Since 2005, Duck Day has grown from a small local fundraiser into one of the most anticipated and beloved duck race festivals in the region.
What began as a simple idea, rubber ducks racing down the Naugatuck River to support local causes, has become a signature community celebration that brings together families, businesses, and nonprofits for one unforgettable day each year.
At its heart, Duck Day is about fun with purpose.
Every first Sunday in June, thousands of rubber ducks take to the Naugatuck River while more than 5,000 attendees gather along the banks to cheer them on.
It’s colorful.
It’s loud.
It’s joyful.
For one afternoon, the river belongs to the ducks, and the entire community shows up to celebrate.
Families gather. Friends reconnect. Kids laugh. And for a few hours, everyone shares in the same simple excitement: watching their duck race toward the finish line.
As we mark this 20th Duck Day, the festival offers an array of activities that cater to everyone. Starting at 11 am, the air fills with live music, setting a festive mood. Attendees can indulge in delicious local cuisine, discover unique artisan crafts, and enjoy dynamic street performances. The highlight of the day, the grand Duck Race at 2 pm, remains a thrilling draw, as participants cheer on their sponsored ducks in hopes of winning fantastic prizes.
While the race is the highlight, Duck Day’s impact reaches far beyond the water.
Over the years, the event has:
• Supported more than 350 nonprofit organizations
• Raised nearly half a million dollars for community initiatives
• Created opportunities for local businesses, vendors, and sponsors to engage with thousands of attendees
Each duck adopted represents more than a chance to win a prize — it represents direct support for programs and organizations that strengthen our community year after year.
That’s what makes Duck Day different.
Duck Day is a full afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and community celebration.
The festivities begin at 11:00 AM and include:
• Live music and performances
• Local food vendors and festival favorites
• Artisan crafts and community exhibitors
• Activities for all ages
And at 2:00 PM, the moment everyone waits for.
Thousands of ducks.
One river.
Twenty lucky winners.
Duck Day isn’t just an event on the calendar — it’s part of the fabric of our community.
It’s a day where neighbors support neighbors.
Where local nonprofits gain meaningful funding.
Where businesses and families come together along the river.
Whether you’ve attended for years or you’re discovering it for the first time, you’re part of something that continues to grow, give back, and make waves.
Bring your family.
Bring your friends.
Adopt a duck.
Experience the energy, the excitement, and the spirit that have defined Duck Day since 2005.
We’ll see you at the river.
Welcome to the Duck Day 2026 Duck Duck Jeep! Competition
If you have any questions, please call the Chamber at 203-757-0701
Welcome to the DuckDay 2025 Food Vendor Application!
Thank you for your interest in being a part of Duck Day 2025! At this time, all food vendor spaces have been filled, and we are no longer accepting applications in this category.
We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and hope you’ll consider joining us next year. Registration for Duck Day 2026 will open in late March 2026, so please stay tuned and apply early to secure your spot at this beloved community celebration.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future and welcome you into the Duck Day family!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Chamber at 203-729-4511.
Welcome to the DuckDay 2026 Food Vendor Application!
We are thrilled to see your interest in joining us for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. At DuckDay, we celebrate diversity, creativity, and the joy of food, bringing together the best vendors to delight our guests.
However, please understand that space is limited, and in our quest to provide a wide variety of culinary delights, Duck Day Representatives reserve the right to review and select applications based on a variety of criteria. This process ensures that all our guests can enjoy a broad spectrum of flavors and experiences.
Key Points to Note:
*PLEASE NOTE: To ensure a diverse and unique culinary experience for all our guests, Duck Day Representatives reserve the right to limit the number of similar vendors and carefully curate the selection. This may mean that we cannot accommodate every application, as our aim is to prevent duplication and ensure a wide variety of options for our attendees.
No Initial Fees: There are no charges for applying. Billing details and participation fees will only be discussed and applied upon acceptance into DuckDay 2026.
We appreciate your understanding and enthusiasm. Our goal is to create an environment that celebrates food, community, and innovation. Thank you for considering being a part of DuckDay 2026. Here’s to creating a fantastic experience together!
If you have any questions, please call the Chamber at 203-757-0701
By submitting this form, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
If you have any questions, please call the Chamber at 203-757-0701