Courtesy photo People huddle around a warming barrel while celebrating New Year’s Eve in downtown Alpena last year. The event went so well last year it is being held again this year.

ALPENA – Downtown Alpena is gearing up to ring in 2026 with its second-annual New Year’s Event, and this year’s celebration promises to be even bigger. After drawing a crowd of locals and visitors downtown last year, the event is returning with extended hours at bars and restaurants, cozy fire pits to gather around, and the crowd-favorite midnight “sunrise” created by the City of Alpena’s Department of Public Works with help from the City Fire Department.

New for this year, attendees can enjoy a fireworks display at midnight over the Thunder Bay River, adding a dazzling finale to the countdown. Live music from local favorite High Speed will set the tone from 8-11 p.m., followed by a DJ from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. to keep the party going into the New Year. The illuminated ball will return and rise once again at midnight to officially welcome 2026.

Festivities kick off at 8 p.m. in the parking lot behind Mango’s Tequila Bar at the corner of River Street and 3rd Avenue. Downtown bars and restaurants will be open until at least midnight, with many staying open until 2 a.m. for those looking to warm up or continue celebrating indoors. The event takes place within the Downtown Alpena Social District, allowing guests to grab drinks to go and enjoy them outdoors in Center Alley and the event area. Several downtown spots will also feature specialty drinks and late-night food menus just for the occasion.

“Last year’s event was a huge success,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “Snowflakes were falling, fire pits were crackling, and downtown was filled with excitement to ring in the new year. This year’s event will be even bigger, with live music starting at 8 p.m. and a fireworks display over the river after the midnight sunrise.”

The event was first made possible thanks to HPC Credit Union, which approached the DDA in 2024 with the idea of creating a one-of-a-kind New Year’s celebration for the region. The DDA partnered with the City of Alpena’s Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and downtown businesses to bring the vision to life. HPC Credit Union returns as the event sponsor this year and will be handing out glow sticks for the midnight countdown.