(Mostly) Everything You Need To Know About Branford Fest This Weekend

BRANFORD, CT — Beginning Friday and ending Sunday, the beloved three-day Branford Festival is back. And it's proving to be bigger and better than ever. Held this year at Hammer Field, 46 Church St., the fest is Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here's what you need to know:

All about kids

Amusement rides and kid's activities

Hours:

Friday, June 13: 6 – 10 pm
Saturday, June 14: 12 – 10 pm
Sunday, June 15: 12 – 4 pm

Rides

Amusement rides are provided by Trufano Amusements.

• Saturday, June 14: *wristbands ($35) can be purchased from 12-3 p.m. Wristbands are valid until 4:30 p.m. After 3 p.m., only tickets will be available. These wristbands are not valid on Sunday.
• Sunday, June 15: *wristbands ($35) can be purchased from 12-2:30 p.m. Wristbands are valid until 4 p.m. After 2:30 p.m., only tickets will be available.

*Wristbands allow unlimited rides during designated hours listed above. No wristbands will be sold on Friday.

Kids Activities

Friday through Sunday, enjoy face painting and henna by Beauty Henna LLC. Airbrush and glitter tattoos will be offered by Teach Art 2 Me.

On Saturday and Sunday, Spin Art and Sand Art will be available.
On Saturday, The Blackstone Library will a booth with crafts for kids and have information on their programs. Rock painting, the fishing game (great for the little ones), and a chalk wall will be available. Hair tinsel will be provided by the Branford High School Dance Team.

On Sunday, Tripledale Farm will have a Petting Zoo from 12-2 p.m.

All about artisans

The Shoreline Chamber's Artisan Marketplace is Saturday from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Let's talk food

The list of food vendors alone is enough to make one's mouth water. How about Shoreline Prime, Fried Dough, Sweetreats Ice Cream, Spuds Your Way, Strawberry shortcake, Honeyspot Pizza, Italian dishes from the Italian American Club, Mitai Flavor Food Truck (think grilled jerk shrimp and chicken), Lemonates, Missy's Sweets, Bake Bake Hooray, Thai Taste Restaurant, Lenny's seafood, Polish Plate, Mosaico, The Candy Corner, Doughboy Mini Donuts and the Rotary Club's breakfast.

Hungry yet?

Let's talk Beer Garden

"We're pouring something new this year," the Festival's official Facebook page reads. For the first time, beer is on the menu with the New England Co. Beer Garden, staffed by Home Restaurant employees. .

Let's talk vibes, meaning music

Friday

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

Saturday

MAIN 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
5 pm: John Moss Scholarship Award
5:15pm: 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

Sunday

DINING TENT STAGE

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

Let's talk about what's where

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.

Also, the Car Show is Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All the important details

Pet Policy

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed at the event.

Parking

Public parking is available in various locations around Hammer Field and is on a first come first serve basis. Please observe all NO PARKING signs and do not park in spaces that are reserved for individual businesses.

Zum Shuttle Bus

Friday, June 13: 4:30 – 10:30 pm
Saturday, June 14: 4:30 – 10:30 pm
Branford High School to and from Hammer Field
Cherry Hill Commuter Lot to and from Hammer Field
No shuttle bus service available on Sunday.

Road Closures / Parking Advisory

• Meadow St.
  • • If pedestrian traffic is high, Meadow St. will be restricted one way eastbound heading towards Pine Orchard
    • Will be closed on Sunday, 6/15 during the Branford Road Race
    • No parking between Montowese St. and Church St.
• Church St.
  • • Open in both directions
    • No parking on west side
    • No parking at both sides at the intersections of So. Main St. and Meadow St.
• Hopson Ave.
  • • One way northbound towards Main St.
    • Closed from Meadow St. to Prospect St.
    • No parking on west side from Prospect St. to Meadow St.
• Eades St.
  • • Closed for traffic heading northbound towards Main St.
    • No parking on Sliney Elementary School side
• Prospect St.
  • • Closed between Hopson St. to Eades St. (local access only)
    • Open eastbound only from Eades St. to Church St.
    • Parking reserved for Police/Fire on south side.
    • Parking reserved for residents on north side.
• South Main St., Rogers St., Wilford Ave. and Montowese St. NO CLOSURES

Still have questions? Check the Branford Festival Facebook page for info and updates and/or visit the Branford Festival website here.