Enter Today for Your Chance to Attend the Connecticut Country Music Fest on Saturday, August 1 Country music fans, here's your chance to be part of Connecticut history! Fairfield After Dark is giving one lucky winner the opportunity to Win Two (2) General Admission Tickets to the First-Ever Connecticut Country Music Fest , happening Saturday, August 1, 2026 , at the North Haven Fairgrounds, 290 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT. This inaugural festival promises an unforgettable day of live country music, great food, cold drinks, and exciting attractions as country fans from across Connecticut gather to celebrate what is expected to become one of the state's premier annual music festivals. National Country Stars Hosted by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks , the festival features an incredible lineup of national country artists: ⭐ Annie Bosko ⭐ Mark Mackay ⭐ Morgan Myles ⭐ Kristen Brown Connecticut Regional Spotlight Stage The music doesn't stop there! The festival also showcases some of Connecticut's top country performers: 🎸 North County Band 🎸 Al Raebuck 🎸 The Joe D Band It's the perfect opportunity to discover outstanding local talent while enjoying nationally recognized artists—all in one unforgettable day. More Than Just Great Music Your festival experience includes: 🍔 20+ Food Trucks 🍺 Adult Beverages 👢 Line Dancing 🐂 Mechanical Bull 🪓 Axe Throwing 💧 Complimentary Water 🚗 FREE Parking 🇺🇸 America 250 Activities …and plenty of country fun from the moment the gates open. 🎟️ Prize One (1) lucky winner will receive: Two (2) General Admission Tickets to the Connecticut Country Music Fest on Saturday, August 1, 2026. ✅ How to Enter Entering couldn't be easier! Simply complete the entry form below on FairfieldAfterDark.com for your chance to win. ⏰ Entry Deadline Hurry! Entries close Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET). Don't miss your chance—this giveaway ends tomorrow night! 🏆 Winner Announcement The lucky winner will be announced on: Monday, July 27, 2026 🎟️ Didn't Win? Don't worry—you can still be part of Connecticut's biggest new country music event! Tickets are available now, and Fairfield After Dark readers can save 10% by using promo code: FAD10 at https://bit.ly/CTCOUNTRYFEST Whether you're coming for the national headliners, Connecticut's talented regional artists, delicious food trucks, or a full day of country entertainment, the Connecticut Country Music Fest promises an unforgettable summer experience. Dust off your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready for an incredible day of country music! Enter today using the form below for your chance to win two tickets—and we'll see you at the North Haven Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 1! Good luck from all of us at Fairfield After Dark!

Black Rock, Bridgeport, CT — One of Fairfield County's fastest-rising bands is coming home. The Moonrise Cartel returns to Park City Music Hall on Saturday, July 25 , for a special hometown performance with acclaimed Connecticut singer-songwriter Dylan Connor opening the evening. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. For Fairfield After Dark, this is one of our must-see concerts of the summer . Fresh off being named the 2025 New England Music Awards – Rising Star: Connecticut , The Moonrise Cartel has quickly become one of the region's hottest original bands. Their rapidly growing fanbase—known as "Cartel Members" —has helped fill venues throughout Connecticut and beyond. Following standout performances at Daryl's House, the Fairfield Hills Music Festival, the Greenwich Town Party, and the Caramoor American Roots Music Festival, the band returns to its hometown stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated concerts of the summer. Folk Rock from Black Rock The Moonrise Cartel has crafted a signature sound that blends folk, indie rock, Americana, and gospel influences into music that feels both timeless and contemporary. Their soaring harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and unmistakable style have earned them the nickname "Folk Rock from Black Rock." Leading the band is songwriter and vocalist Al Pascarelli , whose deeply personal lyrics are brought to life alongside the powerful vocals of Stephanie Harrison . Multi-instrumentalist Jason Polise adds rich layers with lead guitar, saxophone, keyboards, and more, while bassist Benj LeFevre and drummer Steve Tobey provide the driving rhythm behind the band's dynamic live performances. More Than a Concert - It's an Experience Whether delivering intimate acoustic moments or full-throttle anthems, The Moonrise Cartel creates an emotional live experience that continues to win over new fans at every performance. While their original music is available on all major streaming platforms, longtime followers will tell you there's nothing like experiencing the band live. Their momentum continues to build with appearances at some of the Northeast's premier festivals and venues. In 2026, the band performed at Daryl's House on April 9, the Fairfield Hills Music Festival on May 16, the Greenwich Town Party on May 23 , and the prestigious Caramoor American Roots Music Festival on June 27 . Following their hometown concert, they'll head to the nationally recognized Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island, on September 6 , joining an impressive lineup of Americana and roots artists. Adding to the excitement, The Moonrise Cartel is currently in the studio recording its highly anticipated debut full-length album, giving fans even more to look forward to in the months ahead. Opening the evening is Dylan Connor , the Stratford-based singer-songwriter whose blend of indie rock, power pop, and folk has earned national recognition through film placements, television licensing, and performances throughout the United States and abroad. Upcoming Performances The Moonrise Cartel's summer and fall schedule continues following their hometown return to Black Rock. July 25 – Park City Music Hall – Black Rock, CT August 15 – Music in the Meadow – Lachat Town Farm – Weston, CT August 29 – Infinity Music Hall – Norfolk, CT September 6 – Rhythm & Roots Festival – Charlestown, RI Event Information The Moonrise Cartel with Dylan Connor Saturday, July 25, 2026 Park City Music Hall 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock, CT Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m. 🎟 ️ BUY TICKETS NOW Arrive early to enjoy dinner, craft beer, cocktails, and appetizers from the Park City Music Hall kitchen and bar before the music begins.  If you're looking for one of the best live music experiences in Fairfield County this weekend, this is it. The Moonrise Cartel has become one of Connecticut's most exciting original bands, and there's no better place to experience "Folk Rock from Black Rock" than on their home stage. Whether you're already a proud Cartel Member or discovering the band for the first time, Saturday night's hometown performance promises an unforgettable evening of exceptional songwriting, soaring harmonies, and genuine Connecticut talent. 🎟 ️ BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW Fairfield After Dark's Pick: ⭐ #1 Thing to Do in Black Rock this Saturday Night.