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THE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 52 YEARS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

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.

THE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 52 YEARS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
By Cathy Ithier June 28, 2025
Summer Fun & Concerts | Sunday, June 29 – Saturday, July 5, 2025 Get ready to celebrate the season in star-spangled style! This Fourth of July week, Fairfield County and surrounding areas are bursting with festive events—from dazzling fireworks and patriotic parades to lively beach parties and unforgettable outdoor concerts. Whether you're planning a fun family outing or a weekend escape with friends, we’ve rounded up the top events to make this week a celebration to remember. Let the summer magic begin! This Week’s Sponsor: Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association Where the magic happens—before and after dark. Looking for the ultimate summer getaway? Discover the Sullivan Catskills, home to the #1 Concert Venue in the USA — Bethel Woods Center for the Arts . Located on the legendary site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, this nonprofit cultural center offers unforgettable experiences with live music, creative programs, and immersive history. Explore open-air pavilions, art-filled galleries, market sheds, and the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods. Extend your July 4th celebration with a stay in the Catskills—plan your trip here ! Sunday, June 29 Ansonia: Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire(6:30pm) Bridgeport: KT Lay at Port 5(3 pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Danbury: Town Fireworks over Candlewood Lake (9pm) Easton: Hitch & The Giddyup LIVE at Easton Concerts on the Hill(6-8 PM) Fairfield: Ketlic Kick at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8 pm) Newtown: Katrina & Mark Duo at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(2–5 PM) Newtown: Pilates with Goats at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(11am) Newtown: Chocolate Fondue Dip & Sip at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) Newtown: Sourdough 101 Class at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) Newtown: Hot Fun In The Summertime with Panacea at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6pm) Norwalk: Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns w/Emily Wade Adams at Bayley Beach(5:30pm) Piermont, NY: Sunday Piano Brunch with Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO'S(12pm-3pm) Redding: Already Gone at Redding Town Green (6-8 pm) Shelton: Griffin Anthony at Jones Winery(2-4pm) Stratford: Frank Chiafari LIVE at Outriggers(2pm-5pm) Stamford: TJ at New York Comedy Club(7pm) Trumbull: Beggars & Choosers at Trumbull Sunday Concert Series at Town Gazebo( 4:00 PM) Westport: Artemis at Levitt Pavilion(7:00pm) Weston: Summer Sundays at Weston History & Culture Center(1pm-4pm) Weston: Southern Fried at Weston History & Culture Center's Music at the Barn(5:30 PM – 7:00 PM) Weston: Southern Fried: Music at The Barn(5:30-7pm) Woodbury: Dan Sawyer (Acoustic) LIVE at Woodbury Brewing Company(2pm) Monday, June 30 Stamford: Monday Night Mic at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:30 pm) Tuesday, July 1 Bridgeport: Sushi Funk at Black Rock Summer Concert Series(6:30pm – 8:30pm) East Haven: Bluegrass Jam at the Shore Line Trolley Museum (6-8:30pm) Fairfield: Ghost-Note W/ Allysha Joy LIVE at StageOne in FTC(8 pm) Oxford: Lost Rebel at Jackson Cove Summer Concert(6:30pm) Ridgefield: I Draw Slow at Ballard Park(7:00 PM) Trumbull: The Singing Gnome LIVE at Trumbull's Kids Summer Concerts(10 am) Trumbull: Backbeat at Trumbull Summer Concert Series(7:00 pm) Wednesday, July 2 Danbury: Carillon Concert Series: Carla Staffaroni(1pm-2pm) Fairfield: Peanut Butter Jam Concert with Les Julian at the Sherman Green Gazebo(10:15 AM – 11:00 AM) New Canaan: KENN MORR LIVE at Waveny Park (7:30-9:30 pm) Newtown: Ceremony & Sound: A Sacred Gathering at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Newtown: Salsa & Bachata Dance Night at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Stamford: Fireworks at Cummings Beach (9pm) Stratford: Round Two LIVE at Outriggers(5pm-9pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Stratford: Independence Day Fireworks at Short Beach (9pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½Westport: Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Compo Beach (9pm) Thursday, July 3 πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Derby: Annual Fireworks at 3rd Street (9pm) Milford: The Lost Marbles at Fridays After Five Concerts – Fowler Field(6 pm) Newtown: Christian Radzion LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(5:30–8:30 PM) Newtown: Dirty Martinis at Newtown Summer Concert Series( 6:30 PM - 8 PM) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Norwalk: Rowayton Fireworks w/ Soul Amazing with DJ Jimmy Nuzzo at Shady Beach(7pm) Piermont, NY: Jazz Thursdays w/ Jessica Healey + Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO’S (6-9pm) Ridgefield: Fairfield Counts at Ballard Park( 7:00 PM) Ridgefield: Hitch & the Giddyup LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(6:30pm) Stratford: Nayra & Cyril LIVE at Outriggers(5pm-8pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Shelton: Downtown Fireworks w/Darik & The Funbags at Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series(7pm) Weston: Summer Thursdays at Weston History & Culture Center(1pm-4pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ West Haven: Savin Rock Fireworks at Bradley Point (9:15pm) Friday, July 4 Bridgeport : Elana Zabari at Port 5(5:30-8:30pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½: New Canaan Fireworks Celebration at Waveny Park (5pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ New Haven: New Haven Fireworks Celebration at Wilbur Cross HS (9pm) Newtown: Murray the Wheel at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards( 4–7 PM) Newtown: Wine and Wheels Car Show at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(3pm-8pm) Newtown: Brie Blossom Foodie at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) Newtown: Baked Brie-liant Bites & Vino Nights at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6:30pm) Newtown: Friends & Family Glow Night in the Vines at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(7pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Norwalk: Juicebox w/Alex Markov, Sheff & Kiddo Dust at Bayley Beach(4:30PM) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ New Canaan: New Canaan 4th of July FIREWORKS!(5pm) Ridgefield: Sir Tone & Twang LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(2:30pm) Redding: Mike Milazzo LIVE at The Redding Roadhouse(7pm) Shelton: Seth Adam at Jones Winery(5–7pm) Stratford: Mike LoQuidice LIVE at Outriggers(5:30pm-8:30pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Weston: Weston Family 4th of July Celebration at Weston MSF (4:30-10pm) Westport: Picnic on the 4th of July at Music on Church Lane(6:00pm – 9:00pm) Woodbury: Southern Desperation LIVE at Woodbury Brewing Company(8:30pm) Saturday, July 5 Ansonia: Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire(6:30pm) Fairfield: Sukr Punch at Sherman Green Gazebo(6:30-8 pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Fairfield: Fairfield's Independence Day Fireworks at Jennings Beaches(9:15pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Fairfield: Fairfield's Independence Day Fireworks at Penfield Beache(9:15pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Greenwich: Fireworks Displays at Binney Park(9pm) Newtown: Brass Band at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(2–5 PM) Newtown: Belgian Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(12pm) Newtown: CUBORICUA Salsa Band Show at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6pm) New Milford: The Pop Rocks LIVE at Housatonic River Brewing(7pm-10pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Old Greenwich: Fireworks Displays at Greenwich Point(9:30pm) πŸŽ‡πŸ—½ Orange: Independence Day Concert & Fireworks at Orange Fairgrounds (6:30pm) Ridgefield: Nathaniel Hintz LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(5pm) Stamford: John Caparulo at New York Comedy Club Stamford( 7:00pm - 9:30pm) Stratford: Mike LoQuidice LIVE at Outriggers(5:30pm-8:30pm) Westport: Owen Daniel (Solo) at Music on Church Lane( 6:00pm – 9:00pm) Woodbury: Righteous Continental LIVE at Woodbury Brewing Company(8:30pm)
Stamford Downtown hosting Lower Summer Street BLOCK PARTY on June 26
By Stamford Downtown SSD June 26, 2025
Stamford Downtown hosting Lower Summer Street BLOCK PARTY on June 26
By Cathy Ithier June 25, 2025
What if you could hit rewind on life — just for one night — and relive the days when music videos ruled, mixed tapes mattered, and your weekend plans revolved around your favorite radio countdown? That’s exactly what happens when Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience takes the stage. On Friday, June 28, The Palace Theatre Stamford becomes the ultimate retro rewind destination, as Electric Avenue resurrects the soundtrack of a generation with staggering authenticity, high energy, and a whole lot of love for the 1980s. It’s Not a Cover Band. It’s a Time Machine. From the moment the first note hits, you’re there — back in the decade of cassette players, neon windbreakers, and shoulder pads. This isn’t nostalgia lite. It’s a full-on sonic revival. Electric Avenue meticulously recreates the sound, look, and spirit of New Wave and ‘80s radio pop with such precision; even major labels have mistaken their live recordings for the real thing. (Seriously — Warner Music once issued a takedown before realizing it wasn’t an original track.) Expect mega-hits from artists like Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, The B-52s, Simple Minds, A-ha, and more — all performed with vintage instruments, authentic arrangements, and heart-thumping energy that brings the decade back to life. The MTV Era, Alive and Amplified An Electric Avenue show isn’t just about the music — it’s about how it felt. Coming home from school and blasting your favorite record. Cruising with the windows down. Friday nights at the movies. Finding your identity through the songs that raised you. It’s prom night and your first concert all over again. And this time, you’re singing every word. Want to Win Free Tickets? Thanks to Fairfield After Dark and The Palace Theatre Stamford, you can be there — for FREE. One lucky winner will score 2 tickets to see Electric Avenue on June 28. πŸ‘‰ To enter, click here! https://www.fairfieldafterdark.com/win-great-prizes 🎧 Whether you lived through the decade or just wish you had, Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience delivers the ultimate ‘80s party, live and loud. Don’t miss it. Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience πŸ“ The Palace Theatre Stamford πŸ“… Friday, June 28, 2025, | 8 PM 🎟️ Tickets: https://bit.ly/43eibre 🎁 Win tickets here: https://www.fairfieldafterdark.com/win-great-prizes
Bargains, Buzz, and Big Sales: Westport’s Annual Sidewalk Sale Returns June 27–29, 2025
By Cathy Ithier June 25, 2025
Bargains, Buzz, and Big Sales: Westport’s Annual Sidewalk Sale Returns June 27–29, 2025
Tools as Art: Work and Play at Stamford Museum & Nature Center on view through Sept 8, 2025
By Kristin N. Sinatra June 25, 2025
Tools as Art: Work and Play at Stamford Museum & Nature Center on view through Sept 8, 2025
The Moonrise Cartel – Free Show Under the Stars at Levitt Pavilion – Thursday, July 24.
By Cathy Ithier June 24, 2025
The Moonrise Cartel – Free Show Under the Stars at Levitt Pavilion – Thursday, July 24.
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