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Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Beardsley Zoo opens this week!

Glow Wild at the Beardsley Zoo!

Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world.

This amazing festival will culminate a year of festivities celebrating the Beardsley Zoo’s 100th birthday and will be held every Thursday - Sunday evening from September 15- November 27. The festival will showcase more than 40 large-scale illuminated displays, featuring hundreds of beautiful individual and interactive lanterns. 


Spanning the width and breadth of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 30 acres, guests are invited to walk through glowing corridors. Displays of flora and fauna will light up the night sky, dazzling guests of all ages! The Glow Wild Lantern Festival is designed for everyone to enjoy –whether a family outing, romantic date, or coworker get-together. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Timed tickets should be purchased online in advance, offered in half hour increments. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending upon Zoo capacity. 

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Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Beardsley Zoo opens this week!
SONO 1420 Presents Acoustic Sono with Sarah Chesler on May 9th.
By Cathy Ithier May 6, 2025
SONO 1420 Presents: Sarah Chesler Live this Friday, May 9. Looking to kick off your weekend with smooth jazz, globally inspired melodies, and top-shelf spirits? You’re in luck. This Friday, May 9th, SONO 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery welcomes Sarah Chesler to the stage as part of its ongoing Acoustic SONO Music Series —a Friday night favorite for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. A Global Sound in a Local Space Sarah Chesler, a captivating Swedish-American vocalist and songwriter, brings an international flair to the SONO 1420 Tasting Room. Known for her signature blend of bossa nova rhythms , jazzy harmonies , and soulful storytelling , Sarah takes audiences on a sonic journey that turns everyday moments into unforgettable melodies. Her performances feel intimate, heartfelt, and transportive—perfectly matched with the laid-back yet upscale atmosphere of the distillery. The SONO 1420 Experience ο»Ώ Since its founding in 2019, SONO 1420 has become a cornerstone of the South Norwalk community—and not just for its award-winning spirits. As America’s Maritime Distillery , this veteran-owned, independent gem brings innovation to every bottle and warmth to every gathering. Visitors can enjoy: πŸ₯‡ Double Gold Whiskey – Winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 🍸 Top 100 Spirits Vodka – Recognized by Wine Enthusiast in 2024 🧊 Threesome Ready-to-Mix Cocktails – Crowd-pleasing and easy to enjoy πŸƒ Small-batch botanical gins and other inventive spirits And don’t miss the Tasting Room , home to expert mixologist Blake Poon , who’s redefining cocktail culture with creative seasonal drinks that highlight the distillery’s best offerings. Pair that with a new lite bites menu and you’ve got yourself a perfect Friday plan. 🎀 Event Details: Event : Acoustic Sono featuring Sarah Chesler Date : Friday, May 9 Time : 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location : SONO 1420 Tasting Room, South Norwalk, CT Admission is free, but early arrival is recommended—these events fill up fast! Whether you’re a longtime local or just discovering South Norwalk’s vibrant scene, SONO 1420 offers an experience that’s both elevated and approachable . It’s where music meets craftsmanship, community, and flavor. Bring your friends, grab a handcrafted cocktail, and l et Sarah Chesler’s voice guide you into the weekend.
By Cathy Ithier May 3, 2025
Hard Headed Comedy Brings Diverse Laughs to SONO 1420 On May 17 , Norwalk’s own SONO 1420 Distillery transforms into a comedy hot spot as Hard Headed Comedy rolls in with four powerhouse performers. Known for its bold and inclusive lineups, Hard Headed Comedy delivers humor that hits home—whether it’s parenting mishaps, cultural quirks, or relationship woes. This isn’t just a comedy show—it’s an experience. Think laughter echoing through barrels of aging bourbon, unexpected punchlines over perfectly mixed cocktails, and a room full of good vibes. 🎀 Meet the Comics: Kendra Cunningham – Comedy Central favorite with sharp, observational humor. Michael Brigante – Brings Bronx flavor with every story and shout. Alyce Chan – TikTok-famous for a reason; she’s the voice of exhausted parents everywhere. Luz Michelle – Creator of Hard Headed Comedy and an unfiltered force on stage. This is a show you don’t want to miss—and seats are limited. 🍸 Come early for pre-show drinks and stay late for the after-show buzz! 🎟️ Reserve your seat now : https://bit.ly/hardheaded1420 ο»Ώ
Unwind and Unplug: Live Music & Craft Spirits Every Friday in South Norwalk.
By Cathy Ithier April 30, 2025
ACOUSTIC SONO Music Series at SONO 1420: More Music, More Flavor, More Fridays SoNo 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery is turning up the volume — and the vibes — with its ever-popular ACOUSTIC SONO Music Series , now running every Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ! SoNo 1420 has extended the music, and the vibes, with an extra hour every Friday — giving you even more time to sip, savor, and soak up the sounds of the area's most talented local artists. Whether you're a devoted fan of live music or just craving a fresh way to kick off the weekend, SONO 1420 delivers the perfect mix of rhythm and relaxation. Imagine this: you and your crew unwinding with award-winning craft cocktails 🍸, sharing bites from our brand-new lite fare menu 🍴, and enjoying an intimate, ever-changing lineup of acoustic performances — all in the cozy, spirited atmosphere of SoNo 1420 . Here’s what’s on the musical menu this May: 🎢 May 2 – Lander Blue (Joni & John) This acoustic duo blends nostalgic country twang with rock and outlaw country flair. Joni's vocals evoke legends like Sheryl Crow and Patsy Cline, while John's resonator guitar adds grit and soul to every performance. 🎢 May 9 – Sarah Chesler Let this Swedish American songstress takes you on a global journey through bossa nova beats, jazz harmonies, and heartfelt songwriting that turns life’s little moments into melody. 🎢 May 16 – Carlos Miller A CT favorite and a true acoustic magician, Carlos brings soul, charm, and irresistible energy to the stage. Whether solo or with The Last Hoorah, his sound is always unforgettable. 🎢 May 23 – Bittersweet Descent Original. Genre-defying. Electrifying. This four-piece band blends folk, punk, country, and rock into high-octane performances that will keep you moving and mesmerized. 🎢 May 30 – Neil Currie A seasoned performer and a staple in the local music scene, Neil brings smooth vocals, seasoned guitar work, and crowd-pleasing favorites you’ll love. SoNo 1420 is more than a distillery — it's a destination. Come early, stay late, and celebrate the music, the drinks, and the community. It’s the ultimate way to start your weekend . 🎟️ No tickets needed — just bring your good vibes and grab a seat. πŸ‘‰ Tag your crew, mark your calendars, and make your Friday nights SONO 1420 nights . ο»Ώ
By Cathy Ithier April 30, 2025
May Happenings Heat Up at Edmond Town Hall – Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events! Edmond Town Hall is your destination for top-tier entertainment this spring! Located in the heart of Newtown, CT, this beloved venue continues to bring nationally recognized talent and family-friendly programming to the Western Connecticut region of Fairfield County. Kicking off a stellar month of May is Almost Queen – the nation’s premier Queen tribute band – rocking the stage on Saturday, May 3 . This show is nearly sold out , so if you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, call the Box Office at (203) 270-4285. Then, on Thursday, May 8 , the Speaker Series returns with a heartfelt and uplifting evening featuring Steve Gross , Chief Playmaker of the Life is Good Company. He’ll share his inspiring mission to help children heal through joy and optimism. Reserve your seat here. Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? How about laughter? On Thursday, May 16 , comedian and The Daily Show correspondent Michael Kosta brings his Lucky Loser Tour to Edmond Town Hall. It’s a smart, witty night of stand-up you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets here before they’re gone! The whole family will love the launch of the ETH Family Series on Sunday, May 18 , with Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys . This high-energy band brings kid-friendly tunes and interactive fun that will have everyone dancing. Make Sunday afternoon family time special—tickets available here. Looking ahead to June, treat Dad early this Father’s Day with a night of laughs! Saturday, June 7 features Stand-Up Comedy with Jason Salmon , with special guest Joe Gerics , lighting up the comedy stage from 8–10 PM. Don’t miss this hilarious night out—get your tickets here. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or family fun, Edmond Town Hall is the place to be this spring .
April 29, 2025
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards is Now Open for Full Hours! 🌟 We’re thrilled to welcome you back to enjoy our extended hours at the vineyard! Our enchanting Fairy Gazebos , along with the Pergola and Fireplace areas, are now open — offering the perfect open-air settings to relax and unwind. 🍷 Join us for Happy Hour Thursdays: 4–6 PM Fridays: 1–4 PM It’s the ideal time to sip, savor, and soak in the vineyard views. 🍦✨ Introducing Sweet Fridays — starting at 4 PM! Treat yourself to a rotating lineup of food trucks serving ice cream , waffles , and fresh-baked goodies — the sweetest way to kick off your weekend at Aquila’s Nest.
Otto’s Full Service Elevates the Piermont Scene with Dining, Drinks, and Live Music
By Cathy Ithier April 28, 2025
Since opening in the summer of 2022, Otto’s Full Service has redefined the dining and entertainment landscape in Piermont, NY. Restaurateurs David and Jill Kaliff transformed a historic gas station into a vibrant restaurant and social hub, blending an elevated American menu with global influences. With a lively bar and piano lounge, an expansive outdoor patio, and versatile private event spaces, Otto’s has quickly become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
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