Make Downtown Manchester your destination on the 2nd Saturday of every month! Downtown businesses host specials, sales, activities, and more each month.
Every month WORK_SPACE hosts an Open House with a free Gallery Exhibit, interactive art, and more! The Market at 1115 (hosted by The Firestone | Art Studio & Cafe) is a large outdoor artisan market that happens the weekend of the 2nd Saturday all summer long.
Each summer the 2nd Saturdays Downtown expand as more businesses offer specials and activities. Watch our calendar of events for details about each month!
This annual tradition began in the spring of 2021 as the world began to emerge from the pandemic shutdown. Like the butterfly, our businesses and our community emerged stronger and more beautiful!
Each May we kick off our summer 2nd Saturdays Downtown series with a Spring Stroll. Downtown Main Street is lined with a spring version of our annual Scarecrow Festival as local artists, individuals, and organizations create spring-inspired displays for our planters.
In addition to the butterfly displays, there are specials, sales, activities, and more. Of course, there is always a chance to win a prize!
Crusin’ on Main has been a tradition on Main Street since 2001. It was founded by a group of dedicated individuals who had a love of antique cars and wanted to relive the memories of the '40s thru ’70s when cruisin’ on Main Street was a Thursday night tradition.
Each year this car show attracts over 1,000 vehicles and MANY more spectators. It is a day of family fun with cars, food trucks, vendors, and more!
Each October Downtown Main Street is lined with scarecrows which are created by local individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
The Manchester community looks forward to strolling Main Street to view the scarecrows, snap a selfie, and vote for the Facebook Favorites!
Photo: Scarecrow by Frog & Fable AntiquesWhat could be cuter than a sidewalk lined with costumed children? Not much!
Each October Downtown businesses give away candy and host fun activities during Halloween Happenings.
The Manchester Road Race is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for Manchester and the entire State of Connecticut! The MRR started in 1927 with only twelve runners.
Today, there are more than 15,000 registered runners and walkers each year. Families line the street as they cheer on the runners in this historic race. (Keep your eyes peeled - you just might see a running turkey or two!)
Join us Downtown on “Shop Small Saturday” the weekend after Thanksgiving! We kick-off the Holiday Shopping season with sales, specials and pop-up shops.
Businesses also host fun family-friendly activities – and Santa always makes an appearance!
Photo: Cast of the Nutcracker from Connecticut Concert Ballet
Downtown Manchester is a great place to host an event! Several local businesses and non-profits have chosen to return to Manchester each year, and we are thrilled to have them bring art, culture, and activity to Downtown Manchester.
The Off Main Experience
July
The RiseUP Group, Inc. takes over Purnell Place on Thursday evenings in July. The Off Main Experience seeks to bring activity downtown with live music, art, interactive art experience, vendors, and activities.
Beller’s Concert Series
July & August
Beller’s Music and the Downtown Manchester Special Services District co-host a Thursday night concert series each summer. The concerts, held at Center Memorial Park, feature bands representing a variety of genres. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show!
Silk City Fest by Art FUD
August
Each August Art FUD hosts Silk City Fest in the Purnell Parking Lot. This is a large outdoor festival with live music, art, vendors, food trucks, and activities!
MACC Farmer's Market
Local farmers sell fresh produce downtown in the Green Lot on Saturday mornings from July to October each year.
Imagine Main Presents
Imagine Main Street organizes many downtown performances during the summer. The largest performance is the annual concert held in coordination with the Manchester CT Songwriter's Association each fall.