Stratford's Blues On The Beach: What To Know Before You Go

STRATFORD, CT — (From Town of Stratford): Stratford is set for the return of its annual “Blues on the Beach” summer music festival, which has become an increasingly popular summer ritual for the coastal town.

The event will take place from 12 noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. Blues is part of the Stratford Celebrate Festivals and is run by volunteer Erin McLaughlin. Blues on the Beach is sponsored by Little Pub and Burns Construction.

As with last year, Short Beach will close at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19, the evening before the festival, to accommodate stage set-up for Saturday’s events. The Short Beach Golf Course will be closed the entire day on Saturday, July 20.

Residents attending “Blues on the Beach” are asked to note the following:

• Only Town Residents will be allowed to park at Short Beach. Stratford resident stickers are required to park at Short Beach.
• Beach access will be closed on Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m., so preparations can be made.
• Parking for the public will begin at 9:30 a.m.
• Bicycles are allowed but must be walked in the park area per Stratford Police Department.
• Golf Cart parking is allowed in a designated area – see map below for entrance/exit and parking.
• No dogs or pets are allowed at the beach.
• Cooking with charcoal is prohibited. Propane grills are permitted with tanks smaller than 20 pounds.
• A pickup and drop-off area for Ubers and children or family members has been designated at Wayne’s Walk at the intersection of Riverdale Drive and Lighthouse Avenue in Lordship.
• Trash from attendees must fit inside of the BigBelly compacting receptacles available on site. Bagged garbage should be placed in dumpsters and not be left beside receptacles.
• Overflow parking will be available at the Army Engine lot, just north of the Atlantic Aviation hangers.
• Wearing full masks, such as ski-masks, is prohibited.

The Stratford Arts Commission is sponsoring a Tent Decorating Competition, and the winner that creatively decorates their tent will receive an early parking pass for Blues on the Beach in 2025.

Lineup of Performing Bands:

12 p.m. – Uncle Moose

1 p.m. – Marci Lynn and the boys

2 p.m. – Louis Zayas Encore Band

3 p.m. – Oddfellows

4 p.m. – Soundview

5 p.m. – One Sound

6 p.m. – Da Band

7 p.m. – Residual Groove

8 p.m. – Chris D’Amato

See map for traffic and parking details below: