RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield is shaping up to be the place to be this Thursday through Sunday, with a lineup that swings from classic rock nostalgia to Broadway-style comedy to a peek inside a 1714 saltbox most residents never get to see. Whether a night out means front-row seats at the Playhouse or a quiet wander through a contemporary art gallery, there is something on the calendar for nearly every mood. Grab a friend, pick a night (or four) and dive into the local arts scene. Here is the full rundown of what is opening, playing and performing around town.
- "Opening of the Vault Party for the Ridgefield Men's Club" — Thursday, Sept. 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m. History buffs get a rare chance to step inside the climate-controlled vault tucked beneath the historic 1714 Scott House, where the Ridgefield Historical Society keeps more than 10,000 pieces of the town's past. Tickets are $20 and include guided tours of seldom-seen artifacts. Venue: Ridgefield Historical Society, 4 Sunset Lane.
- "The Aldrich Decennial: I am what is around me" — On view Thursday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (and by appointment other days). This sprawling survey brings together 40 Connecticut-based artists under one roof, making it an easy add-on to a weekend of gallery-hopping. Venue: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St..
- 49th Annual Juried Exhibition — Runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 18, with gallery hours Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists' flagship juried show, selected this year by Yale University Art Gallery curator Michèle Wije, fills the gallery with work from member artists across the region, a good reason to swing by downtown between other stops. Venue: Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin Lane.
- Art Exhibit: Olga Fermin — On view now through Oct. 1 in the library's gallery space. This solo show brings vibrant, heritage-inspired work rooted in the Dominican Republic into a spot most Ridgefield residents already visit weekly. Venue: Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St..
- "Disaster! The Musical" — Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m., with a pay-what-you-want matinee Sunday, Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. This cabaret-style spoof of 1970s disaster flicks sends a floating casino through earthquakes, fires and even piranhas, all played for laughs. Tickets run $45 for adults and $40 for seniors, students and veterans, and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks. Venue: Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane.
- "Welcome Back My Friends: An Evening With Emerson, Lake and Palmer" — Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. A tribute to one of progressive rock's biggest names kicks off a stacked weekend of concerts. Venue: The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road.
- "The Robert Cray Band: All Amped Up Tour 2026" — Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. The blues guitar legend brings his latest tour to the Playhouse stage for what promises to be a soulful Saturday night. Venue: The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road.
- 44th Annual Artisan Fair — Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A short drive from Ridgefield, this longtime community tradition draws nearly 50 local and regional artisans for handcrafted goods, homemade food and live music, plus one of the area's largest tag sales. Admission is free. Venue: First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Cross Hwy., Redding.
- "One Vision of Queen Ft. Marc Martel" — Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Close out the weekend with vocalist Marc Martel, known for his uncanny channeling of Freddie Mercury, backed by a full band recreating Queen's biggest hits. Venue: The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road.
Film fans should also keep an eye on the Prospector Theater, the nonprofit, first-run movie house at 25 Prospect St.; its lineup shifts week to week, so check its site or call 203-438-0136 for what is showing this weekend.
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Between a vault full of history, two gallery shows just settling in, a fair down the road in Redding and a Playhouse stage hosting three very different legends, this is not a weekend to spend on the couch. Round up the family, invite a neighbor and get out to see what Ridgefield's arts scene has to offer.