Category: Entertainment

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The Fairfield University Art Museum is pleased to announce a major loan exhibition planned for spring 2026, as part of a series of cultural and artistic events at Fairfield University commemorating the 250th anniversary—semiquincentennial—of the United States.

For Which It Stands… will run from January 23 through July 25, 2026, and will feature more than 70 works by diverse artists across art movements from the early 20th century to the present day, focusing on depictions of the American flag. The exhibition will include works ranging from Childe Hassam’s Italian Day, May 1918—lent by Art Bridges—to a new textile sculpture by Maria de Los Angeles, commissioned for the exhibition. Works by artists including Jasper Johns, Faith Ringgold, Robert Rauschenberg, Shepard Fairey, and Julie Mehretu will challenge viewers to consider who the American flag truly represents and whether justice is available to all. Additional pieces by renowned artists like Emma Amos, Eric Fischl, Glenn Ligon, and many others will further enrich the exhibition.

Included works are being lent by private collectors, artists, galleries, and institutions such as the Forge Art Project, Columbia University Avery Library, Delaware Museum of Art, The Mattatuck Museum of Art, Bridgeport Public Library, Gordon Parks Foundation, Orlando Museum of Art, Westport Public Art Collections, Yale University Art Gallery, the State of Connecticut’s CT Artists Collection, and the Fairfield University Art Museum’s own collection.

“This exhibition is an opportunity for all of us to examine the narratives that have shaped our country, particularly those that have been overlooked or challenged,” said Carey Mack Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum and exhibition curator. “Through these artworks, we invite visitors to engage deeply with the pressing issues of justice, representation, and unity—issues that are as relevant today as they were when our nation was founded.”

This exhibition is made possible by generous support from Connecticut Humanities, Art Bridges, Horizon Kinetics, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc., and Aquarion Water. It aligns with the guiding themes from the state’s CT 250 initiative, especially those of “telling inclusive stories,” and “for the common good.” As the CT 250 guidelines state:

“For much of our history, the United States has excluded people—women, free and enslaved African Americans, Indigenous people, immigrants, people with disabilities, the poor, and many others—from full participation and representation in the nation’s political, economic, and cultural life. This commemoration is an opportunity to continue the nation’s reckoning with the past, both its glory and its missteps and flaws. By telling previously untold stories, we will enable everyone to find a place in our nation’s narrative.”

For Which It Stands… looks at our nation’s history from 1918 to today through the lens of artists from diverse backgrounds and strives to tell as complete a history as possible.

WSHU and the Westport Journal are media sponsors of the exhibition.

A robust selection of programming has been developed to complement this exhibition, including gallery talks with contemporary artists whose work is in the show, lectures on topics ranging from artist Florine Stettheimer’s passion for Americana to a deep dive into the photograph The Soiling of Old Glory, and family-friendly events centered around flag-making and other topics. All programs are free and open to the public. Learn more at fairfield.edu/museum/for-which-it-stands/.

---

Opening Night Lecture: For Which It Stands…

Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m.
Aaron Weinstein, PhD, Assistant Professor, Politics, Fairfield University, and Exhibition Faculty Liaison
Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre, and via livestream

Dr. Weinstein’s talk explores the complex role of the U.S. flag in America’s “civil religion,” examining how its meaning shifts based on context, political use, and personal interpretation.

---

Opening Reception: For Which It Stands…

Thursday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
Bellarmine Hall, the Great Hall and the Bellarmine Hall Galleries
(The Walsh Gallery will also be open for exhibition viewing)

---

Short Film Screening: Reclaim the Flag (2025)

Monday, January 26, 7:30 p.m.

The screening will be followed by a discussion chaired by Sean Edgecomb (professor of Visual & Performing Arts) with filmmaker Alexis Bittar, Luchina Fisher (VAP Film, Visual & Performing Arts), and Shane Vogel (Yale University, professor of English and Black Studies, chair of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies).

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre
Co-sponsored with the Quick Center and the Arts Institute

---

Art in Focus:

Childe Hassam, Italian Day, May 1918, 1918, oil on canvas
Thursday, February 12, 12 noon and 1 p.m.
Bellarmine Hall Galleries and via livestream

---

Lecture: The Soiling of Old Glory: The Story of a Photograph That Shocked America

Thursday, March 19, 5:30 p.m.
Louis P. Masur, PhD, Rutgers University, Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History
Dolan School of Business Event Hall and via livestream

Historian Louis Masur examines Stanley Forman’s iconic 1976 photograph The Soiling of Old Glory (a print of which will be on view in the exhibition), which provides a compelling window into racial tensions in 1970s America.

We’re a two-person independent local news team, if you like what we do, you can support us by:
Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/doingitlocal
Become a Facebook Subscriber: https://www.facebook.com/DoingItLocal/subscribe/
Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/doingitlocal
Directly donate via https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N56AVL6EUFP6N
Help us continue to deliver breaking local news, while gaining access to special supporter-only behind-the-scenes content.

FAIRFIELD, CT — Make Music Fairfield announced it will host the winter edition of its community music event, The Solstice Stroll, on Sunday, December 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the winter solstice with song.

The event will feature a musical promenade through the heart of Fairfield’s Cultural District, beginning at the Fairfield Theatre Company’s StageOne Box Office. Participants will stop at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre and the Main Library before concluding at the Sherman Green Gazebo, where holiday-themed music will be performed throughout the walk.

Organizers say the event is free and open to all, similar to Make Music Fairfield’s larger summer solstice festival. Musicians and singers of all skill levels are invited to participate, reinforcing the event’s focus on community and accessibility.

Make Music Fairfield is part of the national Make Music Day Alliance, which includes 141 participating cities across the country. Each year on June 21 and December 21, communities nationwide come together to celebrate the solstices with free public music events.

The Solstice Stroll will include familiar holiday favorites such as Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Hannukah Oh Hannukah, Mele Kalikimaka, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Joy to the World, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls, and Holly, Jolly Christmas. More information is available by following @MakeMusicFairfield on Facebook and Instagram.

Fairfield, CT – The Enchanted Castle returns this October hosted by the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County. During this annual event, families travel through six rooms in Fairfield’s Burr Homestead, brought to life by storybook characters who skillfully narrate the tales of Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, and The Wizard of Oz. The Castle is designed for children 2-10 years of age but will be sure to excite the whole family!

The Enchanted Castle will be held October 22 – 24 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and October 25 – 26 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30pm – 5 p.m. Please note that the Enchanted Castle will be closed on Saturday & Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $15 per ticket. Kids 2 and under are free. The School of Rock Fairfield House Band will also have a special performance at the event on Saturday, October 25 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

This year’s event is sponsored by Mona Payment Solutions, Distinct Technologies, Wegmans, Bearingstar Insurance, Triple Double Basketball, Pink Lady Goes Green, Bigelow Tea, Al’s Angels, Duchess, FWSIM, Sasco Cyber Ventures, Stew Leonard’s, Experience Fairfield, ConnectFairfield and Fairfield Moms.

This event is the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County’s largest fundraiser, with funds going to support literacy and neighborhood efforts within the greater Bridgeport community. Visit EnchantedCastle.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

The Enchanted Castle first opened in 1991 and was run for 22 years by the Ahlbin Auxiliary of Bridgeport Hospital. In 2019, the Auxiliary handed the event over to The Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County. This will be the fifth time that the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County has hosted this fun-filled community event.

Unable to make it to the event, but still want to support the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County? Take advantage of Enchanted Dining at two local restaurants this week and weekend! Stop by Haven Hot Chicken (907 Post Road in Fairfield) on Wednesday, October 22 or Sunday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and use code FJL15 online, in person or mention the Junior League to give back 15% of your purchase! On Saturday, October 25, stop by D.P. Dough (222 Post Road in Fairfield) from 4 p.m. – 3 a.m. and mention the Junior League when placing your order to give back 10% of your purchase.

The Town of Fairfield’s 3rd annual Fairfield Oktoberfest is just a few weeks away!
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place, rain or shine, on September 13 from 2PM – 6PM in The Lot at the Fairfield Theatre Company, which is located at 70 Sanford Street in downtown Fairfield. This event is being co-hosted by the Fairfield Office of Community & Economic Development, Fairfield Community Services, and Fairfield Theatre Company. This year’s event will feature live music by the Grammy nominated and the 12x award winning International Polka Band Association of Chicago’s “Favorite Band/Instrumental Group of the Year”, Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men. The musical entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon as we welcome local favorite, Dan Tressler & Friends!
Local food trucks with festive food offerings will be on site as well as vendors presenting a curated selection of adult beverages for those 21 and older. In addition to traditional lawn games and axe throwing, we’re thrilled to welcome Dryvebox to this year’s event with the addition of their mobile golf simulator! And the fun doesn’t stop there, we’ve added a 9-hole mini golf course, too! Commemorative Fairfield Oktoberfest t-shirts and steins will be available for purchase.
Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart shared, “We’re pleased to host the 3rd Annual Fairfield Oktoberfest, and to be partnering with so many great local brands and especially FTC, one of the premier live music venues in the State.” In just a short time, Fairfield Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition and one of the can’t miss events of the year.”
A special thanks to those who help to make this annual community event possible: Signature sponsor M&T Bank / Wilmington Trust, Stein sponsor Boca Grille and Raw Bar; Supporting sponsors Elicit Brewing Company, Next Century Spirits, Hi-Ho Motel, and The Circle Inn; and Participating sponsors Northeast Beverage, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery and Vintage Garden.
“M&T Bank is proud to support this incredible event that brings together residents, families and visitors to celebrate the community, rich culture and the very best of what Fairfield County has to offer. As a longstanding partner in the Fairfield County community, we’re honored to contribute to Oktoberfest – an annual celebration that showcases local businesses and the region we’re privileged to serve,“said Frank Micalizzi, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Bridgeport.
Parking for the 3rd annual Fairfield Oktoberfest is FREE and available at the Fairfield Center Train Station on the New York bound side. The parking lot can be accessed via Unquowa or Mill Plain Roads.
To learn more about Fairfield Oktoberfest, check out www.experiencefairfieldct.org/oktoberfest!

Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development has announced the return of Fairfield Restaurant Week, which will run for two full weeks from August 25 through September 7, 2025. Now in its 14th year, the event will feature more than two dozen local restaurants offering prix fixe and discounted menus, ranging from casual bites to fine dining. Participating eateries include popular spots such as Artisan Southport, Barcelona Wine Bar, Blackstones Grille, Bodega Taco Bar, Mecha Noodle Bar, The Gray Goose, and many more, showcasing a wide variety of cuisines from seafood and steaks to Latin Fusion and Asian specialties.

Organizers emphasize that the event is more than just dining—it’s an opportunity to highlight Fairfield’s many attractions and community events taking place alongside Restaurant Week. With support from Fairfield University as lead sponsor and media partners including Star 99.9 and Hearst Media, the town hopes residents and visitors will enjoy a “night out” experience while supporting local businesses. More information, including participating restaurants, sample menus, and a calendar of events, is available at experiencefairfieldct.org.