Waking Windows

In 2011, Waking Windows started as a small festival at the Monkey House and has grown into one of Winooski's most definitive traditions. Year after year on the first weekend of May, Waking Windows celebrates Vermont's return to warmer weather by transforming Winooski's businesses, parks, and open spaces into a hub of live music and culture where residents and visitors can discover music, art, comedy, food, and drink. For more than a decade, Waking Windows has created a truly unique community experience that continues Winooski's long history of welcoming and opportunity.

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"When they launched Waking Windows in 2011, none of the team members anticipated that their venture would become an integral part of Winooski's revitalization. In 2004, Winooski residents took out a $24 million municipal bond to rebuild their downtown, which had been demolished during the city’s urban renewal movement of the 1970s. Local retailers, restaurants, and bars lost foot traffic on account of the construction downtown, so there were plenty of commercial vacancies - but also opportunities. 'When we first started the festival, we put music into some of the vacant business spaces,' says Nagle. Soon enough, shop-owners set up on a permanent basis in those same storefronts, continuing to host sets as they watched festivalgoers become customers. '[Our downtown] exploded simultaneously with the festival,' Nagle adds. “We rely on them just as much as they rely on us.” Parking and public transportation infrastructure also grew in tandem with the festival crowds, which Nagle estimates have doubled year-on-year.” Via Billboard

Waking Windows is Winooski's largest annual event and requires the support of countless organizers, volunteers, business owners, and residents who care deeply about its success and how it makes Winooski a special place.

Waking Windows Co-Creators (L - R): Paddy Reagan, Brian Nagle, Matt Rogers, Ali Nagle, Nick Mavodones

Amy Wild, Downtown Artisan Market (DAM) Coordinator: “Waking Windows is so much more than a festival; it's a community, a feeling, a whole vibe! My favorite part of the festival is the discovery of new bands, new artists, new comedians, new food trucks, and even new friends. Every year there is so much to discover - we've had people selling handmade art, clothing, jewelry, books, pottery, hot sauces, vintage clothes, flower arrangements, and much more. I have met so many amazing folks, added some fantastic art and unique pieces to my collections, and made valuable connections through Waking Windows.”
Tony Naples, Site Operations Manager: “Waking Windows has been a beacon of community celebration and collaboration for my friends and me for a decade. The incredible amount of musical and cultural diversity it brings to the area is unparalleled! I feel lucky and inspired to have had the opportunity to work alongside Winooski’s police, fire department, the WW production team, volunteers, artists, and musicians who make it all happen - and I look forward to many more!"
Dan Kirk, Site & Vending Operations: “Waking Windows is one of the integral chambers in the heart of Winooski. Of all the music festivals I've worked or attended, Waking Windows proves to be the most inclusive, accessible, varied, dynamic, and greatest opportunity for both artist and attendee that I know of.”
Ted Olson, Waking Windows Branding & Design: "Having created the branding and design for Waking Windows all these years, I’ve gotten to get to know the team and festival really well. The City of Winooski has been a huge supporter of Waking Windows since the beginning - the Mayors, Councilors, and business owners have championed a weekend festival that brings thousands into a small City, which is a major factor in its success! My wife (born and raised in Winooski) and I own a home in the city, and our 9-year-old attends school here. We love going to Waking Windows as a family and are so fortunate to live in one of the best places in Vermont.”

One of Waking Windows' biggest aspects of welcoming and opportunity is its ability to provide independent local bands with an audience of thousands. Each festival features more than 100 local bands from around the state and ends each night with an incredible headlining act. Participants can map out their entire weekend by viewing the lineup and picking which new bands to discover and which of their favorites to revisit. Some of Vermont's most notable acts include Rough Francis, Kat Wright, Caroline Rose, Clever Girls, and A2VT (of Winooski fame). Featured headliners have included Tune-Yards, Noname, Real Estate, Deer Tick, and others. While music is the main focus of the festival, there are other exciting offerings: Waking Windows includes stand-up comedy, artisan markets, food trucks, kids events, art exhibits, and so much more. In doing so, participants have the opportunity to support Vermont's thriving arts community and Winooski's local economy. With so much community engagement and positivity, it's common to hear someone wish you a "Happy Waking Windows"!

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