Wilton Pride, in partnership with Wilton Library, is delighted to announce the return of the annual Wilton Pride Be You Festival on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Green.
Building on the success of previous years, this year’s festival will feature a vibrant array of activities, including music, live mural painting, performing arts, exhibits, food, drinks, and much more, all celebrating community collaboration and belonging through partnerships with numerous local businesses and organizations.
"The Library is honored to co-sponsor the Pride Festival for a third year," said Caroline Mandler, Executive Director of Wilton Library. “We are so appreciative of all of the support from the many community partners who make this happen, and we look forward to seeing everyone on June 1 as we celebrate together and show what it means to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community."
“Belonging is at the heart of a strong community. When people feel welcomed, safe, and connected, it makes a difference in every part of our lives. We’re proud to keep building a Wilton where everyone can find a place to be themselves. #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong,” said Kim Fellman Cohen, Board Member, Wilton Pride.
This year Wilton Pride is honored to partner with Marché Artisan Market, founded by Katie Nelson and Kerry Ray. Marché is dedicated to celebrating local craftspersonship and creating vibrant, inclusive spaces. Participating Marché vendors
will offer a diverse array of handcrafted goods, including vintage clothing and jewelry, baked goods, floral arrangements, dog treats, crochet items, designer candles, vintage home goods, custom Wilton-printed items, stationery, art, photography, fair trade decor, textiles, permanent jewelry, polymer clay earrings, soaps, and wallpaper.
Katie Nelson, founder, notes, “Marché is more than just a market—it’s a celebration of community and creativity! We’re proud to partner with Wilton Pride to bring you an incredible lineup of local artisans. Each vendor will be showcasing their crafts while supporting a cause close to our hearts: fostering equality and inclusivity for all.”
Here is a listing of Marché vendors:
Artist Brian Kaspr, will be leading an exciting interactive art project with festival attendees themed on belonging. Together they will create a collaborative and traveling art piece, envisioned to reside at various community organizations throughout Wilton, including the Library, Wilton Congregational Church, schools, YMCA, Trackside, and beyond.
Coalition for Youth is partnering with Wilton Pride and Wilton Library on the creation of this mural as part of the #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign.
Sunday, June 1st promises to be a day filled with fun and engaging activities for attendees of all ages!
Activities at Town Green (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
11 a.m.: Festival begins - Enjoy music, festivities, vendors offering swag and merchandise, balloons, bubbles, a photo booth, and an atmosphere of joy and love.
11:30 a.m.: Welcome yoga sun salutation movement led by Rhoswyn Wellness.
12 p.m.: Opening Ceremony featuring a song by Wilton High School Graduate, Actress, and Singer Aine Duffy, followed by speeches and a flag raising by graduating Wilton High School Senior and GSA President Lucy Jane Shultz, and Wilton Superintendent of Schools, Kevin Smith.
12:30 p.m.: Live Drum Circle.
1:30 p.m.: Mid-day energizing breathing movements and yoga session by Rhoswyn Wellness.
2 p.m.: Storytime at Wilton Library in the Children’s Room.
3 p.m.: Closing performance; community dance party.
Food and Drinks at Wilton Town Green (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) A variety of food and beverage options will be available from:
Bubble & Brew
Cotton Candy Time
College Creamery
Freddy's Platos
Spacecat Brewing Co.
Wheels on the Rocks
Be You Scavenger Hunt Returns by popular demand (Starting at 12:30 p.m.) Participants can begin the "Be You" Scavenger Hunt by checking in at the Wilton Library booth on the Town Green starting at 12:30 p.m. The hunt will feature participating "Adopt-A-Shop" partners throughout the town center. Entries must be submitted by Sunday, June 29th at 9 p.m. The winner(s) will be selected the week of June 30th and announced on Wilton Pride's social media channels.
Fostering community collaboration and belonging, this year, Wilton Pride welcomes the Wilton Youth Council’s Coalition for Youth to participate in the Festival focusing on wellness and self-care activities. This collaboration furthers the work of the Coalition's #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign.
The #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign aims to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and promote inclusivity for all Wilton residents, regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The Be You Festival offers a valuable platform to connect with the community and highlight the Coalition's ongoing efforts to support the well-being of Wilton's youth and families. The Wilton Coalition for Youth is a network of organizations, town departments, and individuals dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health within the community, spearheaded by the Wilton Youth Council.
Participating vendors and community partners in addition to Marché’s line up include:
ASML, Brian Kaspr Mural Artist, Block Party USA, Bubble & Brew, Catalyst CT | The Hub, College Bound Rickshaws, College Creamery LLC, Cotton Candy Time, Courtney Krankall Photography, Freddy's Platos, Henry B Glass, Lighthouse, NAMI, Norwalk River Valley Trail, Rhoswyn Wellness, Spacecat Brewing Co., Sensory on Wheels, SideKickCT FacePainters, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Structural Body, Town of Wilton - Voter Registration, Traveling Art Framer, Wheels on the Rocks, WildBloom Skincare, Wilton Democratic Town Committee, Wilton Library, Wilton Loves, Wilton Police Department, Wilton Social Services, Wilton Youth Council, and Woodcock Nature Center.
For more information, please visit Wilton Pride at www.wiltonpride.org or contact Farah Masani at info@wiltonpride.org or (512) 431-1515.