Usual time, new spot for Waterbury ArtsFest, July 8-9

July 2, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout

Waterbury ArtsFest aims to appeal to all ages. Photo by Gordon Miller

Waterbury ArtsFest returns to its summertime weekend July 8-9, next Friday-Saturday, in a new downtown spot on the lawn at Pilgrim Park behind the Waterbury Train Station.

Organized by Revitalizing Waterbury, the annual festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic took a hiatus in 2020 and was held in September 2021. Previously held on lower Stowe Street and Bidwell Lane, it moves a block east this year Its schedule this year is broken into the customary Friday night block party from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and a Saturday all-day artist market, food vendors and entertainment. 

Friday night food vendors include The Skinny Pancake, Paprika Catering Company, Woodbelly Pizza, Yum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Lauren’s Cheesecakes. The Reservoir runs the beer and cider tent; proper ID required. 

Friday night entertainment is Reid Parsons with folk, blues, and jazz from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Grift plays rock ’n’ roll from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

Previously held on Stowe Street, Waterbury ArtsFest sets up at Pilgrim Park, Friday-Saturday, July 8-9. Photo by Gordon Miller

Friday's event is free with a $5 suggested donation per person, $20 per family. All who donate will get a raffle ticket for one of two prize packages valued at $100 each drawn around 8:30 p.m. “These two raffle prizes are amazing! It includes local swag, gift certificates, and special crafted items from local artists participating in the ArtsFest,” said Karen Nevin, executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury.

The Saturday arts market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of artists, crafters, makers, and activities, and live entertainment all day long including Green Mountain Performing Arts dancers, The DEW rock band, the Twinspeak Project, Breathwork by Xander Naylor and Soulstice. A kids tent run by MakerSphere will have hands-on kids activities. Most of Friday’s food vendors return on Saturday, joined by others including Greene Mountain Nutrition & Smoothies, Mediterranean Mix, and Kingdom Creamery. 

A silent auction on Saturday will feature items donated by exhibiting artists, including jewelry, blown glass, pottery, paintings, and more.

Admission and all activities are free. Downtown shops and restaurants also will be open for their customary Saturday hours. More information with a full schedule is online at waterburyartsfest.com.

Many handmade items are featured at the Saturday arts market at Waterbury ArtsFest. Photo by Gordon Miller