Events
We love events! The Waterbury Rotary Club holds many events throughout the year, ranging from free community gatherings to fundraisers which support our local, national, and international work.
Here are some of the events that we organize:
Concerts in the Park
Thursdays, June 11-August 13, 2026
6-8:30 pm
Rusty Parker Memorial Park
This FREE and fun concert series is the place to be on a Thursday night in Waterbury! Concerts are held from 6-8:30 pm weekly in Rusty Parker Memorial Park from mid-June through mid-August. Read more about the bands here. Join us every week for a fun night of moving and grooving!
Not Quite Independence Day (NQID)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Starting at 3 pm
Main Street and Rusty Parker Memorial Park
Every year, Waterbury holds the annual “Not Quite Independence Day” (NQID) celebration on the last Saturday in June. This fun celebration begins with a themed parade on Main Street starting at 4 pm and continues with a concert at Rusty Parker Memorial Park along with food and beverage vendors. At dusk, a spectacular fireworks show will illuminate downtown Waterbury.
2026 theme: American Time Machine in celebration of the US 250th
The Hunt for Sunzilla, the Monster Sunflower
Thursday, September 10, 2026
5-7 pm
Rusty Parker Memorial Park
Held annually on the second Thursday in September, this event is a chance to show off your green thumb, with prizes available for the tallest sunflower, largest diameter, heaviest sunflower head, and more. We will also award prizes for the longest and heaviest zucchini as part of the Hunt for the 'Other Green Monster'!
Turkey Drive for Waterbury Common Market
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10 am-1 pm
Waterbury Common Market
57 South Main Street, Waterbury
For over a decade, the Waterbury Common Market (formerly Waterbury Area Food Shelf) has provided Thanksgiving turkeys and a bag with traditional meal fixings to those in our community in need of assistance. Over 100 turkeys are typically collected and distributed each year. Bring those frozen turkeys down and help give neighbors in our community a great Thanksgiving! Other donations, such as monetary gifts, non-perishables, and perishable holiday items are also always appreciated.
Santa and Friends in the Park
Sunday, December 13, 2026
3 pm-4:30 pm
Rusty Parker Memorial Park
We are pleased to welcome Santa back this year! Santa will be delighted to hear children’s holiday wishes and to pose for photos in his sleigh. His elves will also be there with some special gifts for children. Come enjoy the festive atmosphere and enjoy some hot chocolate to keep you warm. The event is free and open to everyone, including those who are only a kid at heart.
Pie For Breakfast
February 2027
9 am - 11:30 am
Waterbury American Legion
$10 per adult, 12 & under free
Warm up from the winter with this fun and flavorful fundraiser for the Waterbury Rotary Club! There will be all the sweet and savory pies you can eat, along with coffee, juice, and a 50/50 raffle.
Easter Parade & Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Parade starting at 10:30 am
Egg Hunt starting immediately after
Brookside Primary School & Pilgrim Park
The annual Waterbury Easter Parade and Egg Hunt starts at Brookside Primary School with a parade led by the Easter Bunny. The parade finishes at Pilgrim Park with an egg hunt. Free family fun!