Plan Your Visit: 2026 Rose Arts Festival
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Chelsea Parade Park, Norwich, CT
(Broadway & Washington St)
Admission is free.
Food, drinks, and vendor goods are available for purchase.
The day runs from morning road races through eight bands on the Main Stage, with art, kids' activities, food trucks, and a 21+ area open in between. Here's how to plan around it.
Getting Here & Parking
Broadway alongside Chelsea Parade closes to vehicle traffic for the day to make room for food trucks and pedestrians, so route your drive in accordingly.
Approved street parking is available on surrounding public roads; mind the posted signs and keep residential driveways clear. Area lots fill early, so carpooling or ridesharing is worth it.
Chelsea Parade June 27, 2026 Schedule
Morning Road Races
6:30 AM – 7:45 AM - Bib Pickup & Race Day Registration at Race HQ
8:00 AM - 5K & 10K Race Start - Starting Line
8:45 AM - 5K Awards Ceremony - Road Race Stage
9:15 AM - 10K Awards Ceremony - Road Race Stage
All-Day Attractions & Villages
Festival zones open throughout the day:
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8:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Food Truck Alley. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner from regional trucks.
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9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Kid Zone. Crafts, games, and bounce houses.
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10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Slater Memorial Museum. Open for local history and art.
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10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Creative Stations. Interactive art classes and activities.
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11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Vendor Village & Budding Artist Show. Original, handmade goods from local artisans.
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11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 21+ Family Fun Area. Adult beverages for festival-goers 21 and over.
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Main Stage Music Lineup
Eight acts, regional and national, all free:
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11:00 AM: Lazy Trail
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12:00 PM: The Wolff Sisters
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1:30 PM: Oh He Dead
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3:00 PM: Melt
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4:50 PM: Neighbor
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6:45 PM: Mihali
Performing Arts Stage
11:15 AM - Magic Show by Derek
11:45 AM - CT Premium Ballers
12:45 PM - Chestnut Street Playhouse
1:15 PM - Story Time & Craft by Otis Library
1:30 PM - Witch Dancers United
2:15 PM - Falun Dafa New York Waist-Drum Team
3:00 PM - Magic Show by Derek
3:30 PM - Budding Artists Award Announcements
4:20 PM - STEPS Inc.
5:15 PM - Blooming Into Greatness
5:45 PM - Magic Show by Derek
Vendor Village and the Budding Artist Show close at 7:00 PM. Food trucks and the 21+ area run until approximately 8:00 PM, wrapping up as the final Main Stage act finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival really free?
Yes. Admission to Chelsea Parade Park, all musical performances, and the performing arts stages costs nothing.
What should I bring?
Lawn chairs or a blanket for the grass, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Vendors and food trucks take both cash and cards. Or, pack your own food - coolers are OK. Just no adult beverages! Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in the 21+ Zone.
Is the festival rain or shine?
Rain or shine. Watch the forecast and dress for the day.
Are pets allowed?
Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome in the outdoor park areas. The stages get crowded and loud, which can stress some animals, so keep that in mind near the music.
Are there public restrooms?
Yes. Portable restrooms are positioned around the perimeter of Chelsea Parade Park.