The Fab 4 Festival Returns to CT with a Day of Beatles, Brews & Book Signings on May 17.

With over 165 juried Fine Artists, a Sesame Street Station in the children's area, music and food for the whole family to enjoy! WESTPORT, CT, MAY 24TH + 25TH – The Westport Downtown Association, Inc. is excited to present the 52nd Westport Fine Arts Festival, on Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th from 10 AM to 5 PM. This juried festival is a top twenty nationally ranked show and features the award-winning work of over 165 fine artists from across the country in 11 categories. Over 260 artists applied for 167 coveted spots at this year's festival. The artists come from 19 states, with 31 from Connecticut, and six from our hometown of Westport. We are delighted to welcome 41 new artists to the festival. The returning festival judges are Kathie Bennewitz and Miggs Burroughs. Additionally, we are delighted to introduce the Sesame Street Station for this year’s family area on Church Lane! This year's children's area is sponsored by Gault Family Companies, bringing Sesame Street to downtown Westport! Children of all ages can enjoy Facepainting by Yasmeen and themed crafts by CraftyKids Westport. Elmo and friends will be on-site Saturday and Sunday. Join them for games, dancing, limbo, and photo opportunities! Inspired by the beloved PBS educational show, this playful space celebrates creativity, diversity, and friendship. From Big Bird to big fun, it’s all happening downtown! Adults can relax and enjoy wine and beer sponsored by Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Elicit Brewing Co., Gerard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé, The Grapevine, Martignetti Companies, Space Cat Brewing Company, and Two Roads Brewing Company. Popular food vendors such as Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, Goni’s Gourmet, Good Ole Boys Kettle Corn, Hoffman Bread, Los Poblanos Restaurant, Sweet Ness Bites, and LemoNate’s will be on-site to satisfy hungry appetites. Other vendors at the festival include Advanced Window Systems LLC, CY Collective, Day at the Beach, Domino Travel, Huntington Learning Center of Westport, Joli Lily, Leaf Filter, Renewal by Anderson, Students Opening Local Displays (SOLD Club), Sweet Bond, and Waxing the City Westport. Liefer Properties sponsors the artists’ awards reception at Branson Hall on Saturday evening, May 24th. We are grateful for their generosity and support of this year’s festival. Special thanks to The Aubuchon Realty Company (ARC) for generously allowing festival attendees to enjoy live music on their Elm & Main property. The Fine Arts Festival is a free event. All art will be available for purchase at various price points. The festival will have three entry points: Elm Street, Main Street, and Avery Place. Festival visitors will enjoy live music on both days in several locations on the festival's footprint. This festival is a highlight for collectors and residents of the Tri-State region, New England, and beyond. It features a premier roster of regional, national, and international fine artists exhibiting in various media categories, including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, graphics, and printmaking. All artwork is available in various price ranges, themes, and styles. The Westport Fine Arts Festival would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of Gault Family Companies, Leifer Properties, Finocchio Brothers, and Videler Photography. We’re grateful to our media sponsors, 06880 Dan Woog and Fairfield After Dark, for their generous support in promoting the event and contributing to the community. The 52nd Westport Fine Arts Festival is presented and produced by The Westport Downtown Association, with Artist Direction by Sue Brown Gordon of Gordon Fine Arts. If artists have questions, they can reach Sue at fafdirector@westportdowntown.com or (518) 852-6478. On-site and sponsor positions are available. Contact Beth Meyer at events@westportdowntown.com. Press inquiries should be directed to Brian Spurr at marketing@westportdowntown.com. For more information, please go to https://westportdowntown.com/fine-arts-festival. The Westport Downtown Association (WDA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization of merchants, business owners, and landlords working together to improve the commerce and culture of downtown Westport, Connecticut, for the benefit of our community and commercial constituents. In addition to supporting the maintenance and beautification of our district, the WDA runs consumer events to draw attention and visitors to the area.

Transport Yourself Through Time at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards’ Retro Rewind DJ Party Dust off your leg warmers, tease up that crimped hair, and hit “play” on your mixtape—because on Saturday, May 18 , Aquila’s Nest Vineyards transforms its indoor tasting room into the hottest throwback dance floor this side of the millennium. Get ready to relive the neon-soaked, high-energy vibes of the ’80s & ’90s with the one and only DJ RJ spinning all your favorite retro anthems. Iconic Beats & Epic Tunes Whether you lived through the era or just wish you had, DJ RJ’s curated playlist will have you singing along to Madonna, Michael Jackson, TLC, Nirvana, and all the chart-toppers that defined two unforgettable decades. Intimate VIP Experience Our indoor tasting room is set up for exclusive reserved seating—meaning you’ll enjoy up-close interaction with DJ RJ, comfy lounges, and perfect sightlines for every beat drop. Wine + Nostalgia = Perfection Sip from our award-winning wine selection (minimum $10 purchase per guest) while you groove. Not a wine fan? We’ve got delicious non‑alcoholic mocktails, too. Retro Dress Code Embrace the era with nylon workout wear, bold brights, denim jackets, high‑waist leggings, and crop tops. Trust us—if it was big, bright, and bold in the ’80s & ’90s, it’s welcome here. Important Details Date & Time: Saturday, May 18 | Doors open at 6:00 PM Location: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards Indoor Tasting Room Age Requirement: 21+ event Farm Winery Permit Policy: Outside alcohol, water bottles, and coolers are prohibited—our team reserves the right to inspect bags. Tickets: Non‑refundable Ready to travel back in time? Gather your crew, don your brightest neon, and reserve your seat for an evening of epic tunes, fine wine, and memories that sparkle brighter than a pair of jelly shoes. 👉 Book Your Tickets Now and get ready for a night that’s totally tubular!

Bridgeport, CT – Get ready to sing, dance, and roar along as Chris Rowlands, the beloved musical performer and environmental educator, returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo this Memorial Day Weekend (May 24th-26th)! With three performances daily at 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm, guests will be treated to an unforgettable blend of music, puppetry, and conservation education – all free with Zoo admission. Chris will bring animals to life through catchy original songs, colorful puppets, and interactive storytelling that gets the whole family involved. Children are invited to wear fun animal hats and join him on stage, singing along to tunes that both wildly entertain and educate. Rowlands has even composed exclusive songs just for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! The songs feature beloved zoo animal ambassadors, with special nods to this year’s newest arrivals, and the Zoo’s continued commitment to animal enrichment and conservation. Attending any one of Chris Rowlands Shows is free with admission, for more information and tickets visit https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/tickets.html.

Big Laughs and Family Fun at Edmond Town Hall: Michael Kosta and Vanessa Trien Headline May 16–18 Weekend Newtown, CT – Edmond Town Hall is the place to be this May as two incredible acts bring both big laughs and family-friendly music to the historic venue. On Friday, May 16 , comedian Michael Kosta hits the stage with his sharp wit and signature style on The Lucky Loser Tour . Then on Sunday, May 18 , it's fun for all ages with Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys , a high-energy, interactive musical experience perfect for kids and families. Best known as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah , Michael Kosta is a veteran stand-up comedian whose insightful humor and deadpan delivery have earned him spots on The Tonight Show , Conan , and Comedy Central. With his “Lucky Loser” perspective on modern life, Kosta’s live performance is equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking—an ideal night out for fans of smart comedy. Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys bring joy and movement to every performance. Based in Boston, this award-winning band has become a favorite among families throughout New England. Their upbeat songs and infectious enthusiasm get kids singing, dancing, and jumping along—while parents enjoy the musical talent and heart behind it all. Whether you're in the mood for side-splitting comedy or heartwarming family fun, Edmond Town Hall delivers entertainment for everyone this weekend. TICKETS are available now at edmondtownhall.org.

Laugh, Listen, and Celebrate at SoNo 1420 This Weekend SoNo 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery, is the place to be this weekend with a triple treat of live music, stand-up comedy, and party-perfect vibes. 🎸 Friday, May 16 – Acoustic Sono with Carlos Miller Kick off the weekend with soul, charm, and acoustic excellence as Carlos Miller takes the stage for this week’s installment of the Acoustic Sono Music Series. A Connecticut favorite, Carlos captivates with his smooth vocals, intricate guitar work, and magnetic presence. Whether performing solo or with The Last Hoorah, his sound is heartfelt, energetic, and unforgettable. Come for the music—stay for the cocktails and the welcoming, intimate vibe that only SoNo 1420 can deliver. 😂 Saturday, May 17 – Hard Headed Comedy Night On Saturday night, SoNo 1420 transforms into a comedy lounge as Hard Headed Comedy brings the laughs with a powerhouse lineup of diverse, high-energy performers. 🎤 This week's featured comedians: Kendra Cunningham – Comedy Central standout with razor-sharp wit. Michael Brigante – Bronx-born storyteller with a punch. Alyce Chan – TikTok sensation and the comedic voice of parents everywhere. Luz Michelle – Founder of Hard Headed Comedy, fearless and funny. From parenting fails to cultural quirks, this is comedy that hits home—and hard. Add expertly crafted cocktails and the cozy charm of a distillery setting, and you’ve got a night to remember. 🎟️ Reserve your seat now: https://bit.ly/hardheaded1420 🥃 Host Your Next Party or Event at SoNo 1420 Looking for a unique venue with character, craft cocktails, and flexible event options? Whether you're planning a corporate outing, private party, or team-building night, SoNo 1420 Distillery delivers an upscale, unforgettable experience right in the heart of South Norwalk. Capacity: Up to 45 for meetings, 100 for casual events Drinks: Signature SoNo 1420 spirits, Spacecat Brewery beer, and BYO wine Food: Simple charcuterie options or bring in your favorite caterer Add-ons: Custom whiskey bottles, tours & tastings Let the SONO 1420 team help you create an event that’s anything but ordinary.