December 31 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate First Night at the MSV with free family-friendly entertainment and activities! On this special day, admission to the MSV is by donation and highlights include:
- 10 a.m.–noon: Free family portrait photo session (see info below about signing up; click the “Portrait Sign Up” button on this page to guarantee your spot)
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Free Kids’ Animal Masquerade Ball featuring a “Noon New Year’s Countdown,” DJ, and photo booth
- 2 & 4 p.m.: Free, fun animal presentations by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Free face painting, animal mask making, and free gallery access to see the wildlife art in the Curious by Nature exhibition
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Hot beverages will be available for purchase from the Good News Coffee Company
The free portrait photo session is part of the Family Portrait Project organized by Summit Events. To guarantee a spot for the family photographs, advance online registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be accepted if time permits on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get information about the First Night Coloring Contest here (deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Sunday, December 29)
Hot beverages will be available for purchase from the Good News Coffee Company (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), and light snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the Museum Store. Admission is by donation, and activities are free. Wildlife presentations are first-come, first-served with limited space. On New Year’s Eve, the galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and The Trails at the MSV are open from 7 a.m. to dusk.