74th Manchester Peach Festival To Be Bigger And Better

MANCHESTER, CT — It's a cliche, but it's applicable — the 2025 edition of the Manchester Peach Festival will be new and improved.

The 74th Annual Manchester Peach Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 151/161 Sheldon Road.

This year marks a major milestone. For the first time in the event's history, it's taking place over four full hours — and moved to a Saturday to allow even more community members to join in the fun.

All proceeds from the Peach Festival support the mission of the Manchester Fire Support Group — assisting individuals and families affected by fires or related tragedies, donating to burn centers, supporting local food pantries, preserving the history of the North End/8th Utilities District, and more.

Plenty of new features are on tap for this year.

Expanded food and drink options include local vendors like Kona Ice of Manchester, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza, Yummy Wagon, The Whey Station, Audacity British-Style Pub, and Bob’s Jerky for a Cause. Many of them are donating a portion of their proceeds to the cause.

A "community-focused opening ceremony" is to feature Troop 27 of Manchester as the official color guard; Kevin Zingler, CEO of MARC, Inc., leading the Pledge of Allegiance; Rylie Penninton, a talented Manchester native, singing the National Anthem; a musical kickoff by Bill Ludwig, former Town Troubadour, performing "Peaches" by the band The Presidents of the United States; live music from Nightshift, a fan-favorite band bringing hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

Also:

• Touch-a-Truck returns for a second year
• Community giveaways
• New family-friendly activities

"We're also thrilled to share that we've improved our beloved peach shortcake recipe based on your feedback — now with more fresh peaches, more whipped cream, and a full shortbread biscuit in every serving," organizers said.

Ticket prices are staying the same ($6).