Events in Western Connecticut Planning Region today

Registration for the Fall Jr. Cheer Clinic is closed, and late sign-ups will not be accepted. Hosted in the Ridgefield High School gym, this clinic welcomes boys and girls from preschool age four through eighth grade. Participants learn cheers and a halftime routine from the Ridgefield High School Cheer Team, receive a cheer bow and T-shirt, and perform in front of a crowd during halftime at an RHS football game. The fee is $65 and includes the clinic, entry to the game for the camper, a shirt, and a bow. Halftime timing can vary, so families are responsible for arriving early enough for the performance, and coming for the start of the game is recommended. If this session was missed, the winter Jr. Cheer program is the next opportunity.

Willie & Jim & Jan present a free concert filled with rich harmonies at the Southbury Public Library. The program features well loved songs arranged for three voices. Seating is limited and reservations are required, handled by the library’s reference desk.

This hands-on cookie decorating class celebrates the season with festive Halloween designs. Participants decorate four themed cookies with live, step-by-step instruction, and supplies are included. The class welcomes every skill level, and you will leave with new decorating techniques and a sweet treat. This is a one-night session. A separate material fee of $25 is due to the instructor at the class and can be paid by cash, Venmo, or Square.

Travel between 1936 Egypt and 1978 New York City in a sweeping story that pairs a young anthropology student whose life changes after work in the Valley of the Kings with an eager assistant learning the ropes under fashion icon Diana Vreeland as preparations ramp up for the Met Gala. Years later, the former student has settled into a quiet role in the museum’s Egyptian Art department, immersed in research on Hathorkare, a rare female pharaoh often overlooked. On the night of the gala, a priceless artifact disappears and whispers of an ancient curse surface. The two women become an unlikely team in a high-stakes search that leads them back to Egypt, where facing the past may be the only path to the truth. Blending historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of fantasy, this tale unfolds with intrigue, art, and danger across generations.

Cold Chocolate brings a fresh take on Americana, weaving folk, funk, and bluegrass into a distinctive sound. The Boston-based duo of Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin and Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo is known for close-knit harmonies, polished musicianship, and songwriting at the forefront, delivering energetic live shows. They have shared the stage with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman and perform regularly at venues and festivals across the country. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Weekly trivia takes place at Spacecat Brewery in Norwalk. Some attendees arrive early to chat before the questions begin.

Harrybrooke Park in New Milford becomes a sprawling realm of thrills with a hayride and a winding haunted trail that stretches across 48 acres. Presented by an all-volunteer team representing six local nonprofits, this horror-filled experience celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2026 and is billed as Connecticut’s longest haunted trail. New scares and surprises have been added throughout. Timed entry tickets available online help reduce time spent in line. This attraction is intense and not recommended for the faint of heart or those with a weak bladder. The event takes place at Harrybrooke Park, with parking located off site.

Spacecat Brewing Company hosts Next Stop Comedy, a stand-up showcase that brings top comics to neighborhood venues. Each show features a completely new roster, including performers with television appearances and popular podcast credits. Look forward to a rotating mix of talent and plenty of laughs in a relaxed brewery setting.

Explore bachata at Vitti's Dance Studio with a welcoming beginner class that introduces a Latin style loved on social dance floors. No partner is required. A separate class is available for those with more experience.

At Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, a nine piece international touring tribute brings the music of rock and roll legends to life, delivering crowd pleasing favorites alongside a handful of rarities. From the unmistakable saxophone burst in Brown Sugar to the powerful female vocal feature in Gimme Shelter, every detail is carefully recreated. Expect an energetic, nostalgia filled experience.

Enjoy a night of live music at Oak Hills Park Golf Course in Norwalk, featuring cover songs spanning artists such as Bonnie, Zeppelin, the Eagles, Tedeschi Trucks, Frampton, the Beatles, Squeeze and Crowded House. The evening includes music and dancing, along with food and drinks. Reservations are suggested, and admission is $5 at the door.

The Blind Boys of Alabama salute the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s celebrated Songs in the Key of Life with a program that pairs Wonder’s timeless songs with treasured selections from their own repertoire. This performance blends gospel, soul, and Americana, showcasing the group’s signature harmonies and spiritual fervor while honoring both musical legacies. With more than seven decades of uplifting performances behind them, they continue to share hope through music. Their 2003 Grammy win recognized an album featuring their acclaimed take on Higher Ground, later heard in film and on television, including the FX series Fargo. In 2007, Stevie Wonder presented longtime member Jimmy Carter with a Vision Award for Lifetime Achievement, highlighting the Blind Boys’ lasting influence. Presented as part of the Pepsi Rock Series handcrafted by American Metal.

Anthony Rodia delivers stand-up drawn from real life, with observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and the everyday moments that power his social media rants. A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, he returned to comedy in 2019 after working as a finance manager and performed 100 shows in just nine months, building a large following online and around the country with more than 900,000 social media followers and over 22 million views on YouTube. During quarantine he released 86 weekly videos, turning Road Rage Wednesday into a viewer favorite and bringing his outspoken Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters to life. He also hosts the weekly Little Bit of Laughs podcast on Podcast One with co-host and radio personality Goumba Johnny, and has appeared on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, FOX’s Good Day New York, and Elizabeth & Elisa on News 12. Often referred to as the 'KING OF OFF THE BOAT COMEDY', he continues to sell out comedy clubs and theaters nationwide.

A weekly farmers market at the First Congregational Church of Norwalk runs July to October and spotlights local growers and makers. Browse seasonal fruits and vegetables, handcrafted breads, freshly roasted coffee, and other distinctive goods from local farms, bakeries, and artisans. It offers a place to stock up on groceries, support small businesses, and spend time outdoors with neighbors throughout the summer and fall. Vendor inquiries or questions can be sent to info@norwalkfirst.org.

Explore the AgathaO tent in downtown Ridgefield at a new juried arts festival filled with art. The display features Eye of he Beholder, a collection of large nature abstracts on metal, along with a selection of prints, framed pieces, and cards.

Bring the Halloween spirit to STEPS Dance Studio in Stamford with a witchy craft session designed for children. Participants ages 3 and up can make a glittery project, and festive hats are encouraged. Sessions run for one hour and are offered at multiple times. The cost is $25 per child, and a parent must accompany each participant. Space is limited.

Take a breather with an adult tea and social hour that encourages relaxed conversation and connection. Catch up with familiar faces or get to know new people while you sip a soothing cup of tea. It offers a simple pause from a busy day and a chance to focus on self-care in a welcoming setting. No sign-up is needed, just stop by.

Enjoy an outdoor evening featuring great food, specialty cocktails, and live performances. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lucie Connell at l.connell@earthplace.org.

Experience an evening of live jazz at Brass & Bone in Norwalk as 16-year-old multi-instrumentalist Tristan Connolly returns to the stage. Performing on alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and clarinet, Tristan brings credentials that include holding the top alto sax chair in the CT Western Regional and All-State Festivals during his freshman and sophomore years. He participates in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra and the Charlie Parker Combo, with performances at venues within Lincoln Center, around New York City, and at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport. He earned the 2026 Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search award and received a professional Conn Selmer alto saxophone through the Gerry Mulligan Foundation. Outside of performances, he studies at Fairfield Warde High School, plays in the school Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, and has appeared on clarinet with his brother Colman’s group, The Low Darts, for their rendition of Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” during three sold out shows at FTC’s Stage One. He continues a family tradition of music shared by the Connolly, Tressler, Fitzgerald, and McCann families.

Celly Series brings a fresh spin to the rink as the Tri-State Mayhem face the Bronx Danglers in the opening showcase of the series at Danbury Ice Arena. Built around elite talent and full-contact intensity, this format cranks up the atmosphere with huge plays, larger-than-life personalities, and nonstop pace. A live DJ fuels the vibe while on-ice celebrations turn big moments into memories that last well beyond the final horn. The Tri-State Mayhem arrive with grit and disruption in mind, looking to control every shift. The Bronx Danglers counter with style, precision, and swagger, aiming to entertain while they chase the win. Whether you know every line change or are brand new to the sport, this matchup is designed for maximum energy and unforgettable highlights.

Attendees will find Capt. Chris Campbell behind the bar, serving drinks.

Jeff Arcuri performs at New York Comedy Club in Stamford, CT.

The Listening Room with Carrie Linsky offers an intimate night of songcraft where music, conversation, and community meet. A handpicked roster of writers shares original songs in their most direct form, then leans into spontaneous collaborations while Carrie guides an easygoing dialogue that reveals the sparks, challenges, and breakthroughs behind the music. Tickets are $35. Producer, songwriter, and host Carrie Linsky of Georgetown, Connecticut, began with just a guitar and a song, and that simplicity remains her home base. As co-founder and co-lead of Caravan of Thieves, she has seen the group’s audience grow with millions of streams for “Eat You” and renewed attention for “Raise the Dead” after an HBO placement. Over two decades she has released seven albums, toured internationally, and shared stages with Emmylou Harris, Keb Mo, The Decemberists, Bela Fleck, Deep Banana Blackout, and The Motet. She is stepping forward with new solo work while continuing with Caravan of Thieves and the alt folk duo Fuzz and Carrie. Featured guest songwriter Heather Maloney, based in Northampton, Massachusetts, honed her voice during three years at a meditation center, blending influences from Joni, Rilke, Ken Burns, and Zen storytelling into introspective narratives. With more than a thousand shows around the world and eight studio albums behind her, she has released a ninth, Exploding Star, written after the loss of her father and originally intended to remain private. Her songs have aired on NPR stations and on programs like eTown and AudioTree, “Nightstand Drawer” appeared in the season finale of the CBS series Elementary, and her music has reached broad audiences through editorial playlists and Starbucks in-store programming. She has headlined across the US and Canada and supported Lake Street Dive, Shakey Graves, Gary Clark Jr., Rodrigo y Gabriela, Colin Hay, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin, and Dar Williams. Featured guest songwriter Sophie Seaver of New Canaan, Connecticut, brings confessional writing that blends gentle acoustic folk with subtle jazz colors, unexpected chord shifts, and the warmth of upright bass. Her songs explore social anxiety, relationship doubts, and the unseen lives we carry, creating a sound that is heartfelt and quietly daring. She has sharpened her craft through School of Rock, Grammy Camp, and Rare Artist, earned national recognition as a YoungArts winner, and draws inspiration from artists such as Adrianne Lenker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves, and Olivia Dean. Featured guest musician Dan Asher, from the Bronx, is a sought-after electric and upright bassist whose work spans rock, R&B, jazz, and more. Since graduating from Lawrence University, he has performed at Birdland, the Blue Note, Smalls, and the 55 Bar, and has worked with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, David Bryan, Jay Oliver, and Shunzo Ono. His credits include collaborations with Alexis P Suter and Caravan of Thieves at festivals across the Northeast and in Canada, the Wheels of Soul tour with Gabe Dixon, and appearances with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Los Lobos.

The Linda Ronstadt Experience makes its debut at Edmond Town Hall, celebrating the music of a legendary vocalist with a full-band tribute led by American Idol alum Tristan McIntosh. With commanding vocals and an engaging stage presence, McIntosh honors Ronstadt’s range and emotion while the band brings classic arrangements to life. The set features favorites like You’re No Good, When Will I Be Loved, That’ll Be the Day, and Blue Bayou, along with selections connected to songwriters such as Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and Warren Zevon. Ronstadt’s longtime producer Peter Asher has praised the group for its excellent work, setting the tone for an evening devoted to timeless songs delivered with heart and authenticity.

Set out from the Bridgewater boat launch for a relaxed, foliage-filled paddle. The route spans about 10 miles round trip at an easy pace, which can feel demanding because of the distance, so it is best for paddlers comfortable with that mileage. A picnic break is planned at the halfway point before heading back. The launch features a large parking area and a port-o-let, and arriving early can make unloading smoother. Pack a lunch and plenty of water. If bringing your own, carry a PFD and a whistle. Cooler conditions are likely, so dress for the weather with layers and consider a wetsuit or drysuit, booties, and a spare change of clothes secured in a dry bag. An optional stop at Ferris Acres for a hot apple crisp sundae or another treat is planned to cap the day. Checking current foliage and weather conditions can help with planning and gear choices.

The 9th annual Pets in the Park Danbury brings pet lovers together at Danbury Town Park in Danbury, CT for a day focused on animals and community. Pets are welcome, and attendees can meet rescue organizations with adoptable animals, browse shopping booths, and enjoy family friendly activities. Highlights include an animal blessing with Pet Pastor Pat, sponsored by Caraluzzi's Markets, a Howl-o-Ween pet parade costume contest, and free face painting by Happy Cheeks Party and Entertainment with support from CareVet of Bethel Village Square and Green Home Solutions of Western CT. Food and refreshments are available from Jesse's Ice Cream, Streetside Hot Dogs, and FiiZ Drinks Brookfield with dirty sodas. Admission is $3 per person with free entry for children under 12, and a portion of proceeds supports a local animal rescue. Parking is free.

At the Connecticut Bridal & Wedding Expo, a curated group of wedding specialists is ready to share guidance for celebrations of every style, from elegant black-tie receptions to relaxed, barefoot beach ceremonies. Attendees can explore ideas and receive advice aimed at creating lasting memories. The event takes place at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy.

Set Sail returns to Binney Park with a model sailboat regatta that honors a beloved Old Greenwich tradition. Homemade boats glide across the pond and contend with wind gusts and surprise turns, creating plenty of family fun. Registration is open, and a few model sailboat kits are available for purchase.

Mark Winters brings the Good Vibes Highway Tour to Charter Oak Brewing Company LLC in Danbury, Connecticut with an acoustic rock set that radiates positivity. This musical road trip spans communities across the U.S. and Canada, mixing humor, heart, and harmony to share upbeat, nerdy energy. The songs encourage listeners to shine together and pass along uplifting energy, celebrating curiosity, kindness, and connection. Science enthusiasm and storytelling come together to lift spirits on community stages of all kinds. Texas-based singer-songwriter Mark Winters is also a poet, entrepreneur, optimist, family man, and rocket scientist. He first picked up a guitar to perform a song for his wife and discovered a love for connecting through music. Drawing on poetry and a science background, he shapes a positive-spirited rock sound rooted in rock, blues rock, and pop, with influences that include John Mayer, Tom Petty, and Jason Mraz.

At Milestone, the RGB Acoustic Trio presents a fall Funday performance spread across two sets. The lineup includes Rob Glassman, Mike Piercey, and Eli Farland.

John C. Reilly takes the spotlight in Mister Romantic, a vaudeville production that blends sly humor with heartfelt moments and invites audiences to notice the love that surrounds them. The show has drawn strong praise and features a crackerjack band of multi Grammy winners Davíd Garza, Charles De Castro, David Piltch, and Gabe Witcher. Coverage from leading publications has highlighted its wit, sincerity, and Reilly’s standout vocals, signaling a vibrant new chapter in his celebrated career. Presented as part of the Teed & Brown Broadway & Cabaret Series.

All Them Witches appears with Emma Ruth Rundle at District Music Hall, presented by Premier Concerts and Manic Presents. This all-ages event brings both artists to the same stage, and tickets are available.

A casual breakfast meetup at Le Pain Quotidien in Westport brings together holistic health practitioners and wellness-focused entrepreneurs for conversation, connections, and collaboration. This monthly morning is geared toward those offering services, products, classes, or workshops in the healthy living space and provides a relaxed setting for introductions, sharing what you do, and exploring marketing and cross-promotion ideas. The gathering is part of Tribe TLC’s series that takes place on the third Tuesday of each month. Founded by Beth Leas in Norwalk in 1997, the TLC community has grown to more than 200 members across fields such as integrative and conventional medicine, bodywork and energy practices, nutrition, mental health, yoga and movement, coaching, business and financial services, and creative and retail professions. First-time visitors are welcomed as Beth’s guests, and the atmosphere emphasizes support, connection, and plenty of laughter.

An informative talk at Ridgefield Library features leading experts from across the state who will discuss the benefits and challenges of dam removal in Connecticut and share updates on progress being made on the river.