Free events in Stratford, CT

A guided workout led by an instructor at Black Rock Senior Center. People age 55 and older can participate for free. For information, call 203-576-7258.

The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District brings the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market back to McLevy Green, offering a weekly marketplace filled with fresh produce, tasty lunch options, live music, and creative community activities. The season opens with a live cooking demonstration by Chef Raquel Rivera of A Pinch of Salt, performances by local musicians, handcrafted goods from neighborhood artisans, and interactive arts experiences with cARTie, the Art Museum Bus. Throughout the season, look for live music each week and periodic cooking demos featuring Chef Raquel alongside Deja Smith of Khemi’s Vegan Cuisine, plus a wide selection of vegetables and ready-to-enjoy meals. Regular vendors include Killam & Bassette Farmstead, Betzy’s Latin Cuisine, Khemi’s Vegan Cuisine, and Natural Juice. Artisan makers such as Destinie Designs, Kiffy Naturals, Rico Suave Accessories, and The She Shed will be on hand, and information providers like American Jobs Center, Bridgeport Public Library, Fairfield County Coalition Voter Registration, Greater Bridgeport Transit and Ctrides, Liberation Programs, and Recovery Network of Programs will share resources. Depending on the week, special guests may include CONNECT-US, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, UI/Avangrid, and Jehovah’s Witness. To expand access to healthy food, the Bridgeport Bucks program offers coupons that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at Bridgeport farmers markets, with businesses and organizations able to buy them as incentives or rewards for clients, employees, and community groups. The market accepts SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for WIC and Senior recipients, along with Bridgeport Bucks, cash, credit, and debit. An incentive match is available so that for every $1 in SNAP funds spent at the market, customers can purchase $2 in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Set at Wasson Field, this community farmers market celebrates the fall harvest with farm-fresh produce and artisan foods from Connecticut farms that use organic and sustainable practices. Browse pumpkins, corn, apples, squash, and other seasonal picks alongside locally sourced meats, dairy, and baked goods. Beyond groceries, explore more than 30 vendors offering flowers, sustainable clothing, baby items, home decor, pet products, and art. Food trucks serve breakfast and brunch favorites, coffee and matcha, ice cream, gluten-free treats, smoothies, BBQ, and other seasonal bites. Live music by local performers creates an inviting backdrop while you shop. Activities include pet adoptions, cooking demonstrations, and presentations from agriculture experts. Children can enjoy the Children’s Market and the Piglets Club with hands-on learning, storytime, farm animal visits, face painting, and opportunities to earn $1 tokens to pick their own fruits and vegetables. Many farmers honor SNAP, WIC, and senior vouchers. A partnership between the Downtown Milford Business Association and The Giggling Pig of Milford brings the Piglets Club to life, encouraging connections around fresh food and community.

At Sherwood Island State Park, the Fairfield County Out of the Darkness Community Walk brings people together to confront the reality that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and to focus on understanding as a path to prevention. Funds raised through this walk directly support research, advocacy, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Connecticut. The event offers a compassionate space to connect with others who understand, reminding participants they are not alone while working together to make a difference. Registration is free and ensures participants receive important updates from the local organizers.