Tag: things to do in CT

Celebrate the End of Summer in Style at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 5–7 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this vibrant festival is more than just a celebration—it’s the largest annual fundraiser supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a true Connecticut maritime icon. With tickets available online and at the gate, this festival offers exceptional value, especially with all entertainment included in the price of admission and free entry for children 12 and under on Sunday with a paying adult, sponsored by Nuvance Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, making it one of the most family-friendly events around.

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival in addition to nationally acclaimed family entertainment, all included with admission to the festival. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

A Star-Studded Music Lineup
This year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is turning up the volume with an unforgettable lineup that’s sure to have you dancing all weekend long! From national recording artists on the Optimum Main Stage to regional favorites under the Abbey Tent, music takes center stage. Music lovers are in for a treat with this year’s impressive entertainment line-up. Country sensation, Parmalee, the most-played group on Country Radio in 2022 and 2023, will headline Saturday night. Their high-energy performance will feature fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and their latest single “Cowgirl.” The musical excitement kicks off Friday with Nashville and Margaritaville night – Rock Country Nights, will open for Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band. Sunday wraps up with VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey, performing fan favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.”



Introducing the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge
This year, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino is unveiling its exclusive VIP Lounge — a luxurious, casino-inspired escape right in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, guests aged 21+ will get admission to the festival, all-day access to plush seating, three complimentary adult beverages, and a selection of tasty bites. But the VIP perks don’t stop there. Lounge guests will also be treated to exclusive giveaways and premium swag. One-day passes are available for September 5, 6, and 7, so grab yours online or at the gate. As Colin Mulhern, Event Manager for Mohegan Sun Online Casino, puts it: “Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk residents’ backyards!”

Unforgettable Family Fun: Lumberjacks & Leaping Dogs!
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is packed with laughter, action, and jaw-dropping feats that bring the world of logging to life. Watch as burly World Class and World Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping. From the razor-sharp Misery Whip crosscut saw to dragster-speed chainsaws, this high-energy show blends tradition with modern-day excitement—and it’s been wowing audiences across the globe for over 33 years!

The Ready Go Dog Show takes entertainment to new heights—literally! Featuring a cast of rescued canine athletes, this high-flying, tail-wagging performance combines comedy, talent, and heart in one unforgettable package. Watch Frisbee-catching, high-jumping, water-diving dogs steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. These pups do it all with passion, and after the show, you can even meet the stars during a special “meet n’ greet”. As seen on FOX, ESPN, and The Today Show, the Ready Go Dog Show is paws-down one of the most exciting family-friendly events around!

Savor Global Flavors & Shop Local Artistry
Food lovers, get ready for a culinary journey around the world—without ever leaving town. Indulge in a vibrant menu that spans continents, alongside classic New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters delivered right off the boat. If you love to shop and explore one-of-a-kind finds, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts area, where talented artists and crafters showcase everything from whimsical trinkets to practical pieces. Whether you’re on the hunt for handmade jewelry, eye-catching paintings, stunning pottery, or wearable art, there’s something here to match every style and budget.

Festival Essentials
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday, sponsored by Nuvance Health GoHealth Urgent Care, and children under 5 are free every day. Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristband specials with unlimited rides for Saturday & Sunday (11a-3p) are available for only $35! Tickets for the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent are available online and at the gate. Click here for ticket information. For detailed parking shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino
Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

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Attention Classical Music Lovers: Pre-order Your Subscription to the Danbury Concert Association’s 2025/26 Performance Series and Save!

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) proudly announces their 2025/26 performance schedule. Concertgoers can save on the full, four-concert series by ordering a subscription during August at the discounted rate of $75 per adult, just $18.75 per concert – a fabulous price for such world-class musicianship.

A Far Cry

First in the concert series is the triple Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra, A Far Cry, returning to the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University on Sunday, September 21st at 3 p.m. The 15 Boston-based “Criers” will perform works by Caroline Shaw, Komitas, Osvaldo Golijov, and Benjamin Britten.

Upcoming Performances
Mark your calendars for the rest of the series, which includes “Piano Four Hands,” with Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park on October 26; pianist Ilya Yakushev on March 22, 2026; and cellist Sophie Shao & Friends on June 7, 2026. All concerts are on Sundays at 3 p.m. and each is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all. For details, visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.

To order your discounted subscription, download a printable order form at https://www.danburyconcert.org.

Beginning August 21st, single tickets to A Far Cry’s concert will be available on Eventbrite at the regular price of $25 per adult. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

For music lovers of all ages, The Danbury Concert Association presents world-class entertainment at incredible prices – join us and see for yourself!

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)
The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall at VPAC at Western Connecticut State University has been a game-changing venue since raising its curtain in 2014. Featuring a tri-level, in-the-round seating experience for audiences of up to 350, this elegant space is where beautiful form meets the highest standards of functionality. State-of-the-art acoustics and lighting create exceptional sensory experiences for patrons and performers alike, rivaling the best concert halls in the country.

About the Danbury Concert Association
Nearly 100 years young, the Danbury Concert Association (DCA) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Their singular mission since their inception has been to present a series of local, affordable, live concerts by exceptional professional musicians who perform in the world’s greatest concert venues. Through the tireless work of their all-volunteer board, the DCA continues to attract the highest caliber performance artists to Danbury, giving music lovers a rare opportunity to experience the finest in classical entertainment without having to travel to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, or any far-off concert venue. For more information about the DCA (or to donate to their worthy mission), visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.

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Dive Into a Storybook Weekend at the Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale!

Book lovers, treasure seekers, and fans of small-town charm—get ready for one of Connecticut’s most beloved summer traditions! The Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale is back from August 23–25, and it’s more than just a chance to stock up on great reads—it’s a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection. Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM to kick things off. Then come back on Sunday, August 24, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM—because starting at 3 PM, all books are FREE! But it doesn’t end there—Monday, August 25, is the grand finale, and you won’t want to miss it. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, everything under the tent is completely FREE!

Imagine strolling through tables overflowing with over 30,000 books—from mystery and memoir to cookbooks and children’s classics—all nestled in the picturesque setting of the historic Norfolk Green. Hosted by the Norfolk Library Associates, this three-day event brings people of all ages together to support free cultural programming at the Library.

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Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or someone who just appreciates the charm of a beautifully bound hardcover, you’re in for a treat! From rare vintage gems to eye-catching photography and art books that are perfect for your coffee table, there’s a little something for every kind of reader. And here’s the real page-turner: most of these books come with steep discounts—and if you stop by on Sunday after 3 PM or anytime on Monday, many of them are free! That’s right—free books by the boxful. So bring a bag (or two) and get ready to discover your next favorite read without spending a dime. Come for the books, stay for the charm and community spirit that make this tradition so uniquely Norfolk.

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Discover the Power of Forest Stewardship with Woodland Academy

The Great Mountain Forest (GMF) Woodland Academy is continuing its commitment to forest education with a robust lineup of workshops this July, August, and September. Tailored for forest owners and stewards—including individuals, nonprofit organizations, and municipal leaders—these sessions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of forest management and promote sustainable land use practices. In addition to supporting professional continuing education, the Academy also fosters meaningful connections and collaboration within the regional forest community. All workshops are held at the historic Yale Camp in the heart of GMF, in Falls Village, Connecticut.

On July 21, GMF will host a workshop on Managing Forests for Birds, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut. This one-day session, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., offers insights into the habitat needs of our region’s diverse bird populations, including migratory species. Participants will gain practical insights on how forest management choices can enhance bird habitats and support biodiversity. The workshop will also review Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Maple program and share resources for adopting bird-conscious forestry practices. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

On August 8, forest professionals Star Childs, Founding Trustee of GMF, and David Beers from CT DEEP Forestry Division, will lead a full-day workshop on Land Navigation and Mapping. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in both traditional map and compass methods as well as modern digital navigation tools. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this course is ideal for those looking to build confidence in navigating and thinking about the management of their land. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

For those seeking an in-depth experience, GMF’s three-day intensive Forest Management Workshop Series—held on August 1, August 15, and September 12 offers a good starting foundation in forest stewardship. Held in the heart of the 6,300-acre Great Mountain Forest, this series combines classroom instruction with immersive fieldwork guided by seasoned forestry professionals. Participants will gain vital skills in tree and shrub identification, explore forest ecology, learn how to align management practices with various landowner goals, and get an introduction to financial and technical assistance programs. Whether you’re managing a family woodland, stewarding a community forest, are a student, or are interested in better understanding forests, these workshops will help you make informed, sustainable decisions about the land. The three-day intensive series is available for $75. To register, click here.

These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to gain foundational skills and connect with a network of fellow forest stewards. Whether you manage land for timber, wildlife, recreation, or conservation, there is a program to help you meet your stewardship goals. Ultimately, the goal of Woodland Academy is to help stewards care for more forests, enhance biodiversity, and bring more forest benefits to the communities around them

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

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Discover Treasures at the Glebe House Attic Sale May 18

Get ready to step back in time and uncover vintage gems at the Attic Sale hosted by the historic Glebe House Museum, 49 Hollow Road in charming Woodbury, Connecticut! Join the fun on Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where antique lovers, collectors, and curious shoppers alike can browse a curated selection of unique finds. From antique furniture and elegant home décor to garden treasures, fine china, artwork, and exquisite glassware, this sale offers something for every style and taste.

This year’s sale is extra special as the Glebe House Museum is celebrating a remarkable milestone – 100 years as a house museum, preserving the rich tapestry of early American life. Don’t miss the centerpiece of the centennial celebration—a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed gala on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect. Enjoy an evening of live music, gourmet food and drinks, signature cocktails, and thrilling silent and live auctions. It’s the perfect excuse to dress your best and raise a glass to a century of history, story telling, and preservation. Tickets to this gala event, Cheers to 100 Years, are available online www.glebehousemuseum.org

Built around 1750 and lovingly restored in 1923 under the vision of Henry Watson Kent—the mastermind behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art—the Glebe House stands as a living tribute to colonial heritage. Every dollar spent at the Attic Sale goes directly to supporting its restoration and educational programs, including the stunning Gertrude Jekyll Garden, the only one of its kind in the United States.

So, whether you’re a seasoned antique hunter or just love a good find, come shop for a cause and take home a piece of history. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted, but please—no early birds! Let the treasure hunt begin!

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Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee brings their southern swagger to Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 5-

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

It’s 5 ‘clock somewhere with the Jimmy Kenny Band at the Norwalk Oyster Festival

The music doesn’t stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Take a journey with VOYAGE

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

JanetLeave a comment