New Milford RiverFest Returns With Music, Food and Family Events

NEW MILFORD, CT — The annual New Milford RiverFest will return Oct. 4 and 5 with live entertainment, food trucks, races and community activities along the Housatonic Riverfront.

The festival, launched in 2018, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Young’s Field Park on Young’s Field Road. Organizers say this year’s lineup features a 5K River Run, a Kids Super Hero Sprint, bingo, family entertainment and the New Milford Safe Walk, which raises funds for services supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Riverfront Revitalization Chairman Liba Furhman said the 2025 event “promises to be better than ever,” crediting support from local businesses and community groups.

Cramer & Anderson, LLP is this year’s Gold Sponsor. Attorney Dan Casagrande said the firm is proud to support RiverFest, calling New Milford “a great place to live” with efforts underway to connect the historic town center to the riverfront.

Other sponsors include Bank Street Theater, Ives Bank, the New Milford Commission on the Arts, Litchfield Crossing, Union Savings Bank, All American Waste and the Setaro Law Firm.

Mayor Pete Bass will welcome participants of the Safe Walk on Saturday morning. Funds raised will go to The Center for Empowerment and Education, which provides no-cost, confidential services for victims of violence.

Festival attractions include a beer and wine garden, children’s games, arts and crafts vendors, and “Spirits of New Milford 250,” a Revolutionary-era reenactment with ghostly tales and interactive activities.

Organizers encourage donations of $5 per person to help fund the all-volunteer event. Full schedules and registration details are available online here.