Events on New Year's Day

Across genres and across America, you'll find fascinating events, cultural experiences, world-class performances, and one-of-a-kind activities to ring in the New Year like never before – all of which are absolutely free! See what BellFest has in store for you.

Stay tuned as we announce more experiences at the 2023 National Bell Festival!

New Year's Eve Quarter Peal Attempt
Location: Old Post Office and Clock Tower
Time: 5:15-6:00pm (Eastern)

This New Year’s Eve, the Bells of Congress will erupt into a cacophony of sound as members of the Washington Ringing Society attempt a quarter peal at the Old Post Office Tower, just a stone’s throw from the White House (the Secret Service recommends against that). 
New Year's Eve Quarter Peal Attempt
Location: Washington National Cathedral
Time: 10:00-11:00pm (Eastern)

To ring out the old and welcome in the new, members of the Washington Ringing Society will attempt a quarter peal on the bells of Washington National Cathedral this New Year's Eve, followed by general ringing at midnight.
Ring around the World
Location: Multiple Locations
Time: Midnight on New Year's Eve (Local)

This New Year’s Eve, the second annual Ring around the World will invite bells to resound in an international moment of unity and celebration. At midnight local time on 31 Dec. 2022, bells are set to toll the hour near the international date line with a stirring arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne.”
 
First Ring: Tibetan ‘Truth Will Prevail’ Bell
Location: Office of Tibet
Time: 10:00-10:30am (Eastern)

As an extension of the friendship between Tibet and D.C., the National Bell Festival is honored to gift His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama a cast bronze bell, which will ring for the first time this New Year’s Day. Based on traditional temple bell profiles from the Tibetan imperial period, the bell is imbued with auspicious symbols of Tibet and D.C.
Press Event: New Bell Tower Planned for Washington, D.C.
Location: To Be Announced
Time: 12:00-1:00pm (Eastern)

This New Year’s Day, the National Bell Festival is excited to announce the construction of a new bell tower in Washington, D.C. Where will the structure be located? Why is the bell tower being built? How many bells will the new tower hold? When will the project be completed?
Full Peal Attempt at Washington National Cathedral
Location: Washington National Cathedral
Time: 12:30-3:30pm (Eastern)

Bask in a cacophony of sound as the grand bells of Washington National Cathedral erupt overhead. Members of the Washington Ringing Society will attempt a full peal on the Cathedral's 10-bell ring following the 11:15am service. If the peal attempt is successful, the ringing will last between 3 and 3.5 hours, or 5,040 changes, from start to finish. 
In Concert: Dr. Grogan at the Basilica
Location: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Time: 2:00-2:20pm (Eastern)

Celebrate the repertoire of music on bells as Robert Grogan, carillonneur, performs a community recital from the soaring Knights' Tower at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. From high above the tranquil gardens and Byzantine Revival architecture (329 ft. at the tower's pinnacle), Dr.
Nationwide Bell Ringing
Location: Multiple Locations
Time: 2:00-2:20pm (Eastern)

The National Bell Festival invites bells and bell towers across America to ring out together on New Year’s Day, creating a canopy of sound over our nation. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from coast to coast are encouraged to gather and contribute to the sound.
 
160 Tolls for 160 Years
Location: To Be Announced
Time: 2:30-3:00pm (Eastern)

This New Year’s Day marks the 160th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation – that momentous document that liberated people held in bondage in rebel states. To mark this occasion and to reflect on 160 years of civil rights progress, the National Bell Festival invites bells to resolutely toll 160 times.
In Concert: Virginia Bronze
Location: St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square
Time: 3:30-4:15pm (Eastern)

Ring in the New Year with the scintillating harmonies of Virginia Bronze – festival favorites and the region’s premier handbell ensemble. Across hundreds of bronze bells, expect rich acoustics and soul-stirring melodies as the 16-member ensemble performs new and beloved pieces.