Fairfield International Food Fest Debuts Labor Day Weekend.

FAIRFIELD, CT - August 4 - Foodies, mark your calendars. On Saturday, August 30, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., the Fairfield Theater Company (FTC) campus will transform into a multicultural culinary oasis with food tastings and entertainment from across the globe.

 The first annual Fairfield International Food Fest (The Fest), created and produced by ConnectFairfield, and presented by Fairfield University's Center for Arts & Minds, will encompass the entire Fairfield Theater Company property, both outdoors and inside. As the lead sponsor, Fairfield University supports this event as part of its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, education, and community engagement. The Center for Arts & Minds, a University initiative dedicated to interdisciplinary arts, creativity, and public dialogue, connects campus and community through experiences like The Fest, which celebrates music, culture, and cuisine from around the globe.

Delectables can be purchased in “pay-as-you-go” sample sizes from 13 international food vendors. Enjoy sizzling Korean Bulgogi, zesty Mexican Ceviche, South American cuisine, British pot pies, Thai dumplings, as well as a variety of sweets and treats. Each dish will be prepared and curated by chefs from local dining establishments. Food is not included in general admission.

Event admission does include live music and performances on three stages, demonstrations, educational films, and family-friendly artistic activities:

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Performances

• Latin Dance - Bachata Dance Studios
• Irish Step Dance - Lenihan School of Irish Dance
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Gracie Sports
• Belly Dancing - Joy Herbst & the Joy Dancers Contemporary Fusion
• Sandžak Dance - K.U.D. Sandžačka Omladina
• 
  
• Israeli Dancing with Traci

Live Music:

• 6 p.m. - Pangea WorldBeat
• 7 p.m. - Otis & the Hurricanes

Activities throughout the event:

• Scavenger Hunt - CT Kids Passport
• Henna tattoos by Priyanka Jain & Shiksha Jaiswa
• Jewelry-making - CIRI
• Participate in drawing a giant heritage chalk mural on the FTC exterior wall
• Face-painting - The Goddard School
• “Around the World” themed selfie gallery (Stage One)
• Photo Booth - Compass
• Educational exhibits - Fairfield Museum & History Center
• Interactive multimedia activity of creating small art cards - The Studio Fairfield
• Cultural short films - Bridgeport Film Fest (Stage One)

Free adult beverage samples, for attendees over 21, will be offered at FTC's Warehouse Mezzanine Lounge. They include international wines by Kindred Spirits & Wine and Highland Imports, and local craft brews from Elicit Brewing Company.

The event's title sponsor is Fairfield University's Center for Arts & Minds. https://www.fairfield.edu/academics/centers-and-institutes/arts-and-minds/index.html  Ticket sales benefit Operation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger and homelessness in Fairfield County.

ConnectFairfield, www.ConnectFairfield.com, was established in 2021 by Debbi O'Keefe, who brings 30 years of experience in event planning, community involvement, and support for non-profits.

The Fest commences on Saturday, August 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available for a limited time; adults: $20.00 - children: $10.00, with promo code = CONNECT https://boxoffice.fairfieldtheatre.org/0/13868. On Instagram, follow @FairfieldInternationalFoodFest