The Vernon Cultural District Advisory Board is planning a series of events this summer to celebrate the local arts community and to bring together residents from Vernon and throughout the region at “Meet on the Street” festivals in downtown Rockville.
The commission’s goal is to build and support a vibrant art and culture community in Vernon, and to encourage a sense of place in Vernon’s downtown. A variety of arts, cultural, historic and business entities will join in the effort.
“Arts and cultural activities are already abundant here in Vernon and our vision is to bring them together in one place for a series of summer events you will never forget,” said Annie Geitner, a board member. “Our hope is that these festivals will provide a one-of-a-kind place for everyone to meet up to enjoy live music, eat delicious foods, experience the talents of local artists, and learn about small businesses and non-profits, all the while engaging and connecting with your community.”
To help fund the Meet on the Street festivals the Vernon Cultural District Advisory Board launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the program. Funds raised will be matched by Sustainable CT and will help pay for the three planned festivals. To contribute, visit this link: www.patronicity.com/streetfest
Donations can also be mailed to Planning Department, 14 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. Please write “Streetfest” in the memo line of your check.
Details are still being worked out, but events would be on a week night in May, June and July. Sponsorships are also available. For sponsorship information contact vernonculturaldistrict@gmail.com.
“Think food trucks, an eating area, a stage with musicians and vendors such as artists, crafters, local groups and businesses,” Geitner said. “Our goal is a vibrant community event where people can enjoy music, art and good food.”
The Vernon Cultural District received state designation in August 2025. It encompasses much of downtown Vernon and includes a variety of cultural assets, including the New England Civil War Museum, the New England Motorcycle Museum, Henry Park, historic structures, and the planned performing art space in the former Vernon senior center on Park Place. Cultural District Advisory Board members have worked hard for several years to obtained the state designation and are now focused on fulfilling their charge, which includes incorporating arts and culture into the daily lives of Vernon residents.
People have also expressed interest in bringing festivals and other special events back to downtown, and the cultural district designation is a vehicle to achieve that.