Category: Music Festival

Free Events, Live Music, Local Flavor – Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) July 31- August 2, 2026

(WIN) celebrates its 11th year from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2, with a three-day weekend of music, art, food, history, and outdoor activities. One of the weekend highlights is the expanded Sidewalk Sunday on August 2, from 12 PM to 4 PM on Station Place. With the street closed to traffic, it becomes a lively pedestrian space where visitors can shop handmade goods, meet local makers, and enjoy live music.

Garden lovers will find plenty to enjoy. Sunday’s garden tours open four exquisite private gardens, including Woodland Pathways and Feeding Body and Soul. Visitors can also explore
Norfolk’s community garden, learn composting tricks from master composter Doug Semmes, and pick up a free herb seedling, while supplies last. For treasure hunters, there is a town-wide tag sale, and for art lovers there are shows at the Art Barn and the Norfolk Library as well as an open artist studio.

Music fills the weekend, with many free performances. Friday opens with a concert on the Green and live music at Infinity Music Hall’s Bistro on all three days. Saturday features the free Emerging Artists concert at the Music Shed, and live performances on Robertson Plaza. On Sunday, enjoy another round of free concerts, plus a children’s concert and ice cream social at the Music Shed.

WIN also offers plenty of ways to get outdoors. Start Friday with a plant and bird walk at City Meadow, then choose from Saturday’s yoga on the Green or a guided gravel bike ride with the Rails to Trails Committee. On Sunday, enjoy lawn games and a bring-your-own picnic lunch at the award-winning Manor House Inn. Visitors can also explore Norfolk’s scenic trails or attend a free fly-fishing workshop at Wood Creek Pond. Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, including bubble art at the Botelle School and family-friendly activities hosted by the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, featuring a bounce house and an obstacle course that introduces children to basic firefighting skills.

History and culture are also front and center. The Norfolk Historical Society’s exhibit brings the Revolutionary War era to life, while tours of local landmarks such as Battell Chapel and the Immaculate Conception Church show off exquisite stained-glass windows by Tiffany and others, and a tour of the Whitehouse offers a closer look at Norfolk’s rich past. At The Hub, Aton Forest is putting on an exhibit showing the history of the many conservation projects its founders undertook. And for something truly global, head to the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center, which offers exhibits, complimentary Asian lunch boxes, Dragon Boat Racing, bonsai demonstrations, and tea ceremonies.

When it’s time to eat, Norfolk delivers. Local favorites like the Icebox Cafe, Berkshire Country Store, and Infinity Bistro are serving up delicious options and WIN specials, while food trucks and pop-up vendors add even more variety throughout the weekend. All offer take-out, and Mountain Spirit Liquor is offering its own WIN specials to go with your picnic. With most events free and everything close by, WIN makes it easy to explore at your own pace. Whether you come for the music, the art, the history, or simply the atmosphere, you’ll leave with more than a good weekend—you’ll leave with a sense of belonging. Explore the full, daily-updated schedule at Weekend in Norfolk and plan your perfect summer weekend. For more information https://weekendinnorfolk.org/

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Jam @ the Dam – July 15 – Tickets on Sale Now!

Many of us are fond of live music. The chills that go down our spine when we hear that one lyric live, that is meaningful to us, or when our favorite artist takes the stage is so exciting. There is nothing like that feeling! With that in mind, local businessman, George Zwally, owner of Z-Topia Entertainment has organized the state’s newest family-friendly extravaganza, Jam at the Dam. This event is taking place on Saturday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1545 Monroe Tpke. at the site of the Old Stevenson Dam/lumber yard in Monroe.

The Dynamic Duo- Thompson Square

Zwally has always enjoyed giving back to the local community and thought that this massive piece of property would be the perfect spot for an event that offers fun for the entire family. “I want this to be one of the most fun and approachable festivals in the state. I wanted to create an event that offers audiences the chance to see world-class acts in a relaxed setting, and one that won’t break the bank,” said Zwally. “I want to offer folks a wide-ranging potpourri of music, food, and rides that will be uplifting. I think it is so special to be able to gather together in one place to celebrate music, our town, and our heritage with friends, new and old,” added Zwally.

Hitmaker- John Waite

In addition to performances by local bands, the star-studded entertainment line-up won’t disappoint. The Jam will kick off at 6 p.m. with a performance by John Waite who will be performing his catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist. Get ready to get up and dance to some of the most loved songs from the 1980s and 1990s like #1 Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s, ‘Isn’t It Time,’ “Bad English,” and ‘When I See You Smile.’ Waite’s impressive performance includes everything from power ballads to new-wave-styled pop that will have you rocking.

John Waite performs so many hits!

At 8 p.m., the headliner, Thompson Square, takes the stage. This famous Nashville, Grammy Nominated dynamic duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson has won multiple awards and appeared on many primetime TV specials. They’ve been praised as “remarkable” by Taste of Country, “deeply personal and emotional” by Sounds Like Nashville, and “vivacious” by Rolling Stone. One thing that has resonated with audiences around the world is the connection that this husband and wife team has with each other. Their music radiates with an intensity that draws audiences in. Gorgeous vocals, and heartfelt lyrics that give the music a timeless quality and country feel are highlights of their performance which includes their hits like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You,” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.” Thompson Square’s openness with their audience makes them one of the most intimate acts today, and one that is hard to forget.

Come Join the Fun @ Jam at the Dam

In addition to the exciting music line-up, there will be a beer and wine garden for those that work up a thirst as well as a variety of food trucks that are sure to please almost any palate. Remember to bring your lawn chair and sit back and relax @ Jam at the Dam.

Tickets are going fast for this sell-out event and are now available online at https://www.jamatthedam.com and at the gate the day of the event. Tickets cost $45 and include full access to the concerts. Children 13 and under are free with one paying adult. Food trucks and the beer and wine garden are at an additional cost. Free parking is available at 421 Old Zoar Road in Monroe.

If you’re looking for great food, tasty brews, world-class music, and outdoor fun for the whole family, head to “Jam at the Dam” on Saturday, July 15th.

JanetLeave a comment