June 25-27 | Norwich, Connecticut

The Rose Arts Festival returns to Norwich June 25-27 with three days of live music, art, food, road races, family activities, local vendors, and community celebrations. Centered around Chelsea Parade and downtown Norwich, the festival combines a free Saturday arts festival with evening concerts throughout the city, a waterfront fundraiser, a 5K and 10K road race, a juried art competition, food trucks, creative workshops, and performances from regional and national touring musicians.

Admission to the main festival at Chelsea Parade is free, making it one of the largest community celebrations of the summer in southeastern Connecticut.

Thursday, June 25

Dockside Drinks n’ Eats Fundraiser

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Marina at American Wharf
1 American Wharf, Norwich
21+ Event
$40 Per Person

Kick off Rose Arts Festival weekend with an evening of waterfront food, drinks, music, and dancing while supporting the festival.

The event features charcuterie tables, passed appetizers, local beverages, and live entertainment overlooking Norwich Harbor.

Included with Admission

• Charcuterie grazing tables
• Passed hors d’oeuvres
• Two complimentary beverage tastings
• Preston Ridge Vineyard samples
• These Guys Brewing samples
• Specialty mocktails from Whisk Together Catering
• DJ Mikey V

Fundraiser Partners

• These Guys Brewing Company
• US Foods
• McKenna’s Flower Shop
• Hyde Park Landscape
• The Flavor Experience

All proceeds benefit the Rose Arts Festival.

Friday, June 26

Rose Arts Downtown

Free Admission
Music begins at 6:00 PM

Live music takes over downtown Norwich with performances spread across multiple venues throughout the city.

Strange Brew Stage

Strange Brew Pub

• 7:00 PM – The Gleeful Conspiracy
• 8:00 PM – Drop Party
• 9:30 PM – Bermuda Search Party

Harp & Dragon Stage

Harp & Dragon Pub

• 6:30 PM – Jesse Desorcy & Co.
• 7:45 PM – Fimone
• 9:00 PM – Ward Hayden & The Outliers

Billy Wilson’s Stage

Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still

• 6:00 PM – Susan Jensen
• 6:30 PM – Natalie Paige
• 7:05 PM – Roy Dunn McLean
• 7:45 PM – Sue Menhart
• 8:30 PM – Frank Critelli

These Guys Brewing Stage

These Guys Brewing Company

• 6:00 PM – Ashley Hamel
• 7:00 PM – Big Lux

Reliance Health Stage

Reliance Health Gallery

• 6:00 PM – Mighty Seamus
• 6:30 PM – Sunnie Redwing
• 7:00 PM – Static & Rust

Saturday, June 27

Rose Arts Festival at Chelsea Parade

Free Admission
Chelsea Parade Park
Norwich, CT

Saturday is the centerpiece of the festival, featuring live music, food trucks, artists, vendors, races, family activities, and performing arts throughout the day.

Morning Road Races

Rose Arts 5K & 10K

Race Start: 8:00 AM

Registration & Bib Pickup

• 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM

Race Highlights

• Professional chip timing
• Custom race bibs
• Race shirts (registration deadline applies)
• Division awards
• Post-race refreshments
• Water stations
• O2 Event Productions race management

Race Headquarters: Chelsea Parade Grounds

All-Day Festival Attractions

Food Truck Alley

8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts from regional food trucks.

Kid Zone

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Crafts
• Games
• Family activities
• Bounce houses

Slater Memorial Museum

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Local history and art exhibits.

Creative Stations

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Hands-on art projects and activities.

Vendor Village

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Browse handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, crafts, gifts, and more from local artisans.

21+ Family Fun Area

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Beer, wine, and adult beverages available for festival-goers 21 and older.

Main Stage Music

Chelsea Parade

All performances are free.

• 11:00 AM – Lazy Trail
• 12:00 PM – The Wolff Sisters
• 1:30 PM – Oh He Dead
• 3:00 PM – Melt
• 4:50 PM – Neighbor
• 6:45 PM – Mihali

Performing Arts Stage

• 11:15 AM – Magic Show with Derek
• 11:45 AM – CT Premium Ballers
• 12:45 PM – Chestnut Street Playhouse
• 1:15 PM – Story Time & Craft with Otis Library
• 1:30 PM – Witch Dancers United
• 2:15 PM – Falun Dafa New York Waist-Drum Team
• 3:00 PM – Magic Show with Derek
• 3:30 PM – Budding Artist Awards Ceremony
• 4:20 PM – STEPS Inc.
• 5:15 PM – Blooming Into Greatness
• 5:45 PM – Magic Show with Derek

Budding Artist Exhibit & Competition

The Budding Artist Competition honors the memory of Sara St. George, a beloved Norwich educator and two-time Teacher of the Year recipient.

Artists of all ages are invited to participate.

Age Categories

• Ages 0-7
• Ages 8-10
• Ages 11-15
• Ages 16-17
• Ages 18+

Awards

• 1st Place
• 2nd Place
• 3rd Place

Special Awards

• Sara St. George Award – $500
• Most Creative – $150
• Best Use of Material – $150
• Viewer’s Choice – $100

Saturday Night Music in Downtown Norwich

After the main stage wraps up, live music continues throughout downtown venues.

Strange Brew Stage

• 8:00 PM – Matt Kampe & The Hub
• 9:30 PM – Coyote Island
• 11:00 PM – Night Zero
  (featuring members of Mihali and Neighbor)

Harp & Dragon Stage

• 8:00 PM – The Pretty Graves
• 9:00 PM – Slyne & The Family Stoned
• 10:00 PM – Nova One

Billy Wilson’s Stage

• 8:00 PM – Charlotte Roth
• 8:40 PM – Ponybird
• 9:30 PM – Tyler Fauxbel

These Guys Brewing Stage

• 8:00 PM – Jeremy Haddad

Festival FAQ

Is the festival free?

Yes. Admission to Chelsea Parade, the main stage, performing arts stage, and festival grounds is free.

What should I bring?

• Lawn chairs
• Blankets
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Reusable water bottle

Coolers are permitted, but outside alcohol is not allowed.

Is it rain or shine?

Yes.

Are pets allowed?

Leashed pets are welcome.

Are there restrooms?

Portable restrooms are located throughout the festival grounds.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Absolutely. The event includes a Kid Zone, family activities, creative stations, and performances throughout the day.

Where should I park?

Street parking is available throughout Norwich. Broadway near Chelsea Parade closes to vehicle traffic for the event, so arrive early and expect some walking.

Quick Summary

Thursday

• Dockside Drinks n’ Eats Fundraiser

Friday

• Downtown Norwich live music at five venues

Saturday

• 5K & 10K races
• Vendor Village
• Food Truck Alley
• Kid Zone
• Budding Artist Competition
• Performing Arts Stage
• Main Stage concerts featuring Mihali, Neighbor, Melt, Oh He Dead, The Wolff Sisters, and Lazy Trail
• Downtown after-parties and late-night concerts

If you’re planning one summer festival trip in southeastern Connecticut, Rose Arts Festival offers enough music, food, art, and activities to easily fill an entire weekend.

Last modified: June 25, 2026