In a city as spirited, lively, and diverse as Stamford, there’s always something to do – and never more so than during the busy Spring period.
(Photo: Paul Sableman via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Connecticut’s fastest growing city, thanks in large part to its rapidly burgeoning millennial population, Stamford is experiencing something of a boom right now. The city’s cultural and entertainment scenes are positively buoyant, with springtime being a particular hot-spot for a variety of events. Here are 7 of the best taking place during the spring months this year.
A Novel Affair
An annual fund-raising event for the for Stamford Library, A Novel Affair goes virtual for 2021. Instead of taking place in person, the event will see small plates from some of the most popular local restaurants and caterers go under the hammer online for the purpose of raising critical funds to help provide library services to the Stamford community. This year’s edition will pay special tribute to former Ferguson Library Trustee Tom Cassone for his longstanding services.
LOCATION Online only DATES 15 April 2021
Enduring Wonder: A Retrospective of our Art, Treasures & Curiosities
Created to celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, this captivating exhibition offers a visual history of the development and evolution of the museum’s permanent collection. From its humble beginnings as a “cabinet of curiosities”, the collection now features more than 20,000 objects gleaned from the natural world, agricultural sciences, astronomy and history, as well as important 19th-20th century American Art and major sculpture.
LOCATION Stamford Museum & Nature Center DATES 21 May-22 August 2021 April
(Photo: Stamford Museum & Nature Center)
Summer Movie Series
Join Stamford Recreation for a drive-in Summer Night Movie Series. The organisers will be creating a fun-packed environment for family and friends to come together for an exciting roster of much-loved child- friendly movies at the Star Center. First up will be the classic 2016 movie “Moana” on 4 June, followed by “Wreck-it-Ralph” on 2 July and finally “The Secret Life of Pets” on 6 August. The cost is $35 per car. Spaces are limited so it’s advised to book now to avoid disappointment.
LOCATION Stamford Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Avenue DATES 4 June, 2 July & 6 August 2021
Forest Bathing Walk
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens will play host to a special Japanese-inspired guided walk this April. Hosted by nature expert Sue Smith, the Forest Bathing Walk is named after the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which is said to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. Beyond the physiological changes, forest bathing is also widely heralded for offering the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world.
LOCATION Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, 51 Brookdale Road DATES 8 April 2021
(Photo: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens)
Artistic Celebration of Motherhood
The Stamford Art Association and The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists have partnered to create a special event paying tribute to mothers and motherhood. This online exhibition is a multi-media event featuring original art ranging from classic representational portraiture to sculpture to abstract expressionism. A juried event, it will also feature cash prizes for competing artists.
LOCATION Online only Street DATES 1-30 May 2021
Easter In Art
Part of the ground-breaking Exhibitions on Screen series of award-winning films that bring exhibitions, artists and galleries to cinemas around the world, this special screening explores the Easter story as depicted in art, from the time of the early Christians to the present day. Shot on location in Jerusalem, the US and Europe, the beautifully crafted film explores the different ways artists have depicted the Easter story through the ages.
LOCATION Avon Theatre Film Center, 272 Bedford Street DATES 27 March 2021
(Photo: gettheshot75 via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
StEATeries
Stamford’s bustling downtown district will once again play host to its foodie extravaganza StrEATeries this year, an exciting outdoor-themed initiative that serves to provide a platform for the city’s culinary purveyors. Entire streets are given over to the event to create space for food outlets so they can showcase their mouth-watering offerings, while local restaurants and shops also take part with special menus and deals curated for the occasion.
LOCATION Throughout Stamford DATES 1 April – Late Fall 2021
By Paul Joseph