Tag Archives: Happenings

The Time Has come…

October 3, 2021 What's on the Menu? 1 Comment

Hey guys,

Well, I don’t even know how to start this. In a nutshell, I’ve decided that after almost 11 years of running What’s on the Menu? (Aka WTOM) I will be stepping away from the site. My last post will be my fifth and final installment (for this site anyway) of my Lost Legends of Stamford series. The piece will be posted at its traditional time of the stroke of midnight on Halloween!

I’m sure this news isn’t exactly a shock. Due to issues with my health and other personal and professional reasons, I’ve pulled away from WOTM quite a bit over the last few years. Frankly, what started out as a labor of love…just became labor.

WOTM started out as a small site and thanks to word of mouth, grew to be something quite special. I wanted to make a place that supported our city, the businesses and the special places like the library, the museum and nature center and of course, the Stamford History Center. As the city started growing more, so did the happenings lists that I’d post daily. What began as lists of just five or six spots grew to dozens of places at any given time.

At its peak, I was able to take part in and cover local events, make wonderful friends and contacts and grow to love the history of Stamford even more.

It is because of its history that I have been outspoken about the overdevelopment of Stamford and decided a few years back to create the Lost Legends series for Halloween. My hope was that by getting folks interested in the history of the city in a more unusual way, we could help save what’s left of it. Whether or not that will happen, I’m very proud of the work I’ve done on it so far and the hope is to one day get the years worth of work published…both what you see on the site and the many pages off site I have written on these subjects.

That is why I have decided that the piece I’m working on now for this year’s installment will be my last post for What’s in the Menu?. Although I won’t be continuing to update this particular site, I won’t taking WOTM down and will keep it up as a kind of archive. I will however be reposting some of my work from here to a new personal site in the future where I hope to continue to add to not only this series but my other writings as well.

As for WOTM, while the posts on the actual website had dwindled from one and sometimes two a day down to once or twice a year and the Instagram posts have declined as well, the Facebook page has continued. However I will be pulling back even more on that but I’m sure a post here and there may still turn up!

To the DJs, KJs and bands that always had my back; To the managers and owners of local businesses who would come through with gift cards for local events; To the event organizers who recognized my work and invited me to the party; To my friends and family who lent a hand and helped me out when I needed it…and of course…to my followers…I am so eternally grateful for the love and support I’ve had over the years. For without you, there would not have been a site at all!

It has been a wild ride and one that I’m immensely proud of and I thank you all for taking the journey with me. I hope my upcoming final post will live up to the last few and hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.

Thank you Stamford for the last decade plus and may you all stay safe, stay healthy and continue to Keep it Local!

Most sincerely,

Christie 🙂

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Lost Legends of Stamford 2020: https://onthemenuct.com/2020/10/31/lost-legends-of-stamford/

Links to my sites, shops, social and more: linktr.ee/StuffWeFind

Happenings, stamford, stamford history, weekend happenings

National Day of Healing

August 23, 2019 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

With thanks to Jane L. Love for the following…

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On Sunday August 25 at 3:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Stamford will be ringing the Carillon Bells to commemorate the National Day of Healing for the 400th anniversary of the first landing of enslaved Africans in English occupied North American. The bells will toll 4 minutes, one for each century.

The first landing of enslaved Africans was at Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia, now part of the Fort Monroe National Monument, a unit of the National Park System. The anniversary will be commemorated at Fort Monroe as a day of healing and reconciliation. The park and its partners have invited all 419 national parks, NPS programs, community partners and the public to come together and ring bells simultaneously across the nation.

After the 4 minute bell tolling, carillonneur Marietta Douglas will give a short concert commemorating the occasion. The carillon at First Presbyterian Church stands 260 feet and contains 56 bells weighing from 15 to 6,820.

#thefishchurch
#RingtoRemember
#400years

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/partnerships/bell-ringing-for-400th.htm

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#wotm #keepitlocal #stamfordhistory #knowwheretogo

Happenings, stamford

Best of the Gold Coast CT 2019–Discount & CONTEST!

May 24, 2019 What's on the Menu? 1 Comment

Hey guys I’m here to let you know that the party of the year, the 15th Annual, Best of the Gold Coast CT is coming up and WOTM has the info you need to make sure you are a part of the fun!!

If you’ve never been to one of these amazing nights let me tell you, this is a great way to try the best of the best of the Gold Coast. Voted on by Moffly Media readers, categories include such things as best massage, best wedding venue, best local band and food categories like best Italian, best tapas, best outdoor bar, etc. So many categories, so little time.

While you can find the full Gold Coast Winners list on the site, being that WOTM is a Stamford-based website, I’d like to celebrate those Stamford businesses that won. Here is the complete Stamford List.

The party to celebrate all the winners is one of the hottest tickets of the year and for good reason. This event is so much fun and you will certainly not leave there hungry. Food, drinks, music, goodies; it’s huge! The best part? It’s all for a GREAT cause! This year’s party will benefit: Kids In Crisis

A wonderful organization, “In addition to being an emergency shelter, Kids In Crisis provides crisis counseling and community educational programs for children and families dealing with a wide range of crises.” Also helping runaways and homeless youths, “Today, Kids In Crisis provides housing and comprehensive medical, educational and therapeutic support services for underserved and underprivileged children of all ages in Fairfield County.”

The Best of the Gold Coast event is Thursday, May 30th from 6-9pm and tickets cost $65 in advance, $75 at the door the day of the event and takes place at the Greenwich Hyatt.

Moffly Media has extended the following offer to my wonderful WOTM followers: 25% off on tickets for the event when you purchase tickets in advance!! Just use code: MOFFLYFRIENDS at checkout and the discount will be applied to your ticket costs.

To purchase tickets, full list of winners and find out more about the party, head to: https://bestofgoldcoastct.com/party/

To top all this off, they have also offered to give me 4 tickets to give away! I will be doing them as two sets of two, so your chance to win just doubled!

I will be running a FACEBOOK ONLY contest on Sunday, May 26th running through Monday the 27th, so be sure to go to our Facebook page to follow us there. YOU MUST BE A WOTM FACEBOOK FOLLOWER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CONTEST.

Now I understand it is Memorial Day weekend and many are away, so the two winners will be announced Monday evening.

In the meantime, be sure to head over to our Facebook page, hit the almighty “like” and follow us there to be sure to take part in this contest! Facebook.com/onthemenuct

Be sure to share this with your friends and hope to see you there!

#wotm #keepitlocal #celebratestamford #knowwheretogo

Happenings

Greenwich Restaurant Week 2019 Opening Night

February 27, 2019 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

Hey guys…sorry that it’s been a while. But I’m back and I’m here to let you know that tonight is the big opening night party for their Greenwich Restaurant Week!

With current media sponsors including Food Network (NYCWFF), The Greenwich Sentinel, Connecticut Restaurant Week, CTbites, Open Table, Jen Danzi, Connoisseur Media, and food wine and music by over 15 local businesses, this is sure to be a fun night!

And hey, Stamford favorite DJ Kunjun is providing the music!

A portion of the proceeds will go to TAG: a non profit organization that provides transportation for Greenwich residents who are elderly as well as disabled children and adults.

For information on the event and the Restaurant Week itself: greenwichrestaurantweek.com

Remember, Stamford Restaurant Weeks are in full effect as well and run through March 3rd: Connecticut Restaurant Week Site

Happenings, stamford, Weekly Happenings

Stamford Weekly Happenings: Aug 27th-31st

August 26, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

It’s the final week of August Stamford and to top it all off…it’s time to go BACK TO SCHOOL! We know what a bummer that is for a whole lot of you but think of it this way, it’s about to be Pumpkin Spice Latte season and they make everything better.

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The biggest happening this week is of course the ST. LEO’S FAIR!!!!! It’s that time of the year to get your pizza fritta on and maybe win a minion…the fair of fairs is finally here!! Runs from Tuesday the 28th-Saturday the 1st. For more info: Click Here for Info

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Just a quick reminder that Stamford Restaurant Weeks are still running through Sept. 2nd so there is still time to visit your favorite place or check out one of the many new restaurants that have opened up. For the list and menus (lunch and dinner) of the participating restaurants: Click Here for Info

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Now for this week’s happenings. While not a complete list of everything going on around town, we try to find you a good mix of events from business networking to family friendly things to do, to fitness fun and more. You never know what will make the list and you may even find a new adventure right here in Stamford!

Let’s get to it…here’s what we’ve found for you and remember, weather can change some of these listings so be sure to call ahead. Btw, many are FREE!

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Monday August 27th:

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NEW:

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Sign of the Whale: Women Entrepreneur Social Networking Happy Hour. 5:30pm-8:30pm FREE entry, happy hour drink specials and be sure to bring business cards! Click Here for Info

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Curtain Call: OPEN auditions for ELF!!! Channel your inner Buddy and sing loud for all to hear while you go for one of the roles available for this musical comedy that’s based on one of the greatest Christmas movies ever! Monday & Tuesday 7-9pm: Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point Square: Painting w/Pinot’s Palette–FREE event every Monday. Two, 30 minute sessions starting at 6:30pm. Sign up on the site, be there on time or lose your spot! (call ahead to see if there is still availability) Click Here for Info

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WEEKLY:

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The Stone House: Zumba at the Stone House (recurring event) 9:30am-10:30am: Click Here for Info

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Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Exquisite Miniatures exhibit in the Arcade of the Bendel Mansion. 50 paintings by miniature artists by Wes and Rachel Siegrist that look so real, they look more like photos than paintings! Ongoing event through Sept. 21st. Click Here for Info

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Roasted Sandwich Co.: Monday Night Fun Run with 6:30:pm start time. (Weekly event) 3, 4 And 5 mile options. Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point: Revolution Fitness in Commons Park at 6:15pm. High intensity workout every Monday night. Click Here for Info

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Metropolitan Dance Center: Advanced Salsa/Bachata Class; $15 per person; 8pm. Check their calendar for a list of this and all their classes: Click Here for Info

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Tuesday August 28th:

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NEW:

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Mill River Park: Musical Bike Ride! Kid friendly event. 6:30pm start time, meet on the grand steps. Bring your bikes, helmets and silly attitudes with you! Click Here for Info

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Amore Cucina & Bar: Stamford Social Chess Club hosts this social event of playing chess over some drinks. 6:30-8:30pm. Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point: F45 Training Bootcamp in Commons Park at 6:30pm. Click Here for Info

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St. Leo’s Begins: 6pm-11pm Tonight’s LIVE music: Undercover Click Here for Info

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WEEKLY:
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Government Center: Stamford Alive Morning Networking & Referral Group–weekly Tuesday business event hosted by BNI Alive. 7:45am, free event. B2B, B2C, sales and bus. professionals looking to meet like minded folks. See event page for details: Click Here for Info

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Crab Shell: Tiki Tuesday w/ Captain John’s Tiki Tours and Rentals. Take a tour of Stamford Harbor and see part of our coastline in a whole new way! $25 per person, 4:30pm. Please see event page for all the info and tickets: Click Here for Info

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Mill River Park: BollyFit w/Jayshree Srikanthr (FREE weekly event) at 7pm! Click Here for Info

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Wednesday August 29th:

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NEW:

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Ferguson Library: Mindfulness and Meditation 1-2pm. Free. 3rd floor main library. Click Here for Info

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Kashi Stamford: Wednesday Night Pub Run (FREE event) begins at 6:30pm. 3, 4 and 5 mile options and you can find the maps and more info here: Click Here for Info

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St. Leo’s Continues: 6pm-11pm Tonight’s LIVE music: What It Is Click Here for Info

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Weekly:

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The Ferguson Library Main Branch: Youth Makerspace Open Hours 4-6pm Click Here for Info

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Stamford Toys: FREE Make & Take Playdate Kid friendly event 4-6pm! Click Here for Info

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Comradity Strategy and Creative Resource Center: Crashcode Hacknights join the tech and startup communities with a FREE weekly networking event. Student come to work on a project from start to finish with the goal of creating a prototype. Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point–Three events:

Commons Park: LIVE music with the Hot Rubber Monkey Band. (gotta love the name) at 6pm! Click Here for Info

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Yappy Hour: Dog park across from Commons Park. 6:30pm; Wine and dogs, gotta love it! Click Here for Info

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Then stay for…

Free Movies in the Park presents The Incredibles! 8:15pm; bring blanket, snacks and friends. Click Here for Info

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Mill River Park: Afro Flow Yoga on the grand steps. (weekly event) Free to join in the fun! 7pm. Click Here for Info

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Thursday August 30th:

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NEW:

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Mill River Park: River Meanders–last Thursday of every month. Each walk covers a different topic and this week’s walk will have a special guest discussing Urban Birds. (if you’ve ever been to Mill River or Scalzi Nature preserve, you know how many different kinds of birds there are down there–now you can learn about them!) Meet on the grand steps at 6pm, walk begins at 6:10pm. Click Here for Info

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St. Leo’s Continues: 6pm-11pm LIVE music tonight is: Kim and the Other Ones Click Here for Info

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WEEKLY:

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Fairgate Farm: Farmers Market every Thursday thru October 12pm-6pm. Click Here for Info

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Mill River Park: Zumba w/Eddie Calle 7pm; FREE Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point Commons Park–Two events:

Tai Chi w/Nana 5-7pm. Click Here for Info

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Crossfit w/Carozza Fitness every Thursday thru Aug. 30th from 7-8pm. FREE! Click Here for Info

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Metropolitan Dance Center: Advanced Foxtrot! $15 per person. Click Here for Info

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Friday August 31st:

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NEW:

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St. Leo’s Fair: Continues tonight! Tonight’s LIVE band is Free Ride. End the week with some music, rides and games (and pizza fritta)!! 6pm-11pm Click Here for Info

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Weekly:

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The Ferguson Library Main Branch: Friday Flicks Presents: Despicable Me 3! FREE; 2pm; Ages 6 & up. Click Here for Info

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Harbor Point: Latin Dancing Commons Park at 5pm. FREE weekly event w/Vuk! Beginners to advanced, all welcome. Click Here for Info

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Stamford History Center: For something different, why not go up and visit the Hoyt-Barnum House?! Learn about life in Stamford in the 1600’s in The oldest house in the city. Recently restored to what it looked like when it was built in 1699, this is the perfect way to Keep it Local! Tours available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For info on tours and more: Click Here for Info

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I post these lists every week, breaking them up into two posts: Monday thru Friday and Saturday/Sunday. So make sure to sign up for our email list to get our posts as soon as we hit the magic “publish” button!

For nightly happenings and posts here and there throughout the day, be sure to follow us on Facebook. For extra goodies, follow us on Instagram and since we’re also on Twitter, why not follow us there as well?! (all links can be found on the right hand side of the page)

If you like what I’m doing here, please encourage your favorite venues to advertise here on WOTM. We’ve been up and running for over 7 years and want to continue to do so. Encouragement from our followers is why we’re still here and for that I am truly thankful.

I close this as I always do…Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo

Happenings

Stamford Weekend Happenings 8/11-12th

August 10, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

As promised we are here to give you some ideas of where to head out this weekend. Now, unfortunately there is a lot of rain in the forecast…so be sure to call ahead to your destination to make sure your event is still on. There’s something here for kids of ALL ages!

Here we go…

Saturday August 11th.:

Lorca: Saturday Morning Muffin Run 9am. 3, 4 And 5 mile options…free to join in. Click Here for Info

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Fairgate Farm: Farmers Market 9am-12noon. Click Here for Info
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Mill River Park–Two events:

Bootcamp with Kelvin Smith at 8:30am.

Zumba w/ Christina Rabasca & Tristan Mongollon at 11:30am. Click Here for Info
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PetSmart Stamford: Rescue Dog Adoption Event 9am-4pm. Go and find a new furry family member! #rescueisthebestbreed Click Here for Info

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Latham Park—Stamford Downtown Farmers Market: Bedford Street from 9am-3pm. Click Here for Info

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Stamford Museum & Nature Center: WILD! Feeding Drop-in Program. Kids 5 and up can go and learn how/what the Center feeds their exhibit animals and can even help make some of the goodies to be fed to them. Click Here for Info

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Stamford Toys: LOL Surprise Trading event 1-3pm! Click Here for Info

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LaRocca’s Country Wine And Spirits: Gin and Tonic tasting from 2-4pm! Click Here for Info

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Ferguson Library: Entrepreneur-in-Residence hours from 3-5pm (weekly). Looking for help to grow your business? This is a great program that can help you through the beginning stages from idea to legal matters and even bookkeeping. (also runs on Mondays from 10am-12pm.) Click Here for Info

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Sunday August 12th:

Mill River Park—Three events:

Sunrise Yoga w/Aimee & Tim Elsner at 8:30am.

Carousel Storytime goes on rain or shine at 10am and it’s free! Carousel Pavillion area.

Hula Hoop Fitness & Flow w/Sarah Murphy adult class) Free on the Grand Steps at 10:30am. Click Here for Info on All 3 Above Events
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Harbor Point–Two events:

Sunday Farmers Market from 9am-2pm in Commons Park. Info on this and other events: Click Here for Info

Commons Park: Chelsea Piers Obstacle Course for kids 6 and up! 11:30am-12:30pm (weekly thru end of August) Click Here for Info

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Stamford Museum & Nature Center—Three events:

Sunday Farmers Market 10am-2pm: Click Here for Info

Summer Stars Planetarium Show begins at 2pm! Weekly Sunday event. Click Here for Info

Celebrate National S’mores Day: From 12:30-2pm not only can you munch on a few but you’ll aslo get to learn a little science behind the s’more!! Kid friendly event. Click Here for Info
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Half Full Brewery: Volunteer-Drink Beer! Volunteer event and fundraiser (monthly event). Once a month, Half Full Brewery welcomes you to gather and volunteer as a group at a local community organization. Then you’ll head back to the brewery to help raise funds with $1 from every beer sold going to their charity of the month pick. Click Here for Info

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Stamford Toys: Pokémon Trading & Learning Event 1-3pm every Sunday! Trade cards, learn the game and win the raffle! Ages 5-up. Click Here for Info

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I hope this gives you some different ideas of how to enjoy our fair city. Right now, the plan is to do a list like this every week…continuing to mix it up a bit with finds for all ages from kids to adults and in between.

I close this as I always do…Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo

Happenings, stamford

It’s a Steamy Saturday Night Stamford!

August 4, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

It’s Saturday Night Stamford and we have some places for you to head out to. Going to be a hot and steamy one but that’s what cold drinks are for right?

Tonight we start with the DJs, head to the LIVE music and then a little IFC Fight w/Hookah (oh Stamford)…so let’s go…

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Kashi: DJ Erik Esquire gets you moving all night long tonight!

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Bartaco: Enjem is in the house!

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Bradfords: RyFy is BACK tonight!

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Tiernans: Our friends Sugar Bear are performing tonight at 10pm! Awesome people, awesome music!!

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Flinders Lane: LIVE music with MOJO tonight starting at 9:30pm!

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Crab Shell: Hedtrip LIVE at the Shack starting at 7:30pm!

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Mystique: UFC Fight airing LIVE tonight! Plus, music by DJ Dice and Hookah on the patio!

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There you go guys. Just a few ideas to get you out and about this fine Saturday evening. We close as we always do…Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo

Happenings, stamford

Friday Night is Here!

August 3, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

Welcome to Friday Night Stamford! Getting right to it tonight, so let’s go…starting with LIVE music tonight…

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Bar Zepoli: LIVE music with the Highland Rovers at 9pm!

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Ponus Yacht Club: LIVE music with The Straightjackets rain or shine!

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Crab Shell: Vertigo LIVE at the Shack starting at 7pm!

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Tiernan’s: The Last Hoorah Acoustic Duo LIVE at 10pm!

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Stamford Diner: LIVE music with Late 4 Dinner at 7pm!

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Bar Rosso: LIVE music with Mojo tonight!

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Flinders Lane: The New Session hosted by Nick Di Maria starts at 8pm!

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Kashi Stamford: DJ Erik Esquire is in the house tonight!

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Bartaco: Music with Davinci tonight!

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Bradfords: RyFy gets you moving upstairs tonight!

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Sign of the Whale: Rooftop is open but even if it rains, good times downstairs as well!

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Ok guys that’s a pretty good list we have here. Go Forth… Have fun, Be Safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keeepitlocal #knowwheretogo

Happenings, stamford

Saturday Stamford Night Happenings

July 28, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

Quick Saturday Night Happenings List for You Tonight…make sure to use #wotm (or better yet ADVERTISE) or get left off the list. Remember, if I don’t see it, I don’t post it. Here we go:

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Kashi: DJ Erik Esquire is BACK tonight to get you moving!

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Mystique: House, HipHop and 90’s w/ DJ Dice and hosted by Alan V!

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Bartaco: Paul Spirit has the beats tonight!

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Bradfords: RyFy is upstairs tonight for your dancing pleasure!

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Crab Shell: Dirty Water Dogs LIVE tonight at 7:30pm! (call ahead to make now not rained out)

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The Long Ridge Tavern: Gunsmoke LIVE at 8pm!

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Judy’s Bar & Kitchen: Suburban Chaos LIVE tonight at 9pm!

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Sign of the Whale: Always a party at the Whale! Music and Shark Week happenings tonight!

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Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheetogo

Happenings, stamford

Friday Night is Here!

July 27, 2018 What's on the Menu? Leave a comment

It’s Friday Stamford and we have some places for you to go tonight! Never know what we’ll find so let’s get to it…

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Stamford Diner: LIVE music with Barbara’s Seranade w/special guest guitarist Dave Dana from 7-10pm!

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Sign of the Whale: 90’s Night with DJ Donny D!

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Ponus Yacht Club: Karaoke with Chris Jack is back tonight!

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Bar Rosso: Retro Express plays LIVE tonight at 9pm!

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Bartaco: Enjem is in the House tonight!

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Bradfords: RYFY is back upstairs tonight!

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1947 Lounge at Tawa: LIVE music with Harry Ellis & Deep Intentions!

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Caseys: DJ Nate Slate brings the beats tonight starting at 9:30pm!

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Mystique: Play Friday’s with DJ Dazon!

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Ok guys there you go! Going to be stormy here and there so run through the raindrops

Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo

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