1st Launched In 1965, Rose Arts Festival, A Norwich Tradition, Is Back

NORWICH, CT — First launched in 1965, the famed multi-day Rose Arts Festival ran for decades until 1998 when it became "a victim of debt and competing entertainment venues," as noted by the Norwich Bulletin.

The popular festival attracted major music artists of their time as headliners — think Earth, Wind, & Fire and The Beach Boys — and drew thousands to Chelsea Parade Park in the Rose City on the Thames River. They came for the parade, performing arts, art and craft vendors, food, a road race, and culinary and flower competitions.

For 19 years, though, the fest was scuttled. In 2017, it was reborn, though forced to shutter in 2021 owing to the pandemic shutdown. But the beloved festival is back.

Save the date for 2023: July 1.

On July 3, 1973, Stevie Wonder performed in the Chelsea Parade Tent at the 9th annual Rose Arts Festival. In 1995, it was the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Blood, Sweat & Tears with Orleans.

In a 1990 New York Times story about the "Rose of New England," the paper highlighted the festival.

"The rose is never more celebrated in the city than during the annual Rose Arts Festival, first held 26 years ago as a community-aid project." the article read. "This year's festival, beginning today and running through next Sunday, includes a rose show, an international food festival, concerts and arts and crafts exhibitions."

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Rose Arts Festival can be found here.