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

STRATFORD, CT — (From Town of Stratford): Stratford is planning 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 19. Blues is part of the Stratford Celebrate Festivals and is run by volunteer Erin McLaughlin. Blues on the Beach is sponsored by Little Pub, Burns Construction and Paradise Pizza.

Short Beach will close at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 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 19.

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 to all on Friday, July 18th at 7:00 p.m., so preparations can be made.
• Parking for the public will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th.
• Bicycles and scooters are allowed but must be walked throughout the parking lots and beach per Stratford Police Department.
• Golf Cart parking is allowed in a designated area – see map below for entrance/exit and parking. Golf Carts must enter through the rear gate at the end of Short Beach Road and will be directed to the designated Golf Cart parking area. Golf carts must leave Short Beach by dusk.
• No dogs or pets are allowed at the beach, under any circumstances.
• Cooking with charcoal is prohibited. Propane grills are permitted with tanks smaller than 20lbs.
• 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 Ave. in Lordship.
• Trash from attendees must fit inside of the BigBelly compacting receptacles and the trash bins available on-site. Bagged garbage should not be left beside receptacles or on Town property.
• Wearing full masks, such as ski-masks, is prohibited.
• Please note that Lordship Boulevard (also known as Burma Road), in front of Sikorsky Memorial Airport, will be closed to all vehicle traffic.

The Stratford Arts Commission is sponsoring a Tent Decorating Competition, and the winner who creatively decorates their tent will receive an early parking pass for Blues on the Beach in 2026.

LINEUP OF PERFORMING BANDS:

12 p.m. – Residual Groove

1:15 p.m. – Louis Zayas and Blaze

2:15 p.m. – Chris D’Amato

3:15 p.m. – Remember September

4:15 p.m. – One Sound

6 p.m. – Loubird

7:15 p.m. – Drop Party

8:30 p.m. – Jackie Little Pill & The Alpaca Gnomes

SEE MAP BELOW FOR TRAFFIC AND PARKING DETAILS:

For the most up-to-date event details, including weather updates, visit here. Additionally, beginning Wednesday, July 16, you can call the Stratford Blues on the Beach hotline at 203-380-6757 for information, as well.