Things to do in Woodbridge this July
Opportunities to explore local history, volunteer on town trails, enjoy live music
Looking for something uniquely Woodbridge to do this month? The Fourth of July may be behind us, but opportunities to explore our community's America 250 story are just getting started. From discovering Revolutionary-era connections and volunteering on town trails to enjoying live music at 10 Selden, here are a few community activities to add to your July calendar.
July 4th Bell Ringing for the 250th
The Woodbridge & Amity Historical Society marked Independence Day at 2 o’clock on July 4th as members gathered along with others at the Old South Schoolhouse on Johnson Road in Woodbridge. Participants took turns ringing the old school bell to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. See photos, below.
The holiday also serves as a reminder that some of the most significant Revolutionary War anniversaries for Woodbridge and the greater New Haven area are still ahead of us. In a recent article at our sister publication, TownHistory.org, we explored how local residents responded when British forces threatened New Haven in 1779 and how Woodbridge patriots — including men buried in our local cemeteries — answered the call to defend their neighbors and community.
If you're looking for a meaningful summer outing, consider visiting one of Woodbridge's historic burying grounds. Eastside Cemetery, Northwest Cemetery, and Milfordside Cemetery all contain the graves of Revolutionary-era residents whose stories remain woven into the town's history. Our July 4 essay highlights several of those individuals and offers ideas for exploring these remarkable local landmarks both in-person and as an online excursion fit for a hot and/or rainy day.
➡️ Read: Beyond July 4, 1776: Woodbridge’s Revolutionary War Patriots and the anniversaries still ahead
Photos courtesy of the Amity & Woodbridge Historical Society.
Music and community events at 10 Selden in July
Woodbridge's all-ages arts and music venue at 10 Selden Street continues its busy schedule throughout July with a variety of live performances and community gatherings. The month's schedule includes:
- July 10 — Hip Hop Showcase featuring Vanity Grimes, Boss Regis, Abigail, Rae Allison and more
- July 11 — Metal showcase featuring bands to be announced
- July 17 — Local Honeymoon and additional performers
- July 18 — Underground Experience presents a metal showcase
- July 24 — The S.P.O.T. community event (free admission)
- July 25 — Symposia, Deathwish, Cadmium, SKOT, Western Reserve
- July 31 — Deadly Shines and additional hardcore performers
Most events are open to all ages, with ticket prices varying by performance. Visit the 10 Selden website's events page for more information.
Get involved with Woodbridge Trails
Residents looking to spend time outdoors while giving back to the community can join stewardship projects organized by Woodbridge Trails.
Volunteers are welcome at monthly work sessions, typically held on the second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as well as additional trail and open-space projects scheduled throughout the year. Activities vary by season and may include trail maintenance, habitat improvement projects, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
The organization occasionally undertakes special projects as well, including the installation of wildlife habitat features such as bird or bat boxes in town open spaces.
Residents interested in participating can sign up to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities and stewardship events. To learn more sign up for volunteer notifications or contact the trail master by email.
