3rd Thursday Street Fest
Press Release for 8/21/25
Can you even believe it is already August? This season feels like it’s flying by!
Soooo… let’s keep the party going- right on Main St, Willimantic!
Bring the crew and join us August 21st, from 6-9pm, for the 4th installment of the 3rd Thursday Street Fest (now in the 22nd season). Lot’s of numbers right there. We are so excited (as usual) to bring you a whole host of wonderful entertainment, nourishing/interesting/familiar/ethnically diverse culinary delights, and fabulous vendors- this month over 150! We have kids activities galore! Try all the yard games, basketball, bounce house, and crafts- at many of our non-profit booths. So come hungry, come curious, come ready to explore, socialize, and to enjoy your thriving community. We thrive when we all celebrate and support each other!
Food Highlights & Main Street Merchants
Food is curated especially to express the wonderful eclectic and authentic delights of our town. The range is so expansive that even saying that we have over 25 food locations seems like it may not be enough (totally jk)!
There will be so many amazing options in truck and table form as well as the ever-popular Main Street Merchants offering incredible bites and festive specials. Wander into Willi Scoops, Willibrew, Paula & Jane’s Boba, A Cupcake for Later, Trigo Wood Fired Pizza, Grounded Coffee Company, and Garo’s Place for some festival-ready treats. Cordoba, Pho Delight, Pan del Sinai, Harp on Church, A Mano Taco, Garabaldi’s, and Blarney’s will be open as well!
Don’t miss ReFrame: A Dry Spot featured once again in our beer garden, serving up delicious non-alcoholic options for everyone to enjoy and Hosmer Soda hosted by Project Hope as well!
The more than Beer Garden in Mid-Town
This month we have 2 special donations! One from the fabulous Epicure Brewing Company in Norwich, CT and the always supportive and amazing Willimantic Brewing Company (Willibrew). Thank you for your generous contributions. Stop by for a cold draft, a glass of wine or sangria, or a fruity boozy seltzer! It’s the perfect spot to dance, socialize, or relax… and soak up the live music and bustling street fest vibes.
Our musical stages will have a talented/inclusive/amusing soul in August. Visit the schedule for more indepth info on your highlights noted below:
Way UpTown at Willibrew will host: Zikina at 6:00 PM and the Bud Collins Trio at 7:45.
UpTown will have the Pete & Chris Amusements Bounce House in the Kid’s Area, Eminence Ink will have their VERY POPULAR Summer Flash Sale with cool Entertainment!
MidTown Stage will host The Little Big Band at 6:00 PM and The Kingpins at 7:45.
Bank St will have The Nite Owls duo at 6:00 PM and entertainment from the Willimantic Fire Department as well!
DownTown has the Damian Curtis Band ft. Sharina DeLeon at 6:00 PM and Grupo Boriken 7:45.
Over at the i98.3FM Stage on North St join Keith C. Rice and DJ Scully for an evening of top hits, games, and high-energy fun and be sure to catch the Mansfield Dance Academy performing throughout the night, as well!
Parking & Getting Around
Parking is easy with lots available throughout the area. Head to Jillson Square at the Shaboo Stage for just $5 or use the Walnut Street Parking Garage by approaching Meadow Street. Look for our friendly volunteers and signage to help guide you in.
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 glorious. 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!
See you Thursday, August 21st from 6-9pm on Historic Main St, Willimantic!
Willimantic Renaissance Inc.
PO Box 866 ● Willimantic CT ● 06226
860-450-0918 ● info@WillimanticStreetFest.com