Explore Litchfield County this May with a myriad of fun events, from nature walks to a pickle fest, art exhibits, live music, and more.
May 1
Tasting Dinner, NEW MILFORD
Join Chef Dino Kolitsas from Greca as he takes guests on a guided tour of the Greek kitchen’s millenia-long love affair with the sea. Dishes will include taramosalata, grilled octopus, bronzino, midopilafo (mussels pilaf) and more. 6:30 pm
The Three Amigos, LITCHFIELD
Join the Three Amigos, Rabbi Eric Polokoff, Father Joe Donnelly and Imam Gazmend Aga as they reflect on the resources for real hope and repair that each of their religious traditions offer. The day will offer participants quiet time to consider what the Three Amigos speak about as well as the opportunity to ask them questions. 9 am – 3 pm.
May 2
Ancient Aliens Live, TORRINGTON
The Warner Theatre will host Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth, a live, in-person event that will explore questions as old as the planet itself: Have extraterrestrials visited Earth? Are they here now, and when will they reveal themselves? 7:30 pm.
An Evening with John Dear, LITCHFIELD
Meet Rev. John Dear as he signs your books at Wisdom House. In this new and original work, John walks us through every line of the three synoptic Gospels pointing out Jesus’ practice and teachings of nonviolence each step of the way and invites us to become practitioners of creative nonviolence like Jesus. Copies of The Gospel of Peace will be available for purchase at Wisdom House in the bookstore before and at the event. 7 PM – 8:30 PM.
Artists’ Talk, LITCHFIELD
Artists’ Talk on ‘Inspiration and Technique’ with Sally Frank & Wendy Costa
Free – Live, In-Person & Live on Zoom – Registration required for In-Person
7 pm – 8 pm.
Spring Bog Talk & Walk, WOODBURY
Join area naturalists, Barbara and Peter Rzasa, at the Whittemore Sanctuary for a presentation describing the formation of bogs, plants found in bogs, and how to build a do-it-yourself mini-bog measuring less than four square feet containing several easily grown wetland plants. Then, join them on a walk at the Whittemore Sanctuary to view these native wetland plants. Talk: Thursday, May 2 at 7 pm in the studio. Walk: Saturday, May 4 at 10 am at the Whittemore Sanctuary.
May 3
Photography Walk , LITCHFIELD
Join fine art photographer and instructor Thad Kubis for a 90-minute walk around Laurel Ridge Farm. Known for their annual spring display of tens of thousands of daffodils and narcissus, this year the field of flowers are expected to peak during the first week in May. 2 pm- 3:30 pm.
Tea Social & Daffodils, LITCHFIELD
Join Erin, LCC Staff member, for a scenic drive along Route 254 as the group venture sto Cutie Pie’s Bakery for tea, sweets, and friendly conversation. 1 pm – 3 pm.
An Evening with MADZ, WATERTOWN
Musical covers, Rock, Blues and oh yeah, some Irish stuff squeezed in. Join the 88 Keys Piano Bar & Cafe for a night of music by MADZ! 7 pm – 10:30 pm.
Closing Photo Reception, VILLAGE FALLS
The Hunt Library in Falls Village CT will host a closing celebration for the exhibition From the Great Falls to the Hilltops: Early 20th Century Photography from the Mabel Hallaway Collection. The event will feature a slideshow focusing on Mabel Hallaway and some of the people in her portraits including her brother Harry Edmund Dean, and community members Catherine Woodin and Grace Silvernale. Curator Garth Kobal will talk about his personal experience working on the project. 5 pm – 7 pm.
Anastasya Peña Art Show,
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to welcome an art exhibit featuring works by Anastasya Peña. The exhibit, “Spillover,” will be on view beginning Friday, May 3. The show highlights Peña’s layered abstract paintings. A reception with the artist is being planned.
Rosemary Rose Finery Grand Opening, SALISBURY
Rosemary Rose Finery, on Main Street in Salisbury, is having its grand opening Friday, May 3 – May 5. The eclectic new jewelry shop will feature modern fine jewelry, vintage and costume jewelry, along with an array of artful objects for the home and heart. Owner Jessica DeCarlo, a Brooklyn-based jeweler for over 16 years is excited to meet you.
May 4
Spring Craft Fair, NEW MILFORD
Stop by New Milford and enjoy the Spring Craft Fair from 10 am – 3 pm on Main Street.
Reading the Landscape, WASHINGTON
Reading the natural landscape offers a planting palette that is both resilient and already adapted to your specific eco-region. Learn, at the Hollister House Garden, how to use native plant communities in your backyard and the surrounding habitats as a mirror for the types of plants that will survive and thrive in the built landscape. 10 am – 11:30 am.
80’s Dance Party 18+, LITCHFIELD
Break out the mullets and reeboks. Come join the Litchfield Community Center as Mischief makes it’s debut performance in Litchfield for this 80’s Themed Dance Party! 7 pm – 10 pm.
Star Wars Day, NEW MILFORD
May the Fourth Be With You! Celebrate Star Wars Day at the New Milford Library. Fun activities for all ages–trivia, crafts, and more. Plus, local middle school and high school students will performing Star Wars songs during the day. 1 pm – 3 pm.
Pickle Fest, BETHLEHEM
March Farm present’s Sweet Pete’s Pickle Fest, May 4 – 5 from 11 am to 6 pm. Tons of pickle inspired foods and drinks such as pickle grill cheese and fried pickles. Learn to make your own pickle products at the pickle demo at 1pm. There will be live music, crafts, the mobile pub and so much more.
Book Signing, WASHINGTON DEPOT
The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to host Connecticut author Brendan Flaherty who will be here to sign copies of his new book “The Dredge” at 3 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
October Project Album, NORWALK
Join October Project (Emil Adler, Julie Flanders & Marina Belica) and special guests including Dave Sabatino and Leslie DiNicola LIVE for a celebration of music, poetry, and film at the album launch of their full-length studio recording, ‘The Ghost of Childhood’. Enjoy an evening of mini-performances, screenings, and a meet & greet with the band in an extraordinary setting, The House Up On the Hill in Norwalk. 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
May the 4th Kids Program, FALLS VILLAGE
Calling all kids and Jedis-in-Training! Join the David M. Hunt Library for Star Wars Day on Saturday, May 4th, from 10:30 am – 12 pm. After reading a Star Wars story, practice your Jedi skills with a make-your-own light saber station, a Jedi-in-Training obstacle course, Star Wars crafts, and light saber pretzels. May the Force be with you!
Family Day: Space Studies, WINSTED
AMP’s Family Days offer games, storytimes, and creative activities for the whole family to enjoy, Kids under 18 get in free. May the Fourth Be With You! Join on Saturday, May 4, for imaginative activities for kids, tweens, and teens that focus on our quarterly theme of Space/Science.
Hotchkiss Philharmonic, LAKEVILLE
Don’t miss the exciting season finale of the Hotchkiss Philharmonic at 7:30 pm. Vive la France! This celebratory evening will feature pianists Fabio and Gisele Witkowski performing Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos in D Minor and maestro Vahan Mardirossian.
Kent Springfest, KENT
Celebrate spring in Kent, walk through the town and you will discover a myriad of places to visit. From Main Street to the Kent Barns you will find incredible restaurants and cafes, impeccable inns and bed and breakfasts.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration Featuring the Band BooYah Funk, WASHINGTON
Enjoy a night of great music and delicious food. The Swanson Foundation Food Truck will be serving delicious Mexican cuisine and The Mobile Pub will be serving their signature cocktail…the Margarita!
Smyrski Farm Bird Walk, NEW MILFORD
Join NCLC, and noted local Audubon birder, Angela Dimmitt, for an early morning bird walk through NCLC’s 220-acre Smyrski Farm, home to 65 species of birds (and counting). Bring binoculars and wear long pants and boots, as the grass may be high. 7 am – 9 am.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo with Bahama Mama & The Painkillers, NEW MILFORD
Be sure to wear your beach attire and get ready to chillout to some great Trop-Rock. Limbo and Hula Hoop contests with fun prizes. Beach chairs welcome. Bahama Mama and the Painkillers is a local CT based original beach band. With musical influences coming from Sublime, Jimmy Buffett, 311, Jack Johnson, and a bit of surf rock, this band will make you feel like your toes are in the sand with a drink in your hand. 4 pm – 7 pm.
Chamber Music Concert, ROXBURY
Long River Concerts is performing at 3 pm at the Roxbury Congregational Church, featuring Alissa Leiser, piano, and guest artist Natasha Brofsky, cello, a member of the award-winning Peabody Trio and on the faculty of The Juilliard School.
Spring Art Show @ Gallery 25, NEW MILFORD
The Gallery 25 Member’s Annual Spring Show runs from April 12 to June 9. The public is invited to view and enjoy some of their member artists’ best work in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, pottery, collages, assemblages, mixed media, photography, wood work, wearable art jewelry, and more not-to-be-missed works.
Watertown HS Spring Fest, WATERTOWN
Watertown High School Project Graduation & The Watertown Food & Fuel Bank Present – The 2024 Spring Festival! Enjoy music, dancing, magicians, and more. Admission – One non-perishable food item to benefit The Watertown Food Bank. 5 pm.
May 7
Ainissa Ramirez Event, NEW MILFORD
Celebrate National Inventors Month. Listen as scientist Ainissa Ramirez examines eight inventions and reveals how they shaped the human experience. Ramirez is the author of The Alchemy of Us, named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s Ten Best Science Books of 2020. 6 pm – 7 pm.
Exercise for Women, LITCHFIELD
Move Your Mind, Move Your Body: Exercise class for senior women at the Oliver Wolcott Library. Free – Live, In-Person & Live on Zoom – Registration required for In-Person. 10:15 am – 11 am.
Book Talk: Ryan Bernsten, FALLS VILLAGE
At 5:30 pm the David M. Hunt Library will host Ryan Bernsten, author of 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy, who will speak about his book. Bernsten undertook a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states of his home country to answer the question: Is America as divided as it seems?
May 8
Tea & Chocolate, HARWINTON
Celebrate Mom with a whimsical Tea Party celebration! Participants will dress in fancy hats to enjoy vintage displays, Mother’s Day trivia, poetry, and a sampling of teas, fine chocolates and baked goods. Licensed chocolatier Kim Larkin returns to the library to host this festive program. 12 and up.
Living w/CT’s Wildlife, LITCHFIELD
The “Living with Connecticut’s Wildlife” presentation focuses on how to live with and enjoy our wild neighbors. 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Litchfield Community Center.
Beatles vs. Stones, TORRINGTON
These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show. 7 pm at the Oneglia Auditorium.
Plein Air Watercolor Works, WOODBURY
Three session workshop with watercolor artist Diane Dubreuil at the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust. The class is designed for anyone who wishes to begin painting ‘en plein air’ with watercolors or for those with some experience who may need help redirecting their creative thinking. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. May 8, 9, and 10.
May 9
Plush at The Jameson Pub, WATERTOWN
Plush is a rock band with a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry. The band is composed of talented young women. Check them out at the Jameson Pub in Watertown 7 pm – 12:30 am.
Evening Glow Music, LITCHFIELD
Enjoy Evening Glow Music Series Spring Season for free at the Litchfield Community Center from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. All are welcome to join for relaxing and reflective music to close the day by Wendy Kerner, Harpist. Performances are followed by a reception with refreshments.
Peggy Mercury Opening, KENT
Peggy Mercury is a multi category boutique and gallery featuring beauty, accessories, art and objects. Join Kent Barns for their opening weekend with Peggy Mercury. May 9 – May 12.
May 10
“A Bright Future” with author Joshua Goldstein, SALISBURY
Listen to a reading/discussion of “A Bright Future (How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest can Follow)” with author Joshua Goldstein at the Salisbury School. 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
Opening Reception, HARWINTON
Litchfield Hills Camera Club’s photography exhibition. Work will be on display in the Activity Room and Online Gallery during May and June. The Camera Club meets twice a month in the library and welcomes new members. 5 pm – 7 pm.
Fashion Show, LITCHFIELD
Want to dress with style? Have fun with vintage? Get some new tips and inspiration? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to shop at a consignment store? Come by the Oliver Wolcott Library for a fashion show with Rachel’s Quality Consignment Shop. Free – Live, In-Person only – Registration required. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
18+ Trivia Night, LITCHFIELD
Join the Litchfield Community Center for Trivia with Trey. 6;30 pm – 8:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30, games begin at 7 pm. BYOB & Snacks to get your game on with Trey.
May 11
Sumi-e Painting, WASHINGTON
Learn the basic techniques of sumi-e, Japanese black ink painting with Joanne Wasti. Using the blossoming magnolias of Hollister House Garden as inspiration, each participant will create original sumi-e ink paintings. While you will be using black ink, colors will be available to those who want to branch out. This class is suitable for all levels. 1 pm – 4 pm.
Poetry Contest Readings, NEW MILFORD
Join the New Milford Library for the Winners of the New Milford Poetry Contest reading their poems. This is a FREE event from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Madama Butterfly at the Warner Theater, TORRINGTON
Join the Warner Theater for a performance of Madam Butterfly. 12:55 pm in the Nancy Marine Studio.
Book Signing, WASHINGTON DEPOT
The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to host author Jack Sheedy who will sign copies of his new book In My Father’s Tire Tracks at 3 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
ArtWall Reception, FALLS VILLAGE
From 4 pm – 6 pm, the David M. Hunt Library will host an opening reception for A Star Danced: The Paintings of Mary Anne Carley and Theresa Kenny. The exhibition features the work of two Sharon-based painters who happen to be mother and daughter.
Audubon Event, SHARON
Join Sharon Audubon’s celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. There will be a native plant display and sale as well.
10 am – 1 pm.
May 12
Miracle Island – Kenise Barnes Fine Art, KENT
Check out Sharon resident, Kozik’s, artwork. Minor miracles mostly surface from the rhythms of her day. Prosaic encounters of beauty during hikes, strolls, and swims simmer on the back burner of her mind until stirred up and warmed they knock on her door, demanding to be painted. Show runs from March 30 – May 12 at Kenise Barnes Fine Art.
Materia Mothers Day Prix Fixe Brunch and Dinner a la carte, BANTAM
Join Materia for Mothers Day! Enjoy a Prix fixe Brunch from 11 am – 2 pm or Dinner a la carte from 4 pm – 7 pm.
May 16
Meet The Author, LITCHFIELD
Meet Richard Deming – Author of This Exquisite Loneliness from 7 pm – 8 pm at the Oliver Wolcott Library or on zoom. This event is free to the public.
Asking For Trouble, TORRINGTON
Join the Warner Theater and get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV’s “Whose Line is it Anyway?,” take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble. 7:30 pm in the Oneglia Auditorium.
May 17
A Weekend Workshop, WASHINGTON
Dig deep into the fundamentals of gardening in this weekend-long, intensive workshop with Daryl Beyers. Whether you are new to gardening or have a few seasons under your belt, this comprehensive course will develop and refine your skills. May 17, 4 pm – 7 pm, May 18, 10 am – 3:30 pm, and May 19, 10 am – 3:30 pm.
Friday Feast & Dancing Feet, LITCHFIELD
Join the Litchfield Community Center for an afternoon of dancing, delicious food, and great company while listening to the band Over Easy! Pre-registration is required at least 2 days in advance.
Marcia Zug Author Event, NEW MILFORD
Come and listen to Marcia Zug talk about her book, You’ll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love at the New Milford Public Library. The book takes a deep dive into the unromantic, but much more common than most would think, reasons for marrying throughout history. 5 pm – 6 pm.
Kevin James: Owls Don’t Walk, TORRINGTON
Returning by popular demand – Kevin James will be at the Warner Theatre on May 17 at 7:30 pm.
May 18
Litchfield Art Festival 2024, NEW CANAAN
Fourth annual outdoor juried fine art show, “Litchfield Art Festival 2024″. This show will be a highlight for collectors and residents from the Tri-State region, New England, and beyond. May 18–19, 10 am. – 5 pm.
Fenimore Lane Design Summit, WASHINGTON
Join Fenimore Lane Design for a celebration of design in the countryside and shop our all-day design bazaar, featuring 30+ vendors and renowned designers under two tents at this exquisite country retreat. 11 am – 1 pm | 1 pm – 3 pm | 3 pm – 5 pm.
Plant Sale, WASHINGTON DEPOT
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens invites the community to its fourth annual plant sale and Gardenpalooza 10 am to 1 pm. The sale features a variety of perennials, annuals, flowers, vegetable, and herb plants available from Meadowbrook Gardens.
Plant, Book & Bake Sale, HARWINTON
The Harwinton Library Friends are sponsoring their annual Plant, Book and Bake Sale. Stop in for plants and baked goods generously donated by local residents as well as visit our basement for gently used books. All proceeds support library programs. 9:30 am – 2 pm.
2nd Home Blues Return!, WINSTED
Join the 2nd Home Lounge when the 2nd Home Blues return to this cozy new spot. It’s a bar and cafe cleverly disguised as a comfortable living room!.Craft beers, local wines and spirits, and creative cuisine along with some lively Blues and Americana from Slim & St. George make for a great time! 7 pm – 10 pm.
Homegrown Plant Sale, FALLS VILLAGE
The David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will host its annual Homegrown Plant Sale from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 2 mp on Sunday. Falls Village’s own growers, gardeners, and CSAs will provide a wide variety of plants, including a large selection of tomatoes, vegetables, annuals and perennials, and houseplants including potted geraniums and hanging baskets from HVRHS. Proceeds benefit the Hunt Library and HVRHS.
Music in the Nave’s “Mozart in May”, KENT
The Manhattan String Quartet will inaugurate Music in the Nave’s “Mozart in May” programming May 18 at 4 pm at St. Andrew’s Church in Kent. The Manhattan String Quartet has toured the world and released landmark recordings such as the complete Shostakovich quartets.
Adventurous Aging, CORNWALL
At 6 pm, the Cornwall CT Library presents a special evening with Caroline Paul, author of Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking—How Outdoor Adventure Improves Us as We Age.
Spring Gala & Auction, SHARON
Support the work of the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, and have a great time doing so at its Spring Gala from 5 pm – 7 pm. Set in a spectacular mountain top home, the event will feature locally sourced food, drinks, music, silent and live auctions and a paddle raise. Sponsored by Tri State F.E.E.D. committed to enhancing regional food security and resiliency through education, advocacy & collaboration.
Greenwoods Annual Gala 2024, WASHINGTON
Greenwoods’ annual benefit is a critical source of funding for the comprehensive mental healthcare that they provide to the community. This year they are proud to honor Pam Bowman with the Jane L Havemeyer award. Help them celebrate Greenwoods’ incredible growth by sponsoring this year’s event! 6 pm – 8:30 pm.
May 19
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, LITCHFIELD
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is an international men’s march where men and boys lead the way to end sexual and domestic violence by walking one mile in red high-heeled shoes. 10:30 am – 11:30 am.
Trade Secrets Rare Plants and Garden Antiques Sale, LAKEVILLE
Join Trade Secrets for their rare plant and garden antiques sale at Lime Rock Park. The event begins at 7:30 am.
May 22
Evening with Johannes Brahm, LITCHFIELD
Pianist Joseph Jacovino and clarinetist Vincent de Luise will perform selections from Brahms’ Lieder and the piano Rhapsodies, and a Brahms chamber music masterpiece for clarinet and piano at the Litchfield Community Center from 7 pm – 8 pm.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, LITCHFIELD OR ZOOM
Mark Schenker returns to the Oliver Wolcott Library to lead discussions on two 20th c. American novels by women: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1943) by Betty Smith (1896-1972) and The Optimist’s Daughter (1972) by Eudora Welty (1909-2001). 2 pm – 3:30 pm.
May 25
Get GardenFit, WASHINGTON
Learn how to work stronger and longer with Madeline Hooper, creator and host of the hit National Public Television series, “GardenFit”, at Hollister House Garden. By applying the basic principles of balance, form, and habit to your garden chores you can take care of your body while taking care of your garden. 10 am – 11:30 am.
The Fungus Among Us with Dave Paton, LITCHFIELD
Dave Paton is just plain giddy about mushrooms and wants to share his enthusiasm with you. Spend a couple of hours in the forest with Dave learning do’s and don’ts, basic identification, and stories behind all of the fungus among us! 10 am – 11:30 am at the White Memorial Conservation Center.
Art Show Opening, WASHINGTON DEPOT
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to welcome an art exhibit featuring works by Jack Rosenberg. The exhibit, “Dancing to the Colors of Life,” will be on view beginning Friday, May 24. The show highlights Rosenberg’s representational paintings using bold colors, and his ceramic work. An opening reception will be held Saturday, May 25 from 4 pm to 6 pm.
May 26
Mine Hill Gravel Challenge, ROXBURY
Are you ready for the toughest road half marathon in Connecticut?! The Mine Hill Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful, yet breathtaking (both visually and physically!) races you will run. Experience sweeping country views past farms, fields, and vistas. With the start/finish at the Mine Hill Distillery. 7 am packet pickup, 8:30 am start.
Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show at Lime Rock Park ,
The Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show at Lime Rock Park is open to all classic, vintage, exotic, and motorcycles. Show entry will include: 2 weekend passes 2 people Sunday-Monday to the Vintage and Trans Am Auto Race – Touring on the raceway in your show car Monday during the lunch hour – VIP Parking — Full access to the racecar paddock.
May 30
Meet Your Greens, NEW MILFORD
Join NCLC, Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust, Deer Pond Farm, Great Hollow Nature Preserve and Ecological Research Center, Housatonic Valley Association, Kent Land Trust, and Warren Land Trust at Housatonic River Brewing on Thursday, May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This casual event is free, open to the public, and an excellent opportunity to get to know others working or volunteering in the conservation field. 5 pm – 7 pm.
May 31
Walt Whitman Performance, NEW MILFORD
Celebrate Walt Whitman’s birthday with this splendid one-man show. Since the late 1990’s, Stephen Collins’ performances have captured the attention of the audience. It is not just the stunning resemblance to Walt Whitman himself, but the portrayal of the character and the essence that he brings within arm’s reach to the audience that makes the poet come to life. 5 pm – 6 pm at the New Milford Library.
Five Points Arts’ Interior Courtyard Grand Opening VIP Cocktail Reception, TORRINGTON
You’re invited to the Five Points Arts’ Interior Courtyard grand opening cocktail reception. Enjoy the newly renovated Interior Courtyard, jazz by Peter McEachern’s FREQUENCIES, exclusive previews of the Juried Print Exhibition, specialty hors d’oeuvres, wine, and Five Points Arts edition beer, and cocktails by Litchfield Distillery. 6 pm – 8 pm.
