The 2021 Newtown Arts Festival began with musical performances on Friday, September 17, and continued through the weekend with crowds visiting vendor booths on the Fairfield Hills campus.

Before the headlining group the Alternate Routes performed on Friday, Gold Roots opened by performing for attendees. The musical evening also included a food truck and beverages.

Drizzling rain only paused the music for a short time between the two bands’ sets. When the Alternate Routes took the stage, people gathered on chairs under tents or found places to sit on the ground.

The evening kicked off the Arts Festival’s entire weekend program, and the following morning vendor stalls were filled and ready for people to peruse goods, art, and food.

Entertainment continued throughout the weekend with different scheduled performances, food trucks were available, and activities for children were offered.

The event took place on the soccer/baseball/softball field surrounded by Keating Ferris Avenue and DG Beers Boulevard.

More than 40 artisans participated in the event, offering an assortment of paintings, woodworking, jewelry, and other artistic creation, according to the Newtown Arts Festival.

For additional information about Newtown Arts Festival see its website newtownartsfestival.com.

Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.