ALPENA, MI – This sunrise-side town in Northern Michigan will ring in 2026 with a special midnight “sunrise” on New Year’s Eve, following by a fireworks display.

Alpena’s downtown event will forgo the traditional ball drop concept and instead raise a lit sphere to mark the beginning of the new year.

The sphere was custom built for the event, which debuted last year.

The celebration is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1. Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy food and drink specials at restaurants, taprooms and bars throughout the downtown. The outdoor festivities begin at 8 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Third Avenue and River Street. Live music from High Speed is scheduled for 8-11 p.m., followed by a DJ from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Keep warm by dancing the nig

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