3rd Thursday September 18th, 2025: Press Release
As the leaves start to turn to my favorite shades of orange and yellow, we turn up the heat this September 18th, from 6-9pm right on Main St. in historic downtown Willimantic! The last installment of 3rd Thursday of the 22nd season will be off the chain, off the hook, and also off the… ok, so just really wild and fun. We’ll illuminate the night with over 170 vendors, merchants, food trucks/tables, assorted cool businesses, and so much entertainment that I laughed looking at the schedule. We are so excited to bring you the blow out of all blow outs to cap off our largest season EVER in the history of the street fest. Thank YOU for making this such a wonderful year nestled within such an uncertain and challenging time. The appreciation for the love of community togetherness is immense.
September will see the largest number of entertainers ever packed onto Main St. Featuring at the DOWNTOWN STAGE: 6pm - Kasia Dent & Friends and 7:45pm - The Hempsteadys! NORTH STREET: has from 6-9pm the i98.3/T&B Motors Stage with DJ Keith C. Rice and DJ Chuck and the Mansfield Dance Academy! Visit the MIDTOWN STAGE: right at the beer garden for 6pm - Arnaldo Rivera’s Bentetu Band (With Generous Sponsorship by CT Community Colleges honoring Hispanic Heritage Month) and the always popular, The Mighty Soul Drivers at 7:45. Fresh off their Flash Sale and at the UPTOWN STAGE (by Eminence Ink): join us for Karaoke Hosted by Eminence Ink from 7-9pm! I may even sing you a lovely K-Pop Demon Hunters song. Just WAIT. Visit the Bounce House for some energy expulsion in a funny environment. Way UpTown will host the amazing ACT Student Performers at 6:15 and at the WAY UPTOWN STAGE: right at Willibrew, get a snack or brew on the patio to enjoy the best seats, for at 6pm- the The Fabulous Clones will play followed by a surprise guest group at 7:45pm!!
This month is so packed in many categories of fun. We even overloaded Roaming Acts (street performers) to amuse you for every single inch of Main St real estate. Watch Oswaldo Tirano’s Desert Camel Puppet on stilts, dance to the The UConn Drumline, the Connecticut Valley Field Music Fife & Drum Corp, and the always lovely- Shimmy Mob Belly Dancers (raising awareness and funds for the United Services Domestic Violence Program).
The Main St Merchants will stay open late to feed you- like Willibrew, Paula & Jane’s Boba, A Cupcake for Later, Trigo Wood Fired Pizza, Grounded Coffee Company, and Garo’s Place, Pho Delight, Harp on Church, Cordoba, Pan del Sinai, and WilliScoops!! Grab a treat to support their enthusiasm for your amusement and jump back to the street! The vendors will be numerous and are the amazing creatives that are part of our community. There are fantastic original things to buy, learn, and share together. Bring some cash and show your appreciation for their glorious talent!
The beer garden will host a variety of donated and microbrews to satisfy all beer lovers. Thank you to Epicure Brewing in Norwich and Willimantic Brewing Company for their glorious carbonated contributions. ReFrame: A Dry Spot is featured once again in our beer garden for the sober curious and will focus on non-alcoholic adult options. Hosmer Soda hosted by Project Hope will be right on the street to get you just the right pop, as well!! We will also have fruity boozy seltzers and wine (both red and white). This area is a great place to also listen to the MidTown Stage, learn more about the fest (at the Info Booth), find out how to volunteer, get a great Romantic Willimantic T-Shirt, our famous stainless steel limited edition logo cup, and donate to help fund your fest!
Thank You: Friends, Sponsors, & Supporters!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors and community partners who make this all possible. Your generosity keeps our festival vibrant and thriving. Special individual thank you’s available on our website.
Want to vend, volunteer, or contribute?
Reach out to us: info@willimanticstreetfest.com
Check for updates and full schedules: willimanticstreetfest.com
Thank you so very super much!
See you Thursday, September 18th from 6-9pm on Historic Main St, Willimantic!
Willimantic Renaissance Inc.
PO Box 866 ● Willimantic CT ● 06226
860-450-0918 ● info@WillimanticStreetFest.com
Willimantic Renaissance, Inc (WRI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with the goal of revitalizing downtown Willimantic. The 3rd Thursday Street Fests are an engine for the local economy disguised as a festive celebration to bring our community together.