A full lineup of events across New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton invites neighbors to come together in celebration of the nation’s milestone year.
This summer, our towns are joining communities across the country in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary—and the calendar is filled with ways to take part. From lively parades and outdoor celebrations to thought-provoking talks, historic tours and family-friendly events, local organizations are bringing the spirit of the nation’s founding to life in creative and engaging ways.
Throughout June and July, neighbors can come together for a series of events honoring the nation’s founding while enjoying the traditions that make summer in our towns so special. Whether it’s a patriotic concert in the park, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a Revolutionary history program or a community celebration under the stars, these commemorative events offer plenty of opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate together.
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE AMERICA250 EVENTS HAPPENING ACROSS NEW CANAAN, DARIEN AND ROWAYTON THIS SEASON.
NEW CANAAN
Revolutionary Connecticut
Monday, May 4
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Presented by the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, this engaging program explores what the American Revolution meant to Connecticut residents. Using artifacts and historic documents, the presentation tells the story of independence through the eyes of ordinary citizens and highlights how the state has commemorated the nation’s founding over the past 250 years. Coffee and treats will be served. Free; registration required.
Art Gottlieb’s History Discussions: The American Revolution
Tuesday, May 5
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The third installation of a five-part series that examines the causes and consequences of the American Revolution. This week’s topic focuses on the Declaration of Independence, offering historical context and lively discussion. Free; registration required.
Rhyme & Recitation With Ned: A Celebration of American Independence
Tuesday, May 12
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Resident orator Ned Monaghan presents a spirited program of poetry and prose spanning 250 years of American history. This festive gathering honors the nation’s birth through words that inspire pride and reflection. Free.
Hamilton — The Movie
Wednesday,May 13
4:00–7:30 p.m.
Experience the groundbreaking musical that redefined Broadway. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning production blends hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. Pizza, salad and cookies will be served, with a short intermission. Free; registration required.
Art Gottlieb’s History Discussions: The Battle of Trenton
Tuesday, May 19
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This week’s installment explores the pivotal Battle of Trenton and its role in shaping the outcome of the Revolution. Part of the ongoing educational series. Free; registration required.
Clever and Craft with Tricia: Patriotic Door Decor
Thursday, May 28
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by creating festive door hangings inspired by patriotic themes. A creative and community-focused workshop. Free; registration required.
Lapham Community Center
Historic Grainger House + Peony Garden Tour
Saturday, May 30
1:00–2:30 p.m.
As part of the national America250 commemoration, The Glass House opens the 1783 Grainger House and its celebrated peony and iris garden to the public. This rare opportunity highlights the intersection of early American architecture and modernist design. Tickets required.
The Glass House
What the Constitution Means to Me
Sunday, June 14
2:00–4:30 p.m.
Two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin stars in this acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize–finalist play by Heidi Schreck. The production reimagines the Constitution’s impact across generations and invites audiences to consider its meaning for the future. Tickets required.
New Canaan Library
Hearts of Freedom: Juneteenth Community
Friday, June 19
3:00–7:00 p.m.
Celebration hosted by S.T.A.R., this signature America250 event honors Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration features live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and a community art project. Free and open to all.
Waveny Park
Stars, Stripes & Horses
Tuesday, June 23
5:00–6:15 p.m.
Celebrate the spirit of America with a patriotic, horse-themed afternoon featuring riding exhibitions, flag crafts, grooming demonstrations and a tribute to the history of the Mounted Troop. Family-friendly event.
New Canaan Mounted Troop
NC250 Parade: Honor & Celebrate!
Saturday, June 27
9:30 A.M.
raindate: Sunday, june 28
1:00 p.m.
A centerpiece of the town’s America250 festivities, this community parade features decorated floats, colonial attire, vintage cars, marching bands and fife-and-drum participants.
The procession concludes at New Canaan High School.
Downtown New Canaan
The Great American Campout
Saturday–Sunday
June 27–28
Celebrate the outdoors during this annual overnight camp-out, part of the National Wildlife Federation’s nationwide initiative. Families enjoy night hikes, animal encounters, campfire songs, s’mores and much more. Registration required.
New Canaan Nature Center
MIDDLESEX PARISH (INCLUDES DARIEN & ROWAYTON)
Calling All Artists: “How I See America’s 250th”
The Lockwood-Mathew Mansion Museum is launching its first Young Artists’ Competition for Connecticut students in grades 3–12. Winning artworks will be exhibited at the mansion, with prizes awarded in each grade category. Free; Deadline for submissions is May 19.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Norwalk
Experience the Revolution
Saturday, May 2
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Step back into Revolutionary War history with immersive reenactments, talks and events that bring to life pivotal moments from Connecticut’s colonial past at historic Middlesex Parish sites. Free
The Museum Of Darien, Mather Homestead, Highland Farms
Rendezvous With Rachel Revere
Sunday, May 17
2:00–3:00 p.m.
History at Play presents Rendezvous With Rachel Revere, the story of Paul Revere’s wife and her efforts to protect her children during the advance of the British Army. Through immersive, first-person performance, the company brings historical figures and events to life. Free
Mill Hill Historic Park, Norwalk
Documentary Screening: From Sea to Shining Sea
Monday, May 18
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a screening of the 1978 documentary From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and the Story of America the Beautiful about the life of the poet and the ideals of patriotism and reform behind her iconic song. Free; registration required.
Darien Library
Rowayton Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 24
12:00 p.m.
Join Historic Rowayton in the annual Memorial Day parade, marching behind a Revolutionary War–style whaleboat as the community honors those who served. Free
Downtown Rowayton
From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in 1776 and Hamilton
Wednesday, June 3
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Presenter Michael Langlois explores the story of America’s founding through two iconic musicals—1776 and Hamilton—and how each reflects evolving interpretations of the nation’s ideals. Free; registration required.
Darien library
Live Stream: TED Democracy—Founding Futures
Saturday, June 13
9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Held in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, this event features a livestream of new TED Talks exploring the future of democracy, along with interactive activities and performances. Free; registration required.
Darien Library
Exhibit Opening: Rowayton During the American Revolution
Sunday, May 24
12:30–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of this new exhibition exploring Rowayton’s role during the Revolutionary War. Festivities include a Colonial chocolate maker, traditional children’s games and self-guided driving tours of local Revolutionary sites. Free
Seeley Dibble Pinkney House, Rowayton
Movie Screening: 1776
Monday, june 1
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a screening of the 1972 musical film adaptation of the Tony Award–winning Broadway show. The lively production follows the Continental Congress as it debates—and ultimately drafts—the Declaration of Independence. Free; registration required.
Darien Library
Exhibit Opening: Revolutionary Roots—Generation of Change
Thursday, june 11
This America250 exhibition explores connections between the American Revolution and the Lockwood and Mathews families, examining the 18th-century roots of the mansion’s earliest residents. On exhibit through October 3.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Norwalk
Open House at Area Museums
Saturday, June 13
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Historic Rowayton opens its doors for an afternoon of exhibits and family activities, including colonial games, seed planting and a Brookside Cemetery tour. Free
Road Trip to Revolution
Saturday, June 13
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Explore local history with a self-guided “road trip” to 12 historic Middlesex Parish sites, each featuring greeters and information about the region’s Revolutionary past. Free
Middlesex Parish Locations Darien
American Girl Tea Party
Sunday, June 14
2:00 p.m.
Children are invited to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal for a festive afternoon tea party and craft activity decorating accessories for their tiny companions. Free
Gazebo in Pinkney Park, Rowayton
Darien Declaration Day
Saturday, July 4
9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with readings from the Declaration of Independence by Theater 308, patriotic music by the Darien Community Band and recognition of local military students. Free
Darien High School
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Saturday, July 4
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Gather at the historic park for a traditional public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Free
Mill Hill Historic Park, Norwalk
A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson
Saturday, July 11
2:00–3:00 p.m.
History at Play presents the story of Deborah Sampson, the first woman to enlist, fight in and be honorably discharged from the American military during the Revolutionary War. Free
Mill Hill Historic Park, Norwalk