Experience the magic of one of the most beloved seasonal celebrations in Chesterfield as the West Chester Festival transforms our historic downtown into a vibrant celebration of community spirit and local culture. Every September, this three-day extravaganza draws thousands of visitors with its signature blend of live music, artisanal crafts, and farm-to-table delicacies. Watch local artists create masterpieces in real-time, let your children explore the interactive Kids’ Adventure Zone, or sample award-winning cuisine from over 50 regional food vendors. The festival’s authentic charm and family-friendly atmosphere perfectly capture the essence of New Hampshire’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-attend event for both locals and tourists seeking an unforgettable autumn experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime festival enthusiast, the West Chester Festival promises new discoveries and cherished memories around every historic corner.
Festival Highlights and Activities
Live Entertainment and Music
The West Chester Festival comes alive with an incredible lineup of musical performances and live entertainment that’ll keep your toes tapping throughout the event. Our main stage hosts local favorites and regional acts, bringing you everything from folk and bluegrass to rock and contemporary hits. This year’s headline performers include the beloved Chester County Symphony Orchestra, who’ll deliver a magical sunset performance under the open sky.
Throughout the festival grounds, you’ll discover intimate acoustic sets at the Garden Stage and high-energy dance bands at the Community Square. Street performers and wandering musicians add an extra layer of charm, creating spontaneous moments of joy as you explore the festivities. Kids will love the interactive drum circles and musical workshops designed especially for young performers.
The festival’s signature evening concert series features three nights of incredible performances, with comfortable lawn seating and space for dancing. Don’t miss the traditional folk dance demonstrations, where local instructors invite everyone to join in and learn some classic moves. Remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair to fully enjoy these memorable performances!
Outdoor Adventure Demonstrations
The festival’s outdoor adventure zone brings wilderness skills and extreme sports to life through captivating demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Expert local guides showcase essential backpacking techniques, from proper gear packing to wilderness navigation, giving festival-goers practical skills they can use on their own adventures.
Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the rock climbing demonstrations on the portable climbing wall, where professional climbers share techniques and safety tips while performing impressive feats of vertical prowess. The mountain biking showcase features local trail riders performing jaw-dropping stunts and offering guidance on trail etiquette and bike maintenance.
Kids and adults alike gather around the wilderness survival station, where outdoor educators demonstrate fire-starting methods, shelter building, and wild edible identification. The fly-fishing corner draws crowds as seasoned anglers demonstrate casting techniques and share stories about the region’s best fishing spots.
Don’t miss the kayaking tutorials in the demonstration pool, where paddling experts teach basic strokes and rescue techniques while explaining the rich waterway opportunities in Chesterfield’s surrounding areas.
Local Food and Craft Vendors
Regional Cuisine Highlights
The West Chester Festival showcases the region’s most beloved food vendors, serving up a mouthwatering array of local specialties. Don’t miss the legendary maple-glazed pulled pork from Smokey’s BBQ Shack, a festival favorite that perfectly captures our region’s love for both barbecue and local maple syrup. The Chester Farm Collective brings their famous apple cider donuts and seasonal fruit pies, while Mountain View Creamery offers artisanal cheese samples and their signature garlic cheese curds.
For those craving traditional New England fare, Kelly’s Clam Shack serves freshly steamed clams and their award-winning chowder. Local food trucks line Festival Lane, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to wood-fired pizza topped with locally sourced ingredients. Save room for dessert – the homemade ice cream from Granite State Scoops, featuring unique flavors like wild blueberry maple and honey lavender, is absolutely worth the wait.
Artisan Market
The Artisan Market stands as a vibrant cornerstone of the West Chester Festival, showcasing the region’s most talented craftspeople and makers. Local artisans display an impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, and woodwork, each piece telling its own unique story. Festival-goers can browse through dozens of carefully curated stalls, where skilled vendors demonstrate their craft and share the inspiration behind their creations.
From hand-poured soy candles and small-batch soaps to intricate stained glass and custom leather goods, the market offers something special for every taste and budget. Many artisans create pieces exclusively for the festival, making it the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Food artisans also join the marketplace, offering homemade jams, local honey, artisanal chocolates, and other delectable treats that capture the flavors of the region.
Don’t forget to chat with the makers – they love sharing their creative processes and the stories behind their work!
Family-Friendly Activities
Children’s Adventure Zone
The Children’s Adventure Zone transforms into a magical playground where young explorers can unleash their imagination and energy. Kids can bounce to their heart’s content in the giant inflatable kingdom, featuring obstacle courses and bouncy castles themed after enchanted forests. Face painting artists create dazzling designs, turning little ones into their favorite animals or superheroes, while the craft station lets creative minds shine with nature-inspired art projects.
Professional entertainers keep children spellbound with interactive puppet shows and magic performances throughout the day. The popular treasure hunt challenge sends kids on an exciting quest around the festival grounds, solving riddles and collecting special tokens. For hands-on fun, the petting zoo brings gentle farm animals for children to meet and learn about, while the bubble station creates gigantic rainbow spheres that float magically through the air.
Parents can rest easy knowing the entire zone is safely enclosed and staffed by certified childcare professionals.
Interactive Nature Programs
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature through our engaging outdoor educational programs at the West Chester Festival. Expert naturalists lead fascinating guided nature activities that showcase local flora, fauna, and ecological wonders. Kids will love our hands-on wildlife demonstrations, where they can learn about native species and their habitats. Join our popular bird-watching walks at dawn, or participate in interactive wilderness survival workshops perfect for the whole family.
Our butterfly garden sessions teach visitors about pollination and conservation, while the geology walks reveal fascinating stories about our region’s natural history. Don’t miss the crowd-favorite pond exploration activity, where participants can discover the vibrant ecosystem beneath the water’s surface. Each program is designed to be both educational and entertaining, fostering a deeper connection with nature while creating lasting memories for festival-goers of all ages.
Practical Information
Dates, Times, and Location
Join us for this year’s West Chester Festival, taking place from June 15-17, 2024, in the heart of downtown Chesterfield. The festivities kick off Friday at 4 PM with a grand opening parade and continue through Sunday evening until 9 PM. The main festival grounds are located at Chester Commons Park, just a short walk from other popular attractions in Chesterfield. Free parking is available at the Community Center lot, with shuttle service running every 15 minutes throughout the event. Early birds can catch special morning activities starting at 8 AM on Saturday and Sunday, including the beloved sunrise yoga sessions and farmers’ market. Make sure to stick around for the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night at 9:30 PM!
Parking and Transportation
Getting to the West Chester Festival is a breeze with multiple convenient parking options available. The main festival parking lot is located at the Chester County Government Services Center, offering ample space for visitors. Additional parking can be found at the Justice Center Garage and the Chestnut Street Garage, both within easy walking distance to the festival grounds.
For those looking to avoid parking hassles, shuttle services run continuously throughout the festival hours from the remote parking lots at Henderson High School and West Chester University’s South Campus. These free shuttles operate every 15-20 minutes, making it simple to reach the heart of the festivities.
If you’re considering public transportation, the SEPTA bus routes 92 and 104 both stop near the festival grounds. Bicycle racks are also available throughout the festival area for those who prefer to pedal their way to the celebration.
Pro tip: Arrive early in the day to secure the best parking spots, especially during peak festival hours. Street parking in surrounding neighborhoods is limited and requires careful attention to posted restrictions.
What to Bring
To make the most of your festival experience, pack these essential items! Bring a comfortable folding chair or blanket for relaxing on the festival grounds, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the New Hampshire sun. A refillable water bottle is a must to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Consider bringing cash for vendors who may not accept cards, though many now offer digital payment options. A small cooler with snacks is permitted, but remember that the festival features numerous local food vendors worth trying. Pack a light jacket or sweater for when evening temperatures cool down.
Photography enthusiasts should bring their cameras to capture the vibrant performances and stunning mountain backdrop. If you’re planning to purchase crafts or local goods, a reusable shopping bag will come in handy. For families with young children, pack wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and any necessary medications.
Don’t forget to bring your festival spirit and an open mind to try new experiences! Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential as you’ll be exploring the grounds throughout the day.
The West Chester Festival stands as a testament to the vibrant spirit of our community, bringing together locals and visitors in a celebration that captures the essence of outdoor adventure and family fun. From thrilling activities and captivating performances to mouthwatering local cuisine and artisanal crafts, the festival offers something special for everyone who attends.
Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker looking to tackle the climbing wall, a food enthusiast eager to sample regional delicacies, or a family seeking quality time together, this annual gathering creates memories that last a lifetime. The festival’s unique blend of entertainment, education, and adventure makes it a must-visit destination in Chesterfield.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration. Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable experience at the West Chester Festival. With each passing year, the festival grows more dynamic and exciting, proving why it’s become one of New Hampshire’s most beloved outdoor events. Come discover the magic for yourself and become part of our growing festival family.