Arts & Entertainment

Art receptions, author appearances, performing arts and some film events

Superintendent's Newsletter: Music at DHS, Celebrations of Halloween and Autumn, Sports, a 'Fireside Chat'

By DARIENITE.COM | October 24, 2025

A Darien concert review, a music workshop with the musical director of Wicked on Broadway, a trunk or treat event, and a “fireside chat” with the interim superintendent are some of the events noted in Interim Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne’s newsletter this Friday. Also: Trunk or Treat at Darien High School, a fall festival at the Mather Homestead, a haunted house at Post 53, and a rundown of what DHS sports teams are participating in this weekend. Here’s the newsletter:
Dear Darien Community,
If you have never been to a concert at DHS, you are missing out! Last night I attended my first performance and it was amazing. It was a water-themed concert of choral music, featuring our DHS Concert Choir, Sound Waves a cappella group, our barbershop quartet “Fantastic 4,” and the DHS Tudor Singers!

Ben Larrabee "Trudie: A Portrait by Ben Larrabee" Darien Library

Renowned Photographer and Darien Resident Ben Larrabee Speaks About His New Book Sunday at Darien Library

Studio Showcase 'Guided' Concert at Darien Library Sunday, Sept 28

Blue Wave Golf's Winning Streak, Soccer Glory, Safety Guides — All in the School Superintendent's Newsletter

DCA Hosts 'Trivia on Tap' Game: Organize Your Team or Come Alone to Participate

Fairfield International Food Fest

International Food Fair with Music, Kids Activities and More This Saturday at Fairfield Theatre Company

By DARIENITE.COM | August 28, 2025

Late afternoon this Saturday, Fairfield Theatre Company will transform into a multicultural culinary oasis with food tastings and musical entertainment from across the globe. The event takes place Saturday, Aug. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m.

— an announcement from Fairfield University

The first annual Fairfield International Food Fest (The Fest), will encompass the entire Fairfield Theatre Company property, both outdoors and inside. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Operation Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger and homelessness in Fairfield County. Delectables may be purchased in “pay-as-you-go” sample sizes from 12 international food vendors.

Charity Events and Opportunities

Oktoberfest 2025 Darien Chamber of Commerce

Darien Oktoberfest Celebration Is Coming Oct. 4 at Gardener’s Center

By DARIENITE.COM | August 26, 2025

The Darien Chamber of Commerce invites you to lift your stein at the second annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 4 at the Gardener’s Center, on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.

— an announcement from the Darien Chamber of Commerce

The fall evening will feature:

Live music by local favorite, Something Fried. The band, originating in Stamford and with a strong presence in Fairfield County, blends psychedelic funk-rock, jam band grooves, rock rifts and deep rock rhythms to keep audiences dancing and engaged. A hearty spread of authentic Bavarian cuisine provided by Michael Joseph’s.

End of Summer Luau 2025

Weed Beach Goes Hawaiian with Summer Luau, 5:30 to 8:30 PM This Friday, Aug 22

By DARIENITE.COM | August 18, 2025

You and your family and friends are invited to the End of Summer Luau this Friday, Aug. 22 at Weed Beach, the Darien Parks and Recreation Department has announced. Starting at 3 p.m. that day, Weed Beach will be closed to regular beachgoers. Attendees who want to park their cars will need to register beforehand. As of Monday evening, there were 22 car spaces still available.

Darien Library

Music Innovations by the Late, Influential Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys: Lecture on Thursday

By DARIENITE.COM | August 18, 2025

Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys, revolutionized 1960s pop music with his innovative compositions, intricate harmonies, and pioneering studio techniques (most notably on the groundbreaking album Pet Sounds). His music is the subject of a lecture by Professor Gil Harel this Thursday evening, Aug. 21, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Wilson’s ability to blend surf rock with sophisticated orchestral arrangements influenced countless artists, from The Beatles to modern indie bands, shaping the evolution of popular music. Despite personal struggles, Wilson’s visionary approach to songwriting and production left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Darien Library 2025

Art Historian to Discuss ‘Sargent and Paris’ Exhibition, 7 PM, Thursday at Darien Library

By DARIENITE.COM | May 28, 2025

Art historian Page Knox will discuss the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s blockbuster summer exhibition, Sargent and Paris at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Knox’s talk explores Sargent’s early years (1874-1884) in Paris, then the center of the art world, where the painter created exquisite paintings from the time of his meteoric rise at the Salon and during his travels to Capri, Spain, and Venice. She will also discuss Sargent’s infamous Madame X.

The Metropolitan’s exhibit is filled with classic Sargent portraits as well as work by colleagues and friends that situate him within the period. About Page Knox
Page Knox is an adjunct professor in the Art History Department of Columbia University, where she received her PhD in 2012. She works contractually in a variety of capacities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art giving public gallery talks and lectures in special exhibitions as well as the permanent collection, teaching classes at the museum, and leading groups for Travel with the Met.

Darien Library

You Can Watch with Others: Darien Library Will Livestream Coverage Surrounding Pope Francis’ Funeral

By DARIENITE.COM | April 25, 2025

Darien Library will open the Community Room from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to show a livestream of coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral from the Vatican News channel on YouTube, the library announced. The funeral will take place before the library opens, starting at 4 a.m., Eastern Time (10 a.m. in Rome) but parts or all of it can be expected to be replayed. The video channel may also show related events, interviews and discussions. The funeral Mass takes place in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning and Masses.

Arts & Entertainment

Open Mic Night 2025 squarish fo home page

Registration Open for Open Mic Night Thursday at Darien Library

By DARIENITE.COM | April 10, 2025

See recitation of poetry, play music, or dazzle with any other talent at Darien Library’s Open Mic Night, on Thursday, April 10.. — an announcement from Darien Library

“All ages are welcome to perform or to support our creatives as part of the audience,” the library’s announcement says. The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the library. No registration is required to attend, but anyone who wants to perform is asked to register ahead of time.

Darien Library

Something ‘Wicked’ This Way Comes to Darien Library This Monday Night, 6 to 8:45 PM

By DARIENITE.COM | March 23, 2025

The movie “Wicked” will be shown Monday, May 24, at Darien Library, starting at 6 p.m. — and it’s a long one, lasting until 8:45 p.m.

— an announcement from Darien Library

Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role – Cynthia Erivo, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Ariana Grande, and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures – Original Score – John Powell & Stephen Schwartz. From the Universal Pictures description of the film:

“Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
If You’re Going …

Community Organizations

Bates-Scofield House Darien Historical Society

See Objects from the Museum of Darien Archives at a Free Open House on Sunday

By DARIENITE.COM | March 20, 2025

The Museum of Darien will hold an open house Sunday, March 23, where visitors can see objects from the museum’s archives, including the unseen “Darien Review” bound-books dating back to 1924. — an announcement from the Museum of Darien

Museum educators will lead guided tours of the historic homestead, offering insights into life in early Darien. Visitors can also explore the museum’s current exhibition, “Darien Dresses Up!”, with curators Lynn Sheppard and Cynthia Stamm on hand to talk about the evolution of style and fashion in town. If You’re Going … This free event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 45 Old King’s Highway, next door to Old King’s Market (formerly known as Goodwives Shopping Center).

Music

Celebrate For This Upcoming St Patrick’s Day with an Irish Music Concert, Saturday at Darien Library

By DARIENITE.COM | March 13, 2025

Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a lively performance of Irish ballads and sea songs by The Kerry Boys band, starting at 4 p.m., Saturday at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library
Expect soul-stirring melodies of traditional Irish tunes that will have you singing and clapping along in joyous celebration! The Kerry Boys have dazzled fans of all ages from Maine to Pennsylvania with their humorous high-energy performances and engaging style of Irish ballads and sea songs. Come and experience the magic as The Kerry Boys transport you to the enchanting world of Irish music.

Film

Documentary About Medical School Students and a Discussion with Its Executive Producer Monday Night at Darien Library

By DARIENITE.COM | March 9, 2025

The documentary, “The Calling: A Medical School Journey,” about a group of medial students in New York City, will be shown this Monday night at Darien Library, followed by a post-screening discussion with the film’s executive producer, Tim Smith. — an announcement from Darien Library
“The Calling: A Medical School Journey” is a documentary film that follows the year-long journey of a group of diverse medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx as they learn what it takes to become doctors in one of America’s most underserved communities. The film will have its network premiere on PBS in mid-March. In the post-screening discussion, Smith will be in conversation with moderator Douglas Kline. The film is directed by Asako Gladsjon.

Talks-Panel Discussions-Presentations-Workshops

How Movies Changed Dancing: A Brief Talk Wednesday Night on a 130-Year History

By DARIENITE.COM | February 24, 2025

A talk about how the movies changed dancing will be broadcast online Wednesday evening, Feb. 26, by Fordham University professor Brian Rose. The movies and dancing are a partnership born in heaven. From its very beginnings, the new medium of motion pictures turned toward dance as one of best ways to showcase its unique ability to make movement come alive. — an announcement from Darien Library

Through the decades, it’s been dancing on the big screen that has provided some of the most ecstatic moments in film history — whether it’s Fred Astaire gliding on the ceiling in Royal Wedding, the Nicholas Brothers leaping down a staircase in Stormy Weather, Moira Shearer pirouetting through the dreamscape of The Red Shoes, or John Travolta burning up the dance floor in Saturday Night Fever.

Film

See the Short Film ‘Cutter’ and Ask Its Director About It at Darien Library Monday Night, Starting at 6:30

By DARIENITE.COM | February 23, 2025

The short thriller “Cutter” will be shown at Darien Library Monday night, Feb. 24, followed by a Q&A with local filmmaker Eden Wright. The audience will also get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process with a slideshow featuring exclusive production photos. — an announcement from Darien Library

About the film: When her newest client sends them both out to sea, a desperate maritime hairdresser learns an important lesson about internet strangers — the hard way. If You’re Going …

Dance

Li-Garden Dance Company Performs at Darien Library Wednesday to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

By DARIENITE.COM | January 27, 2025

Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Wednesday watching a dance performance by Li-Garden Dance Company at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Experience the celebration of tradition, culture, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year, brought to life through the artistry and elegance of dance. Li-Garden Dance Company was founded in Stamford in 2017 by dancer and choreographer Kaili Chen. It is committed to traditional Chinese culture and focuses on the teaching and performance of classical and innovative Chinese dance styles. If You’re Going …

Seniors

Documentary and Discussion About Seniors Thriving in Their Later Years Coming Thursday at Library

By DARIENITE.COM | January 27, 2025

The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness, and At Home in Darien invite you to a screening of “In Life,” a documentary celebrating individuals thriving in their later years through creativity and positive age beliefs. The film will be shown Thursday night. — an announcement from Darien Library

The event will feature a post-screening discussion moderated by Steven Law, president of the Law Stroud Foundation, with filmmakers Meghan Shea and Mike Rogers, and Drs. Ashley Duggan and Bernard Ewigman, co-directors of BRANCH, an initiative dedicated to restoring trust and compassion in doctor-patient relationships. “In Life” showcases the artistic journeys of writer Betsy Cox, painter Goh Beng Kwan, and pianist Leeanne Rees, offering inspiring perspectives on aging and creativity.