Downtown Sounds Returns to Shelton: Two Days of Music, Food & Family Fun in the Heart of the City

Celebrate Shelton, the city’s beloved community initiative now in its 11th year, is proud to announce the return of Downtown Sounds Summer Concerts—a vibrant two-day festival happening Friday, July 25 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday, July 26 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Park in Downtown Shelton. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 27 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Now a staple of the local summer scene, Downtown Sounds brings together top-tier live music, over a dozen food trucks daily, craft drinks, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun—all set against the backdrop of Shelton’s scenic downtown. “Each year, our goal is to elevate the experience with bigger acts, more diverse food, and even stronger community connection,” said event co-founders Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey. “We’re proud to bring this level of talent and energy right to our hometown.”

The music lineup kicks off on Friday with Kids Hour at 5:00 PM featuring A Wicked Experience—a lively meet and greet designed for families—followed by All Night Boogie Band, a blues, rock & soul outfit from Burlington, Vermont. The evening closes with a dynamic headlining performance by Funk You, an electrifying eight-piece funk group known for its high-energy shows and decade-long run of unforgettable performances.

On Saturday, the music continues with Shelton’s own Vincent Vallillo opening the day, followed by Costa Rican-born, bilingual artist Mars Hendrik, who blends multiple styles and sounds. Pangea, a Bridgeport-based group, brings globally inspired rhythms and tones, leading into Philadelphia’s Sug Daniels—a soulful ukulele-playing singer-songwriter performing with a full band. Closing the event is Lexington, Kentucky’s Joslyn & the Sweet Compression, whose funk and soul-filled set promises to end the festival on a high note.

In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy 12+ food trucks each day offering a diverse selection of sweet and savory bites. The New Belgium Bar, sponsored by New Belgium Brewing Company and LoveLou Wines, will serve craft beers, wine, specialty cocktails, and mocktails. Guests can browse a curated selection of handmade goods at the artisan marketplace, and enjoy family-friendly activities happening throughout the weekend.

The event is free and open to all, with a suggested donation of $10 per person to help support future Celebrate Shelton programming and events. Celebrate Shelton thanks its generous annual sponsors, including Liberty Bank, City of Shelton, Groundworks, Tuttle Insurance, RD Scinto, Valley Community Foundation, Cedar Village at Carroll's, Griffin Health, Apple Rehab, Prestige Builders, Cohen & Thomas, Eversource, Rural Fuels, and New Belgium Brewing.

Founded in 2014 by Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey, Celebrate Shelton is a private city-wide initiative focused on building community through vibrant events that are inclusive, accessible, and high-quality. Over the past 11 years, Celebrate Shelton has welcomed more than 100,000 attendees to its concerts, seasonal gatherings, and cultural programs that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

To learn more or get involved, visit CelebrateShelton.com