Make Music Day Willimantic is a free, community-wide musical holiday held each year on June 21 as part of the global Make Music Day celebration—where music is performed by anyone and enjoyed by everyone. Organized locally by Project Imo, Willimantic Renaissance Inc., and The River Room, with support from partners including Bliss Marketplace, The Lily Pad, Egg & Cheese, and others, the day transforms spaces across Willimantic into stages for live music of all kinds.

Unlike a traditional festival, Make Music Day is open and uncurated: musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are invited to participate. Throughout the day, you’ll find performances by original artists, open mics, jam sessions, karaoke, and spontaneous community music-making, alongside opportunities for artist networking, a shared green room, gear and merch exchanges, and more. The celebration culminates in a sunset community drum circle, bringing everyone together to mark the first day of summer through music, creativity, and connection.

Show up. Listen. Play. Sing. Dance. Jump in.

Make Music Day Willimantic is for everyone—whether you’re performing on a stage, jamming on a sidewalk, or just soaking it all in. Bring your guitar, your voice, your horns, your turntables, your bucket drums—whatever you’ve got. Join an open mic, hop into a jam session, belt it out at karaoke, or just clap along and enjoy the sound of the city coming alive. Play a few tunes with your bluegrass crew, shred with your neighbors, or start something spontaneous. In a city with a deep and vibrant Latin music heritage, this is also your invitation to bring those sounds into the streets—whether it’s salsa, reggaetón, bachata, plena, or something entirely your own. Grab some friends, bring a voice or instruments, and make it happen.

And for solo acts, original artists, and bands—this is your stage. If you’ve got music of your own to share, we want to hear it.

No tickets. No barriers. Just music—made by anyone, enjoyed by everyone.

Are YOU a performer or venue looking to schedule? You can sign up for an account, create your band, act, or venue, and match up to host music on Make Music Day. Follow the link below.

Support the Next Gen

Help us launch the Next Generation Music Scholarship Fund—supporting emerging musicians with access to instruments, mentorship, and creative space at Project Imo’s Idea Forge Studios in Willimantic. Donations from Make Music Day Willimantic will help seed this fund and expand opportunities for the next wave of artists. Learn more about the NGMSF at the link below.

We also welcome donated instruments and gear, as well as volunteers who want to support the day’s events and ongoing programs.

To get involved, contribute, or donate equipment, email teamimo@projectimo.org.

Sponsorships

Music has always been a powerful connector in Willimantic—and on Make Music Day, that spirit comes alive across our streets, stages, and shared spaces. This community-powered event brings together original artists, local businesses, and neighbors for a day of creativity, connection, and live music in all its forms. Your support helps make it possible—amplifying local talent, activating our downtown, and creating meaningful opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

Download the flyer to explore sponsorship opportunities and see how you can get involved. Join us in bringing music to every corner of Willimantic and making this a day our community won’t forget.

We also welcome donated instruments and gear, as well as volunteers who want to support the day’s events and ongoing programs.

To get connected with your Sponsorship Liaison email teamimo@projectimo.org.

Get in touch with us at teamimo@projectimo.org