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Head to Waterbury for its signature summer event – the Waterbury Arts Fest and Block Party! The 22nd annual Waterbury Arts Fest will take place on Railroad Street behind the train station in historic downtown on August 25 & 26, 2023. The Waterbury Arts Fest is sponsored by dozens of local businesses, led by VSECU, our Grand Sponsor; Suburban Propane, our Friday Night Block Party Sponsor; Fairfield Inn by Marriott, our Saturday Arts Market Sponsor, and Ben & Jerry’s, our Stage & Entertainment Sponsor.

Festivities will kick off on Friday with the Block Party, headlined by local favorites Renegade Groove with The Arty Lavigne Band opening. This classic festival party includes a large stage, a fabulous beer garden run by Big Tree Brewing, and an awesome food truck court. Come hungry – over a dozen food vendors will be providing good eats all night long, including pizza, empanadas, poutine, pulled pork and tot, ribs and Jamaican treats! There are plenty of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, including cheesecake and kettlecorn. The lawn will be ready for picnickers to spread out for a fun summer evening. There will even be corn hole!

On Friday, attendees who donate at the gate will receive a raffle ticket to win one of two fabulous prize baskets filled with over a dozen local items and gift certificates valued at over $250 each. “These two raffle prizes are amazing! It includes local swag, gift certificates, and special crafted items from local artists participating in the Arts Fest,” said Karen Nevin, Executive Director of Revitalizing Waterbury. “Everyone who makes a donation to Revitalizing Waterbury will get a chance to win.” The gate on Friday opens at 5:00 pm.

On Saturday, the lawn in front of 5 Pilgrim Park will be transformed into a bright and vibrant arts and crafts market featuring over 75 artist and vendor booths. “It’s the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping or treat yourself to something special.” said Nevin. There will be fun for the whole family, including the Creation Station, run by MakerSphere, where people of all ages can try their hand in creating and making art.

A special Silent Auction will be filled with beautiful items donated by the exhibiting artists, including original works of art such as jewelry, blown glass, pottery, paintings, and much more. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will help support the work of Revitalizing Waterbury. Stop by the Information Booth to purchase your own copy of the new Waterbury Arts Fest Commemorative Poster by Todd Cummings. In addition, notecards, Arts Fest stickers, oak earrings and water will also be on sale.

Saturday will feature a full day of entertainment at center stage. Included in the lineup are performances from local favorites, the Green Mountain Performing Arts dancers. We’ve filled the day with wonderful local musicians including Montpelierite, Diya Kulkarni and Cady Ternity from Northfield. The day will finish up with the honky-tonk sounds of Slap Happy Jack, filled with the best of Central Vermont’s rockingest musicians. Check the full Saturday schedule on the website. The Food Court will be the best stop for lunch, with over a dozen sweet and savory treats to make everyone happy.

The Friday Night Block Party is Friday, August 25 from 5:00-9:30 pm and the Saturday Arts Fest is Saturday, August 26 from 10 am-4 pm. The Waterbury Arts Fest is the primary fundraiser for Revitalizing Waterbury, whose mission is to preserve, promote and enhance the economic, social and historic vitality of Waterbury, Vermont. More information about the Waterbury Arts Fest can be found at www.WaterburyArtsFest.com.