Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg is preparing for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, “Midnight on Front Street,” set to take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The event will bring together residents and visitors for a night of music, entertainment and celebration in the heart of Downtown Hattiesburg.
The centerpiece of the evening will be the Hub Sign drop at midnight, followed by a dual fireworks display visible throughout the downtown area.
Event Schedule
The evening will feature activities for all ages, beginning with family-friendly options and transitioning into live music and the midnight countdown:
- 1 p.m. – Closure of event perimeter roads in Downtown Hattiesburg for event setup.
- 6:30 p.m. – Confetti Countdown begins in the Pocket Museum Alley, featuring crafts, concessions, and interactive entertainment for families.
- 8 p.m. – Confetti Countdown balloon pop
- 8 p.m. – Holley Rumbarger and the Hopeless Romantics perform on the Front Street stage.
- 9 p.m. – DJ Kujho performs on the Main Street stage.
- 10:15 p.m. – Five Mile Brass Band performs on the Front Street stage.
- 11:55 p.m. – Remarks by Mayor Toby Barker, leading the countdown to midnight.
- Midnight – The Hub Sign drop, accompanied by a dual fireworks display.
- 12:30 a.m. – Event officially concludes.
Enhanced Public Safety Measures
To prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees, this year’s “Midnight on Front Street” will implement new safety measures designed to create a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone. Key changes include:
- Designated Entrances – Access to the event will be limited to four monitored entry points: two entrances at each end of Main Street and one each on East Front and West Front Streets. Attendees must enter the event through these designated locations. Metal detectors will be used at all entry points.
- Clear Bag Policy – To streamline entry and enhance security, only clear bags will be permitted inside the event perimeter. Diaper bags, small coolers and medically necessary items may be permitted after inspection. All bags will be subject to search at the entry points.
- Supervision Requirements – Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend. This policy ensures a family-friendly atmosphere and improved supervision for younger attendees.
- Prohibited Items – To maintain a safe environment, pets, weapons, fireworks (including sparklers), and other restricted items will not be allowed inside the event.
- Event Timing – The celebration will end promptly at 12:30 a.m., with clear communication to help attendees exit the area safely and efficiently.
The City of Hattiesburg has collaborated with the Hattiesburg Police Department, Hattiesburg Fire Department, and other public safety teams to ensure seamless coordination throughout the evening. Visible law enforcement officers will be present to assist with crowd management, enforce policies, and help in any way necessary.
These measures are in place to promote a safe and celebratory atmosphere for all attendees. The city asks for the community’s understanding and cooperation as these guidelines are implemented for the first time. Detailed maps of the entrances and a full list of event rules will be shared on the official event website at hburgnye.com.
A Celebration for All Ages
“Midnight on Front Street” continues to serve as a signature event for Hattiesburg, offering opportunities for families and individuals to come together in celebration of the New Year.
For families with young children, the evening will begin with the Confetti Countdown in the Alley, an event just for the littlest Hattiesburgers. Hosted in the alley home to the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, the Confetti Countdown will open at 6:30 p.m. with music, crafts, concessions, and family-friendly activities organized by the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center. The event will culminate with its own countdown and a festive balloon pop with confetti at 8 p.m.
This is an excellent opportunity for children and their families to enjoy New Year’s festivities and still make it home before midnight. With its lively activities and early countdown, the Confetti Countdown offers fun for “little” and “big” Hattiesburgers alike.
For the latest updates, visit the official event website at hburgnye.com.
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Event Map
