Annual Events Hosted by the Downtown District

Family-friendly, free events happening in the heart of Manchester year after year!

Downtown Manchester Egg Hop
April 4, 2026 | 1:00P-3:00P

Celebrate spring in Downtown Manchester! Kids can hop up and down Main Street collecting Easter eggs from participating businesses. Find one egg in every color and you'll be entered to win one of our grand prizes! Enjoy this festive family-friendly adventure Downtown!

Butterfly Stroll
May 9, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Take a leisurely walk through Downtown Manchester and enjoy the Butterfly Stroll! Pick up a jar and visit participating locations to collect flower stems until you've created a beautiful bouquet. Along the way, enjoy art displays and take part in a Pollinator Scavenger Hunt!

Downtown Manchester Art Stroll
June 13, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Downtown Manchester becomes an open-air gallery for the day! Stroll Main Street and take in art vendor displays, participate in hands-on art activities, and add your own creative touch to our Chalk the Walk — where the sidewalks themselves become the canvas.

Downtown Mini Golf
July 11, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Downtown Manchester transforms into a one-of-a-kind mini golf course for a day. Customers putt their way up and down Main Street, playing a hole at each participating business location. The 2026 theme is America 250.

Health & Wellness
August 8, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Move, explore, and feel your best at the Downtown Manchester Health & Wellness Event! Enjoy fun fitness classes for all ages, performances from local studios, shop local health and wellness vendors, browse fresh offerings at the local Farmer's Market, and participate in our Fitness Loop! It's a great day to get active, learn new things, and connect with the community.

Manchester BookFest
September 12, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Celebrate the power of literature at Manchester Book Fest-- the largest BookFest ever held in Connecticut! Local authors line Main Street, meeting readers, signing books, and sharing their stories. Come explore a street filled with books, discover new authors, and experience a day dedicated to literature, creativity, and community!

Scarecrow Festival Kickoff
Oct. 10, 2026 | 10:00A-2:00P

Downtown Manchester's Scarecrow Festival is back! Kick off the season with 30+ handcrafted scarecrows on display throughout downtown — a beloved fall tradition that brings the whole community together. Vote for your favorite on the Downtown Manchester Facebook page. 

Halloween Happenings
Oct. 17, 2026 | 11:00A-1:00P
*Trick or Treat starts at 11:30!*

Downtown Manchester gets spooky! Join us for Trick or Treat on Main Street, fun and games on Purnell, a photo booth, and bag decorating. All are invited to come in costume and enjoy restaurant specials, shopping, & more!

Holiday on Main | November 28, 2026

Celebrate the magic of the season at Holiday on Main on Small Business Saturday! Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, step inside a life-size snow globe, & take a photo shoot in an igloo! Enjoy free arts & crafts, games & activities. Spend the day shopping and supporting local small businesses. 

More Annual Events in the Downtown District

Silk City Fest
August 22, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to early evening

Silk City Fest is Downtown Manchester’s celebration of art, music, food, and community spirit. The festival brings Purnell Place to life with live performances, local vendors, creative activities, and family-friendly fun. It’s a vibrant day that highlights the creativity and energy that make Manchester the “Silk City.”

The Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day
Start Time: 10:00 a.m. EST

The Manchester Road Race is a beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition and one of the most famous road races in the country. Each year, thousands of runners and spectators fill the streets of Manchester for this iconic 4.748-mile race. It’s a high-energy community celebration that draws participants from across the nation.

Cruisin' on Main
August 2 | 10:00A-3:00P

The Cruisin on Main Car Show returns for its' 25th year! Bringing hundreds of classic cars, music, food, and a lively street festival atmosphere to Main Street. One of the largest one-day car shows in New England, the event draws car enthusiasts and families alike for a full day of fun. Whether you’re showcasing a vehicle or just coming to admire the cars, it’s a summer tradition you won’t want to miss.