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New Canaan, CT: The inaugural New Canaan Music Festival held at The New Canaan Nature Center on Saturday September 19th 2026 will feature a reunion of NYC original rock band The Telephones, Mind the Gap, Pretty Nasty, Take A Step Back, and DMR Big Band on the main stage. The festival stage will welcome The Parkway Ramblers, Mokra, Otis & The Hurricanes, Peter and His Band of Wolves and also include an acoustic kid's concert “Not for Kids Only”. This event, presented by Michael-Louis Smith Music in partnership with the New Canaan Nature Center will bring the community together to enjoy great live music and family fun including activities for families with children, food trucks, beverages, festival merchandise, and other vendors. The 40-acre New Canaan Nature Center features two miles of walking paths, ponds, a cattail marsh, gardens and an apple orchard. The New Canaan Nature Center is located at 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT. Gates will open Saturday September 19th at 11am, music will begin at 12pm and performances will run until 10pm. This event is rain or shine, and guests are encouraged to bring a portable chair. No overnight camping will be permitted. Tickets and V.I.P. Packages are available at www.newcanaanmusicfestival.com

August is officially here, and while many of the outdoor summer concert series are beginning to wind down, there's still plenty of live music, festivals, and community events to enjoy before the season fades. The coming weeks will also bring true music legends to Fairfield County stages, including Bonnie Raitt at the Levitt Pavilion on Sunday, August 9 , and the legendary Motown Queen Diana Ross , returning to The Palace Theatre Stamford on Sunday, August 16 . With a stretch of beautiful summer weather and clear skies in the forecast, there's no better time to get out, explore what's happening this week, and experience everything Fairfield County has to offer. Sponsor Spotlight: The Palace Theatre Stamford This week, Fairfield After Dark is proud to recognize The Palace Theatre Stamford as our featured sponsor. Built in 1927 , The Palace Theatre is the longest-running arts presenter in Fairfield County and remains one of Connecticut's premier performing arts venues. Operated by Stamford Center for the Arts (SCA) , the beautifully restored 1,600-seat theater presents an outstanding lineup of concerts, comedy, Broadway productions, family shows, and special events throughout the year. Designed by renowned architect Thomas Lamb , The Palace has welcomed legendary performers including Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jeff Dunham , and countless other world-class entertainers. This month, the spotlight shines on the return of the legendary Diana Ross on Sunday, August 16 , one of the many world-class performances taking the stage this season. Discover everything coming to The Palace Theatre Stamford this season—from legendary concerts and Broadway productions to comedy, family entertainment, and more. Click here to explore the complete lineup of upcoming shows and purchase your tickets. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Gunsmoke - Black Rock Concert Series (6:30pm – 8:30pm) New Canaan: Tuesday Night Jazz with Noreen Mola Quartet at Roger Sherman Inn(6pm - 8:30pm) New Haven: 80 Proof American Kitchen Oyster Festival August 4-9(4pm - 9pm) ☀️🎶Newtown: Judy Pancoast at Newtown Kids Concerts at Dickinson Memorial Bandshell(11am –12pm) ☀️🎶Oxford: 100 Proof - Oxford Summer Nights At The Beach(6:30pm) ☀️🎶Stratford: T and T Dreamin' Outside on the Paradise Green Gazebo (7pm) Stamford: Cats in Hats at Villa Italia Restaurant(6:30pm) ☀️🎶Stamford: Bennie Rose at Ferguson Library Plaza(6pm - 8pm) ☀️🎶Stamford: Dive Bar Confessional at Bedford Street Plaza(6pm - 8pm) ☀️🎶Trumbull: Michele Urban Music at Trumbull’s Summer Kids Concert Series(10-11am) ☀️🎶Trumbull: North County Band at Trumbull Gazebo Tuesday Night Concert Series (7pm) 🎤🎶Westport: Joy Clark at Levitt Pavilion(7pm) Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Bethel: The Other Orchestra 19pc Big Band Is Back! Outdoor Dining at La Zingara Restaurant(7pm - 9:15pm) Bridgeport: Hurley Hour at BRYAC Black Rock(7pm) Fairfield: Music with The Lamb Jam at The Seagrape Fairfield(8:30pm) Greenwich: The Future Heavies - The Best Music of the 80's at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (7pm) ☀️🎶New Canaan: Vivid – Rock, Pop, Country at Waveny Park(7:30 – 9:30pm) ⭐🎟️Newtown: Reiki & Rosé at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) ⭐🎟️Newtown: Rhythmic Reset at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6:30pm) Norwalk: Captain Jack at Calf Pasture Beach(7pm – 9pm) 🎭🎨🎸Norwalk: SoNo Summer Arts Festival(10am - 5pm) Norwalk: Detroy Langer & Riccio Organ Trio at Greer Southern Table(6pm - 9pm) Pawling, NY: Mike Love & The Full Circle at Daryl's House Restaurant & Music Club(7pm) ☀️🎶Shelton: Alpaca Gnomes - Shelton Music under the stars Summer Concert Series (7pm) Stratford: Billy Mack & Frankie V at Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill(5:30pm - 8:30pm) ⭐😂🎟️Stamford: Comedians Elyssa Penson, Eli Ruffer, Dan Kalwhite, Avery Quinn at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7pm) Westport: Flor Bromley : Children’s Series at Levitt Pavilion(7pm) Thursday, August 6, 2026 Bethel: The Michael Bank Trio plays Jazz Standards at the Bethel Library(6:30pm – 7:30pm) Bethel: FIDDLERS BRAWL at Whitlock's Restaurant(6pm - 9pm) Bedford, NY: Louis Cato at Bedford Playhouse(7pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Funky Dawgz Brass Band Funky Dawgz + West Hill Road WHR at McLevy Green (6pm – 8:45pm) Bridgeport: Bryac Funk Night Party with Friends at BRYAC Black Rock(9pm) Danbury: Thursday Open Jam at Sugar Hollow Taproom(8pm) ☀️🎶Fairfield: Eleven Steps Shy (Rock & Roll) at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30pm –8pm) Fairfield: ETA Music at The Sinclair(8:30pm) Mamaroneck, NY: The Brit Pack at Emelin Theatre(7:30pm) Milford: DUELING PIANOS w/ THE FLYING IVORIES at Stonebridge Restaurant(6pm) ☀️🎶New Fairfield: Split Decision at New Fairfield Memorial Ball Field (6:30pm –8pm) ☀️🎶Newtown: The Lonetown Boys at the Dickinson Memorial Bandshell - Newtown (6:30pm –8pm) ⭐🎶Newtown: Music with Kent Besocke at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(5:30pm - 8:30pm) ⭐🎟️Newtown: Pilates + Pour with Mia at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) Norwalk: Chuck Chessler at BJ Ryan's EAST(7;30pm - 10pm) 🍔🍺🧠Norwalk: Trivia Night at ODEEN'S(7pm - 9pm) Pawling, NY: G. Love & Special Sauce - Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour plus DIZZYISDEAD at Daryl's House Restaurant & Music Club(8pm) Port Chester, NY: Simply Stapleton at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre(8pm) Shelton: Only Child at Spotted Horse Tavern(8pm) Stratford: GYPSY BROWN BAND at Blackbird's Nest(5pm) Stratford: 80's vs 90's (Rob Newberry) at Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill(8pm) Stratford: The Outsyders at Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill(6:30pm) ⭐😂🎟️Stamford: Roast Battle ft: Dave Sheehan, Beau McDowell, Katy Coughlin, Julia Barnard, Maddie Murphy, Josh Rodriguez + More! at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:30pm) ☀️🎶Stamford: Matt Relevo at Columbus Park(6pm - 8pm) ☀️🎶Stamford: Matt Kolb at Kiwanis Park(6pm - 8pm) Westport: John Basile Quartet at Jazz Society of Fairfield County, Inc.(7:30pm - 10pm) Westport: Music with Billy Genuari at Spotted Horse Tavern(9pm) Westport: The Red Planet at Levitt Pavilion(7:30pm) Friday, August 7, 2026 Bethel: EDDY OR NOT at Whitlock's Restaurant(6pm - 9pm) Bethel: Sherman Hill Band at Dragonfly(6pm -9pm) Bethel: Erik Rabasca at Shakedown Street Eats(6:30pm) Bethel: Station Road at NOTCH8(8pm) Bedford, NY: Petey Hop at Bedford Playhouse(6:30pm) ☀️🎶Bethlehem: The Pop Rocks at March Farms Hilltop (6-8pm) Bridgeport: Scratch at Boca Oyster Bar(3pm - 6pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Between the Keys at Twelvenote Brew Co.(7pm - 10pm) Bridgeport: Rae the Band at BRYAC Black Rock(10pm) ☀️🎶Brookfield: NASHVILLE DRIVE at the Summer Concerts in the Park - Brookfield (6:30pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Elana Zabari - Friday Night Music on the Dock at Port 5(5pm –8:30pm) ☀️🎶Danbury: Rock Steady (70's - 90's - Todays Favorite) at Danbury City Center Green(7pm – 9:30pm) Danbury: Dr. Frankenbob at Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom(6;30pm - 8:30pm) Danbury: The Rakes at Sugar Hollow Taproom(8:30pm) ☀️🎶Darien: The Spadtastics at Tilley Pond Park(6pm – 8:30pm) Fairfield: Eric Christensen at Elicit Brewing Co - Fairfield(9pm) Fairfield: DJ Donny D at Elicit Brewing Co - Fairfield(10pm) ☀️🎶Monroe: Back Trax - Monroe Arts in the Park Concerts(7pm) New Milford: North County Band at Kimberly Farm(5pm - 8pm) Newtown: Sundad at NewSylum Brewing Co.(6pm - 9pm) ⭐🎶Newtown: Music with Mental Health Duo at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(5:30pm - 8:30pm) ⭐🎟️🥂Newtown: Wine and Wheels - Showcase Your Car at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) Norwalk: Paint Night at Calf Pasture Beach(6:30pm - 8pm) Norwalk: DKP BAND at BanC House(8pm - 11pm) Old Greenwich: SUCK'R PUNCH at Bosco's Bar and Grill(9pm -12am) Pawling, NY: Echoes of The Eagles - A Tribute to The Eagles at Daryl's House Restaurant & Music Club(8pm) Port Chester, NY: DeadCenter Stella Blue's Band at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre(8pm) Stratford: JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT(3pm) Stratford: TONY FERRIGNO BAND at Blackbird's Nest(6pm) 😂⭐🎟️Stamford: Comedians Rojo Perez, Divya Gunasekaran, Max Antonucci, Tyler Groce at New York Comedy Club Stamford(8pm) Stamford: The Last Hoorah at Third Place by Half Full Brewery(8pm - 10pm) ☀️🎶Westport: Owen Band - Music on Church Lane(5:30pm –9pm) Westport: MASSIVE DIVA at Walrus Alley(7:30pm - 10:30pm) Westport: Just Press Play at Black Duck Cafe(9pm) Westport: Devon Gilfillian : Time Will Tell Tour at The Levitt Pavilion(7:30pm) 🎡🎠🌭✨ Wolcott: Wolcott Country Fair(4pm - 10pm) Saturday, August 8, 2026 Bethel: Shay Sullivan at Broken Symmetry Brew(6pm) Bethel: Brian Matzke at Dragonfly(6pm - 9pm) Bethel: U.B.G. at Whitlock's Restaurant(6pm - 9pm) Bethel: Mystery Train at NOTCH8(8pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Silver Steel at Captain's Cove Seaport (Marina, Restaurant & Bar)(4pm - 8pm) Bridgeport: Jay Schod at Boca Oyster Bar(5pm - 8pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Nick DiMaria Jazz Trio at Twelvenote Brew Co.(7pm - 10pm) Bridgeport: Embryo at BRYAC Black Rock(10pm) Brookfield: Rio Sorrentino at Pulcinella(7pm - 10pm) Danbury: Between the Keys at Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom(6:30pm - 8:30pm) Danbury: NOT SORRY at Sugar Hollow Taproom(8:30pm) Danbury: Tangled Vine at Elicit Brewing Co - Danbury(9pm) Danbury: DJ Pickz at Elicit Brewing Co - Danbury(10pm) ☀️🎶Fairfield: 3 Row SUV at Fairfield's Sweet Sounds of Summer Concerts Series at Sherman Green (6:30pm) Fairfield: Brent Nyitray at Elicit Brewing Co - Fairfield(9pm) Fairfield: DJ Double G at Elicit Brewing Co - Fairfield(10pm) Greenwich: Just Nuts at Clubhouse at the Griff(7:30pm - 10:30pm) New Milford: Pure Petty - Tribute to Tom Petty at Housatonic River Brewing(7pm - 10pm) ⭐🎟️🐐🧘‍♀️ Newtown: Pilates with Goats in the Vineyard at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(11am) ⭐🎟️🍫🍷 Newtown: Chocolate Fondue Dip & Sip at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) ⭐🎷Newtown: Music with UP ON THE DOWN BEAT at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(2:30pm - 5:30pm) ⭐🎟️💃 🎶Newtown: Summer in White DJ Bingo at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6:30pm) Newtown: Parkers Tangent at NewSylum Brewing Co.(3pm - 6pm) 🛍️🎶🌇✨Norwalk: Norwalk Outdoor Sunset Bazaar at River Street(4pm - 8pm) Norwalk: Strictly Business at 314 beergarden(7pm - 11pm) ⭐🍽️🎶Norwalk: Cryin' Out Loud at Brass and Bone(9:30pm) Old Greenwich: Rusty Gear at Bosco's Bar and Grill(9pm - 12am) Pawling, NY: Sabbath Supertzars: Tribute to Black Sabbath at Daryl's House Restaurant & Music Club(8pm) Putnam Valley, NY: Professor Louie and the Crowmatix at Tompkins Corners(8pm ) Port Chester, NY: DeadCenter Stella Blue's Band at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre(8pm) Ridgefield: Hitch & the Giddyup at Nod Hill Brewery(5pm) Shelton: Ferigno Band at Spotted Horse Tavern(8pm) Sherman: A Night of Neil: Celebrating the Music of Neil Young & Neil Diamond at JCC In Sherman(7;30pm - 9:30pm) 🎭🌈🎶Stratford: JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT(2pm - 7pm) Stratford: Sentinel Salt at Blackbird's Nest(6pm) Stratford: Shot Down at Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill(9pm) Stamford: GrooveRX at Third Place by Half Full Brewery(7pm - 10pm) 😂⭐🎟️Stamford: Comedians Mahesh Kotagi, Jake Velazquez, Rosey Catherine, Alex Babbitt at New York Comedy Club Stamford(8pm) Watertown: Summer Night Out along Main Street (6-9pm) ☀️🎶Westport: Moss - Music on Church Lane(5:30pm –9pm) Westport: Rock Paper Soul at Black Duck Cafe(9pm) 🎡🎠🌭✨Wolcott: Wolcott Country Fair(9am -10pm) Woodbury: Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band at Woodbury Brewing Company(8:30pm - 11pm) Sunday, August 9, 2026 Bethel: Jimmy Buffet at Shakedown Street Eats(12pm) Bethel: $2 Cap at NOTCH8(5pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: The Two J’s - Sunday Night Music on the Dock at Port 5(3pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Shakey! Neil Young Tribute at Twelvenote Brew Co.(2pm - 5pm) ☀️🎶Bridgeport: Old School 203 at Captain's Cove Seaport (Marina, Restaurant & Bar)(3pm - 7pm) Bridgeport: James Dalton at BRYAC Black Rock(5pm) Bridgeport: Ross & Bost at Boca Oyster Bar(5pm - 8pm) Bridgeport: Symphonic Bodega at BRYAC Black Rock(6pm) Danbury: Matt Wolpe at Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom(3pm - 5pm) ☀️🎶Fairfield: Between the Keys (Pop, Blues, Rock) at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30pm –8pm) Greenwich: Greenwich Jazz Festival Presented by BackCountry Jazz(6pm - 8pm) ☀️🎶Milford: Remember September - Walnut Beach Pavillion(4pm –7pm) Milford: PRESENCE (LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE) at Stonebridge Restaurant(4:30pm) ⭐🎟️🍷🍫Newtown: Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) ⭐🎟️🍷Newtown: Whiskers & Wine Kitten Adoption Event at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) ⭐🎸Newtown: Music with ACOUSTIC MAFIA at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(2pm - 5pm 🎟️🕶️🍷🔫 Newtown: I Love the 80s to Death Murdery Mystery at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) Newtown: Hatfield at Reverie Brewing Company(2pm - 5pm) Newtown: Mental Health at NewSylum Brewing Co.(2pm - 5pm) Norwalk: Emily Victoria at Washington Prime(12pm - 3pm) Norwalk: Chowdah Music at 314 Beer Garden(3pm - 6pm) ☀️🎶Old Greenwich: Reinaldo DeJesus Latin Jazz Experience - Greenwich Point Summer Concerts(4pm) Old Greenwich: Mike Milazzo Solo Sundays at Bosco's Bar and Grill(2pm - 4pm) ☀️🎶Old Greenwich: Reinaldo DeJesus Latin Jazz Experience - Greenwich Point Summer Concerts(4pm) Pawling, NY: MTV Unplugged Tribute Band at Daryl's House Restaurant & Music Club(7pm - 8pm) Piermont, NY: Piano Brunch Sunday at OTTO'S(12pm - 3pm) Putnam Valley, NY: Poets’ Corner with Abby Luby at Tompkins Corners(3pm) Port Chester, NY: Bella Rayne Band at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre(8pm) ☀️🎶Redding: Sweet Megg at The Redding Town Green (6-8pm) Sherman: Sunday Speaker Series: Greg Van Antwerp "Stories From the Attic" at JCC In Sherman(1pm - 2pm) Shelton: DJ Ron ice at Pier131 Kitchen + Bar(6:30pm - 9pm) Shelton: Tangled Vine at Spotted Horse Tavern(8pm) 🎭🌈🎶Stratford: JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT(3pm) Stratford: Signature Band at Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill(3pm - 7pm) Stratford: CALLIOPI at Blackbird's Nest(4pm) ⭐😂🎟️Stamford: Sunday Night Comedy at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7pm) ☀️🎶Stamford: Otis and the Hurricanes - Music at the Bartlett(5pm –7pm) ☀️🎶Trumbull: The Bob Button Band at Trumbull’s Sunday Summer Concert Series at the Gazebo(4pm) 🎡🎠🌭✨Wolcott: Wolcott Country Fair(9am - 6pm) Westport: Hitch Duo and Matt Rhone at Walrus Alley(5pm - 8pm) Westport: Bonnie Raitt at the Levitt Pavilion(7pm)

Newtown, CT: Aquila's Nest Vineyards is proud to announce that it has been named the #5 Best Wine Tasting Room in the United States in the prestigious USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, making it the highest-ranked wine tasting room in New England and the only winery in the region to earn a place in the national Top 10. The annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards recognize exceptional destinations across the country through a combination of expert nominations and public voting. Aquila's Nest Vineyards stood alongside some of the nation's most celebrated wineries, earning recognition for its memorable guest experiences, hospitality, and unique approach to wine tourism. "This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it comes directly from the people who have visited us, celebrated life's special moments with us, and supported our journey," said co-founder Neviana Zhgaba. "To be recognized among the best wine tasting rooms in America—and to represent New England on this national stage—is an honor beyond anything we imagined." Founded by husband-and-wife team Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi, Aquila's Nest Vineyards has become one of Connecticut's premier wine destinations by combining award-winning wines with immersive guest experiences. The vineyard is known for its scenic views, themed outdoor seating, live music, comedy shows, seasonal events, wine pairings, educational programs, and welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to relax, connect, and create lasting memories. "We've always believed that great wine is only part of the experience," said co-founder Ardian Llomi. "Our goal has been to create a place where people feel welcome, celebrate together, and leave with memories they'll want to relive. This award belongs to our incredible team and every guest who has supported us over the years." The recognition adds to Aquila's Nest Vineyards' growing list of national and regional honors, including being named Connecticut Magazine's Best Vineyard in Connecticut for multiple consecutive years, 2025 National Small Producer Winery of the Year by the Libation National Wine Competition, 2024 Connecticut Manufacturer of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Top 70 Small Businesses in America in 2023. Located in the scenic hills of Newtown, Connecticut, Aquila's Nest Vineyards welcomes visitors year-round to enjoy handcrafted wines, estate vineyard views, signature tasting experiences, private events, and an ever-changing calendar of entertainment. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us," added Zhgaba. "This achievement inspires us to continue raising the bar and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors." For more information, visit www.aquilasnestvineyards.com or follow Aquila's Nest Vineyards on social media.