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Thursday, January 1

Let Freedom Ring!

12 p.m. Parson’s House

Join us on Thursday, January 1st, as Wallingford rings in both the New Year and our nation’s Semiquincentennial. Gather at the Wallingford Historical Society, 180 South Main Street, for the ceremonial ringing of the bells—a powerful tribute to the spirit of 1776 and the enduring promise of liberty.

Saturday, April 25

Powder House Day Reenactment

10 a.m. Parson’s House

Powder House Day brings Wallingford’s Revolutionary past to life. In April 1775, as news of the fighting at Lexington spread, more than 4,000 Connecticut men answered the call—including 101 from Wallingford. Leading the charge was Captain Benedict Arnold, Commander of Connecticut’s Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, whose bold demand for the keys to the king’s powder house in New Haven ensured troops could move forward to Boston. Experience history by watching the 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard reenact this dramatic moment, marching from the Parsons’ house to the Congregational Church, where the troops will be blessed by Jonathan Edwards, and then to the Town Hall, where Arnold will demand the keys. It concludes with historic artifacts on display at the Parsons’ house, offering a powerful glimpse into Wallingford’s role in the birth of our nation.

Thursday, June 18

Flag Day Celebration

6:30 p.m. Parisi Auditorium, Town Hall

Bring the family and take part in a special Flag Day program that explores the story of the American flag and the values it represents. Hosted by the Wallingford Elks Lodge #1365—advocates for Flag Day since 1908—this presentation traces the evolution of our nation’s flags through the years. Through engaging stories and historical insight, attendees of all ages will gain a greater understanding of the symbols that have united Americans across generations.

Friday, June 19

Juneteenth

Explore Wallingford’s Witness Stones through a self-guided walking tour and companion podcast that shares the stories of several enslaved individuals who lived in our community. This Juneteenth experience invites reflection, learning, and remembrance as we honor the full history of our nation. Information will be available on the Wallingford 250 website with instructions for downloading the podcast and map.

Red, White & Hue

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mellon Humanities Rotunda, Choate Rosemary Hall

Celebrate the colorful creativity of our community. The Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Semiquincentennial Art Show will showcase works from local artists across mediums—from painting and photography to mixed media and sculpture presented by the Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance (WACA).

Saturday, June 20

Red, White & YOU Parade

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dutton Park to Prince Street

Step into a world of red, white, and blue as Wallingford hosts a patriotic parade! Floats adorned with Americana flair created by local businesses, nonprofits, community members, and talented student groups. Enjoy local Fife and Drum Corps. Our youngest patriots are invited to join the Kids’ Bike and Four Wheel Parade. Children and youth can deck out their vehicles in dazzling decorations, and parents can even spruce up strollers and wagons to join in the fun. Bring your family and friends for a day of celebration.

SIGN UP FOR THE PARADE HERE

More details are available here

Shop, Sip & Stroll

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t dash after the parade—stay and celebrate the best of Wallingford! Keep the spirit alive with our Shop, Sip & Stroll at the many sidewalk sales and stay to Dine & Unwind at one of the many cafés, restaurants, or pubs. Grab a bite, raise a toast, and soak in the festive atmosphere with friends and family. Enjoy Americana signature drinks and appetizers created for the occasion.

American Dance Revolution & Classic Car Show

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

After a full day of parades, art, food, and fun, there’s still more activities to keep the energy high and the good times rolling! Head uptown to Simpson Court for a high-spirited Block Dance under the stars. Dance into the evening with crowd favorite DJ Johnny Rozz, spinning feel-good tunes for all ages. Stroll down to South Main Street and check out the Classic Car Show that reflects America’s proud legacy of automotive innovation and the era when U.S. manufacturing set the standard for the world.

Sunday, June 21

Porch Beats & Patriotic Seats

12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Uptown Wallingford

Bring your lawn chairs, walking shoes, and patriotic spirit for Porch Beats & Patriotic Seats—Wallingford’s own Porchfest! From front stoops to shaded porches, local bands and performers will fill the air with the sounds of many of the traditions that reflect the cultures and customs woven into our nation. Each performance space will be decked out in Americana décor, from bunting to flags, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for this open-air community concert.

Red, White & Hue

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mellon Humanities Rotunda, Choate Rosemary Hall

Celebrate the colorful creativity of our community. The Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Semiquincentennial Art Show will showcase works from local artists across mediums—from painting and photography to mixed media and sculpture presented by the Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance (WACA).

Family Day Fun

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Choate Campus at the Corner of Christian St. & North Main St.

Wrap up a weekend of celebration with a big dose of family fun with a Food Truck Festival and kid-friendly activities. Kids of all ages can enjoy an afternoon of face painting, magical entertainers, and stilt walkers—all coordinated by the Wallingford Parks & Recreation Department and the Wallingford Family YMCA.  Food trucks and ice cream trucks will be on-site to keep everyone happy and well-fed as they enjoy the festivities.

WSO Patriotic Pops Concert

7 p.m. Lawn in Front of St. John Chapel on the Choate Rosemary Hall Campus

(Shuttle buses will be running for parking)

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music under the summer sky! Celebrate the spirit of America with rousing marches, beloved folk tunes, Broadway and jazz favorites, and iconic movie themes performed by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of Maestro Philip T. Ventre. From thrilling Sousa anthems to whimsical classics and sweeping tributes to the American frontier, this concert brings our nation’s stories and creativity to life. Honor our history, delight in timeless melodies, and share the joy with family and friends. Bring your picnic blankets, your patriotic spirit—and take advantage of the convenient shuttle bus for easy, stress-free parking. A night of celebration you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, July 4

Independence Day Festivities

12 p.m.  Wallingford Historical Society, Parson’s House

Let’s celebrate Independence Day together.  Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic lunch, settle in with family and neighbors, and at 1:30 p.m. listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence—hearing the very words that marked the birth of our nation. A ceremonial bell ringing and a special display of photos and stories of the signers bring history to life for all ages. The Historical Society will be open for tours, offering families a chance to explore, learn, and celebrate America’s beginnings together.

Friday, August 14

Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony

6 p.m.  Center Street Cemetery

Join us for a meaningful ceremony marking America’s 250th birthday with the planting and dedication of a Liberty Elm Tree donated by the Wallingford Historical society, on this, the 261^st anniversary of America’s 1^st Liberty Tree. This rare, disease-resistant American Liberty Elm—descended from the iconic trees that became gathering places for colonists before the Revolution—stands as a living symbol of freedom, resilience, and civic pride. Accompanied by a cast bronze memorial plaque commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the Liberty Tree will serve as a lasting landmark for Wallingford, honoring our shared past while growing toward the future.

Other Events

Can’t get enough of America’s history and want more resources? Check out the State of Connecticut’s site, and additional activities coordinated by the WPAA.