
Monomoy Middle School Small Gym at 2:00 to 5:00 PM (Button-free)
Larry & Vic
Larry & Vic
Vocals & Guitars
The duo blends vocal harmonies and amplified acoustic guitars to cover classic songs by well-known artists of many genres.
Returning to First Night Chatham for their fourth year, Larry Goodrich and Vic Roberts have performed at venues around Cape Cod, where they are both full-time residents. Larry & Vic blend vocal harmonies and amplified acoustic guitars to cover classic songs by such popular artists as the Eagles, America, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and more. Stop by the elementary school cafeteria for a meal or snack, and enjoy some of your favorite hit tunes!
Elementary School Cafeteria at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Seven
Jeff Hughes, leader of The Monomoy Seven
Monomoy Seven
American Hot Jazz
Dixieland jazz - swinging improvisations on familiar and not so familiar tunes, and requests from the audience.
Our 25th year at First Night Chatham! The Monomoy Seven was formed by Chatham resident and clarinetist Dr. Paul Meymaris those many years ago, and has been a favorite of First Night Chatham audiences ever since. Our band features some of the best classic jazz and swing musicians in New England. Jeff Hughes (trumpet) leads the ensemble. John Clark (reeds), Mike Persico (trombone and vocals), Bob Barta (strings and vocals), Ross Petot (piano), Albie Bernard (brass bass), and Steve Taddeo (drums) comprise our band. Our repertoire includes tunes from the American songbook, jazz standards, stomps, ballads, and blues. A swinging time is guaranteed!
St. Christopher's Parish Hall at 7:00 to 10:00 PM (Button-free)
Noise Parade
Photo: Ron Snider
Noise Parade
Make noise any way you want, wear silly hats, flash some lights. Walk to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
Join the raucous fray! Make noise any way you want.
A police escort leads the parade and no one will be cited for too much noise. Great fun for kids and adults, who often wear silly hats. Start at the corner of Cross and Main at 6 pm, walk to rotary, then continue on to the Chatham Community Center to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
A police escort leads the parade and no one will be cited for too much noise. Great fun for kids and adults, who often wear silly hats. Start at the corner of Cross and Main at 6 pm, walk to rotary, then continue on to the Chatham Community Center to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
Town Hall Corner (Main & Cross Streets) at 6:00 PM (Button-free)
Old Exit 11
Old Exit 11
A Foot-Tapping Good Time!
Old Exit 11 brings the rich traditions of American music to life, blending folk, blues, and country, featuring the unique sounds of guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass.
Join us for a great time of lively music, featuring the unique sounds of guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass. Old Exit 11 brings the rich traditions of American music to life, blending folk, blues, and country for a foot-tapping good time. Whether you're a fan of classic Americana or just looking for a great time of lively music, Old Exit 11 promises to be a musical journey through the heart of American culture. Bring your friends, enjoy great tunes, and support local music! Old Exit 11 is a Chatham based trio consisting of Douglas Fields, Larry Palmerton and Marvin Dolinger.
Elementary School Cafeteria at 1:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Snowmen Scavenger Hunt
Snowmen Scavenger Hunt
Hiding in Plain Sight on Main St
Find the snowmen around town and win a little prize!
Search for the First Night Chatham snowmen up and down Main Street, on Dec 31st, and win a little prize! Especially for the young ones and the young at heart! Start by getting an entry sheet at First Night Chatham Headquarters.
Frosty the Snowman is looking for his six snowmen friends who are scattered along Main St. Each snowman is holding stickers. When you find one, take a sticker and attach it to your snowmen scavenger hunt card. When you have collected all six stickers, return with your sheet to First Night Chatham Headquarters for your prize!
The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card will be available for download and print from here, as of Dec 26th.
Frosty the Snowman is looking for his six snowmen friends who are scattered along Main St. Each snowman is holding stickers. When you find one, take a sticker and attach it to your snowmen scavenger hunt card. When you have collected all six stickers, return with your sheet to First Night Chatham Headquarters for your prize!
The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card will be available for download and print from here, as of Dec 26th.
Main Street at 1:00 to 5:00 PM (Button-free)
Town Photo
Photo: Spencer Kennard
Town Photo
Where It All Starts
Come with family & friends. Buy the photo or see it online. A whole-town event!
Important! Please use front gate only !
Show up with your family and friends and pets to pose for the Town Photo. Start First Night Chatham with a wave at the camera and a smile on your face. The photo will be available at the Chatham CVS store for purchase. A panorama deep-zoom photo will also be posted on the First Night Chatham website. Have fun zooming in to see if you blinked, check out who was there, and just enjoy actually seeing your lovely smile up close.Chatham Lighthouse Grounds at Noon (Button-free)
Unusual Suspects
Unusual Suspects
A Cape Cod based teen band who have impressed many with their modern interpretations of hits from the past six decades.
Unusual Suspects are a Cape Cod based teen band that consists of six Juniors from Nauset Regional High School.
They have played various venues around the Cape and impressed many with their modern interpretations of hits from the past six decades.
Unusual Suspects band members are: Lily Ellsasser, vocals; Cameron Long and Zoe Simmons, guitar; Mason Ellsasser, bass; Evan Melano, keyboard; and Brady Smith, drums.
Unusual Suspects band members are: Lily Ellsasser, vocals; Cameron Long and Zoe Simmons, guitar; Mason Ellsasser, bass; Evan Melano, keyboard; and Brady Smith, drums.
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy
Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy
Giant Bubbles
Kids and adults love Mr. Vinny 's huge bubble and bubble chasing games.
Using giant homemade bubble wands, a sound system full of music, and a lot of funny family entertainment experience, Mr. Vinny get kids and adults involved in bubble chasing games. The program is all about big beautiful bubbles, running-around, and . . . having FUN! Truly best for all ages.
Community Center Outdoors at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Watch Your Step
Watch Your Step
High-Energy Rock Band
Watch Your Step is a high-energy rock band made up of four talented local kids who are bringing fresh energy to the Outer Cape music scene!
Watch Your Step is a high-energy rock band made up of four talented local kids–Trent Burritt on drums, Ali Long on vocals and bass, and guitarists Cam Long and Caidon Vasquez. From classic rock to alternative, they've got a song for everyone and are bringing fresh energy to the Outer Cape music scene! They have performed at events like the Wellfleet OysterFest, Wellfleet PorchFest, Port Summer Nights, the Eastham Windmill Weekend Parade, the Town of Orleans Fourth of July Parade, benefit concerts, private parties, and other local events – always putting on a great show and creating fans of all ages!
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)