Stratford is preparing for the return of its annual “Blues on the Beach” summer music festival.

The event will take place at Short Beach on Saturday, July 19th, from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

As with last year, Short Beach will close at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18th, the evening before the festival, to accommodate stage set-up for Saturday’s events. The Short Beach Golf Course will be closed the entire day on Saturday, July 19th. Residents attending “Blues on the Beach” are asked to note the following:

Only Town Residents will be allowed to park at Short Beach. Stratford resident stickers are required to park at Short Beach. For more information on resident stickers, click on the link below:

•Beach access will be closed on Friday, July 18th at 7:00 p.m., so preparations can be made.

•Parking for the public will begin at 9:30 a.m.

• Bicycles are allowed but must be walked in the park area per Stratford Police Department.

• Golf Cart parking is allowed in a designated area – see map below for entrance/exit and parking.

•No dogs or pets are allowed at the beach.

•Cooking with charcoal is prohibited. Propane grills are permitted with tanks smaller than 20lbs.

•A pickup and drop-off area for Ubers and children or family members has been designated at Wayne’s Walk at the intersection of Riverdale Drive and Lighthouse Ave in Lordship.

•Trash from attendees must fit inside of the BigBelly compacting receptacles available on site. Bagged garbage should be placed in dumpsters and not be left beside receptacles.

•Overflow parking will be available at the Army Engine lot, just north of the Atlantic Aviation hangers.

•Wearing full masks, such as ski-masks, is prohibited.

The Stratford Arts Commission is sponsoring a Tent Decorating Competition, and the winner who creatively decorates their tent will receive an early parking pass for Blues on the Beach in 2025.