Looking for a fun activity to enliven your week? Put away the train pass because Westport, Wilton and Weston have plenty of off-the-beaten-path events, the kind only local insiders would know about. Below are examples of change-of-pace things to do that you may not have tried yet. So get ready make a splash, feel the earth beneath your dancing feet or cast your eyes to the heavens—here are to-do ideas close to home.
COOKING
Practice grilling basics on May 19 at Bobby Q’s Barbeque & Grill. Become your neighborhood’s BBQ head honcho this summer, with the help of owner Bob LeRose and pitmaster Matt Vanderels. They’ll guide you through the basics of smoking, slow-cooking meats and preparing sauces and rubs; westportcontinuinged.com.
FITNESS
Downunder is Westport’s destination for all things water rec. Located along the Saugatuck River, it offers paddleboarding, kayaking and more for all ages. On May 30, it cohosts the annual Soundsurfer Waterman’s Challenge, a WPA- sanctioned paddleboard tournament to benefit Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Harbor Watch and FOCUS. With races for elites, kids and relayers, give it a go or cheer on racers; better yet, join one of the guided Clambake Paddles to Cockenoe Island; soundsurfer.org.
DANCE & MUSIC
Summer welcomes two outstanding outdoor festivals. The New Haven International Arts & Ideas Festival features free concerts on the city green as well as dance, theater, lectures, tours and family performances, June 12–27 (artidea.org/festival). And in Westport, the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts presents its 42nd Summer Season in its all-new home from late June through August – featuring its signature 50 nights of free entertainment as well as special ticketed Stars-on-Tour concerts. levittpavilion.com.