Take It To Go: CT Events September 26 – 29

Though it’s hard to believe, autumn officially arrived this week and October is just around the corner.

This week’s events include a Thursday offering, The Transformative 1980s and 1990s in LGBTQ Connecticut at the Connecticut Historical Society, along with our other picks for the upcoming weekend.

The Transformative 1980s and 1990s in LGBTQ Connecticut
Thursday, September 26, 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St., Hartford

In the 1980s and 1990s, the LGBTQ community in Connecticut launched a sustained campaign against discrimination, using tactics ranging from political lobbying to public protest to civil disobedience.

Join Professor William Mann, Director of the LGBT Center at Central Connecticut State University, as he discusses the emergence of a powerful LGBTQ movement in Connecticut at the end of the 20th century.

Admission is $10 for CHS members, $12 for non-members.

For more information: https://chs.org/event/the-transformative-1980s-and-1990s-in-lgbtq-connecticut/.

Guilford Comes Alive!
The Guilford Performing Arts Festival
Thursday through Sunday, September 26 through 29, hours vary (Check website for specific times)
Welcome tent located on the Guilford Green, Between Broad and Whitfield St., Guilford

The Guilford Performing Arts Festival happens every two years and features dozens of concerts, plays, readings, workshops, discussions and happenings on and around the town green.

More than 70 free performances, held in 12 different venues, will occur throughout the weekend in this fun celebration. Most are within walking distance of downtown Guilford or the town green.

Parking is scare so arrive early for events. On-street parking is available in marked spaces on all four sides of the Green, and public parking lots are located at Town Hall (31 Park Street), at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center (32 Church Street) and behind the shops on Whitfield Street (entrance is between 15 and 23 Water Street).

The event is free, but donations are welcome. Stop at the welcome tent on the Guilford Green to pick up a festival program and check in.

For more information and performance schedule visit: https://guilfordperformingartsfest.org/.

Lights, Action, Camera!
Norwalk Film Festival

Saturday, September 28
Various times and locations

The inaugural Norwalk Film Festival will be held at six different venues throughout Norwalk on Saturday. The festival features a full day of diverse and inclusive entertainment, featuring inspirational screenings, insightful filmmaker Q&A’s, interactive workshops, and “Standing Ovation Award” recipient, Norwalk native and three-time Tony Award nominee, Robin De Jesus.

NFF will be the city’s first official Film Festival and was founded by a grassroots community of volunteers, comprised of filmmakers, cultural leaders, and movie lovers living and working in Norwalk. The Festival’s mission, “Unity through Diversity through Film,” celebrates and highlights the unique multicultural spectrum of Norwalk residents and focuses on issues of representation and inclusivity.

*Troupe429 (3 Wall St.) will feature films exclusively produced by LGBTQ filmmakers beginning at noon & will host an after party.*

For more information: https://www.troupe429.com/events.

For more information, schedule of films and locations: https://www.norwalkfilmfestival.com/schedule.

You’re Gonna Be Pop-U-Lar
Kristin Chenoweth Gala Event
Saturday, September 28, 5:30 p.m. for gala, 8:00 p.m. show
The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield

The Ridgefield Playhouse hosts an evening of Broadway classics with “Wicked” star, Kristin Chenoweth. The Emmy-Award winning actress has also appeared in “Glee,” Pushing Daisies,” and stars in the upcoming Hallmark holiday film, “The Christmas Song.”

Guests can come for the playhouse’s gala which begins at 5:30 p.m. or the performance, which is at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $195 – $250.

For more information: https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/kristin-chenoweth-fall-gala-2019/

A Fabulous First
Deep River Pride Fest
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 a.m. Parade at 12:00 p.m. Festival 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
245 Main St., Deep River

Come celebrate at Deep River’s first-ever Pride Fest! Join in for a day of activities and celebrations at locations around the community.
A Pride Brunch will be held at the Whistle Stop Café, then a sidewalk parade at noon, followed by a festival featuring speakers, workshops, music, performers, food, and kids activities.

The Mistress of Ceremonies is Barbra Joan Streetsand.

All ages are welcome, and the event is free.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Deep-River-Pride-104376260944068/

 A Bit Of Nostalgia
53^rd Annual Lebanon Antiques Show
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
Lebanon Town Green, 856 Trumbull Hwy., Lebanon

Up to 60 dealers will be on hand selling high-quality collectibles in one of just a handful of outdoor antiques shows in Connecticut. Items include furniture, textiles, glassware, jewelry, and other vintage offerings.
Food and snacks are available and parking is free.

Admission is $5 per person.

For more information: https://historyoflebanon.org/events/annual-event-52nd-annual-antique-show-2

I Ain’t Afraid Of No Ghost
Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours
Select dates and times: Friday, September 27 through Saturday, October 26
The Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford

Featured on Syfy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters,” and the Biography Channel’s “My Ghost Story,” the Mark Twain House & Museum offers ghost tours filled with the haunted history, dark tales, and Victorian traditions surrounding seances and spirits, all in the spirit (pun intended) of good fun.

Not suitable for kids under 10.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $17 for children 10-16.

For more information: https://marktwainhouse.org/event/graveyard-shift-ghost-tours-5/2019-09-27/.

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Their Part
Coastal Cleanup Series: Bluff Point
Sunday, September 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Bluff Point State Park, 55 Depot Rd., Groton

Join the Mystic Aquarium and community partners for the Ocean Ambassador’s coastal cleanup series. The goal is to remove more than 1,000 pounds of marine debris before 2020.

Volunteers of all ages can choose to help for just a few minutes or spend the entire time cleaning the beach alongside the team. Each site will be completely stocked with safety and cleaning supplies.

Cleanup Details: Bags, gloves and safety vests will be provided, but feel free to bring a trash picker or your own gloves.

For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mystic-aquariums-ocean-ambassador-coastal-cleanup-at-bluff-point-registration-67289874827 or email Educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org.

Ongoing Events
It’s a Queer Story: Everyone Has a Story
Through October 30, Tues – Thurs, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New Haven Pride Center, 84 Orange St., New Haven

It’s a Queer Story explores the introspection of ‘What being Queer means to me.’ The artist asks several peers this same question and the answers, stories, and emotions are materialized into photographs.

The artist, Julia Genzano (she/her), is a Connecticut-based photographer who brings to life the struggles or triumphs of queer individuals. Everyone has a story and it deserves to be heard.

For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/exhibitions/its-a-queer-story-2/#