Windsor Shad Derby Festival

Quick Links:

Apply to be a Vendor at 2025 Shad Derby Festival. CLICK HERE
Apply to Participate in 2025 Shad Derby Parade. CLICK HERE

2025 SHAD DERBY IS MAY 17TH
Celebrating 70 YEARS!

Official Website of the Windsor Shad Derby Festival
A Beloved New England Tradition Every Spring

The Shad Derby Festival is a long standing Windsor, Connecticut & New England Tradition. It all began in 1955 with a fishing tournament to raise awareness of the growing pollution of the Connecticut River. In 1966, as the Fishing Derby grew in size a parade and festivities on the Windsor Town Green were added to celebrate & commemorate the Shad Derby while also helping promote the best of Windsor and the local New England area through it's many resources, attractions, businesses and organizations. Currently, over 20 events are associated with the Shad Derby Festival - that always culminates on the third Saturday in May in Windsor. This website is dedicated to all the volunteers, contributors, businesses & organizations who always make sure "The Shad Always Return" every spring to Connecticut's First Town.