June 28  |  By Karen Nevin

Editor’s note: Revitalizing Waterbury Executive Director said on July 11 that ArtsFest will be postponed. This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available. The annual Waterbury Arts Fest is the main fundraising event for Waterbury’s nonprofit economic and community development and tourism organization, Revitalizing Waterbury.

*Howln’ Good Kettle Corn at Waterbury Arts Fest 2022. Photo by Ian Ballard for Revitalizing Waterbury*

Waterbury Arts Fest being held on Friday and Saturday, July 14-15, is known for the phenomenal array of arts and crafts vendors on display on Saturday. This year, the food scene will not be rivaled with delicious opportunities for dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Couple that with incredible music and performances, and Waterbury will be the place to be all weekend long.

The Friday Night Block Party is a large dance party with live music, a beer garden, food trucks and dancing. The Saturday Arts Market has over 100 art exhibitors, live entertainment, children’s activities and an extensive food court.

Food on Friday and Saturday will include many of our favorites including empanadas by Paprika Catering, Woodbelly pizza, and Greek treats from Mediterranean Mix. We’ve added the Randolph Tech Culinary Truck offering pulled pork and tots, So Full Sisters serving sweet and savory waffle bowls, and poutine from Maudite Poutine. On Friday night we will also have Yum’s mac and cheese and crepes from La Bonne Crepe. But that’s not all – For classic fair food for your sweet tooth, make sure you check out the vendors offering ice cream, kettle corn, lemonade, cannoli, pastries and cheesecake.

*Woodbelly Pizza at Waterbury Arts Fest 2022. Photo by Ian Ballard for Revitalizing Waterbury*

We worked hard to bring in an amazing array of food options to please anyone. I encourage folks to plan their weekend dining around the Waterbury Arts Fest this year.

*Musician DonnCherie on stage at Waterbury Arts Fest 2022. Photo by Ian Ballard for Revitalizing Waterbury*

Friday night’s Block Party will be anchored once again with the return of the band The Grift. Their high-energy original music combines roots-rock, pop and jam and always gets the crowd up and dancing. Opening for The Grift is Emma Cook and Questionable Company, whose soulful folk and funky Americana will definitely start the party on a high note.

Saturday is not just for shopping. The stage will have a constant lineup of fun music and performances all day long. DonnCherie returns to share her wonderful soul-folk vibe and ska-and-reggae-inspired Soulstice will top off the afternoon. Of course, Green Mountain Performing Arts will start the day with local youth dancers performing a variety of dance styles to the appreciative crowd.

Waterbury Arts Fest is sponsored by dozens of local businesses, led by grand sponsor VSECU, Friday Night Block Party sponsor Suburban Propane, Saturday Arts Market sponsor Fairfield by Marriott, and Ben & Jerry’s, as stage and entertainment sponsor.

Waterbury Arts Fest is the primary fundraiser for Revitalizing Waterbury, whose mission is to preserve, promote and enhance the economic, social and historic vitality of Waterbury. More information online at WaterburyArtsFest.com.

Karen Nevin is executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury.

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