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 NEWSIES JR.
May 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, @ 7pm & May 19th @ 2pm
It’s time to carry the banner with Disney’s Newsies JR.! You’ll be doing flips for the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of young newsies in Manhattan. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsies’ expense, Jack rallies young workers from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Adapted especially for young performers, this musical features a Tony Award®-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award®-winner Harvey Fierstein, and includes rousing songs like “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “King of New York.” Newsies JR. is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message perfect for the whole family and every audience. Secure your tickets now online for this special, one-week only show!
Location – Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Admission – $15
3rd Thursday Street Fest
Thursday, May 16th @ 6-9pm
Willimantic Renaissance’s famous 3rd Thursday Street Fest series returns this spring! 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.
Thread City Hop Fest
Sunday, May 19th @ 1-5pm
Join co-organizers Willimantic Brewing Company and Willimantic Renaissance, Inc for their 9th Annual Thread City Hop Fest. Taking place on Sunday, May 19th, from 1-5pm at Jillson Square, this year’s event will feature 60+ breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, and support over 15+ local charity organizations. Don’t miss out on the festivities! For ticket purchases and details on participating vendors, visit https://events.beerfests.com/e/thread-city-hop-fest. Please note: event to take place rain or shine; 21+ only, IDs mandatory; no pets allowed.
Location – 533 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Admission – Advance – $45 | Day-Of- $55 | Designated Drivers (Offered at gate on day-of; cash-only) – $10
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!