What Is Acker Night?

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Acker Night is a free, family-friendly community event held in historic downtown Prescott each December. For one special evening, downtown streets are closed to traffic as participating businesses open their doors and welcome the community for an evening filled with music, holiday lights, food, and fun.

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Since its beginning in 1988, Acker Night has brought together downtown businesses, local and visiting musicians, volunteers, residents, and thousands of community members—all with a shared commitment to keeping the music alive for local youth.

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As you stroll through downtown, look for the “Tips for Scholarships” donation bags located in front of the performers inside participating businesses. Donations made through these bags directly support music education and youth performing arts programs in our community. You can also look for the musician’s poster displayed on the door of each participating business to see who is performing.

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​Supporting Music Education

 

Acker Night raises funds to provide opportunities for school-age children in the Quad Cities to learn, experience, and participate in music and the performing arts.

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Depending on the funds raised each year, Acker Night has supported:

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• Scholarships for private music lessons

• Music programs in local schools

• Musical instruments for schools

• Repairs to school music department instruments

• Youth musicians and groups participating in competitions and other opportunities

• Local youth performing arts programs

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In recent years, Acker Night has provided funding for private music lesson scholarships single, helping children pursue their musical interests regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

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A Community Tradition

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Acker Night is made possible entirely through the dedication of community volunteers, participating downtown businesses, and musicians who generously share their time and talents.

 

2026 marks the 38th year of Acker Night, continuing a beloved Prescott tradition that brings our community together while creating meaningful opportunities for local youth.

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Where Do Your Donations Go?

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The impact of Acker Night depends on the generosity of our community and the funds raised each year. Donations are used to support music education and youth performing arts opportunities throughout the Quad Cities.

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Some recent examples include:

2026

• 75 scholarships awarded for private music lessons 

• Grants were given to Liberty Traditional Elementary & Bradshaw Mountain Middle School

• PHS 6 new instruments

• Annual donations to PHS, BMHS, CVHS,

2025

• ​60 scholarships awarded for private music lessons 

• Annual donations to PHS, BMHS & CVHS

• Grant to BMHS for 35 guitars

2024

• 69 scholarships awarded for private music lessons

• Annual donations to PHS, BMHS & CVHS

• Grant to PHS for 2 marching band podiums

2023

• 49 scholarships awarded for private music lessons

• Annual donations to PHS, BMHS & CVHS

• Grant to BMHS for a new sound system 

• Grant to BMHS for Uniforms 

• Grant to BMHS for storage container for band equipment

2022

•  $50,089.19 in grants and Acker scholarships awarded

2021

• 47 scholarships awarded for private music lessons  music lessons

• Grants provided to local school districts for music programs

• Two pianos donated to Prescott High School

2020

• Acker Night was canceled due to COVID-19

2019

•  53 scholarships awarded for private music lessons

• Grants provided to local school districts for music programs

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Every contribution helps us continue this mission and provide opportunities for young people to discover the joy of music.

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Please follow us on Facebook for pictures of some of the things the schools do with the money.

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Support Acker Night Year-Round

Donations are accepted throughout the year and help us continue providing music scholarships, instruments, and support for youth music and performing arts programs.

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For information about making a donation or getting involved, please visit our Contact Us page.

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The J.S. Acker Music Park Association is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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Thank you for helping us keep the music alive in our community and give the next generation the opportunity to make music of their own.