Amid strong turnout, Waterbury Arts Fest launches Discover Waterbury
August 1, 2026 | By Carolyn FoxPerfect summer weather, strong community participation, and a growing regional audience helped make the 2026 Waterbury Arts Fest one of the most successful in the event's 25-year history.
The Sara Whitehair band plays at the Waterbury Arts Fest Friday Night Block Party. The event marked the debut of ‘Discover Waterbury’ as the new name for Waterbury’s community and economic development organization, previously Revitalizing Waterbury. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Held July 10–11 at Pilgrim Park, the two-day festival drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the weekend as visitors enjoyed live music, local art, family activities, food, and community celebration. From Friday evening’s Block Party through Saturday’s Arts Market, the venue remained vibrant with steady attendance and strong community engagement.
The weekend also marked the debut of Discover Waterbury, the new name for the nonprofit known since 1991 as Revitalizing Waterbury. During Friday evening’s Block Party, supporters celebrated the organization’s 35th anniversary and the festival’s 25th anniversary before unveiling the new identity with a surprise announcement that invited residents and visitors alike to “Discover Waterbury.”
Discover Waterbury President Lindsay Sullivan was pleased to mark the organization’s new name and new chapter before an enthusiastic crowd.
She noted that the event has become an important sales opportunity for many local artists. This year’s Arts Fest had more than 100 artists and vendors participate.
Discover Waterbury board members Lindsay Sullivan (center), Matt Casari (back left) and Otho Thompson (right), welcome attendees at Waterbury Arts Fest. Photo by Sarah Milligan
A popular item at the market was this year’s commemorative Arts Fest poster featuring the image of a brook trout and Waterbury map titled “Local Color” by Burlington Susannah Sakal. The posters sold out before the day was over. The silent auction featuring items from several dozen Arts Fest vendors also netted record sales.
Vendors were particularly appreciative of a special touch this year -- complimentary canned water provided by The Alchemist that hit the spot on a warm summer day.
Discover Waterbury is grateful for the help of the 74 volunteers who put in more than 310 hours of service for the event from setup to breakdown. Volunteers are key to staging one of Waterbury's signature community events. Arts Fest also has a multitude of local sponsors, including this year’s grand sponsor, East Rise Credit Union, and stage sponsor, Ben & Jerry’s.
As Discover Waterbury's largest annual fundraiser, the Arts Fest provides critical support for the organization’s year-round community development work. Proceeds from this year’s festival will help launch new initiatives, including a new event, Cruisin’ Rte. 100, a 1950s-inspired community celebration to be held Aug. 7–9 along with the Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet. Another ongoing effort is Waterbury Pathways, a multi-year collaboration with Waterbury’s municipal Recreation Department to expand access to outdoor recreation, conservation, and alternative transportation.
With Waterbury Arts Fest 2026 complete, Discover Waterbury is already looking ahead to next year’s Arts Fest to be held July 9-10.
Arts Fest Block Party attendees enjoy the food vendors' fare. Photo by Sarah Milligan
Carolyn Fox is a member of the Discover Waterbury Board of Directors.