We’re a week away from the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.
Across North America, over 150 artists are preparing to come to Westport, and show their work.
Selected from over 320 applications, and representing 12 categories, they come from 23 states and Canada. 27 are from Connecticut — 6 from right here in 06880.
All 2025 award winners return. Click here for a full list. Meanwhile, a record 52 artists make their Fine Arts Festival debut.
New this year: a very cool art activation. Staples High School art students will paint a BMW in the family area (Sigrid Schultz parking lot).
Two new judges join the panel: art enthusiasts Lonnie Quinn (CBS weatherman) and Louise Crowley.
The dates are next Saturday and Sunday (May 23-24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Click here for a full list of artists, and a map. The Fine Arts Festival is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
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- Among the 9 agenda items for Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (May 20, 7:30 p.m., Zoom):
- Winslow Park fence-enclosed dog run
- Parks Master Plan update
- Longshore Capital Improvement Plan update – Maintenance facility building update.
One possibility for the enclosed dog run at Winslow Park.
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The Levitt Pavilion announced a torrent of new shows this week — both free and ticketed.
The Revivalists rock on August 11. One of the most uplifting live acts in music today, their current tour includes the Grand Ole Opry, part of the FIFA World Cup, Red Rocks Amphitheatre — and a return to the banks of the Saugatuck. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Also booked:
May 29: An album release concert by Amani Burnham (first free show of the ’26 season). The 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-based artist has amassed more than 240,000 followers and nearly 30 million views on social media. Amani and his band will make their Levitt Pavilion debut while celebrating their debut album and set sail as the first free show of the 2026 season! Pretty auspicious!
June 6: The ultimate ’80s tribute and dance party with Rubix Kube. They’ve been joined by and/or been the backup band for the icons they cover note for note: Rick Springfield, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Colin Hay, Bonnie Tyler and more.
June 7: Jumaane Smith Jazz Quartet. Lauded by Michael Bublé (with whom he tours). Wynton Marsalis (coming to the Levitt on June 28) was his trumpet teacher at Juilliard.
June 26: Chaparelle. with singer-songwriters Zella Day and Jesse Woods. Their musical tapestry harks back to country stars like George and Tammy. and Gram and Emmylou.
August 9: The Devon Gilfillian Time Will Tell Tour. The Nashville-based soul singer/songwriter blends gritty blues, gospel, R&B and hip-hop.
Click here for more information on the Levitt Pavilion season, and membership.
The Revivalists
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Hard to believe: This is the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.”
Not hard to believe: The Westport Library is celebrating the milestone.
On Tuesday (May 19, 7 p.m.; $10), co-writer Roger S.H. Schulman takes the audience behind the scenes. He’ll discuss his journey from journalism to Hollywood and the classroom. Click here to register, and for more information.
To learn more about the mechanics of screenwriting, Schulman offers a Verso University workshop on “Writing Compelling Characters.” Click here for details.
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Calling all Sweet P and/or New York Giants fans!
The bakery — founded by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, which trains and employs people with disabilities (who make great stuff) — is raising money for the Hype 4 Life Foundation, an autism awareness non-profit.
They’ll send 2 winners (and plus-ones) to the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game May 30 in Pomona, New York. The football star and current Giants play Brandon Jacobs and Super Bowl XLII and XLVI champions, and other legends. Over 100 current and former NFL players will be on the field, competing in softball, a home run derby and (why not?) dodgeball.
To enter:
- Like the Instagram post @sweetpbakeryct
- Follow @sweetpbakeryct and @hype4lifefoundation
- Tag someone you want to bring, and tell us why it would be meaningful.
Every tag is another entry. Entries close Saturday, May 23 at midnight. Winners will be announced May 24th by DM.
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What’s going down at Wakeman Town Farm?
- “2nd Annual Llamapalooza for Hope” (May 31, 12 p.m.)
- “How to Have a Healthy, Non-Toxic Home” (June 4, 7 p.m.)
- “Green Thumbs’ Gathering” (June 13, 12 p.m.).
- “Adult Early Morning Summer Vinyasa Yoga” (June 27, July 11, August 8, 8:30 a.m.)
For details and registration, click here; then scroll down.
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“A Tailor Near Me” is the intriguing name of the next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand selection.
What begins as a routine fitting turns into an unexpected friendship. And a tailor-made suit leads to alterations in two men’s lives.
The June 8 (7 p.m.) performance features 3 stars from “LA Law”: Jimmy Smits, Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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For nearly 120 years, the Westport Woman’s Club has supported our community.
From sidewalks and public health (1900s) to grants and scholarships (2000s), they’ve been there for us.
They always welcome new members. This Tuesday (May 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m.), they’re hosting a wine and cheese social.
Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking to expand your circle, you’re invited!
PS: It’s a great chance to check out their building too: 44 Imperial Avenue.
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Uni K Wax has opened its first Connecticut location. The site is Playhouse Square.
They use all-natural ingredients, and every wax is freshly poured into an individualized warmer.
For a limited time, they offer 50% off first wax services.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie (far right) joined Uni K Wax officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.
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Just in time for Memorial Day: the construction trailer — part of the Soundview parking lot staging area, for the Compo Cove tidal gate renovation project — has been hauled away.
Those parking spaces will be needed soon.
Maybe very soon. Sunday’s high temperature is forecast to be 86.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows another ephemeral — but beautiful — sign of spring. This one is from Bayberry Lane.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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And finally … Soul singer/guitaristClarence Carter died Wednesday in Atlanta. He was 90, and had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The New York Times said, “Blind from youth and distinguished by his deep, declamatory baritone and lecherous, full-throated laugh, Mr. Carter combined the sermonic fervor of a backwoods preacher and the bawdy humor of a juke joint.” Click here for a full obituary.
(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” keeps pumping out these Roundups like there’s no tomorrow. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please show your support by clicking here. Thank you!)