A graphic showing recreational buildings in downtown Waterbury and people singing, golfing and taking part in local events

Year-Round Recreation

Waterbury is alive with community events that provide opportunities for people of all ages, ethnicities and interests to come together. By joining in the fun, you and anyone else can celebrate commonalities, appreciate differences and contribute to our vibrant City culture.

Waterbury Public Parks

Public parks and recreational facilities are located throughout the City – offering tennis, swimming pools, ball fields, ice skating and community programs. In addition, the City offers bathing, boating and fishing facilities at Lakewood Park within the City, and at Lake Quassapaug and Hitchcock Lake just outside the City limits.

The fields, courts and recreation space at Waterville Park in Waterbury CT

Dave Therault

Water feature in Lakewood Park in Waterbury CT that is used for boating and fishing

Dave Therault

One of Waterbury’s signature parks, Fulton Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The 70-acre park contains three main sections – two of which feature athletic fields and tennis courts, while the other is known for its beautiful rock garden, rose garden and lilac path.

Fulton Park was designed by the Olmstead Brothers, who are renowned for having designed many high-profile projects – including Central Park in New York City.

Scenic view of the water feature and trees located in Fulton Park in Waterbury CT

Dave Therault

Throughout the year, a variety of events bring folks of all ages and interests to Downtown Waterbury.

Brass City Jazz Fest

Contemporary, charting jazz artists from around the world are featured at the Brass City Jazz Fest – a summertime festival which takes over Grand Street in Downtown Waterbury. Accomplished local artists also grace the performance stage.

Brass City Brew and 'Que

One of the largest brew fests in New England, the Brass City Brew and ‘Que provides an opportunity to sample over 250 varieties of beers. This event draws crowds from across Connecticut and several states up and down the East Coast. It’s a must for any beer aficionado!

Make Music Waterbury

Part of the international Make Music Day – which brings free, community-wide, outdoor musical celebrations to more than 800 communities around the world – the Waterbury event features musicians of all abilities, and music from any genre, with public spaces throughout the city acting as stages.

A man playing the saxophone in front of onlookers at Make Music Day in Waterbury CT

Mayor's Kids Marathon

One of the most inspiring community events each year, the Kids Marathon features several thousand Waterbury students running a mile through the downtown streets – as part of a larger program aimed at teaching youth about healthy exercise and nutrition.

A crowd gathers in the city streets of downtown Waterbury CT to run a marathon

Golfing in Waterbury

Waterbury has several golf options for players of all skill levels. Two 18-hole City-owned golf courses – Western Hills and East Mountain – are located in the City, as is the acclaimed Donald Ross 18-hole private course at the Country Club of Waterbury. Several 9-hole golf courses are also situated immediately adjacent to the City.

The green at the golf course at the Waterbury Country Club

WORX

Country Club of Waterbury.

The Gathering

Each September, Waterbury welcomes The Gathering – one of the largest multicultural festivals in all of New England. The brainchild of Waterbury publisher John Murray, and in partnership with the City, The Gathering represents the cultures of more than 100 countries – including food, customs and performances.

Greater Waterbury YMCA

Committed to the health and wellness of the Greater Waterbury community, the YMCA offers programs for people of all ages and abilities, providing the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. Strong in spirit, mind and body for 160 years, the Y strives for inclusion and making healthy lifestyles accessible to all members of the community.

And, with a recent campus expansion that saw the renovation of two buildings, the YMCA now serves nearly 200 Pre-K to 5th Grade students on a daily basis through Child Development and School Age educational programs.

Women participating in a health and fitness dancing class at the Waterbury YMCA

Greater Waterbury YMCA

A swim instructor teaching a young girl in goggles to swim at the Waterbury YMCA pool

Greater Waterbury YMCA

Yoga In Our City

Presented by the Waterbury Health Department, in partnership with the City of Waterbury, Yoga In Our City is just one of several free community-wide programs that bring together anyone interested in relaxation and exercise.

Two women sitting on yoga mats in the grass turned around and waving

Waterbury Health Department

Waterbury Youth Programs

Youth in Waterbury can participate in a variety of programs throughout the City. One such program is the Waterbury Police Athletic League (PAL), which provides activities that emphasize education and learning, as well as participation in sports and recreation. The goal of PAL is to enable all young people – regardless of race, religion, income or handicap – to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.