Windsor Shad Derby Festival

Quick Links:

Be a Vendor at the Shad Derby Festival. CLICK HERE
Participate in the Shad Derby Parade. CLICK HERE
Become a Shad Derby Sponsor DOWNLOAD SPONSOR FORM

SHAD DERBY DAY IS MAY 16, 2026!

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

SHAD DERBY DAY PARKING:

Parking is limited in the center of Windsor. There is a free Shuttle that will run between Windsor High School and Elm Street all day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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.

2026 Windsor Shad Derby Queen and her Court

Shad Derby Queen: Macy Karlowicz, Miss. Windsor Animal Clinic
Princess Royal: Julianna Mendoza Villa - Miss. Caring Companions Home Care
First Princess: Evelyn Schwartz- Miss. Blue Dragonfly
Second Princess: Sydell Asiedu- Miss. The Kitchen @ Backeast
Miss Congeniality & Mary Ellin Messina Award:
Macy Karlowicz- Miss. Windsor Animal Clinic
Vincent Scully Memorial Award:Julianna Mendoza Villa