🎉 2026 Founders Weekend in Lee

September 18 – 20

A signature celebration of community, tradition, and hometown pride.

Join us for a festive weekend celebrating the rich history and vibrant spirit of Lee, Massachusetts. Founders Weekend brings together residents and visitors for food, music, traditions, and family-friendly fun in the heart of the Berkshires—highlighting the best of what makes our community special.

From the Taste of Lee and spectacular fireworks on Friday to Saturday’s hometown parade and Sunday’s Dog Parade, Duck Race, and Corn Hole Tournament, there’s something happening all weekend long. Bring the family, meet up with friends, and celebrate Lee with us!

More details, including participating vendors, entertainment, and activity information, will be added as the weekend approaches. Check back often for updates!

Founders day
Berkshire Highlanders

📅Weekend Schedule

Friday, September 18

Taste of Lee | 5:00–8:00 PM
Stroll along Main Street and enjoy Taste of Lee, a tasty food fair featuring local restaurants, food vendors, music, and more.

Beer Tent | 5:00–10:00 PM
Enjoy the weekend atmosphere at the Beer Tent, featuring 51 Park Restaurant & Tavern and The Locker Room.

Spectacular Fireworks Display | 8:00 PM
Cap off Friday night with a spectacular fireworks display—visable throughout downtown!

Saturday, September 19

Wildcat Main Street Mile | 10:00 AM
A high-energy race through downtown that kicks off the parade.

Founders Hometown Parade | Immediately following the Mile
Floats, performers, and community pride take over Main Street in this signature tradition.

Meet this year’s Parade Marshal, Phil Smith, and learn more about his longtime connection to Lee and service to the community.

Crafts, Food, Vendors and More! | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Lee Church Park
Handmade goods, local products, and community organizations.

Live Music & Cultural Performances | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Lee Church Park
Featuring the Berkshire Fife & Drum Corps, Berkshire Rhythm Keepers, Berkshire Be-Witches, and additional regional performers.

Children’s Activities | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Lee Athletic Field
An afternoon of family fun—from performers and magicians to pony rides, interactive activities and obstacle courses. Free ice cream and cotton candy, along with food vendors.

Classic Car Show | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Lee Bank parking lot
Vintage vehicles from across the region, paired with live music from Fannie Pack.

Antique Fire Truck Show | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Lee Bank parking lot
A family favorite featuring beautifully restored engines and historical vehicles.

Historic Church Tours | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
Explore the history and architecture of Lee’s historic Congregational Church.

Old-Fashioned Meeting House Supper | 5:30 PM | Lee Congregational Church
A warm community meal and long-standing tradition.

Sunday, September 20

Dog Parade | 1:00 PM | Church Park
A joyful and growing tradition featuring costumes, community spirit, and plenty of four-legged fun as participants parade from Church Park to the Athletic Field.

Cornhole Tournament | 1:30 PM | Lee Athletic Field
A friendly (and competitive!) community tournament where teams go head-to-head in a classic lawn game showdown. Spectators welcome—bring your best cheering voice.

Annual Rubber Duck Race | 2:00 PM | Housatonic River at the Lee Athletic Field
A playful finale to the weekend—cheer on your duck in this quirky and beloved tradition.

Come Celebrate with Us!

Whether you’re here for the food, the music, the parade, the fireworks, the family activities—or simply the chance to spend a weekend with your neighbors—Lee Founders Weekend is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

📌 Get Involved!

Be part of Lee Founders Weekend 2026! Vendor registration is now open, and we are also accepting parade participants and volunteers to help make this community celebration a success.

🗂️ Looking Back

Take a look at last year’s celebration and relive the highlights:

👉 View 2025 Founders Weekend Highlights