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Derby was settled in 1642 as an Indian trading post under the name Paugasset.


Derby is home to the first electric trolley system in New England, only the second in the United States. It is also home to the first electric locomotive in U.S. history to be built and successfully used commercially for hauling freight. The locomotive, built in 1888, is still kept in running condition by the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

Derby, CT

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Local News

By Cathy Ithier July 25, 2026
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: πŸ” 20+ Food Trucks 🍺 Adult Beverages πŸ‘’ Line Dancing πŸ‚ Mechanical Bull πŸͺ“ Axe Throwing πŸ’§ Complimentary Water πŸš— FREE Parking πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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. βœ… 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! πŸ† 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!
By Cathy Ithier June 21, 2026
North Haven, CT - Country music fans across Connecticut have another reason to get excited about the inaugural Connecticut Country Music Festival coming to the North Haven Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Festival organizers have announced that platinum-selling recording artist and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will serve as the official host for what promises to be one of the state's biggest country music events of the summer. Known for his soulful voice, dynamic stage presence, and enduring popularity with fans nationwide, Hicks has built a successful career as a recording artist, live performer, television personality, and entertainer. His self-titled debut album achieved platinum status, and he has made multiple appearances on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage, solidifying his place in country and American roots music. Throughout the day, Hicks will interact with fans, introduce performers, and help keep the energy high as thousands gather for a full day of country music, food, beverages, and family-friendly entertainment. National Touring Artists Headline the Main Stage The Connecticut Country Music Festival will feature a strong lineup of nationally recognized country artists, led by rising country star Annie Bosko. Main Stage Lineup 🎀 Annie Bosko – Headliner 🎸 Mark Mackay 🎢 Kristen Brown (NBC's The Voice) ο»Ώ Spotlighting Connecticut's Local and Regional Talent In addition to nationally touring performers, the festival will showcase some of the region's top country and Americana talent on the Local & Regional Spotlight Stage. Local & Regional Spotlight Stage 🎡 North County Band 🎡 Al Raebuck 🎡 The Joe D Band The festival's commitment to featuring local musicians provides fans with an opportunity to discover some of New England's most talented emerging artists while celebrating Connecticut's growing country music scene. More Than Just Music The Connecticut Country Music Festival is designed to deliver a complete festival experience with activities and attractions throughout the fairgrounds. Festival attendees will enjoy: πŸ” 20+ Food Trucks 🍺 Adult Beverage Selections FREE Festival Attractions Included with Admission 🀠 FREE Line Dancing πŸ‚ FREE Mechanical Bull Rides πŸͺ“ FREE Axe Throwing πŸ’§ FREE Water Stations πŸš— FREE Parking uπŸ‡Έ America 250 Celebration Activities These complimentary attractions add tremendous value to the festival experience, giving attendees even more opportunities to enjoy a full day of entertainment beyond the music. With two stages of entertainment and activities running throughout the day, organizers are creating an event that appeals to both dedicated country music fans and anyone looking for a fun summer festival experience. Event Information πŸ“… Saturday, August 1, 2026 πŸ“ North Haven Fairgrounds πŸ•š Gates Open at 11:00 AM 🍻 21+ Event 🎟️ Fairfield After Dark readers can save 10% on tickets by using promo code FAD10 at checkout. For tickets and additional event information, visit: https://bit.ly/CTCOUNTRYFEST The Connecticut Country Music Festival is expected to draw fans from across Connecticut and neighboring states, making it one of the most anticipated new music festivals in New England. Dust off your boots, round up your concert crew, and join thousands of country music fans for an unforgettable day of live music, great food, festival fun, and FREE attractions as platinum-selling recording artist Taylor Hicks helps launch Connecticut's newest country music tradition.
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Town of Derby Links

Derby Connecticut Official Website
Derby CT Chamber of Commerce
Derby CT Historical Society
  • Matilda The Musical July 10 through July 26
  • Fair on the Half Shell returns to the Historic Milford Green August 1.
  • Fairfield After Dark’s Your Town. Your Music. Your Summer.
  • Connecticut Country Music Festival on Saturday August 1.

Derby Calendar

Check out events happening in and around Derby, CT