What's The Plan: JUNE 27-29
A Grace Farms picnic, carnival & arts festival in Ridgefield, the Pound Ridge road race, summer reading kickoffs, two duck races, American Roots at Caramoor and more!
Be sure to click on "message clipped" at the bottom of this email to read the entire post. Or, you can just go to whatstheplan.substack.com to read it on your mobile browser. Enjoy!
Welcome to the weekend roundup. It’s the last week of school for us and we’re basically living at the Lewisboro Town Pool. I hope you’ve found some way to cool off, too.
A busy week for Ridgefield. The Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department Carnival is this week. (If you can’t make it to a 4th of July fireworks show next weekend, you can catch the carnival fireworks on Friday night.) And don’t forget about the Ridgefield Arts Festival, the Family Fair, and the Ridgefield Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
I’m finishing final edits on our summer bucket list project, launching Monday, June 30. I’ve got a draft copy on our kitchen counter already, and my 8-year-old is already circling things, making notes in the margin, and using it to create her own summer bucket list. My favorite section is “Day Trip Ideas.” I collected so many good ones!
I’ll offer a steep discount to paid subscribers, so upgrade now if you want a sweet deal.
Anyone who purchases the bucket list gets added to a private Google My Maps list, which includes every parent recommendation in the list. I figured you needed an easy way to map out your summer adventures, right? Here’s a sneak peek:
Each week, I’ll pick an event that may not have a huge promotion budget but I think is worth highlighting. This week, the Plan of the Week goes The Firefly Festival at Trailside Nature Museum in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on Friday night. »
Firefly catching, live music, face painting, arts and crafts, fresh s’mores, food trucks and much more. What a lovely old-timey event at one of our area’s most beautiful parks. $15/pp. »
Thanks to all the subscribers who signed up last week, including Rebecca K., Racheal E., Sarah E., Laura F., Shamira G., Kali K., Jennifer W., Galina S., Jenna B., Winter S., and Eva M. I really appreciate your support. 🫶
xo,
K
PS: Follow The Plan on Instagram!
PPS: If you didn’t catch my 4th of July roundup on Monday, click here!
PPPS: If you’re on the fence about upgrading to a paid membership, you can try it free for two weeks and just cancel if it’s not for you. Just click here.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
National Food Truck Day »
10:15 AM-10:45 AM — 🏖️ Martin Park Family Storytime (Martin Park Beach, Ridgefield)
Great way to enjoy storytime outside. Bring your own beach chairs or blankets. Registration is required. Preference may be given to Ridgefield residents as space is limited. This is such a gorgeous little beach. Also happening on July 25. »
1:00 PM-5:00 PM — 🫖 Afternoon Tea (Caramoor, Katonah)
Tea is served in the Music Room and includes a variety of tea sandwiches, scones with créme fraiche and preserves, desserts. Have some tea and then go on a self-guided tour of the Rosen House. $54/adults, $30/kids. »
4:00 PM-8:00 PM — 👨🌾 Lachat Town Farm Farmers Market (Lachat Town Farm, Weston)
This one is in the evening, which looks so cool. Expect live music, fresh food, and family fun at this scenic historic farm. Check the site for details on parking. For $10 you can register your kid for the Children's Area, where a volunteer will lead the group on a craft and activity. Held every last Friday of the month this summer. »
5:00 PM-6:30 PM — 🧑🧑🧒🧒 Community Craft Nights with Rewilding School (Marsh Sanctuary, Mt Kisco)
The Rewilding School hosts free monthly Community Craft Nights on the last Friday of every month. Perfect for families. This month’s theme is nature games. Free, but you must register online. »
5:30 PM-7:30 PM — 🧺 Summer Picnic (Grace Farms, CT)
These are really beautiful events. You eat a picnic dinner made by the culinary team, enjoy extended hours in the garden, and do family-friendly activities like lawn games. Full menu online. Tix $30/adult, $15/kid »
6:00 PM-10:00 PM — 🎡 Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department Carnival + fireworks show! (East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield)
We went to this one last year and liked it! Read my carnival survival guide here. Go to the carnival; stay for the fireworks. »
6:30 PM-9:30 PM — ✨ Firefly Festival (Trailside Nature Museum, Cross River)
Firefly catching, live music, face painting, arts and crafts, fresh s’mores, food trucks and much more! $15/pp. »
7:00 PM-10:00 PM — 👑 2025 Miss Connecticut Preliminary Competition (The Ridgefield Playhouse)
A two-day event this weekend to see who will be crowned Miss and Teen Connecticut Classes of 2025. Expect a high-energy competition. Tix $53 »
7:00 PM-9:00 PM — 🍿 Yorktown Outdoor Movie series: Inside Out 2 (Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field)
Free admission but they’d like you to register! »
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
National Summersgiving Day »
8:30 AM-10:00 AM — 👩🌾 Kid's Community Farm-to-Table (Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights)
On the last Saturday of the month, your kid (7-13) can harvest and make their own breakfast, fresh from the farm. This class requires pre-registration. »
9:00 AM-12:00 PM — 🏃 Pound Ridge's 27th Annual Road Race (Pound Ridge Elementary School)
5K Race starts at Pound Ridge Elementary School at 9:00 AM and ends at Pound Ridge Town Park. They've got a grownup race, a kids 8+ Road Race, and a Kids Dash! »
10:00 AM-5:00 PM — 📚 Summer Reading Game Kickoff (Pound Ridge Library)
Bring the kids to pick up their summer reading challenge today at the library! »
10:00 AM-12:00 PM — 🐰 Junior Animal Care day (Westmoreland Sanctuary, Mt Kisco)
Westmoreland Sanctuary is a not-for-profit, independent nature center and wildlife preserve. Director of Conservation Steve Ricker told me their Animal Care Sessions are popular with kids aged 7+, so register early. »
10:00 AM-11:00 AM — 🐥 Wilton's 4th Annual Duck Race (Schenck’s Island, Wilton)
This one is to benefit Trout Unlimited and Norwalk River Conservation. Head to Schenck’s Island in Wilton Town Center and buy a duck to race. If yours wins, you'll win a Sweet Summer prize and the infamous "Big Duck." »
10:00 AM-12:00 PM — 🥾 Trailhead Interpretive Loop Opening Celebration (Mianus River Gorge, Bedford)
Bring your family on a hike to check out the newly built trailhead interpretive loop at one of our area's prettiest preserves. RSVP to info@mianus.org. »
10:00 AM-5:00 PM — 🎨 Ridgefield Arts Festival (Ballard Park, Ridgefield)
Sure, it's a juried arts and fine crafts event, but it's perfect for kids. Walk around and enjoy the galleries in the park, and do a little shopping. We did it last year and it was fantastic. Face-painters and other kid-friendly vendors will be on hand, and of course the playground is right there if you find they're just not into it. Also happening tomorrow! »
10:00 AM-11:30 AM — 🪰 Last Saturday on the Trail: Magic of the Fireflies (Firefly Sanctuary, 34 Sleepy Hollow Road, New Canaan)
This is a special guided walk with conservationist Chris Schipper where you'll learn all about fireflies – why their preservation matters, and how you can help support firefly populations in your own backyard. »
10:00 AM-2:00 PM — 🐥 Westport's 16th Annual Running of the Ducks (Jesup Green, Westport)
This one is held right outside the gorgeous library on the hill downtown. The family fun fair goes from 10AM-2PM, and the duck race starts at 1:00PM. Buy a duck ahead of time ($20) and cheer them on. »
10:00 AM-12:00 PM — 🐦⬛ Breakfast With The Bobolinks (Hayfield-on-Keeler Preserve, North Salem)
What is a Bobolinks bird, you ask? Join local naturalist Jim Nordgren today to learn all you wanted to know. Breakfast and birdwatching for hardcore bird enthusiasts or newbies. Bring binoculars if you have them. »
10:00 AM-3:00 PM — 🎠 Family Fair (St. Mary's Parish, Ridgefield)
A lovely annual tradition with a white elephant knick-knack section, pony rides, food, games. »
11:00 AM-12:30 PM — ⛲️ The Secret Garden: Movie screening (Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville)
Kid-friendly screenings take place every weekend! »
11:00 AM-1:00 PM — 📖 Summer Reading Kickoff Event (Bedford Hills Free Library)
Charlie and the Bubble Factory will be kicking off this Summer Reading 2025 program today at the library. »
11:00 AM-12:00 PM — 🦉 Owls on the Prowl with the New Canaan Nature Center - SOLD OUT (Bedford Farms)
An interactive experience that will be a hoot for all ages. $25/ticket. Register early for the next one, as this one is sold out. »
11:00 AM-5:00 PM — 🪴 Weekend of Creativity (Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, North Salem)
A good weekend to visit this beautiful Japanese garden in North Salem. Events taking place all weekend long. »
11:00 AM-2:00 PM — 🪶 Wilton Historical Society Open House (Wilton Historical Society)
Bring the kids to step back in time and "explore history in an engaging, hands-on way." Expect unique demonstrations highlighting traditional skills that were essential during the Colonial times. »
12:00 PM-3:00 PM — 👩🔬 Step into STEM Saturday (Westchester Children's Museum, Rye)
Join the STEM Alliance for a special pop-up in the museum's MakerSpace. Free with admission. »
12:30 PM-7:00 PM — 🎺 American Roots Music Festival (Caramoor, Katonah)
Blues, Americana, folk, bluegrass, and more. Bring your own seating. Tix $63/adults, $19/kids. »
3:00 PM-6:00 PM — 👑 2025 Miss Connecticut & Miss Connecticut's Teen Finals Competition (The Ridgefield Playhouse)
A two-day event this weekend to see who will be crowned Miss and Teen Connecticut Classes of 2025. Expect a high-energy competition. Tix $63-$98. »
3:30 PM-9:30 AM (Sun) — 🏕️ The Great American Campout 2025 (New Canaan Nature Center)
This is a hot ticket, so register early! You can either rent a tent for $25 or bring your own gear. A family ticket ($110) gets you all the greatest hits: Songs by the campfire, a BBQ, field games, a night hike, and s’mores. Breakfast in the morning, too. Registration opened in May for this one. »
4:30 PM-10:00 PM — 🎇 Pound Ridge 4th of July Fireworks (Pound Ridge Town Park)
Bring a blanket, snacks and lawn chairs! Expect food trucks and live music. Parking will be available at Pound Ridge Elementary School (PRES), with shuttle buses running continuously to and from the park. Permits are required for all vehicles parking at PRES. If you're a resident, you may pick up a free permit at the Pound Ridge Police Department. Non-residents must purchase a $30 parking permit (cash only). »
5:00 PM-9:00 PM — 🎵 Red Barn Live: Summer Kickoff Show (Ambler Farm, Wilton)
This is one of Wilton’s "most sought-after lawn seats." Enjoy the sunset in the field, pack a picnic, and grab some ice cream from College Creamery. Kids' activities will be available for $5 per child from 5:30-6:30pm. VIP packages available. Tix $35/adult, $15/child (4-12), U4 free. »
6:00 PM-10:00 PM — 🎇 Lewisboro 4th of July Fireworks (Onatru Farm Park, South Salem)
Gorgeous park to watch the fireworks with your family. Entertainment starts at 7PM, and fireworks start at 9:30PM. Bring a blanket, snacks and lawn chairs! $25 per car. Food trucks on site will be: Stanziato's Wood Fired Pizza, Road Grub, Scotty's Eggrolls, Leila's Crepes and Kisco Sweets & Treats. »
6:00 PM-10:00 PM — 🎡 Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department Carnival (East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield)
We went to this one last year and liked it! Read my carnival survival guide here. »
6:30 PM-10:00 PM — 🎆 Danbury Town Park Fireworks Over Candlewood Lake - POSTPONED TO SUNDAY, JUNE 29 (Candlewood Lake, CT)
Gates open at 6:30PM and fireworks will start at approximately 9:15PM. The Danbury Volunteer Fire Department is bringing you this year's fireworks. »
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Hug Holiday »
10:00 AM-5:00 PM — 🎨 Ridgefield Arts Festival (Ballard Park, Ridgefield)
Last day! »
1:00 PM-4:00 PM — 🏠 Peter Parley “Last Sunday” Open House (Peter Parley / West Lane School House, Ridgefield)
You know that cute little school house on West Lane before you get to Ridgefield? They do these cute open houses every last Sunday of the month this summer, feat. a storytime, cookies and volunteers to tell you all about this little historical treasure. Free! »
1:00 PM-5:00 PM — 🫖 Afternoon Tea (Caramoor, Katonah)
Tea is served in the Music Room and includes a variety of tea sandwiches, scones with créme fraiche and preserves, desserts. Have some tea and then go on a self-guided tour of the Rosen House. $54/adults, $30/kids. »
3:00 PM-5:00 PM — 🏇 2025 Sunday Polo (Greenwich Polo Club)
A great afternoon activity for the fam. Gates open at 1PM and the match begins at 3PM. You buy a car pass for $50 and can set up a picnic on the East Lawn. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome, too. Full bar service and food is available on-site. Runs through Sept. 7. »
6:00 PM-6:15 PM — ☀️ Summer Sundays (Scotts Corners, Pound Ridge)
Summer Sundays brings neighbors together once a month between June and September. Today they’ve got Svetlana Shmulyian & The New York Collective, a 6-piece jazz band. Free! »
6:00 PM-8:00 PM — 🎶 Redding Concert on the Green (Redding Town Green)
Bring a blanket, a picnic and relax to some great music. Looks like a great time. Happening on Sunday nights throughout the summer. »
6:00 PM-8:00 PM — 🎶 Yorktown Summer Concert series: Crash My Party, A Luke Bryan Tribute (Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field)
Great music, drinks & snacks for sale, and always a 50/50 raffle. This park is really cute. Happening on various Sundays all summer. »
ONGOING EVENTS
June 6-September 21 — 🦋 Amazing Butterflies Exhibit (Grace Farms, CT)
Interactive maze and traveling exhibit created by The Natural History Museum in London. Don’t miss the cafe and library on site. On display through September 21. Tix $8/pp. Check the website for visiting hours. »
Every Thursday-Sunday (10:00 AM-4:00 PM) — 👩🌾 Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand (Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown)
This one's open Thursday-Sunday from 10AM-4PM through Thanksgiving. A beautiful setting to shop for farm-fresh veggies. »
Every Friday (4:00 PM-7:00 PM) — 🍷 Happy Hour at The Aldrich (The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield)
Every Friday through Labor Day, this gorgeous museum extends its hours and invites you to explore the galleries, take part in hands-on activities in the studio, and experience the newly-renovated sculpture garden. Kids are welcome, and beverages are available for purchase for grown-ups. Free to attend with museum admission (Tix $20/adults, $9/students, U13 free) »
Every Friday & Saturday (5:00 PM-9:00 PM) — 🍻 Cider Nights 2025 (Hardscrabble Cider, North Salem)
Read my review here. We love this place. »
Every Saturday (8:30 AM-1:00 PM) — 🥕 Pleasantville Farmers Market (10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville)
60+ vendors and held outdoors, year-round. Located just off Bedford Road, right in a historic walking village. »
Every Saturday (8:30 AM-1:30 PM) — 🍅 Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market: TaSH (Patriots Park, Tarrytown)
A bit of a drive, but worth it. Make a day of it! Outdoor market runs from May 24-Nov 22. »
Every Saturday (9:00 AM-2:00 PM) — 🫛 John Jay Homestead Farmers Market (Lot No. 2, Downtown Katonah)
Friends of John Jay Homestead in partnership with Katonah Chamber of Commerce, have relocated the Farm Market to downtown Katonah for the 2025 season. Stop by the market and walk around downtown afterwards. Runs every Saturday from May 3-Oct 25. »
Every Saturday (9:00 AM-1:00 PM) — 👩🌾 Gossett Brothers Farmers Market (Gossett Brothers Nursery, South Salem)
Stop by this one to browse for local goodies and see all the gorgeous spring & summer greenery in the newly-renovated greenhouse. Great selection, every Saturday morning. »
Every Saturday (10:00 AM-1:00 PM) — 🍅 Ridgefield Farmers Market (Jesse Lee Church, Ridgefield)
Always a great time: Food, music, crafts. Gorgeous location on the lawn of Jesse Lee Church. This year, they’re going weekly, yay! Click here for my interview with Exec. Director Corrin Arasa on how to do a farmers market RIGHT. »
Every Saturday (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) — 🥕 New Canaan Farmers Market (244 Elm St, New Canaan)
This one’s right behind the train station, so you can stop here and then stroll Elm Street to window shop. »
Every Saturday (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) — 🧑🌾 Georgetown Farmers Market (4 Old Mill Rd, Redding, CT)
A small but good one. Right in the heart of Georgetown. »
Every Saturday (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) — 🛍️ Take it or Leave it Shed (Bedford Hills Train Station)
You never know what you’ll find at the Take It Or Leave It Shed. Great community initiative to reduce waste and inspire sustainability. Open through Oct. »
Every Saturday (10:30 AM-2:30 PM) — 🎨 Open Arts Studio (Grace Farms, New Canaan)
Held every Saturday at this magical place. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Recommended ages 4-12 (w/ adult). Non-member $5, register online. »
Every Saturday (12:00 PM-1:00 PM) — 🌍 Saturdays at Earthplace (Earthplace, Westport)
Pay the admission price ($10/adult, $5/kid) and drop in for a nature-based activity with your kiddo. Think: eco-art, science experiments, miniature pond exploration. »
Every Saturday (1:00 PM-1:45 PM) — 🎨 Young at Art: Saturday Fun for Kids (Pound Ridge Library)
Get your hands messy with your kid at this fun afternoon event. Runs through June 28. Free! »
Every Saturday (7:00 PM-10:00 PM) — 🍕 Outhouse Orchards Summer Saturdays (Outhouse Orchards, North Salem)
This is a new one from Outhouse, which is the orchard across the street from Hardscrabble. It's a gorgeous setting. Every Saturday through August 23 they'll have live music, pizza, burgers, and craft beers. Occasionally they'll bring in kid stuff like a bounce house or a sandbox, so stay tuned. »
Every Sunday (9:00 AM-2:00 PM) — 🌼 Farmer's Market (Honeybee Grove Flower Farm, Somers)
Held rain or shine on the grounds of this gorgeous flower farm, right in the center of town. Small, but lovely. Runs June 1–Oct 26. »
Every Sunday (9:30 AM-2:30 PM) — 🍅 Farmers Market (Muscoot Farm, Katonah)
Browse the vendors, visit the animals, grab a snack at the concession stand. It's a great afternoon for the whole fam. Goes until Nov. 17. »
Every Sunday (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) — 🧺 Sunday Farm Market (Stamford Museum and Nature Center)
Great products and produce at a gorgeous setting. We love this market. Admission to the market is free on Sundays through Nov 2. Park in the North parking lot. »
Every Sunday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) — 🌽 Mt. Kisco Farmer’s Market (South Moger Ave, Mt. Kisco)
Live music and fresh produce, every Sunday. This is a good one. Ends Nov. 16. »