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Broadway Comes Outdoors: 1776 Opens Musicals at Richter's 42nd Season
Danbury, CT - As the nation begins commemorating America's 250th anniversary, Musicals at Richter launches its 42nd season—the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut—with the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical 1776, running July 3 through July 18 in Danbury.
Directed by David Halliwell with musical direction by Andrew Gadwah, 1776 brings audiences back to the pivotal summer of 1776 when America's founders debated, negotiated, and ultimately united to declare independence from Great Britain. Featuring music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, this beloved musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they work to secure support for the Declaration of Independence.
Known for its sharp wit, compelling drama, and memorable score, 1776 offers an entertaining and insightful look at one of the most important moments in American history.
Performances take place outdoors under the stars at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury. Audiences can enjoy a live orchestra and a talented cast of local performers in one of Connecticut's most unique summer theater settings.
🎭 Performances are Friday through Sunday evenings at 8 p.m., with specially discounted performances on Thursdays, July 9 and July 16. Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking before the show.
Whether you're celebrating Independence Day, CT250, or simply love great theater, 1776 is a perfect summer night out.
🎟️ For tickets and complete information, visit musicalsatrichter.org.
Sandy Hook/Newtown, CT: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards has another busy week ahead with FREE live music, food trucks, wine pairings, DJ Bingo, comedy and more. Whether you're looking for a casual night of wine and music or something a little different, there’s plenty happening at the vineyard. Thursday, September 24 Start the weekend early with FREE live music from Dr. Neil from 5:30–8:30 PM , with Feeling Saucy Pasta Food Truck on-site. Thursday Happy Hour also features 20% off wine by the glass, slushies, sangrias and mocktails from 4–6 PM. Friday, September 25 Friday’s ticketed experiences include a Brownies & Wine Pairing , Brie Blossom Foodie Night and Speed Dating for ages 25–39. Or simply grab a glass of wine and enjoy FREE live music from Round Two Duo from 5:30–8:30 PM , with The Crepe Hut Round serving up Friday’s food. Saturday, September 26 Saturday brings a Mini Fall Pies & Wine Pairing , followed by FREE live music with Acoustic Mafia from 2:30–5:30 PM. Taste of Mediterranean and Greek Crave food trucks will also be on-site. At 6:30 PM, turn back the clock with the ticketed Back to School 80s & 90s DJ Bingo. Sunday, September 27 Finish the weekend with Plant Bingo and a Cheesecakes & Wine Pairing. RAE Duo performs FREE from 2–5 PM , with Cousins Maine Lobster and The Mason Jar Exchange serving up Sunday’s food. Then at 7 PM, Aquila’s wraps up the weekend with a ticketed Comedy Night inside the tasting room. Wine, Food & FREE Music All Weekend From wine pairings and food trucks to DJ Bingo, comedy and FREE live music Thursday through Sunday, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards has plenty of reasons to visit this week. Aquila’s Nest Vineyards | 56 Pole Bridge Road | Sandy Hook/Newtown, CT Ticketed experiences can fill up, so reserve early. 👉 CLICK HERE FOR AQUILA’S NEST VINEYARDS’ FULL SCHEDULE & EVENT DETAILS
Stamford, CT: Looking for some good laughs this week? New York Comedy Club Stamford has a packed lineup heading into the weekend, with Gareth Reynolds taking the stage Thursday night, followed by four shows with W. Kamau Bell on Friday and Saturday — plus even more comedy throughout the weekend. Thursday Night: Gareth Reynolds The laughs get started Thursday, September 24 at 7 PM with internationally touring comedian Gareth Reynolds , best known as co-host of the hit podcast The Dollop alongside Dave Anthony. Reynolds has worked across television, film, podcasts and stand-up, with credits including New Girl, Arrested Development, I’m Sorry, You’re the Worst and Maron. His debut stand-up album, Riddled With Disease, reached No. 1 on the Billboard comedy charts. W. Kamau Bell Takes Over Friday & Saturday The weekend brings W. Kamau Bell to Stamford with his latest stand-up show, Who’s With Me? Bell, a stand-up comedian and filmmaker, is widely known as the former host and executive producer of CNN’s five-time Emmy Award-winning United Shades of America. His return to stand-up mixes observations, questions and plenty of humor as he takes on life in today’s hectic world. And Fairfield County comedy fans have four chances to catch him : Friday, September 25: 7 PM & 9:30 PM Saturday, September 26: 7 PM & 9:30 PM The Friday & Saturday 7 PM premium seating is already sold out , while tickets remain available for other seating categories and performances as of September 23. Start Saturday with Some Early Laughs Want to get your comedy fix before dinner? Early Bird Comedy hits the stage Saturday, September 26 at 4:30 PM . The showcase brings together a host and a lineup of comedians, giving audiences that classic comedy-club experience where several different styles of stand-up share the same stage. Make It a Comedy Night in Stamford From Gareth Reynolds on Thursday to four opportunities to see W. Kamau Bell Friday and Saturday, there are plenty of reasons to add some laughs to your weekend plans. New York Comedy Club Stamford 230 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, CT Check out the complete lineup and grab your tickets directly from New York Comedy Club Stamford — popular performances can fill up quickly.
Black Rock - Bridgeport, CT:
Fairfield County, CT: Looking for Friday night plans? ODEEN’S has you covered at both its Ridgefield and Norwalk locations, with live music, great food and the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Live on the Porch in Ridgefield Head to ODEEN’S Ridgefield Friday evening, where Phil & Isabelle will be Live on the Porch from 5:30–8:30 PM. Grab a table, order your favorites and settle in for an evening of live music in Ridgefield. TNT Dynamite Band Takes Over Norwalk Closer to Norwalk? ODEEN’S at Oak Hills is turning up the Friday night energy with the TNT Dynamite Band, performing live from 7–10 PM. Make it dinner and a show without ever leaving your table — enjoy ODEEN’S food and drinks while catching live music right at Oak Hills. Two ODEEN’S. Two Friday Night Options. Whether you're heading to Ridgefield for Phil & Isabelle or Norwalk for TNT Dynamite Band, reservations are recommended, so reserve your table early and get your Friday night plans locked in. Both ODEEN’S Ridgefield and ODEEN’S at Oak Hills in Norwalk are open daily, with plenty more happening throughout the week. Friday night plans? ODEEN’S has two ways to do it! Check out Fairfield After Dark for more details on ODEEN’S, upcoming happenings and more places to eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment throughout Fairfield County.
Westport, CT: Grab your friends and family and celebrate fall in downtown Westport as Westoberfest Craft Beer & Family Fall Festival returns for its ninth year on Saturday, October 3, from 1–5 PM at Sigrid Schultz Plaza and along Elm Street . The annual fall celebration brings together craft beer, live music, food, art, shopping and family activities for an afternoon in the heart of downtown. Admission to Westoberfest is FREE , with a separate Beer Tasting Pass available for guests 21 and older. More Than 50 Beers to Sample Beer lovers can sample more than 50 local and regional beers from over 20 breweries . Advance Beer Tasting Passes are $50 , increasing to $55 on event day . Each participant receives an age-verified wristband, tasting punch card, collectible Westoberfest tasting glass and koozie. Live Music, Art & Family Fun One Bad Oyster will take the stage with its energetic ska-surf sound, providing the soundtrack for the afternoon. Families will also find plenty to do, including carnival games, pumpkin decorating and hands-on art activities . New this year, MoCA\CT, One River School of Art + Design and Whimsy Works Atelier are teaming up to bring fall-inspired creative activities to the family area. The popular stein-holding competition also returns, hosted by CBS News Weather Anchor and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn . Guests can grab something to eat from a variety of food vendors, including Blind Rhino, Fryborg, LemoNate’s, Paradise Island Food and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream , while Elm Street will feature additional shopping and community vendors throughout the afternoon. Westoberfest is rain or shine and free to attend. Beer tasting requires a separate pass and is limited to guests 21 and older. Westoberfest is produced by the Westport Downtown Association in collaboration with The Grapevine and Castle Wine & Spirits, with a portion of event proceeds supporting downtown beautification projects, local nonprofits and future community events. Saturday, October 3 | 1–5 PM Sigrid Schultz Plaza & Elm Street | Downtown Westport General Admission: FREE Beer Tasting: $50 advance | $55 day-of Purchase Beer Tasting Passes and get the latest Westoberfest details at westportdowntown.com/westoberfest .
Connecticut: Just in time for spooky season, Connecticut has launched a brand-new way to explore the state’s darker history, legendary ghost stories and mysterious places. Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism announced the Connecticut Haunted History Trail, featuring more than 130 locations statewide connected to haunted landmarks, paranormal lore, colonial witch-trial history and centuries of unexplained stories. 👻 Explore Connecticut’s Haunted Side The trail covers nine categories, including haunted homes, museums and theaters; historic cemeteries; hiking trails; ghost and paranormal tours; restaurants; lighthouses; witch, occult and metaphysical collections; hotels; and sites connected to Connecticut’s colonial witch trials. Visitors can choose their favorite stops and create their own haunted fall road trip. 🧙 Connecticut’s Witch Trials Came Before Salem One of the most fascinating parts of the trail explores Connecticut’s colonial witch-trial history. Connecticut’s witch trials began in 1647 — approximately 45 years before Salem — when Alse (Alice) Young of Windsor became the first person executed for witchcraft in the American colonies. At least 49 people were accused of witchcraft in colonial Connecticut , at least 34 were indicted and at least 11 were executed. In 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly formally acknowledged the injustice committed against those accused and convicted and apologized to their descendants. 🔦 Ghost Stories, Legends & Paranormal Places The Haunted History Trail goes well beyond witch-trial history. Travelers can discover historic homes and theaters associated with reported paranormal activity, centuries-old cemeteries, reportedly haunted restaurants and hotels, mysterious lighthouse lore, ghost tours, unusual collections and locations tied to Connecticut legends. With more than 130 stops, visitors can build an adventure around whatever interests them most — history, ghosts, folklore, hiking or simply discovering someplace new. The Haunted History Trail joins other statewide tourism experiences including the Connecticut Pizza Trail, Oyster Trail and Christmas Movie Trail. 🎃 Plan Your Haunted Road Trip With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time to grab a friend, pick a few stops and discover Connecticut’s mysterious side. 👻 Explore the interactive Connecticut Haunted History Trail map and start planning your adventure at CTvisit.com/haunted-history. Happy haunting! 🎃👻