Ridgefield is making history this spring with the debut of the first‑ever Ridgefield Town Party, happening Sunday, May 31 at 2pm on The Field at Veterans Park. Created and hosted by The Ridgefield Playhouse, this brand‑new community celebration is designed to bring neighbors together for a full day of music, food, family fun, and hometown pride. Ticket requests are now closed, with Ridgefield residents able to request up to six free tickets on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
A Free Community Celebration for All Ages
The inaugural Ridgefield Town Party is built around connection, collaboration, and community spirit. This free event brings together local nonprofits, families, and residents for a day filled with live entertainment, great food, and interactive experiences. The Ridgefield Playhouse created the event to offer Ridgefield a welcoming space to gather, celebrate, and make memories—something brand‑new for the town and already shaping up to be a future tradition.
A Star‑Powered Headliner: The Head and The Heart
The first‑ever Ridgefield Town Party is kicking off strong with a major headliner: The Head and The Heart. The beloved Seattle indie‑folk band is known for emotional anthems like “Rivers and Roads,” “Lost in My Mind,” “Honeybee,” and “All We Ever Knew.” Their latest album, Aperture, continues their signature blend of harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and soaring crescendos. Fresh off tours with Brandi Carlile and The Lumineers—and just weeks before they headline Red Rocks—their Ridgefield performance is a huge moment for the town.
A Full Lineup of Local Talent & Community Performances
Before The Head and The Heart take the stage, the event will feature performances from SPHERE, whose mission enriches the lives of adults with disabilities through the arts, and The Ridgefield Chorale, now celebrating 50 years of contemporary choral performance. Right before the headlining set, rising indie‑folk‑rock trio Palmyra will perform, bringing songs from their debut LP Restless.
Community Partners Bringing the Event to Life
The first‑ever Ridgefield Town Party is supported by a wide network of local partners. On the field, guests can visit sponsor activations including the Picnic Area sponsored by East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply, the Kids Zone sponsored by Ridgefield Academy, and stations from Aquarion Water Company, Colabella Fine Arts Mobile Gallery, Mercedes‑Benz of Danbury, and M&T Bank.
Nonprofit partners include A.C.T. of Connecticut, Compassionate Ridgefield, Kids in Crisis, Meals on Wheels, Prospector Theater, Ridgefield CT Pride, Ridgefield Historical Society, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield Library, SPHERE, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, and many more—each adding to the community‑driven spirit of the day.
A Celebration Made Possible by Local Support
The inaugural event is presented by The Leir Foundation and Michele & Tom Quindlen, with additional support from the M&T Bank Community Engagement Program. Their commitment helps ensure that the Ridgefield Town Party remains free, accessible, and rooted in community values.
The 203local Take
The launch of the first‑ever Ridgefield Town Party is a major win for Fairfield & New Haven Counties. Events like this strengthen our local arts scene, bring nationally recognized talent into our backyard, and create opportunities for families, neighbors, and local organizations to connect in meaningful ways. It’s the kind of community‑building moment that makes living in this part of Connecticut feel special—and if this first year is any indication, Ridgefield is about to start a tradition that will only grow from here.
