<p>Starting November 1st, Ridgefield Playhouse will kick off its Arts in Education season, offering over 30 in-person field trips and nine virtual shows free of charge to students. This initiative provides thousands of young learners access to enriching artistic experiences they may otherwise miss, and Ridgefield Playhouse welcomes community support to keep these programs accessible.</p><p>For as little as $5, donors can support these initiatives and make an impact on local students’ lives:</p><ul><li><strong>$5</strong> provides a pre-show lunch for a Title 1 student</li><li><strong>$10</strong> covers one student ticket</li><li><strong>$15</strong> funds bus transportation for three students</li><li><strong>$20</strong> supplies four books for students</li></ul><p>By supporting Ridgefield Playhouse's mission, you’re helping foster a love for the arts in</p><p>students across the region. To donate and join in this meaningful work, visit <a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/DonationAddToBasket.asp?camp=49&amp;_gl=1*2stm3t*_gcl_au*MTI0NjI5MjQ1NS4xNzI1OTAyNTk4*_ga*NzYzOTY1ODM0LjE3MTAxNzY3ODQ.*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcyOTcxMzAxNy4zMjYuMS4xNzI5NzEzMDc2LjEuMC4w&amp;_ga=2.103941123.2087384826.1729519472-763965834.1710176784&amp;utm_source=constantcontact&amp;utm_medium=appeal&amp;utm_campaign=digitalappealAIE&amp;utm_id=digitalappealAIE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Support Ridgefield Playhouse Arts in Education</a>.</p><p>To view the Arts in Education lineup, visit <a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/about/arts-in-education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/about/arts-in-education/</a></p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestportWeston?__cft__[0]=AZVez7SbVJI2J_ArTg3BgR25mnzfDveIxphUESFav4Nau-_WEu_pioGRq_9R9lJk4nxzqNEKki2n5UAv_XZzrsucc3E5mf1cVlMpqoIP6l2zEX57wv7ArR_aDknSbF1sP8QoFAC_8NCcMkEVKwCwmLU_M3iFxfjB0F-oitO-mJSWRYuOjVIuqaIJraW6sfW3FJ4T7zWvtYoGocS_uJ3vZ53Zgh6C5HCGe2i_mkFlVX52VQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce</a>, in association with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestportLibrary?__cft__[0]=AZVez7SbVJI2J_ArTg3BgR25mnzfDveIxphUESFav4Nau-_WEu_pioGRq_9R9lJk4nxzqNEKki2n5UAv_XZzrsucc3E5mf1cVlMpqoIP6l2zEX57wv7ArR_aDknSbF1sP8QoFAC_8NCcMkEVKwCwmLU_M3iFxfjB0F-oitO-mJSWRYuOjVIuqaIJraW6sfW3FJ4T7zWvtYoGocS_uJ3vZ53Zgh6C5HCGe2i_mkFlVX52VQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">The Westport Library</a>, invites you to the latest installment of its Supper &amp; Soul Downtown Westport Dinner &amp; Concert Series, set for Saturday, Nov. 9.</p><p>A single ticket buys you a three-course dinner at a downtown restaurant and a ticket to the concert (concert only tickets are available as well). $84 includes concert, dinner, tax &amp; tip (drinks on you + tip). $32 concert only. </p><p>More info &amp; tickets here: <a href="https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/supper/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2nOGTJvqdax1qah-iXwdQr1U16y1ibLC3gp0Cz3Ob_LOX7ebfhWLENYYo_aem__WCDYab6ZUQ_3Z7PgeNTlA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/supper/</a></p><p>Participating restaurants include: Arezzo, Basso, Capelli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastificio, Mexico, Nomade, Spotted Horse, Gogi and Walrus Alley. After the concert, show your ticket at any of these participating restaurants to receive special pricing on drinks. </p><p>Timing is 6pm for dinner, 8pm for the show, which will be held in The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. The featured act is PAJAMAS. Hailing from Ann Arbor, MI, Pajamas' style has been described as “exploratory rock" - a good descriptor for their sound which contains a smorgasbord of influences from across almost the whole canon of American music tradition. This four-man group is redefining the live music experience, standing on the shoulders of giants and crafting performances that are as much about the journey as the destination.</p><p>Questions? Contact the Chamber office at 203-227-9234 or email: <a href="mailto:matthew@westportwestonchamber.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">matthew@westportwestonchamber.com.</a> </p><p>NOTE: There are no refunds for shows that are rescheduled. If a show is cancelled, refunds will be made minus fees.</p>

<p>The Westport Parks and Recreation Department, the Westport Downtown Association and Westport P.A.L. have announced that the Annual Children’s Halloween Parade will take place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Children and parents will meet at Main Street and Post Road East at 3:30 p.m. This event is for all children, especially those 8 and under.</p><p>The parade will proceed up Main Street, turn right onto Avery Place, then turn left on Myrtle Ave to Town Hall and Veterans Green. Children may trick-or-treat along Main Street and outside the front of the Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments, and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green across from Town Hall at 4:00 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>Please note that there will be NO PARKING on Main Street between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. during this event.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>In case of rain, the Halloween Parade will take place the following day, Wednesday, October 30. Please call (203) 341-5073 for weather updates.</em></strong></p><p><strong>Learn more </strong><a href="https://westportdowntown.com/halloween" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://westportdowntown.com/halloween</a></p>

<p><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Westport, CT -&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Westport Country Playhouse opens its 2024-25 Season with “The 39 Steps,”&nbsp;a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 classic film, with a dash of Monty Python’s zany humor,&nbsp;running from October 22 through November 9. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning, laughter-filled treat is directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director.</span></p><p>“What a joy to bring this wonderful comedy to the Playhouse stage — the perfect show to launch our new season!,”&nbsp;said Shanahan. “We’ll fill the theatre with laughter!”</p><p>“The 39 Steps” is about an international spy ring trying to steal British military secrets in the 1930s. Unflappable hero Richard Hannay goes on the run from dangerous enemy agents and femme fatales in a surprising and hilarious adventure that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The story is told through highly inventive stagecraft – a daring police chase over tops of high-speed trains, a frightening jump from a bridge, a thrilling plane pursuit in the Scottish highlands. Four actors play over 100 characters with rapid changes of costumes, wigs, mustaches, and accents.</p><p>The cast includes<strong>&nbsp;Seth Andrew Bridges</strong>&nbsp;as Clown 1, Professor Jordan, others (Westport Country Playhouse: Script in Hand playreading “Murder by Misadventure,” fight choreographer for “A Sherlock Carol”; Off-<span style="color: rgb(35, 32, 32);">Broadway:&nbsp;Mint Theater Company;&nbsp;Regional: Alley Theatre, etc.; Film/TV:&nbsp;Over 100 credits, including&nbsp;“Billions,” “Only Murders in the Building”; Training:&nbsp;NYU; @sethandrewb);&nbsp;</span><strong>Joe Delafield</strong>&nbsp;as Richard Hannay (Westport Country Playhouse: “A Sherlock Carol,” “The School for Husbands,” Radio Theater’s “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Christmas at Pemberley,” “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”; Broadway: “Tartuffe”; Off-Broadway: “Fashions for Men,” “Outward Bound,” “A Sherlock Carol”; Television: “The Sopranos”; MFA from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program);&nbsp;<strong>Sharone Sayegh</strong>&nbsp;as Annabella, Pamela, Margaret (Westport Country Playhouse: “A Sherlock Carol,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Mrs. Christie,” “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” “Letters to Our Daughters”; Broadway: “Come From Away,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Mamma Mia!”; co-writer of new musical “The Game Boy”; Syracuse University;&nbsp;<a href="http://sharonesayegh.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">sharonesayegh.com</a>); and&nbsp;<strong>Evan Zes</strong>&nbsp;as Clown 2, Mr. Memory ((Westport Country Playhouse: “Around the World in 80 Days,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Mrs. Christie,” “Breaking Legs,” “Rent Control” as writer/performer; Broadway: “The Kite Runner”; Off-Broadway: “Incident at Vichy,” “Rent Control,” “Arms and the Man,” “Days to Come”; Television: “Only Murders in the Building”; Film: “The Street”).</p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Director&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: windowtext;">Mark Shanahan</strong><span style="color: windowtext;">, Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator, is the writer/director of&nbsp;</span><em style="color: windowtext;">The New York Times</em><span style="color: windowtext;">&nbsp;Critics’ Pick “A Sherlock Carol” (Off-Broadway Alliance nomination, Best New Play 2021), playing three seasons in New York, annually at London’s Marylebone Theatre, and for the 2023 and upcoming 2024 holiday season at Westport Country Playhouse. He recently directed his own adaptation of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” in partnership with Agatha Christie Ltd., which premiered at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre. He is the author of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” “See Monsters of the Deep,” the Off-Broadway and regional hit comedy “The Dingdong,” as well as numerous radio plays as creator of the White Heron Ghost Light series, featuring Christopher Plummer, Judith Ivey, Rhonda Ross, and other notables. Shanahan has directed at stages around the country such as Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Arkansas Rep, White Heron, Mile Square Theatre, Hudson Stage, Theatre Squared, Fulton Opera House, Weston Playhouse, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Florida Rep, Penguin Rep, Merrimack Rep, The Cape Playhouse, and many more. As an actor, Shanahan has appeared on and Off-Broadway (“The 39 Steps,” “Tryst,” “The Shaugraun,” and others) and at many celebrated regional theatres. Shanahan has appeared on the Westport Country Playhouse stage in “Journey’s End” (2005), “David Copperfield,” directed by Joanne Woodward and Annie Keefe, (2005), “Sedition” (2007), “Tryst” (2008), and “Around the World in 80 Days” (2009), and numerous Script In Hand readings. Shanahan is also the creator and curator of Westport Country Playhouse Radio Theater, in partnership with WSHU Public Radio, and served as writer/director of the Playhouse radio adaptation of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” and as director of scripts commissioned for the series.&nbsp;</span><a href="http://mark-shanahan.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">mark-shanahan.net</a><span style="color: windowtext;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p>Creative team includes&nbsp;<strong>James J. Fenton</strong>, scenic designer, resident of Ridgefield, CT;&nbsp;<strong>Jeni Schaefer</strong>, costume designer;&nbsp;<strong>J. Dominic Chacon</strong>, lighting designer;&nbsp;<strong>Ryan Rumery</strong>, sound designer;&nbsp;<strong>Steve Pacek</strong>, movement coordinator; and&nbsp;<strong>Megan Smith</strong>, production stage manager.&nbsp;The family friendly work is produced by arrangement with&nbsp;<strong>Firery Angel Limited</strong>, adapted by&nbsp;<strong>Patrick Barlow</strong>&nbsp;from the novel by&nbsp;<strong>John Buchan</strong>, from the movie by&nbsp;<strong>Alfred Hitchcock</strong>, licensed by&nbsp;<strong>ITV Global Entertainment Limited</strong>, and based on a concept by&nbsp;<strong>Simon Corble</strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Nobby Dimon</strong>. Presented by arrangement with&nbsp;<strong>Concord Theatricals</strong>&nbsp;on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.concordtheatricals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.concordtheatricals.com</a>.</p><p>Running time is approximately two hours, with one intermission. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Single tickets for “The 39 Steps” start at $35 and are subject to change based upon availability. Buy early for best prices. For information on special offers, including discounts for students, senior citizens, educators, military and first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights, and groups, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/</a>.</p><p>Performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.&nbsp;(No Wed. or Sat. matinees during preview week). Special series include Taste of Tuesdays (October 22), Together at the Table (October 23), Pride Night (October 24), Opening Night (October 26), Sunday Symposium with director Mark Shanahan (October 27), Open Captions (November 3), Backstage Pass (November 6), and Thursday TalkBack (November 7).&nbsp;</p><p>Event Sponsors are Athena and Daniel Adamson. Corporate Production Partner is Cohen &amp; Wolf, P.C. Opening Night Post-Show Reception Sponsor is RDM Financial Group at Hightower. 2024 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.</p><p>For full details, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/the-39-steps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/the-39-steps/</a></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse’s 94th&nbsp;season is named “The Season of Laughter,” with a slate of comedies, ranging from family friendly plays to old-fashioned romps, each offering biting and topical humor. Upcoming productions include&nbsp;“Native Gardens,” an outrageous comedy about well-intentioned neighbors who become feuding enemies, February 18 through March 8; and “Theatre People,” a throwback to the classic screwball comedies of yesteryear, March 25 through April 12. Two shorter-run productions round out the season:&nbsp;“A Sherlock Carol,” returning for its second year by popular demand, will offer a family friendly holiday show that is part mystery, part ghost-story, December 17 through 22; and “Broadway Scores at the Playhouse,” a concert of favorite Broadway show tunes, January 23 through 26. For 2024-25 season details, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2024-2025-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2024-2025-season/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ HamletHub Weekend October 25 - 27</strong></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/enchanted-forest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Enchanted Forest</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Audubon Society Fairfield Nature Center</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Have a fun (but not scary) experience being escorted through the luminary trail and learning about nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. Live animals — including owls — plus crafts, snacks and hot chocolate, will round out this nature-themed, outdoors-only event. Costumes encouraged! Guided walks leave every 15 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. You must be pre-registered, no walk-ins. Last walk leaves at 7:15 p.m.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-spooky-art-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The SPOOKY Art Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>PROJECT303</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>A bizarre collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures from 30 of New England's finest art fiends! Many works are for sale.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hauntings-and-history-at-hoyt-barnum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Hauntings and History at Hoyt-Barnum</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Just in time for All Hallows' Eve, Hauntings and History at Hoyt-Barnum, is back for one night only. Dr. Zoubek takes you on a time-traveling tour back to Colonial Stamford giving you a glimpse of what life was like. Step into the Hoyt-Barnum House Stamford's oldest remaining dwelling filled with Colonial artifacts for a truly interactive experience. Book now to reserve your place. Tours are offered at 6, 7, and 8pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/performing-arts-at-moca-viano-string-quartet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Performing Arts at MoCA: Viano String Quartet</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 7:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Come as early as 6:30 PM to purchase a drink and check out the current exhibition. “…hair raising, with bolts of lightning flashing from many pages…” — (American Record Guide). The name “Viano” was created to describe the four individual instruments in a string quartet interacting as one. Each of the four instruments begins with the letter “v”, and like a piano, all four string instruments together play both harmony and melody, creating a unified instrument called the “Viano”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/north-county-band" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>North County Band</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The North County band is the creative culmination of Chicago-born singer-songwriter Scott Smith and Texas fiddle sensation, Cat Lines. Together they summoned some of Connecticut's most seasoned and versatile musicians to compliment their songwriting craft &amp; musical prowess and to deliver a unique signature sound. They are currently touring New England in support of their sophomore release - “Lay it on the Line”</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-wilton-playshop-presents-the-musical-rent-448b4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Musical RENT</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Set in the vibrant, bohemian world of New York City's East Village, Rent follows a group of friends navigating life, love, and artistic dreams while grappling with the realities of poverty and illness. With a dynamic rock score and unforgettable characters, this Tony Award-winning musical by Jonathan Larson delivers a powerful message about living life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles. With its iconic songs, including "Seasons of Love," "La Vie Bohème," and "Take Me or Leave Me," Rent is a thrilling, emotional ride that will leave you inspired and moved.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/dracula-a-feminist-revenge-fantasty-really-fcc69" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasty. Really</strong></a></p><p><strong>Powerhouse Theatre Performing Arts Center</strong></p><p>Friday Oct 25, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Come see Dracula and his household ‘play with their food, pursued by ‘lady doctor’ Van Helsing. Will the hunter become the hunted? It’s bloody good fun, for ages 14 and up.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/art-in-the-park-free-art-workshops-for-kids-families-67570" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Art in the Park: Free Art Workshops for Kids &amp; Families</strong></a></p><p><strong>Whittingham Discovery Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm</p><p>Presented by the Stamford Art Association and the Mill River Park Collaborative.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gctyo-open-rehearsals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GCTYO Open Rehearsals</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 10:00 am - 11:15 am</p><p>Prospective musicians and their families are invited to view and listen to Saturday morning rehearsals in Fairfield. In addition to touring the school and popping in on orchestra and sectional rehearsals, families will be invited to meet students, parents and Board Members and participate in a Q&amp;A with Music Director Chris Hisey. Learn the history and philosophy of GCTYO and what makes us a thriving and exciting organization valued by more than 300 families. Attending a Fall Concert on November 24 will round out the GCTYO experience for prospective members.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-animals-in-art" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Animals in Art</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to challenge their creativity as participate in a range of hands-on projects, a scavenger hunt, and more!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/25th-annual-benefit-auction-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>25th Annual Benefit Auction + Party</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Come see the Center decorated with lights and packed with all the incredible Monotypes created during Monothon Print Week. The party is a fundraising ticketed event and will include a silent auction, live auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other beverages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/monte-carlo-masquerade" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Monte Carlo Masquerade</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Woman's Club</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don your finest mask, evening wear or costume to join the Westport Museum for our Halloween extravaganza, Monte Carlo Masquerade. Enjoy casino games, signature cocktails including the Sorel Morticia Addams, delicious food, unique silent auction items, and happening live music at Westport’s beautiful Women’s Club at the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony---2024-2025-season---october-26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Norwalk Symphony opens its 85th season at the Norwalk Concert Hall presenting local and international star Alexander Markov performing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Also on the program are Verdi's La Forza del Destino and Brahms' Symphony No. 3.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-with-kumi-the-elusive-art-of-kumi-yamashita-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ARTIST TALK with Kumi: The Elusive Art of Kumi Yamashita Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>Flinn Gallery</strong></p><p>Saturday Oct 26, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Meet artist Kumi Yamashita as she discusses the works in this one woman show, including the fascinating Light &amp; Shadow series. The exhibition also includes provocative portraits created by winding a single unbroken sewing thread around thousands of small galvanized nails - Yamashita will describe her process to create these images, and other works in the exhibit.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pequot-library-s-135th-annual-meeting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>135th Annual Meeting</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Oct 27, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm</p><p>We welcome all to attend Pequot Library’s 135th Annual Meeting to celebrate the progress and accomplishments the library has seen in the last year. Friends of Pequot Library can vote on a slate of officers and board members for the upcoming year. The business portion of the meeting is from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and is followed by a special presentation by Connecticut State Librarian Deborah Schander. In her talk, “But More Life: Libraries in Modern Society,” she’ll discuss the state of libraries today, developed in conjunction with the fall exhibition, "A Community Treasure: Pequot Library turns 135".</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pipescreams-musical-extravaganza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>PIPESCREAMS MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Church of Fairfield</strong></p><p>Sunday Oct 27, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm</p><p>A concert of Halloween-themed and Broadway musical pieces featuring the mighty pipe organ, amazing choral ensembles, incredible musicians, a 1920’s silent film, costume contest with prizes, reception.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Bridgeport, CT</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;–-&nbsp;Six animals are competing for the coveted title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in this year’s fun and exciting election. The election will decide the Zoo’s fifth Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. Last year’s winner, Tahu the river otter, whose campaign slogan was “Ready to Dive In,” spent most her term swimming upstream while also promoting conservation and the benefits of clean water for our ecosystem.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">The 2024 race introduces a new lineup of contenders vying for the top spot:</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Dumbledore the Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;You can’t miss this brightly colored candidate! Dumbledore, the Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog or Bumblebee Dart Frog, is ready to leap into this race and believes he is the best choice for Zoo Mayor because he is not afraid to stand out from his opponents. Dumbledore promises to accomplish so much during his term as Mayor of the Zoo that you will question if his abilities are magic. His campaign slogan is “Vibrant Leadership for a Brighter Future!” Text 2025ZooMayor5 to 71777 to vote for Dumbledore.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Post Makoi the Koi Fish:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Making a splash as the first ever mayoral candidate to represent the Zoo’s Greenhouse, Post Makoi the Koi is excited to dive into uncharted waters. Since the Zoo achieved Level One Arboretum Status this past year, Post Makoi believes he has the advantage over his opponents to help the Zoo reach Level 2 Arboretum Status since he spends his days swimming amongst the greenery. His campaign motto is: “Making Waves for a Greener Tomorrow!” Text 2025ZooMayor2 to 71777 to vote for Post Makoi.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Willow the Eastern Mud Turtle:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Sure and steady in her decision to run for Mayor, Willow the Eastern Mud Turtle says she is best suited for the job because she is not afraid to get her feet on the ground and handle the dirty work. Willow says that real progress isn’t about sprinting but instead knowing when to dig in for the long haul. Her campaign motto is “Making Change from the Ground, Up!”&nbsp;Text 2025ZooMayor1 to 71777 to vote for Willow.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Berry the Red Panda:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;An expert at knowing how to balance responsibilities, Berry the Red Panda says whether you are high up in the trees, or down on the ground, she will be a Mayor for all at the Zoo. Berry spends much of her day behind the scenes in her habitat busy working on her plans to move the Zoo forward and said she is “Red-y” to climb to new heights with your support. Her campaign slogan is, “Let’s Make Paws-itive Change Together!”&nbsp;Text 2025ZooMayor7 to 71777 to vote for Berry.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Nuna the Andean Bear:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">One of the newer residents of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is throwing her paw into the pool of candidates for Mayor this year. Nuna, the Andean Bear, believes that her fresh perspective as a newer resident will allow her to bring new and progressive ideas to the Zoo. Andean Bears are accustomed to navigating steep cliffs, thick forests, and unpredictable terrain and Nuna believes this experience has adapted her with resilience, and the ability to stay focused on what matters. Her campaign slogan is “More than just the Bear Necessities!” Text 2025ZooMayor6 to 71777 to vote for Nuna.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Ethel the Guinea Hog:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;Mother to five guinea hog piglets, Ethel the Guinea Hog says that her ability to keep her rambunctious little ones in line proves that she’s the right candidate for the job. While she says she has a lot of ideas for the Zoo, she does not plan to hog the spotlight and says there will be room for everyone at her farm table. Ethel’s campaign slogan is “Don’t go Hog Wild- Vote for Ethel!” Text 2025ZooMayor8 to 71777 to vote for Ethel.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">“The election for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a fun and engaging way for the public to connect with our animals while supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Each candidate is working hard to win over voters, making this a lively and competitive race. Unlike other elections, we encourage everyone to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box for their favorite candidate.”The election will be decided by all tallied text and online votes. The voting begins on Tuesday, October 22nd&nbsp;and the polls close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5th. The public is invited to vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote via text to the number identified in the candidate profile, or online at</span><a href="https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2025ZooMayor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(124, 172, 186);">https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2025ZooMayor</a><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and fun.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">For more information,&nbsp;visiting hours, and other zoo attractions, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://about:blank/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(124, 172, 186);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">.</span></p><p><br></p>