CT rings in new year with one of largest countdown displays in U.S.

Hartford’s new Magic Mural Art Wall, a 40,000-square foot digital art installation affixed to the Frontier building, will be used to ring in the new year in magical multimedia style on Tuesday night.

An array of laser art will shine all the walls starting at sundown on New Year’s Eve leading up to the 6 p.m. fireworks display organized by First Night Hartford. The art wall will display a “countdown clock” throughout the night, right up to when more fireworks light the sky at midnight.

The Magic Mural Art Wall was first unveiled just six weeks ago, with several nights of projections and live performances centered around the installation in mid-November.

RiseUP for Arts, the group that has organized dozens of murals (painted and otherwise) around the state for years, is calling the magic wall’s digital time display “one of the largest New Year’s Eve countdown clocks in the country.”

RiseUP for Arts partnered with First Night Hartford to create the countdown clock, which will be a centerpiece of this year’s celebration in downtown Hartford.

“We’re thrilled to partner with First Night Hartford to create an unforgettable experience for our community,” RiseUP’s executive director Matt Conway said in a release. “This activation highlights the Magic Mural Art Wall’s unique ability to merge art, technology and celebration, making Hartford a destination for the New Year.”

The event features entertainment from DJ Kasy Cortez at 4:30 p.m. and Tang Sauce at 5:30 p.m. at the main stage area located in Bushnell Park near Trinity Street. The “people’s parade” will arrive around 5:45 p.m. in time for the 6 p.m. fireworks. Nelson Bello & Friends will perform at 11 p.m., followed by more fireworks at midnight.

Food trucks and vendors will be in the park from 2 p.m. until midnight. The Bushnell Park carousel will be giving rides from 2 to 9 p.m., and the Winterfest ice skating rink will be open from noon to 9 p.m.

Beyond the park, ONE Bar on Union Place will feature live music by the Brandon Serafino Duo from 8:30-10:30 p.m., there is karaoke at Sunberry restaurant on Pratt Street from 9 p.m. to midnight, and DJ Sonia Sol is at Trumbull Kitchen from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Sea Tea Comedy Theater on Asylum Street will do six separate improv sketch comedy shows at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Connecticut’s Old State House on Main Street, TheaterWorks Hartford on Pearl Street, Center Church on Gold Street, City Place I on Asylum Street are all holding family-friendly arts activities from 2 to 5:30 p.m., while Hartford Public Library on Main Street has one that lasts from 2 to 5 p.m. All are within walking distance of Bushnell Park.

A $15 button that can be used for admission to all First Night Hartford events will be available in Bushnell Park on Dec. 31 starting at 2 p.m. or in advance.

For more information o the First Night Hartford festivities, go to firstnighthartford.org.

Originally Published: December 30, 2024 at 1:52 PM EST