A New
New Year's Eve

Burlington's new citywide New Year's Eve celebration will guide you through a series of authentic, community-produced experiences; A larger-than-life parade, hands-on creative activities, and family-fun daytime activities will meet diverse cultural events, cutting edge art installations, curated music performances, workshops, storytelling sessions, and much more. Highlight brings Vermont's leading businesses, doers, and creative thinkers together to create purposeful and fun events and creative happenings across the city. Join us in building an annual tradition that will bring our community closer together and highlight the true spirit of Burlington!

Get
Involved!

Highlighting: Get Involved!

Highlight puts the power of programming into the hands of our community. There's a way for everyone to get involved!

Whether you're an artist, a local business owner, dancer, craft brewer, app developer, community organizer, event producer, or just someone with a great idea — we want to hear from you! There are three different ways to become a part of Highlight.

The Bright-Idea Project

Think Big!

Calling all Vermonters with a great event idea! We want you to submit a proposal that highlights what you're passionate about. Our ears are open to all types of creative happenings and events; from art installations, to parties, to poetry readings, there's no idea too big, small, or creative — just make sure you're shining bright and your city is invited!

Selected proposals will be supported by funding, planning, technical support, and promotion from the Highlight team. A public request for proposals (RFP) will be open from September 13 – October 15.

To read the full details of the RFP and find out how to submit your proposal, please visit proposal.highlight.community.

Shining Light Socials

Partner Your Event with Highlight!

Don't want to submit a proposal, but still plan on holding your own NYE event in Burlington? We'd still LOVE for you to be a part of Highlight! Nonprofits, small businesses, artists, clubs, venues, community groups, and any-and-all who are planning an event are welcome to submit ideas. We're selecting events that promote your unique passion and contribution to our community as well as events that raise funds or awareness for important causes.

Most importantly, be creative! All events will be considered, but we really do love new ideas. For more info, letsparty@highlight.community.

Building on Traditions

We Want Your Input

We're building on the traditions of First Night's past while creating new experiences that will continue on for years to come. You don't have to write a proposal or host an event to get involved. Do you have an idea about how to make the parade even better this year? Do you have a favorite event from years past that you don't want to see go? Are you in an artist, business, or individual that wants to get involved in some way we haven't listed? Email hello@highlight.community with your comments, requests, and ideas and let's talk about it! This is a community-produced event from the ground up and we want to hear from every voice!