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Town of Manchester, Connecticut

Welcome to Downtown Manchester

Welcome to Downtown Manchester where over 195 unique shops, restaurants, service businesses and professional offices thrive in a classic, turn-of-the-century town center. We have created this web site to provide you with a virtual introduction to our historic downtown – its businesses, special events, commercial opportunities and more.

Should you wish to visit us in person, we can be easily reached via I-384 and Connecticut Routes 83, 6 and 44.

Thank you for your interest in Downtown Manchester. We hope you enjoy visiting our site.

CALLING ALL SCARECROW ARTISTS

Manchester, CT Businesses, organizations and interested individuals are invited to create a family friendly Scarecrow for display in Downtown Manchester during the 9th Annual Downtown Scarecrow Festival. The Scarecrows will be on display from October 14 thru October 28.

First, Second and Third Place prizes will be awarded in both the People’s Choice and Facebook Favorites categories.

Each year between 30 and 35 scarecrows are on display, enlivening the Downtown and drawing visitors from around the region to stroll Main Street, take photos, discover our great businesses and enjoy the special ambience created by the displays.

Scarecrow Artists must register to participate. Scarecrows are to be installed by the artists in assigned locations between October 11 and October 14.

See the instructions sheet for more information and download the participation form to get started on registering your scarecrow; or contact the Downtown Manchester Special Services District at 860 645-2101 or via email at dmssd@manchesterct.gov . Scarecrow registrations will be accepted until October 4.

The Scarecrow Festival is sponsored by the Downtown Manchester Special Services District with support from Crimson Art Box.

Photos of 2016 Scarecrows

“Clara and the Nutcracker” by The Dancers and Families of Connecticut Concert Ballet

“Ghostbuster’s Stay Puff Scarecrow” by The Kanetistas

“Junior Mint” by Junior Troop 10667

“The Composerator – I Told You “I’ll be Bach” Scarecrow by Beller’s Music

The Downtown District is proud to present a new video that spotlights some of the many things folks can do in Downtown Manchester. The video was produced by the talented staff of Quast Media and is a part of a special promotion organized by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. 366 spots will air on 18 Channels on Comcast over a 4 week period beginning in June. We encourage viewers to share the video and help spread the message: “Who would have thought I could do all of this in Downtown Manchester!”