Tips and tricks to design the garden of your dreams
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT
Comedy
Mike Marino, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 30, 31, 7:30, 9:30 p.m. $138$46. Shows resume indoors with 50% capacity, and following all State guidelines for reopening. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Films
Art-inspired film series presented by the Housatonic Museum of Art and curated by Connecticut Film Festival, online through Nov. 6, Fridays only 7 p.m. Line-up: “The Light of Fire,”and “8000 Paperclips,” Oct. 30; “With Dad,” Nov. 6. For film links visit housatonicmuseum.org
Halloween
“Trunk or Treat,” and Haunted House, School Fundraiser, The Academy of Independent Learners, 789 Reservoir Ave. Oct. 30. Trunk or Treat, 4:30-6:15 p.m. Free; Haunted House, 8 p.m. $7 per person. Free for children under 2yrs old. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes for our Covid-19 friendly event. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. aileducation.org
Visual Arts
Bridgeport Art Trail, city-wide arts celebration runs Nov. 5-15. Ten day calendar of online and onsite programs adapted to comply with Covid19. BAT Kickoff Party, Nov. 7, 6-9:30 p.m. will include visual art, music, and projections indoors and outdoors. Attendees can safely assemble outdoors near the Read’s ArtSpace building and Peacock Alley and indoors at the Arcade Mall. Face masks and physical distancing protocol required. Full schedule posted by Oct. 30, on website and social media platforms. bridgeport-art-trail.org
“Winter Wonderland” at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Zoo grounds will have 10 one-of-a-kind snowpeople sculptures from local artists on display at the Zoo from Dec-March. Online public vote to choose a first, second, and third place winner with cash prizes of $250, $125, and $75 respectively. beardsleyzoo.org jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.
“Scream and Shout,” the art of Carlos Bautista Biernnay, absurd fiber art influenced by the artist's personal reactions to events on 9/11 in the United States and in Chile, City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St. Through Nov. 2. Gallery hours: Wed-Fri, noon-5 p.m., Sat noon-4 p.m. Online exhibit also on the City Lights website. citylightsgallery.org
“The Roots of Abstraction,” Housatonic Museum of Art on the Housatonic Community College Campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd. New exhibit on view through Aug. 31, 2021. An appointment to visit the museum is necessary, and visitors must be prepared to comply with social distancing rules and wear protective face masks. Housatonic Museum of Art will also make the exhibit available as a slideshow, virtual tour and as a print-on-demand catalog. 203-332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.org
BROOKFIELD
Halloween
Monster Monologues, Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Oct. 29. Spotlight Program students are creating their own monsters, then writing and performing monologues for their characters. Clips will be combined for a night of performance just in time for Halloween. Prizes awarded for the best character and best video. brookfieldtheatreCT@gmail.com; Screams of Autumn, a night of scary stories, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. In-person at the theatre. Bring your own chair. Goody bags. Social distancing & masks required. This event will be filmed and re-broadcast on YouTube. RSVP to brookfieldtheatreCT@gmail.com
DANBURY
Halloween
“A Ghost Hunter's Favorite Case Files,” virtual program “ghosted” by Danbury Library on Zoom, Oct. 29, 6 p.m. 203797-4505, danburylibrary.org
Visual Arts
“Postcards to an Island” Photo collages by Ann Nicholson Brown, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Through Dec. 18. Regular gallery hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to 1 or 2 visitors from the same household at one time, masks required. 203-791-1474, stillrivereditions.com
Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is hosting an online show meant to uplift and show the strength of community members during crises of the past year. “Arts Are > Greater Than” is open to artists in Connecticut and New York. Exhibit will run through Jan. cawct.org/ arts-are-greater-than
DARIEN
Visual Arts
“Mysteries of the Ordinary,” Geary Gallery, 576 Boston Post Road. In-person exhibit runs through Oct. 31. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 203-6556633, gearygallery.com
FAIRFIELD
Lectures
Virtual Lecture hosted by Fairfield University Art Museum: “The Psychology of Art,” Oct.29, 5-6 p.m. Register on Eventbrite for the link to the lecture. 203-254-4046, fairfield.edu/museum/ Visual Arts
“Ruby Sky Stiler: Group Relief,” online exhibit at Fairfield University Art Museum, through Dec. 19. 203-254-4046, museum@fairfield.edu
GREENWICH
Books
Author event: “Nature’s Best Hope” by Doug Tallamy, virtual event hosted by Greenwich Botanical Center, Oct. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. Register at greenwichbotanicalcenter.org
Halloween
Tricks ‘n’ Treats at the Bruce, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Come dressed in costume and explore the Museum with a spooky scavenger hunt and take home a goody bag of simple-to-make craft activities and other Halloween treats. Grab bag is free for Museum members, and $5 suggested donation to all other families. To make a reservation to visit the Museum on Halloween weekend (timed-ticketed entry), visit brucemuseum.org or call 203-869-0376, ext. 311.
Music
Greenwich Choral Society announces its virtual performance, James E. Moore’s arrangement of “An Irish Blessing,” available for viewing through the Choral Society’s website, gcs-ct.org. Rehearsals on Zoom every Tuesday 7:30-9 p.m. until Dec. 15. Rehearsals are free. If interested contact admin@greenwichchoralsociety.org
Visual arts
Historical Society Museum Gallery, 47 Strickland Road. “An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman’s Suffrage Centennial,” through Nov. 1. Wed-Sun, 1-hour time slots at noon, 1:30, and 3 p.m. Advance reservations are required to visit the museum galleries, and the number of visitors will be limited. Museum Store is also open. Library and Archives open by appointment only. Heirloom gardens and historic grounds open, and new docent-led Site & Landscape Tours to come. The BushHolley House remains closed. Reserve at greenwichhistory.org or 203-869-6899
“Floating Beauty: Women in the Art of Ukiyo-E,” Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Through Nov. 1. “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum,” Online version of the exhibit available at houseonthehillexhibition.com. Admission by advance reservation, with timed ticketing. Admission free. Tue-Sun, 9:30-10:30 a.m. for self-selected individuals over the age of 65 or who are immunocompromised; Tue-Sun, 10:30-11:30 a.m. members. All remaining hours are unchanged.
Mask or cloth face covering required. Museum store open. Online exhibits: “On the Edge of the World: Masterworks by Laurits Andersen Ring from SMK-the National Gallery of Denmark,” “Under the Skin,” and “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum.” 203869-0376, brucemuseum.org
GUILFORD
Specials
Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St. is open outside. The public is welcome on the museum grounds to see the historic buildings in person, explore the site’s history through new interpretive signs, figure out the three Visitor Center “What Is It?” window displays, and play a scavenger hunt and submit answers for a chance to win a prize at the end of the year. Outdoor visitors are also encouraged to picnic, play catch, read, paint, etc. Social distancing required. Online offerings with photos, videos, and historical information on social media, a museum collections database , and a Whitfield House virtual tour. Parking is free. 203-453-2457 or e-mail whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov. Visual Arts
Responding to the Pandemic, A Photo Journey by Robert Carley Documenting from March 2020 to the Present, Americans Coping with Crisis, on view at Guilford Free Library, Nov. 1-30.
HARTFORD
Stage
HartBeat Ensemble, community-based and ensemble theatre, offer a diverse and provocative lineup of virtual and audio theatrical experiences. Line-up: Play Like a Girl, Hartford-based Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Charmagne Glass-Tripp has curated a miniseries of virtual conversations and performances by women musicians who trained in the Nutmeg State, Julissa Rodriguez, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., Eight to the Bar band leader Cynthia Lyon, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.; “Working Theater’s American Dreams,” live online
game show, through Nov. 1. HartBeatEnsemble.org
Visual Arts
“Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy,” “Fighting on the Home Front: Propaganda Posters of WWII,” “A Vote of Her Own: The Long Fight for Woman Suffrage,” Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. All In-person exhibits on view through Nov 30. Tue-Thu noon-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. 860-236-5621, chs.org
“Ali Banisadr / MATRIX 185,” Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St. Oct. 22-Feb. 14; “Made in Connecticut: Celebrating 25 Years of the CT Art Trail,” through Feb. 7. Visitors are required to wear a face mask and observe social distance while on the grounds of the Wadsworth and inside the museum. Visit website for required advance registration, current hours and admission. “Sculpture in the City” a cityscape-focused program activating the works of sculpture and architectural design on the grounds of the Wadsworth and Main St. thewadsworth.org.
LITCHFIELD
Halloween
Creepy Crawlers, virtual program hosted by White Memorial Conservation Center Museum on Zoom, Oct. 31, noon-1 p.m. $15, members free. 860-567-0857, whitememorialcc.org
Visual Arts
Nigerian Refugees photographer Lee Cantelon in-house exhibit of “Nigerian Refugees,” Wisdom House Spiritual Retreat and Conference Center, 229 E. Litchfield Road. Exhibit runs thru Nov. 15. Face masks and registration required. 86o-567-3163, wisdomhouse.org
MIDDLETOWN
Visual Arts
Wesleyan University's Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery presents “A Sculpture, A Film and Six Videos,” through Nov. 22. All related online exhibit programming and events (artists talks, Q&A’s, limited screenings, and performance) are available at wesleyan.edu/cfa/sixvideos
MIDDLEFIELD
Specials
Corn Maze: “Thank You Our Heroes,” Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Road. Through Nov. 1. Mon-Fri 1-6 p.m.; Sat-Sun & holidays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $10. Covid-19 policies enforced. 860-349-1793, lymanorchards.com
MILFORD
Lectures
“A Beginner’s Guide to the Golden Age of Radio,” virtual lecture hosted by Milford Library on Zoom, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Registration contact: nabbey@milfordct.gov
Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks, through Nov. 14. Walk starts at Hotchkiss Bridge, Factory Lane. Online ticket price $18 per person, $23 walk-up ticket per person exact cash only. To ensure health, and safety walk is strictly limited to no more than 25 people. Advance tickets recommended. 203-214-7554, spiritsofmilford.com
Visual Arts
Milford Arts Council’s exhibit “The Story of Women.” runs through Nov. 19. 203878-6674, milfordarts.org
MORRIS
Music
College Street Music Hall presents Twilight Concerts on The Farm: The Front Bottoms, South Farm, 21 Higbie Road. Oct. 29, 6 p.m. $150; Warren Hayes (Gov’t Mule), Nov. 1, 3 p.m. $160. collegestreetmusichall.com
NEW CANAAN
Halloween
Kids Halloween Trivia, connect safely online and have some Halloween fun. Dressing up is encouraged, Oct. 30,
4:30-5 p.m. $5. 203-970-8432, rockpaperscissors.events
Halloween Trivia Virtual Party for Adults, love Halloween and all things scary enjoy a live spooky trivia party. Think you know your Michael Myers from Jason Voorhees? Then this is for you. Dressing up encouraged! Be prepared for jump scares, Oct. 30, 8-8:30 p.m. $10. rock paper scissors. events/ online
Visual Arts
“Capturing New Canaan Exhibit with New Canaan Sculpture Trail showcase,” Carriage Barn Arts Center, 681 South Ave. Exhibit in-gallery through Nov. 3. Free members. Suggested donation for guests. 203-594-3638, carriagebarn.org
Land Trust Preserves open with restrictions. New Canaan Sculpture Trail’s Livingston-Higley Preserve offers, “Sugar Maple,” sculpture by Bridgeport artist Carlos Davila, through Oct. 31; and “Passages,” by Thomas Berntsen, HannanEberstadt Preserve, through Oct. 31. newcanaanlandtrust.org
NEW MILFORD
Halloween
Halloween MASKerade Ball, The Silo, 44 Upland Road. Oct. 31, 5-8:30 p.m. Reserve tickets by phone or email. 860350-8152, kbjbradio@gmail.com
NORWALK
Books
Not Your Usual Book Club discuss “City of Flickering Light” by Juliette Fay, hosted by Norwalk Library on Zoom, Oct. 29, 3 p.m. Register with Caryn at cfriedman@norwalkpl.org
Comedy
Fairfield Comedy Club hosts Jim Bruer: Let the Laughs Begin, live-stream performance from Wall Street Theater, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $25. fairfieldcomedyclub.com
Educational
Focus on Fiction: Adult Writing Program, hosted by Norwalk Public Library on Zoom, through Nov. 30, 10:30 a. m.noon. Sessions: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Registration required at clahey@norwalkpl.org
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St. Online Programs for Families: “Fish Tales,” “All About Sea Turtles,” “Shark Safari” and other similar educational programs available for live streaming each week. Suggested donation. All require advance reservations to receive the link. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206; maritimeaquarium.org/virtual-programs Halloween
Spooktacular “Halloween Stroll,” Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Oct. 28, 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 30, 5:30-9 p.m. Special treats, bonus activities, animal encounters, free popcorn and parting goody bags for children. Halloween costumes are encouraged but optional. COVID-19 masks are required, facecovering Halloween-costume masks are not allowed. Regular admission prices apply: $26.95 adults, $24.95 seniors (65+); and $19.95 children (3-12). Children 2 & younger are free. “Halloween Stroll” admission for Aquarium members is $10 per person. Admission is by advance online purchase only for a timed-ticket entry. Tickets at maritimeaquarium.org
“A Haunting at Mill Hill-The Movie,” virtual fundraiser for Norwalk Historical Society, Through Nov. 1, 5 p.m. $10. Tickets at millhillhaunt.com or norwalkhistoricalsociety.org
Lectures
“Seeds & Weeds: Building Wild Resilience Through Ungardening” by Aubree Keurajian, live, nature-friendly webinar lecture hosted by Norwalk Library and Norwalk River Watershed Association on Zoom, Nov. 12, noon. Register in advance at bit.ly/35eT9KQ
Outdoors
Fall Foliage Cruises, Seaport Association dock, 10 N. Water St. Through Oct. 31. 203-838-9444, seaport.org
Specials
“Living Lights,” Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Exhibit features creatures that have the unique ability to glow in the dark, through fluorescence or a natural process called bioluminescence. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Dec. Limited guest capacity, masks required, ticket sales online with timed entries. $26.95, $24.95 age 65+, $19.95 ages 3-12. Free with admission. 203-852-0700, maritimeaquarium.org
Visual Arts
“Color Burst: Pastels and Paintings,” Solo show by Ronnie Gold, Art Annex CT, 112 Rowayton Ave. Through Nov. 20. Gallery hours: Tue-Fri noon-5 p.m.; SatSun 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or by appointment. e-mail artannexct@gmail.com, artannexct.com
City of Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery is holding its second virtual exhibit to promote voting in the upcoming November election. The exhibit, entitled “Voice,” will include artwork that shows how everyone has a voice and can use that voice through the power of voting. Exhibit runs through Nov. 3. 203- 831-9063, norwalkpark.org/ public-art
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. is open daily from noon-2 p.m. The exhibit, “About Women,” in collaboration with Silvermine Arts Center will mark the physical reopening of the galleries, and will run through Jan. 3. $10. 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
Artwork by local artists who wish to become exhibiting members will take place at Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave. Oct. 30. Artists should bring items for consideration to the gallery, Oct. 29, noon-5 p.m. “Autumn Juried Show,” through Nov. 14. Gallery hours: Tue-Fri noon-5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 203-8662744, ext. 2, rowaytonarts.org
RIDGEFIELD
Films
“Apollo 13,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Nov. 1, 3 & 7 p.m. $12:50; Diversity Film Series: “Get Out,” Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Free. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Masks and social distance required at all times. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Visual arts
Rudy Shepherd: Somebody's Child" on view at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum through Nov. 29.
Exhibit “Frank Stella's Stars, A Survey,” on view in the Sculpture Garden and in the galleries, through May 9, 2021. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. In-Person exhibits: “Rudy Shepherd: Somebody’s Child,” through Nov. 29. Timed-entry tickets or reservations required. “Twenty Twenty, “exhibit through Jan. 3. aldrichart.org
SHARON
Visual Arts
“SNACKS,” group exhibit featuring sweet and savory paintings, drawings, sculpture and screen prints by Yen Yen Chou, Nicole Dyer, Eric Hibit, Alison Kuo, David Leggett and Dana Robinson, Standard Space, 147 Main St. Through Nov. 22. Mask required. 917-627-3261, standardspace.net
SHELTON
Halloween
Legends of Fear Haunted Hayride, Fairview Tree Farm, 2 Saw Mill City Road. Through Oct. 31. $25. Oct. 30, 6:30 -10 p.m.; Oct. 31: TBD. Face masks, social distancing and temperature checked upon entry. 203-944-9090, legendsoffear.com
Specials
Corn Maze, Wells Hollow Creamery, 2 Beard Sawmill Road. Weekends in Oct. Sat-Sun, noon-5 p.m.; Fri-Sat evening Flashlight Maze, 7-9:30 p.m.; Sun 7-8:30 p.m. $7 afternoons, $15 evenings. Children under 3, free. Corn maze, farm animals, ice cream or homemade apple pie a la mode. Night maze visitors, bring a flashlight. 203-926-0101, wellshollowcreamery.com
SHERMAN
Specials
JCC of Sherman’s Open Mic Night, 9 Route 39 S., in the parking lot, Thurs, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register by 5 p.m. before arriving. Free. Donation of $10 non-performers, $5 performers. jccinsherman.org
STAMFORD
Books
Haunted Halloween Book Giveaway, Ferguson Library South End Branch, 34 Woodland Ave. Oct. 31, 1-2:30 p.m. Selecting new books for building their home libraries, hear spooky stories, dress up and safely join the Halloween fun with music, take home crafts, snacks and more. Books Across Stamford will give out new books, crafts and snacks at Stamford Recreation’s Trunk or Treat event, Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave. $10 per family/only one registration per family. Register at bit.ly/3jTBXQU 203-965-7733, spefct.org
Festivals
Fall Family Fest Sundays, Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. Nov. 1 & 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with admission. Pumpkin painting and sock skating, live animal shows and apple cidering demonstrations. 203-322-1646, stamfordmuseum.org
Films
Drive-In & Dine Talegate Movie Night: “Hocus Pocus,” Museum & Nature Center, 151 Scofieldtown Road (north parking lot). Oct. 30, 31, 6:30 p.m. gates open, 8:30 p.m. movie. $40 up to two people, $60 three or more people. Socially distanced outdoor event. Each car will be given a space to park as well as a space to use throughout the evening. Food trucks on-site. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. stamfordmuseum.org
Halloween
Avon Theatre, 272 Bedford St. InPerson Thrillers: “Rocky Horror Picture
Show,” Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 30, 10 p.m. ; “Halloween,” Oct. 30, 10:15 p.m., Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 3, 5, 7:45 p.m.; “Beetlejuice,” Oct. 30, 7:45 p.m., Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 3:45 p.m., Nov. 2, 4, 7:45 p.m. Advance ticket purchase encouraged. avontheatre.org
Trick or Treat on the Farm, Museum & Nature Center Heckscher Farm, 151 Scofieldtown Road (north parking lot). Through Oct. 29, 5-6 p.m. $15 nonmembers, $20 (includes 1 child and 1 adult admission). stamfordmuseum.org Specials
Friends of The Ferguson Library and the Mystery Writers of America/New York Chapter host “CrimeCONN Express,” series of five one-hours virtual sessions for writers and mystery lovers on Zoom, through Nov. 19. Sessions take place Thursdays 7 p.m. Line-up: CT Writers in the Time of COVID, Oct. 29; The Art of Writing, Nov. 5; Finding New Ways to Stay Connected, Nov. 12; How Bestsellers Got That Way, Nov. 19. Free to attend. Registration required for each individual session at fergusonlibrary.org/crimeconnexpress 203 351-8231.
“BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science,” Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. Through Jan. 10. 203-9776521, stamfordmuseum.org
“Faber Birren National Color Award Show,” online exhibit presented by Stamford Art Association, through Nov. 8. stamfordartassociation.org
“Bring Another Friend to the LAA,” Loft Artists Gallery, 575 Pacific St. In-person exhibit runs through Nov. 1. Outdoors behind building with staggered viewing. “Multiplicity-Psyche, Culture and Change in 2020,” virtual exhibit only runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1. Gallery hours: Fridays 5-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Facemasks required. 203-247-2027, loftartists.org
“Faces of Pandemic Front Lines” presented by The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (CSOPA) in collaboration with Stamford Downtown, currently offers an online gallery, and a storefront display, 170 Bedford St. csopa.org
TRUMBULL
Halloween
Virtual Reality Halloween Experiences, Xperiment Virtual Reality Hawley Lane Mall, 100 Hawley Lane. Through Oct. 31. Oct. 29, 4-8 p.m.; Oct. 30, 4-9 p.m.; Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $40. 203-502-8005, xperimentvr.com/booking
UNCASVILLE
Comedy
Jessica Kirson, Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Oct. 29, 8 p.m.; Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 31, 7, 9:30 p.m. $55-$20; In the Comedy Club: Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show, Oct. 30, 5 p.m.; Oct. 31, 4 p.m., Nov. 1, 5 p.m. $15, $10. comixroadhouse.com