Branford Festival, Father's Day Weekend Tradition, Set For June 13-15

BRANFORD, CT — The annual Branford Festival spans three days on Father’s Day weekend.

All weekend long, thousands of families and friends gather to enjoy live music, food vendors, local talent, carnival rides, kids activities, crafts and more.

The Branford Festival is historically held on the Branford Green, but due to the Main Street Reconstruction Project, this year it's being held at Hammer Field, 46 Church St., is just minutes from the Green.

The Festival opens June 13 at 4 p.m. and closes June 15 at 4 p.m.

Entertainment

Featuring two stages, the Main Stage sponsored by Cherry Hill Glass and Shoreline Insurance Services and the Back Stage, the Branford Festival is known for featuring local talent and some of the best cover bands from across the country. Here's the lineup. Read more about each artist here.

June 13, MAIN STAGE

5 – 5:45 pm: Branford High School Concert Choir, directed by Mike Martone, Jr.
6 – 6:20 pm: Singer/Song Writer Showcase featuring Tom Burgess – Traveling Troubadour
6:30 – 8 pm: Timmy Maia
8:25 pm: National Anthem by Kylie Acquarulo-Savastano (BHS Class of 2025)

8:30 – 10 pm: LoVeSeXy Tribute to the Music of Prince

June 14, MAIN STAGE

5 pm: John Moss Scholarship Award
5:15 pm: Father of the Year
5:30 – 6:20 pm: Singer/Song Writer Showcase featuring Bigger Beast Recording Artist: Hatfield
6: 30 pm: Sponsor Announcements and Festival Committee Introductions
7 – 8 pm: The John Spignesi Band
8:25 pm: National Anthem by Lucy Canada (BHS Class of 2011)
8:30 – 10 pm: Don Jovi – The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Bon Jovi

June 14, BACK STAGE

9 – 9:30 am: Branford Early Learning Center

10 – 10:30 am: Story Time with The Blackstone Library
10:30 – 11:30 am: Dance Unlimited
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Wagner Iovanna Vocal Studio
12:15 – 1 pm: StudioOne Dance Center
1 – 1:45 pm: Branford Parks and Recreation Shoreline Theatre Company

June 15, DINING TENT STAGE

12 – 3 pm: Singer/Song Writer Showcase featuring Bigger Beast Recording Artist: Hatfield

Arts market, car show, road race

Shop dozens of local artisans and businesses at the Shoreline Chamber-supported Artisan Marketplace, June 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trapasso Activity Center Parking Lot next to Hammer Field.

On Sunday, run or walk in the Branford Road Race, including a 1-mile Family Fun Run, a 2-mile Health Walk and a 5-mile Road Race.

The Sunday Car Show, in Hammer Field, is from 8 a.m., to 2 p.m. It showcases a collection of beautifully restored vintage vehicles, each with its own story and classic charm. From sleek roadsters of the roaring ’20s to muscle cars that defined the ’60s and ’70s.

Want to feature your car? Fill out the form here. $10 per car. Limited to 120 cars.

All about the K-8 Father of the Year essay contest

All about the Is your dad, guardian or father figure your hero?

Nominate them for our Father of the Year essay contest and share why they deserves this special honor. Whether they are your biggest supporter, a source of wisdom and strength, or simply always there with a joke and a helping hand, this is your chance to celebrate the impact they had on your life. This esteemed award recognizes the everyday dedication, love, and sacrifices fathers and father figures make.
The winning essay will be announced on the Main Stage on Saturday of the Branford Festival.
Award winners receive:

• Child and adult bike courtesy of Branford Community Foundation and Guilford Savings Bank
• $200 gift card to Lenny’s
• Adult watch from Branford Jewelers
• Family photo session with Tricia Bohan Photography
• Child and adult Branford Festival t-shirt

Contest rules:

• No more than 500 words
• Branford residents grades K-8 eligible to enter
• Include child’s name, father name, address, school, grade, and contact number

Entry deadline: June 1, 2025
Submit your essay: Fill out the form here, or email your entry to BranfordFOTY@gmail.com.