James "Dutch" Fogarty Independence Day Celebration 2026

Published on May 01, 2026

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Manchester's James "Dutch" Fogarty Independence Day Celebration, one of the most anticipated and attended East of the River events, is now less than three months away. Miss this happening and you'll regret it for a long time! For starters the very young and energetic band, FEEDBACK, winner of the Battle of the Bands at Toads Place in 2025, kicks off the celebration playing 4:30pm - 6:30pm. NIGHTSHIFT, one of Connecticut's favorite 60's, 70's, 80's cover bands takes the stage at 7:00pm - 9:15pm.

Fourteen (14) food trucks will be available offering a vast variety of tasty food options for your dining satisfaction. The Kid's Zone activities area has been dramatically enhanced to include free facepainting for children and youth, roaming magicians, jugglers, balloon artists and stilt walkers. Our fireworks shooter has designed a breathing taking aerial program that will rattle your world (and teeth) giving you a serious case of happy goosebumps to go home with. Join family, friends and fellow townies for a fantastic afternoon and night of foot-stomping music, deliciously prepared food options and fantastically spectacular fireworks display lighting up Manchester's night-time sky.

For the 41st time this event will be held at CT State Community College - Manchester at 60 Bidwell Street. Everything officially begins at 4:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. More information on this event will come your way over the next several weeks.

Event Details
Artisan Market 4pm-8pm
Kids Zone 4pm-8pm
Food Trucks 5pm-9pm
Fireworks Display at Dusk

Rain Date July 12th