Press Release

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 10th Annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival will once again be taking over the streets of Saugatuck on Saturday September 10th from 2pm – 5pm. (Rain date Saturday September 17th).

Started in 2011, the highly successful food tasting and retail experience celebrates its 10th anniversary with over 40 businesses participating and its largest number of sponsors to date. Each of those years over 2000 people have come to see what Westport’s Saugatuck neighborhood has to offer by going venue to venue and sampling all the restaurants, merchants and activities that this mom and pop driven area has created and has to offer.

“We’re back and Saugatuck is stronger than ever, despite the impact of the pandemic,” said Matthew Mandell Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “It only took 12 years to have the 10th event, but everyone embraces the festival, from the merchants and restaurateurs right down to the residents who come out to see what’s up. Where else can you just walk the streets with friends and neighbors and enjoy what an entire community has to offer.”

Bouncy houses are back as well as the balloon bender and roving performances for the kids. And of course, tastes from over two dozen venues as the anchor to the event.

There will be live music located at seven different locations all playing at the same time, with notable local bands: Outside Chance, Silver Steel, Otis and the Hurricanes, The Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi, Accidental Breakdown and The School of Rock.

The event will also have two “Beer Gardens” with wine as well, located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place which will allow adult eventgoers to enjoy a cold one and watch the bands. Many of the restaurants will also be offering specialty drinks inside their venues. The 2pm to 5pm time slot has proven to be a winner and stays the same this year. Many of the participating venues will be holding a special Saugatuck Happy Hour offering festival attendees the opportunity to return at 5pm to enjoy more food and libations after the event.

The price will again be $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Cash only.

The Chamber has donated over $39,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry from the proceeds from the prior events. This year will take it past $40,000. “The Slice of Saugatuck is a unique event that helps fill our pantry and supports the most vulnerable with food insecurity in our community,” said Helen McAlinden Executive Director of Homes with Hope. “We thank the Chamber and all the merchants for their support in putting on this wonderful festival that highlights a gem of Westport.”

For more information on the event and see participants a map go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/saugatuck  - Tickets go on sale onsite only at 1:50pm day of the event, cash only.