Stamford, Connecticut is a bustling metropolis stuffed with occasions and actions for individuals of all ages and pursuits. From meals festivals to outside live shows, there’s all the time one thing happening on this vibrant metropolis. Every year, Stamford hosts a lot of annual occasions for locals to return collectively and have a good time.
Whether or not you’ve been residing in Stamford all of your life, fascinated about take a look at driving a brand new metropolis and renting an condo, or probably even relocating and shopping for a house in Stamford, the annual occasions in Stamford are to not be missed. They supply a glimpse into the wealthy tradition and historical past of town, whereas additionally providing an opportunity to expertise a few of the finest meals, music, and leisure the world has to supply. We requested Stamford residents and native companies to share their favourite annual occasion and right here’s why they adore it.
1) Don’t miss the bag sale at The Associates E book Store
The Associates E book Store provides a extremely enjoyable bag sale occasion twice a yr. For $10/bag prospects can fill it to the brim with books of their selection. This occasion happens in June and October. The Associates E book Store is situated inside the primary Ferguson Library downtown in addition to within the Harry Bennett department on Vine Highway. They’re all the time a vacation spot for vacationers and locals who like to browse and discover one thing distinctive to learn.
2) Undertake a animal in want at Luckypawlooza
A neighborhood favourite is the annual fundraiser known as Luckypawlooza, organized by Fortunate Canine Refuge and Mill River Park. Proceeds profit Fortunate Canine Refuge and the park. Effectively-behaved canine are welcome on the occasion which options dwell music, a beer backyard, adoptable animals, meals vehicles, pleasant competitions, lure course, silent public sale, and extra.
October 2022 was the inaugural occasion which introduced in 1500 attendees, 41 sponsors/industrial distributors, 15 non-profits, and 6 contributors to the beer backyard. Stamford locals and guests alike are already wanting ahead to this yr’s occasion, which is at present scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023.

3) Get pleasure from one of many many exhibits at Curtain Name
Curtain Name is an award-winning theatre in Stamford which provides an annual free outside Shakespeare on the Inexperienced program every July, that includes a full scale manufacturing of a Shakespearean traditional on their very own model of the well-known Globe Theatre Stage. Yr spherical productions of Broadway musicals, comedies and dramas, in addition to live shows, comedy nights and extra (indoor) are introduced within the Kweskin Theatre and within the Dressing Room Theatre.
4) Spend a day at HarborFest
“HarborFest is a can’t miss occasion in Stamford,” says Bob Mazzone VP of Improvement at SoundWaters, a corporation to teach others on defending and preserving Lengthy Island Sound. “The pageant brings Stamford to the harbor for town’s annual celebration of its historic and thriving waterfront. Hundreds of holiday makers of all ages will flock to the Harbor Level Waterfront to get pleasure from, historic boat excursions of Stamford Harbor, Schooner rides, marine animal contact tanks and training displays, youngsters boat constructing, mini golf, dockside boat excursions and naturally, the Aquarion Cardboard Kayak Race for the Mayor’s Trophy. HarborFest is Stamford’s celebration of the Harbor and all its sea shore facilities.”
5) Spend a day at Mill River Park’s award-winning Carousel Pavilion
“Kids of all ages can take a journey on one of many David & Marian Nissen Carousel’s 30 handcrafted animals, from festive horses to extra non-traditional choices impressed by native wildlife,” says Britt Garth, Senior Communications Supervisor at Mill River Park. “A springtime go to to the Carousel when the Jaffe Heritage Cherry Grove is in bloom is bound to turn into an enduring reminiscence. The Pavilion’s whimsical attraction additionally makes it an unforgettable venue for occasion leases and events.”

6) Uncover your new favourite restaurant at Stamford Restaurant Week
Stamford Restaurant Week is a incredible alternative for native residents to find new and thrilling eating experiences at a fraction of the price. By selecting to dine at one of many collaborating eating places, you’re serving to to spice up the native economic system and make sure that these institutions stay a significant a part of the neighborhood.
Irina Worth, Assistant Property Supervisor at 75 Tresser shares, “We love Stamford Restaurant week – our residents like to cease by the workplace and inform us the very best restaurant they had been in a position to take a look at and the nice offers which might be value benefiting from.”
7) The eleventh Annual Gala Occasion on the Palace Theatre with Trevor Noah
The Palace Theatre has been round for 96 years and has been a beacon for the performing arts in Stamford ever since,” says Audrey Casinelli, Advertising Coordinator at The Palace Theatre. “As a non-profit theatre, they supply Arts Schooling programming to under-resourced youths and numerous programming to the neighborhood. The Palace Theatre’s eleventh Annual Gala Occasion is returning this yr as an in-person occasion on March 8th with Trevor Noah as our particular artist. The Palace Theatre has turn into an icon in Fairfield County’s arts and tradition panorama.”
8) Get pleasure from dwell music on the Alive at 5 occasion
“Villa Italia overlooks Mill River Park, and certainly one of our favourite occasions is Alive at 5, shares Martina Cordero,” shares Advertising Director at Villa Italia Ristorante & Bar. “As music lovers who host dwell music nights each Tuesday, we stay up for listening to the artists performing on the occasion yearly. Typically the artists are available in for dinner, and that’s all the time enjoyable.”
9) Get your turkey trot on
The Thanksgiving Day Run in Stamford is the right option to begin your vacation season on the appropriate foot. Whether or not you’re a seasoned runner or simply searching for a enjoyable and wholesome option to spend the day, this run has one thing for everybody. The course is well-organized and gives a scenic route via the streets of Stamford, permitting you to get pleasure from the great thing about town whereas getting some train. The festive environment of the run makes it a enjoyable and pleasant expertise with music, cheering crowds, and different runners offering encouragement alongside the way in which. Many runners select to donate to native charities or take part in meals drives, serving to to make a constructive affect on these in want through the vacation season.
10) Savor the flavour of Stamford on the Downtown Meals & Wine Competition
The Stamford Downtown Meals and Wine Competition is a meals lover’s paradise and a incredible alternative to pattern the very best culinary creations from native eating places. This pageant brings collectively a various choice of eating places and offers attendees the prospect to style their signature dishes and uncover new flavors.The pageant additionally options a wide range of wine and beverage tastings, permitting you to pattern a few of the finest drinks that the world has to supply. Whether or not you’re a wine connoisseur or just get pleasure from attempting new drinks, there’s something for everybody at this pageant.
11) Attend the Stamford High-quality Arts & Crafts Present
This present brings collectively native artists who showcase their distinctive and one-of-a-kind items, together with jewellery, pottery, work, and extra. This can be a nice option to meet the artists themselves and find out about their artistic processes. These proficient people have a ardour for his or her craft and are more than pleased to share their tales and reply your questions. Don’t miss this chance to help native artists, discover lovely and distinctive gadgets, and make a constructive affect on the world.
12) Get within the vacation spirit on the Stamford Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Competition
The Stamford Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Competition brings collectively the neighborhood for a celebration of the vacation season and provides a wealth of enjoyable actions for all ages. From dwell music and scrumptious meals, to ice-skating and a vacation market, there’s something for everybody at this spectacular occasion. The festive environment is bound to place you within the vacation spirit and create reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
13) Ring within the New Yr on the New Yr’s Day Parade
This celebratory occasion is the right option to kick off the yr on a excessive be aware. With its vibrant environment, beautiful floats, and heartwarming shows of neighborhood spirit, the New Yr’s Day Parade is a real celebration of all that’s good on this planet. Whether or not you’re searching for a enjoyable household outing, a festive celebration with buddies, or just wish to begin the yr off with a smile, the New Yr’s Day Parade has one thing for everybody.
14) Expertise the world via movie on the Stamford Worldwide Movie Competition
The Stamford Worldwide Movie Competition is likely one of the high issues to do in Stamford and movie occasion of the yr, providing an unparalleled alternative to immerse your self on this planet of cinema and discover movies from across the globe. With its rigorously curated choice of feature-length and brief movies, you’ll be transported to new and thrilling worlds, launched to contemporary views, and moved by highly effective tales. Whether or not you’re a movie fanatic, a tradition buff, or just searching for a singular and entertaining expertise, the Stamford Worldwide Movie Competition is to not be missed.
15) Store native on the farmers market
The Stamford Farmers Market is a weekly must-visit. With its choices of domestically grown, contemporary and juicy produce, home made baked items, and artisanal merchandise, you’ll remember to go away with a bounty of high-quality and scrumptious gadgets. Help native farmers and artisans as you store on your weekly groceries and distinctive, handmade presents. This market gives a possibility so that you can indulge within the freshest, most scrumptious meals whereas additionally supporting this vibrant neighborhood.
16) Discover some goodies on the Stamford Sidewalk Sale
Throughout the Stamford Sidewalk Sale, native shops and distributors arrange store alongside the sidewalks to promote their items. The gadgets on the market sometimes embrace clothes, equipment, dwelling items, and extra, and are supplied at discounted costs. Whether or not you’re seeking to replace your wardrobe, redecorate your private home, or just browse for distinctive and attention-grabbing gadgets, the Stamford Sidewalk Sale is the place to be.