Events
There is something for everyone in Windham, starting with the 3rd Thursday Street Fests in the summer, Willimantic Whitewater Park, the annual 4th of July Boom Box Parade, and the East Coast Greenway/Airline Trail. The recently constructed Shaboo Stage has already become a popular venue for outdoor concerts. Located at Jillson Square, Shaboo is one of the largest outdoor music venues in the state.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
July 26, 27, August 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10 at 7:30 pm
July 28 & August 4 at 2 pm
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years.
Liberty’s Daughters in Northeastern Connecticut: Women, Textiles, and the Nonimportation Movement in the Revolutionary Era
On Exhibit June 29 – October 20, 2024
The Windham Textile and Mill Museum is proud to present Liberty’s Daughters in Northeastern Connecticut on display until October 2024. This exhibit examines the contributions of patriot women to the success of the nonimportation movement. It also explores how women’s vital role in the movement may have — or may not have — transformed women’s political and economic roles in the New Republic following the Revolution. The exhibit will be staged in the Mill Museum’s main exhibit room, the Bev York Room, and feature special demonstrations of how to use preindustrial textile technology and other women’s crafts.
Note: This exhibit is part of the national observation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Location – 411 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Contact Information – Email – themillmuseum@gmail.com | Phone – 860-456-2178
Rebels of the Revolution: Colonel Thomas Knowlton
Sat, August 3, 1-3pm
Join The Jillson House for a presentation about the life, family, and military accomplishments of one of our local heroes, Colonel Knowlton, and discussion about his important role in the American Revolution and the founding of America.
Knowlton was raised in Ashford, was First Selectman there, and would come to lead America’s first spies, the Knowlton Rangers, and then have the distinction of being known as the Father of Military Intelligence. Rebels of the Revolution is a recurring event held on the first Saturday of each month. To learn more about other America Museum programs, please visit https://www.americamuseum.org/events.
Admission – Free; donations accepted.
Location – Jillson House Museum, 627 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226,
Contact Information – Phone – 860-423-6389 | Email – diane@windhamchamber.com
Willimantic Farmers’ Market
Sat, August 10 & 24, 9am-12pm
Shop and support local this August at the Willimantic Farmers’ Market! The Willimantic Farmers’ Market runs seasonally from May until October on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Don’t miss out on fresh deals!
Location – 28 Bridge Street, Willimantic, CT, 06226
Contact Information – Email – willifarmersmarket@gmail.com
CLiCK’s Local Eats & Beat
Friday, August 9, 5-8pm
Join Windham County’s cultural cooking organization CLiCK as they host this month’s Local Eats and Beats. Local Eats & Beats are held on the second Friday of each month, are free to attend, and feature food and music at 6pm. Don’t miss out on the July festivities! To learn more about the kitchen collaborative and its mission towards supporting local farmers and sustainability, visit https://www.clickwillimantic.com/about.
Location – 41 Club Road, Windham, CT 06280
Contact Information – Email – chelsea@clickwillimantic.com | Phone – (860) 786-7907
3rd Thursday Street Fest
August 15th, September 19th
6-9pm
Take a stroll downtown on the first event of the season happening on May 16th with friends and family to enjoy entertaining live performances and free children’s activities. There will also be an array of regional crafters and vendors, featuring local craft brews and artistic goods. The best part? Admission and parking are both free! For directions and sponsorship information, be sure to visit https://www.willimanticstreetfest.com.
Location – 803 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Event Organizer – Willimantic Renaissance, Inc.
Family & Community Expo
Saturday, August 24, 11am-2pm
Join The Town of Windham and its public schools on Saturday, August 24th at Jillson Square for the annual Family & Community Expo. There will be food trucks, music, activities, vendors and more! What better way to celebrate back-to-school? Plus, there will be free backpack giveaways for children and free basic haircuts. All families are welcome.
Location – Jillson Square Plaza, 533 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Contact Information – Phone – (860) 465-2300 | Email – centraloffice@windham.k12.ct.us
Shaboo Stage
The recently constructed Shaboo Stage has already become a popular venue for outdoor concerts, where you’ll also find food trucks and local vendors. Located at Jillson Square, Shaboo is one of the largest outdoor music venues in the state, hosting live and often free concerts.
Shaboo Stage
The recently constructed Shaboo Stage has already become a popular venue for outdoor concerts, where you’ll also find food trucks and local vendors. Located at Jillson Square, Shaboo is one of the largest outdoor music venues in the state, hosting live and often free concerts.
Boom Box Parade
The town’s July 4 Boom Box Parade tradition started in 1986 when no marching band could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, on July 4, the “Boom Box” parade was born, as WILI 1400 AM radio played the marching band music on the air while thousands of people marched, loudly playing their Boom Boxes. No other town has a parade like this one!
Boom Box Parade
The town’s July 4 Boom Box Parade tradition started in 1986 when no marching band could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, on July 4, the “Boom Box” parade was born, as WILI 1400 AM radio played the marching band music on the air while thousands of people marched, loudly playing their Boom Boxes. No other town has a parade like this one!