Happy Birthday, America!

Stamford, CT: The Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo has grown from a regional health fair into Connecticut’s largest and premier health, wellness, and lifestyle event. Now celebrating its 15th year in 2026, the Expo has become a highly anticipated annual tradition that brings together thousands of attendees, businesses, healthcare providers, fitness professionals, community organizations, and families along Stamford’s Harbor Point waterfront, the Expo’s location since 2019. A cornerstone of the Expo’s success has been its longstanding partnership with Stamford Health, which has served as the event’s Exclusive Healthcare Partner for 15 consecutive years . Throughout the Expo’s history, Stamford Health has been a driving force both behind the scenes and in partaking in the event’s activities, providing free health screenings, educational programming, wellness resources, preventative care information, and direct access to medical professionals, reinforcing its commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Founded and managed by Tamara Ketler of TMK Event Marketing, LLC, the Expo originally launched as the Health Wellness & Sports Expo . The event evolved over the years to reflect the changing interests and needs of consumers, expanding beyond healthcare and fitness to include nutrition, healthy living, beauty, financial wellness, mental health, pet wellness, eco-conscious products, home and garden inspiration, and family-focused activities. “We are proud to be the exclusive healthcare sponsor of the annual Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Expo for the fifteenth consecutive year, " says Kathleen Silard, President & CEO of Stamford Health, “For more than a decade, this event has created meaningful opportunities to share valuable resources and showcase our comprehensive programs and services. We look forward to connecting with our community and continuing to support the health and well-being of those we serve.” Over the years, the Expo has expanded to feature more than 130 sponsors and exhibitors, 10 interactive wellness zones, free group fitness classes, health screenings, yoga, healthy food experiences, pet wellness attractions, children's activities, Touch-A-Truck experiences, Stamford First Responder participation, and educational demonstrations and instruction such as CPR training. It has become one of the region’s most successful platforms for connecting businesses and organizations directly with a health-conscious audience. The event continues to fulfill its mission of encouraging attendees to GO. GATHER. GROW , bringing the community together to discover new ways to improve mind, body, and spirit while supporting local businesses, healthcare organizations, and wellness innovators. Today, the Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo stands as one of Connecticut’s most respected community events, and its enduring partnership with their Exclusive Healthcare Partner Stamford Health, as well as numerous other sponsors and community supporters such as ShopRite/Cingari Family Markets, Key Bank, and so many others, remains central to its success, helping educate, inspire, and empower thousands of residents each year. 15th Annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo 2026 September 12, Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM Harbor Point Boardwalk, Stamford, CT https://www.hwl-expos.com

Newtown, CT – Aquila's Nest Vineyards is the only New England winery nominated by USA Today for Best Wine Tasting Room. Cast your vote through July 20.

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.

New Canaan, CT - Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC) proudly announces the cast and creative team of its summer mainstage show Matilda The Musical directed by Allegra Libonati (Bway: Hair). Inspired by the twisted imagination of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical has a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin. Matilda The Musical will perform at the NCHS Theater (11 Farm Rd, New Canaan, CT) from July 10 - 26, 2026. Performances will be on Fridays at 6:30 pm, Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Opening Night is Saturday, July 11 at 6:30 pm. Synopsis: Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Unloved by her cruel parents, she finds belonging with her schoolteacher Miss Honey and her librarian Mrs. Phelps in telling imaginative stories. However, the school's wicked headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, has set her sights on making life difficult for the schoolchildren. Using her courage, cleverness, and perhaps a bit of magic, Matilda finds ways of fighting back against the forces of injustice around her. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, and catchy songs, Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. The cast is led by Charlotte Surak (Bway: Waitress) as Matilda Wormwood, Christopher Hudson Myers (Bway: Mamma Mia) as Mr. Wormwood, Rachel MacIsaac Myers (Natl. Tour: Mamma Mia) as Mrs. Wormwood, Keisha T. Fraser (Bway: Mamma Mia; Natl. Tour: Matilda) as Mrs. Phelps, Mary McNulty (Natl. Tour: Clue) as Miss Honey, Meghan Louise Taylor as Miss Trunchbull and introducing Jack Ranieri as Bruce. The child ensemble includes: Nora Grace Blair, Delphine Day, Camillo Velasquez Escamilla, Carlos Velasquez Escamilla (Off-Bway: Big Famous), Valentina Miller, Coralie Myers, Ever Brave Savage (Natl. Tour: A Christmas Story), Brielle Shupin, and Victoria Vartosu. Additional adult cast includes: Madeline Benoit, Anthony Cataldo (Natl. Tour: Escape to Margaritaville), Cristyn Dang, Nathan Iles, Christian Libonati (Big Apple Circus), Nicholas Mohamed, Olivia Pryor (Natl. Tour: PAW Patrol Live!), Noah Roderiques, Cooper Sadler, Riley Schauer (Netflix: the Hunting Wives), Keara Sweeney (Natl. Tour: Elf! The Musical), and Andre' Pernell Williams (Natl. Tour: PAW Patrol Live!). The production team includes direction by Allegra Libonati (Bway: Hair), choreography by Eric Stretch (Intl. Tour: PAW Patrol Live!), music direction by Josh Walker, casting by Wojcik Casting Team , technical direction by Jim Hart , sets by Front Row Theatrical, lighting design by Kevin Gleason , costume design by Lauren Sherwood, aerial act design by Miguel-Andres Garcia , production stage management by Alan J. Stogin (Natl. Tour: Labyrinth in Concert), assistant stage management by Grace Griffin , company management by Brad Harder , and assistant direction by Gabi Simmons (Intl. Tour: West Side Story) with STONC 2026 Albert L. Perry III College Administrative and Technical Interns: Kole Bavoso, Dhruv Bhalla, Sarah Bollacke, Gavin Golisano, Maureen Henshaw, Rebekkah Hurlbert, James Kulig, Nina Paolini-Rota, Ava Rutherford, Emma Turner, and Alexander Shadman. Tickets for Matilda The Musical are now on sale and can be purchased online at stonc.org or by calling the box office (203.966.4634) open seasonally at 10AM on weekdays and 11AM weekends in July. Visit stonc.org The Summer Theatre of New Canaan The Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC) is a non-profit professional theatre company dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly entertainment to Fairfield County. Now beginning its 23rd summer season with a mission to enrich lives through the power of theater, STONC presents a diverse array of programs each summer, featuring top talent from Broadway and beyond. In addition to presenting professional musicals, STONC provides a variety of educational opportunities for local youth from elementary through college ages. Programs include the Albert L. Perry III College Internships, offering hands on professional experience, Pre-College Theatre Lab, offering high school students an introduction to professional training in the arts, the Junior Company, providing elevated performance opportunities to middle school age students, and the award winning DramaRama program, creating star performance opportunities for children with autism and all abilities. STONC also offers the Bennack-Polan School Touring Program enriching arts programs in area school districts with theatrical shows and learning opportunities. To learn more about these education programs, visit stonc.org.

Discover the best events in and around Fairfield County this week, June 23–28, 2026, including live music, festivals, theater, family fun, and more.