Rising Strawberry Moon Festival Set For This Weekend In Madison

MADISON, CT — The Rising Strawberry Moon Festival, a free Bicentennial celebration event at the Madison Surf Club, is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 (Rain date: Sunday, June 28).

The event will feature live music, local food trucks, family friendly activities and games, and more.

Musical performances include: headliners the Jamie McLean Band and Madison’s Kaleb Cohen; Alanna McDowall; The Scranton Strummers; School of Rock House Band; RePlay; and the North Madison Congregational Drumming Circle.

Parking at the Madison Surf Club will only be available to attendees with a valid beach pass or proof of residency, according to organizers. For all other guests, free public transportation shuttles will be provided from public parking lots in downtown Madison.

From the town announcement:

The Madison Bicentennial Committee is thrilled to host the Rising Strawberry Moon Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Madison Surf Club from 1:00-7:30PM (Rain Date Sunday, June 28). The festival will feature an incredible afternoon of live music, delicious offerings from local food trucks, family-friendly games, and more, including a headline performance by Madison’s own rising national star, Kaleb Cohen.

Returning to the shores where his musical journey first began, Kaleb Cohen will take the Bicentennial main stage for an extended 90-minute sunset performance to close out the musical acts. A Madison native, Cohen has rapidly captured the attention of the national music scene with his authentic songwriting, soulful vocals, and dynamic stage presence. After a breakout year of touring and acclaimed new releases, his highly anticipated homecoming show promises to be a deeply special moment for the community. Cohen’s performance will guide the crowd right up to the 7:00PM conclusion of the main stage festival.

Joining Cohen on the national bill is the Jamie McLean Band. Led by former Dirty Dozen Brass Band guitarist Jamie McLean, the group is celebrated for their fiery blend of Southern soul, roots rock, and blues. With an electrifying live show and a reputation for unmatched musical prowess, the Jamie McLean Band will deliver a powerhouse 90-minute set to set the stage for the evening.

Because the Bicentennial is a celebration of Madison’s community, the festival will proudly feature a robust lineup of local talent throughout the afternoon and into the evening:

• Alanna McDowall: Opening the stage and officially kicking off the festival ceremonies with a performance of the National Anthem.
• The Scranton Strummers: Taking the stage first, this beloved local ukulele ensemble will bring a light, joyful acoustic sound to the Surf Club.
• School of Rock House Band: Showcasing the region's most impressive young musical talent, the House Band will take the stage with a high-energy set of classic and contemporary rock anthems.
• RePlay: A five-piece staple of the local music scene—featuring guitars, keyboards, and drums—fan-favorites RePlay will deliver a crowd-pleasing set of hits guaranteed to get the afternoon crowd on their feet and dancing.

"Music is at the heart of any great celebration, and we couldn't be more excited to have a true Madison native like Kaleb coming home to headline our 200th anniversary," said Ryan Duques, Treasurer of the Madison Bicentennial Committee. "From our incredible local groups to our national touring acts, this is a lineup built to bring the whole town together."
The Rising Strawberry Moon Festival is free and open to the public. Parking at the Madison Surf Club for the day of the Festival will only be available to attendees with a valid beach pass or proof of residency.

For all other guests, free public shuttles will run continuously between 2:00-9:00PM from the Madison Train Station (77 Bradley Road) to the Surf Club.

Additionally, local boaters are invited to view the live musical performances from the water on Saturday, June 27th from 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Anchorage is permitted off the Surf Club beach for the duration of the event.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water and the shore, please adhere to the following maritime guidelines:

• Anchorage Location & Viewing: The main festival stage will be located on Garvin Point and is oriented facing east. The best viewing areas will be directly off the Surf Club beach. Boaters should use their own judgment regarding wind and water conditions when deciding whether to drop anchor.
• Navigational Hazard Warning: Mariners must use extreme caution when navigating the area. Please be advised that rocks extend approximately 300 yards South, Southeast of Garvin Point. Boaters should check their charts carefully if they are unfamiliar with the area.
• Restricted Zones: All vessels must remain strictly outside of all posted swim areas at all times. The swim zone extends approximately 160 yards offshore and is clearly marked with buoys. Standard local regulations and safe boating practices remain in full effect.

We look forward to a fantastic celebration of our town's history from both land and sea!

Click here for more information about the festival.

Click here for more information about the Madison Bicentennial.