STRATFORD, CT — July 15, 2026 — At Stratford’s “Blues on the Beach” summer music festival this year, attendees are invited to “Do good at Blues.” Mayor Chess recently announced the Mayor’s Do Good Fund, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire generosity, strengthen community ties, and provide meaningful support to Stratford organizations and residents when and where it is needed most. Through charitable giving, partnerships, and community involvement, the Mayor’s Do Good Fund invests in opportunities that improve lives, remove barriers, and help Stratford neighbors thrive. The goal is to respond quickly and responsibly when modest financial support can make a meaningful difference. Anyone attending Blues can donate to the Mayor’s Do Good Fund. All donations are voluntary, tax-exempt, and greatly appreciated.
Blues on the Beach has become an increasingly popular summer ritual for the coastal town and will take place, rain or shine, at Short Beach on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. In addition to incredible music, the event will include on-site food trucks, making it convenient to purchase refreshments. Blues on the Beach is part of the Town of Stratford’s “Celebrate Stratford” event series and is sponsored by the Stratford Arts Commission and Paradise Pizza.
For the most up-to-date event details, please visit stratfordct.gov/bluesonthebeach. Additionally, beginning Wednesday, July 15, the Stratford Blues on the Beach Hotline at 203-380-6757 will be available for information.
WHAT ATTENDEES NEED TO KNOW
The Short Beach Golf Course will be closed the entire day on Saturday, July 18.
Residents attending “Blues on the Beach” are asked to note the following:
- Parking for the public will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18.
- Only town residents will be allowed to park at Short Beach. Stratford resident stickers are required to park at Short Beach.
- Stratford residents are required to display stickers to park at Short Beach. The sticker should be blue, as shown in the attachment.
- Licenses are NOT a substitute for beach stickers.
- Out-of-town residents may park in DeLuca Field, 1000 Main Street, Stratford.
- Bicycles and scooters are allowed but must be walked throughout the parking lots and beach per the Stratford Police Department.
- Golf cart parking is allowed in a designated area – see map below for entrance/exit and parking. Golf carts must enter through the rear gate at the end of Short Beach Road and will be directed to the designated golf cart parking area. Golf carts must leave Short Beach by dusk.
- No dogs or pets are allowed at the beach, under any circumstances.
- No fireworks are allowed.
- Cooking with charcoal is prohibited. Propane grills are permitted with tanks smaller than 20lbs.
- A pickup and drop-off area for Ubers and children or family members has been designated at Wayne’s Walk at the intersection of Riverdale Drive and Lighthouse Ave. This is the ONLY Uber drop-off area.
- Trash from attendees must fit inside the BigBelly compacting receptacles and the trash bins available on-site. Bagged garbage should not be left beside receptacles or on Town property.
- Wearing full masks, such as ski-masks, is prohibited.
The Stratford Arts Commission is sponsoring a Tent Decorating Competition, and the person/group who creatively decorates their tent the best will receive an early parking pass for Blues on the Beach in 2027.
LINE UP OF PERFORMING BANDS:
- 12:00 p.m. – PARTY WITH FRIENDS
- 1:00 p.m. – LOUIS ZAYAS AND BLAZE
- 2:00 p.m. – WILD AND CO
- 3:00 p.m. – REMEMBER SEPTEMBER
- 4:15 p.m. – CHRIS D’AMATO
- 5:30 p.m. – ELLIS ISLAND
- 6:45 p.m. – MOONRISE CARTEL
- 8:15 p.m. – RESIDUAL GROOVE
