The NWCT Arts Council will host the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival on Saturday, August 19 in Downtown Torrington. This diverse, multidisciplinary arts festival celebrates the creative community spirit found in Northwest Connecticut. For years, the Litchfield Hills has been a hub of artistic talent, from visual artists and musicians to writers and performers. Creatives here pour their hearts and souls into their work, reflecting the beauty and culture of this special corner of Connecticut

Over 100 artists and organizations are collaborating to create this event. This year’s festival will feature a local art fair, live music, street performers, open artist studios, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. The evening will culminate with an interactive LED umbrella experience by the world-renowned Pilobolus dance company. All events will be presented for free to the public to attend.

Artist Fair: A variety of local artists will hold booths on Main Street with original works of art, clothing, jewelry, books and more, from 3 – 8pm.

Live Music: The music for the day will be hosted by Rock Yer Block, a local nonprofit organization who’s mission is to raise awareness for brain injury survivors by bringing musicians together. Musician, Adeliade Punkin, will host a stage on Main Street with live performances between 3 – 6:30pm. Featured musicians include Our Culture is Beautiful drum circle, Ian Matthew, The Forest Room, and James Burke.

Street Performances: Free street performances will be popping up all day from groups such as Matica Circus, Sova Puppet Theatre, Garet&Co Contemporary Dance, and Cinderfella fire spinning in the evening.

Open Studios & Galleries: Many artists downtown will open their doors to the public, including emerging artists at the Five Points Launchpad Studios. Many galleries and shops will also be open to visit.

Family Activities: This event is fun for all ages! KidsPlay Children’s Museum will be open for play all day and will feature interactive activities such as an art workshop and free family yoga classes all day in partnership with Sanctuary Power Yoga. There will also be live old-fashioned candy making demonstrations at the Nutmeg Fudge Company and open ballet classes at the Nutmeg Ballet.

Northwest Vocal Showcase: During the festival, the Warner Theatre and Torrington Parks & Rec will host the Northwest Vocal Showcase Grand Finale. Come see your neighbors step into the spotlight as the top 12 singers from across the region will take the Warner Theatre stage from 5-7pm to compete for the 2023 championship. Tickets are $15.

UP! Umbrella Project: We’re thrilled to announce that world-renowned Pilobolus dance company will headline this year’s Litchfield Hills Creative Fest! Through a collaborative effort with the Warner Theatre, Pilobolus brings their breathtaking Umbrella Project to Torrington’s Main Street.

First conceptualized with MIT, the Umbrella Project is an interactive spectacle that transforms participants into collaborative performers. You’ll be given a light-up umbrella and instructed by Pilobolus dancers to become part of a dazzling choreographed movement piece. As evening falls, watch as illuminated umbrellas sway, spin, and sweep together, guided by Pilobolus’s signature artistry.

This project is supported in part by the NWCT Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible creative energy that exists right here in the Litchfield Hills,” said Arts Council Executive Director, Steph Burr. “The festival will showcase our region’s local talent while bringing our community together for a day of music, art, food, and fun.”

This year’s Litchfield Hills Creative Festival is sponsored by Housatonic Heritage, Torrington Savings Bank, Thomaston Savings Bank, the City of Torrington, Torrington Downtown Partners, Aquarion Water Company, WSHU Radio, WAPJ Radio, the Republican American, and O&G Industries.

August 19, 2023 in Downtown Torrington, CT

For full details about the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival, visit artsnwct.org/litchfield-hills-creative-festival