There are many exciting music festivals in Connecticut that bring together performers from all genres of music. Whether you’re looking to hear some of the hottest indie bands, check out some classic rock, or even listen to a bit of jazz, there’s something for everyone!
Here are the best music festivals In Connecticut:
Contents
- 1. Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
- 2. Power Ridge The Mountain Music Series
- 3. Sound On Sound Music Festival
- 4. Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
- 5. Celebrate! West Hartford (CWH)
- 6. The NICE Festival
- 7. Litchfield Jazz Festival
- 8. Seymour Pumpkin Festival
- 9. Locapalooza
- 10. Stoner & Doom Festival
- Final Thoughts
1. Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
Goshen, Connecticut
When: August (four days)
This festival has been a staple in the community for many years, and it always features great bluegrass, gospel music, and the best regional acts. The workshops are also very popular and take place on both the Housatonic and Litchfield stages the entire weekend.
A fun-filled day awaits, with free activities such as workshops, crafts, storytelling, and jam sessions. Be sure to come hungry too – a lot of food will be available for purchase!
2. Power Ridge The Mountain Music Series
Powder Ridge, Middlefield
When: June – September
The Connecticut music event that many families has been waiting for all summer is returning to Powder Ridge in Middlefield, and it’s better than ever. With a broad range of music genres, their lineup will have something for everyone.
You don’t want to miss the Mountain Music Series this season! With more than 10 music acts and seven shows, it’s sure to be a good time. Moreover, some of Connecticut’s most skillful artisanal craft and food vendors will be in attendance.
3. Sound On Sound Music Festival
Seaside Park, Bridgeport
When: September (two days)
Sound On Sound is a music festival brought to you by the same team behind Governors Ball Music Festival. The festival will have 22 or more artists performing.
The festival will feature a variety of genres, including hip-hop, EDM, and alternative rock. As well as some of the best musical acts around today, there will be food trucks and art installations. Plus plenty of activities for kids. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
4. Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
St Mary Church, South Creek
When: August (nine days)
Norfolk is a picturesque New England town located in northwest Connecticut, surrounded by beautiful farms, forests and hills. The perfect spot for a weekend getaway, Norfolk offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy nature at its best.
Embrace your inner New Englander by staying in a bed and breakfast, trying out some of the lavish dining options, or going on a hunt for hidden treasures at one of the many nearby antique shops. These are just some of the activities available during the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.
5. Celebrate! West Hartford (CWH)
50 South Main Street, West Hartford
When: June (two days)
The West Hartford Fair is a fun, family-oriented event that takes place every year in early June. It’s located on the grounds of Town Hall and everyone in the community is invited to attend!
You don’t have to pay any admission fee, and they welcome everyone from Hartford and beyond to celebrate in West Hartford.
With over 160 arts & crafts vendors and 120+ business and non-profit exhibitors, the festival is sure to be a success.
6. The NICE Festival
Oyster Shell Park, Norwalk
When: July (one day)
The NICE festival is globally and culturally diverse, Norwalk included. Norwalk was developed as a community for blue-collar workers and has always welcomed people from different backgrounds. The city demonstrates this inclusivity perfectly, making it an excellent choice to host the NICE festival.
NICE Festival is a cultural celebration that features dancers, musicians, and food and craft vendors from diverse backgrounds. This all-day event will showcase an array of visual, performing, and culinary arts to engage your senses.
7. Litchfield Jazz Festival
Frederick Gunn School Garden
When: July (three days)
The Litchfield Jazz Festival began in 1996 with a group of artists that would make any other established festival jealous. For many years, Litchfield Performing Arts had a classical series which it supplemented with dance and theater performances, as well as jazz.
In recent years, the festival has added some of today’s most popular jazz headliners to its roster. World class artists from all over the world join together for three days of incredible music and entertainment in Litchfield County.
8. Seymour Pumpkin Festival
French Memorial Park, Seymour
Date: September (one day)
The Seymour Pumpkin Festival provides a space for local nonprofit organizations to fundraise and promote themselves. In addition to a plethora of home-made crafts, there will be several food options, music, and activities for children.
The festival has something for everyone, from a pumpkin-carving contest and hayrides to auctions and a farmers’ market. It’s sure to be an exciting day.
9. Locapalooza
Bethany, Connecticut
When: May (one day)
Locapalooza is an annual one-day music festival in Bethany, Connecticut that showcases the talents of local musicians.Music lovers rejoice- this is the spot for you! With a diverse range of genres like folk, indie, funk and rock, they have something for everyone.
The festival also features art vendors and food trucks, making it a perfect spot to spend the day with friends and family. So come on out, enjoy some great music, and show your support for local talent!
10. Stoner & Doom Festival
Prost Bier and Music Hall, Jewett City
When: October (three days)
The Stoner & Doom Festival is a 3-day music festival held in Jewett County, Connecticut that has become increasingly popular over the years.
If you’re passionate about metal music, you’ll love this festival- it will feature bands from across the east coast that specialize in stoner and doom metal.
The music hall provides a great atmosphere for showing your support for these underground genres of music. This festival will be headlined by some of the best stoner and doom metal bands around, and you can come spend your weekend here to experience it for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut is home to a wide variety of music festivals, each one offering something unique and memorable. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly event with arts and crafts vendors, or an all-night metal festival, there’s something for everyone in the Nutmeg State.
From jazz to heavy metal, Connecticut has it all!
