NEW & THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND WESTPORT August 1 - 7
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WHAT'S NEW & THINGS TO DO
IN AND AROUND WESTPORT
August 1 - 7
Hey neighbor,
This week we’re celebrating one of Westport’s most delicious success stories: Adam Goldberg, the longtime local behind PopUp Bagels, which began as a backyard passion project during the pandemic and just announced a 300-store national expansion.
As we say goodbye to July, August kicks off with unseasonably cool weather (we'll take the break from the heat) butterfly walks at Earthplace, Ramblin’ Dan’s rock show at the Playhouse, live music at the Levitt, and kids’ storytime under the trees.
Plus, two new yoga brands are opening this weekend to help you recharge. Scroll down for the full week’s lineup, weekend weather, and your guide to what’s new and fun to do in Westport.
Have a great weekend and we'll catch up next week,
Martin & Holly
P.S. Got an event, opening, or local milestone? Hit REPLY—we love sharing your good news.
P.P.S. We want this newsletter to be as helpful as possible. Hit REPLY and let us know what else you’d like us to cover or include each week.
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🌟Westport Weather🌟
NEW WEATHER SPONSORSHIP SPACE AVAILABLE HERE
Friday (Aug 1)
77 🌡️ 59 | ☁️ cloudy morning then some breaks this afternoon
Breezy and cooler than usual with intervals of cloud and sunshine, dressing in layers is a good idea.
Saturday
80 🌡️ 58 | ☀️ mostly sunny and less humid | S 5 mph
A lovely, low-humidity start to the weekend, sunny skies and comfortable temps for outdoor plans.
Sunday
83 🌡️ 64 | 🌤️ sunny to partly cloudy | S 4 mph
Warm and pleasant with a mix of sun and clouds, ideal weather for being outside.
🌟Westport Community Highlights🌟
From Backyard Bagels to a 300-Store Empire: Adam Goldberg’s Westport Rise "Not famous but known"
What started as a pandemic hobby in Adam Goldberg’s Westport backyard, rolling dough and handing bagels to friends through a window, has grown into one of the most remarkable food stories to come out of our town. Goldberg, a longtime local and former finance exec, first launched PopUp Bagels as a one-man pop-up, baking his signature bagels out of the Don Memo kitchen. Word spread fast, orders sold out in seconds, and what began as a “hobby gone wild” turned into a booming brand with 13 East Coast shops, national awards (even in Brooklyn!), and now a plan to expand to 300 stores across the U.S. Goldberg and his team are partnering with 15 franchisees to bring Westport-born bagels to places like Nashville and Orlando, cities that might not think of themselves as bagel towns… yet.
🎓 Quick School Funding Update
A big federal freeze is yanking more than $50 million from Connecticut classrooms, but Westport will feel only a small pinch, about $85,000 in grant money that normally pays for teacher training and English-learner support. CFO Elio Longo says the trim won’t touch the town-approved $150.4 million school budget, so programs and staffing stay intact. The real hit falls on high-needs districts like Bridgeport and Hartford, each set to lose around $3 million if the freeze holds. For us, it’s a reminder of how fortunate Westport is, and how critical those same funds are to our neighbors across the state.
🚧 Merritt Parkway Exit Numbers Are Changing in Westport! 🚧
The new exit signs are up! CTDOT is updating exit numbers on Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) from sequential to mile-based to match federal standards.
Here’s what’s changing in Westport:
➡️ Exit 41 ➝ Exit 20
➡️ Exit 42 ➝ Exit 21
Don’t worry, temporary “Old Exit” signs will stay up for at least 2 years to help with the transition.
This update will make it easier to gauge distances, respond to emergencies, and plan future exits.
🏡 Westport Real Estate Market Update - July 2025 🏡
Report by Christine F Oleynick | REALTOR Keller Williams Gold Coast, Westport July 24, 2025
Market Snapshot:
✅ 87 Active Listings | Median List Price: $3.7M
✅ 43 Recent Sales | Median Sold Price: $2.0M
✅ Quick Sales: Median 17 days on market
✅ Strong Performance: Homes selling at 103% of asking price
Key Highlights: 📈 Sellers' market conditions continue 💰 Price range: $698K - $25M ⚡ Fast-moving inventory 🎯 $719/sq ft median pricing
Bottom Line: Westport's luxury market remains robust with homes selling quickly above asking price. Great time for sellers, competitive market for buyers.
Have questions about buying or selling this summer? Christine knows the market, the numbers, and the neighborhoods, and she’s here to help.
📞 (203) 912-9712 | 📧 [email protected] christinefincholeynick.com
Hamlet Denied: P&Z Nixes Saugatuck Project
Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission formally nixed ROAN Ventures’ ambitious “Hamlet” plan, a mixed-use, 11-building complex of shops, a hotel, and housing bounded by Charles Street, Franklin Street, Railroad Place, and the river, by a 4–0 vote with three abstentions, citing everything from oversized massing that “didn’t feel like a New England village” to unresolved parking, loading, pedestrian-safety, and waterfront-access (only 19 percent vs. the required 25 percent) issues. The denial follows months of packed hearings and an unfavorable Architectural Review Board opinion; commissioners felt too many questions remained, including an eyebrow-raising suggestion that employees might have to ride Metro-North to work. Town attorney Ira Bloom expects ROAN to appeal and, as the developer has warned, they could pivot to a far-less negotiable 500-unit, eight-story affordable-housing proposal under the state’s 8-30g law, an outcome Chair Paul Lebowitz said won’t sway the commission’s judgment on future projects.
🆕 New & Upcoming Businesses in Westport
🌟Now Open🌟
Gruel Britannia
🏷️ British Eatery & Etiquette Classes
📆 Soft Opening Monday, July 21st
🗒 Fairfield’s beloved British café is expanding to 161 Cross Highway (former Porch at Christie's). Expect scones, fish & chips, afternoon tea, and even etiquette lessons for kids. A charming gazebo will serve breakfast and ice cream.
https://www.gruelbritannia.com/
Make-Modern (Third location)
🏷️ Hands-on craft & sewing studio + modern DIY boutique
📍 180 Post Road East (across Bay St. from Design Within Reach)
🗒 Doors opened Wednesday, just in time for week-long kids’ summer camps. After Darien and Greenwich, this crafting studio lands in Westport with classes in sewing, bead-weaving, knitting, print-making, and more for all ages. Look for birthday parties, girls' night workshops, and a retail nook stocked with stylish craft kits and supplies.
https://www.make-modern.com/about-westport
Beyond Yoga
📍 136 Main Street
✨ The SoCal athleisure brand debuts locally with music, sips and twenty-percent shopping perks during its invite-friendly preview night before regular hours begin in August.
https://beyondyoga.com
Alo Yoga
📍 44 Main Street
📆 Grand Opening Weekend August 1–3 2025 (doors at 10 AM)
✨ Alo’s first Fairfield County boutique lands downtown with yoga gear, wellness events and community classes planned for the launch weekend.
https://aloyoga.com
LaSource
📍 7 Church Lane
https://lovelasource.com
The beloved Fairfield County intimates and resort-wear boutique is bringing its chic curated collection to downtown, sliding into the buzzy Church Lane block near Maman and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Expect expert bra fittings, luxe sleepwear, and friendly all-women staff when doors open later this month.
🌟Closing Soon & Reopening with a Twist🌟
Don Memo → Massi Co. – 90 Post Rd E
📆 Final service at Don Memo: Sat Aug 16
📆 Grand Opening for Massi Co.: Mon Sep 9
🌐 donmemowestport.com
After five flavorful years, Don Memo is saying adios and transforming into Massi Co., an ode to southern Italy from local restaurateur Massimo Tullio (also behind The Whelk). Tullio, who holds certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples, says the new concept will bring true Neapolitan pies, oven-baked dishes, and homemade pastas to Westport. Chef Zach Hinman returns, and the full Don Memo staff will stay on board. Expect a cozy Italian vibe, a full wine list, and yes, tequila will still flow.
🌟Coming Soon🌟
Dandelion
🏷️ Modern Mediterranean Dining (inside Delamar Westport)
📆 Targeting September Opening
🗒 Chef-driven plates, plenty of sun-soaked flavors, and an open-air vibe are the draw at Dandelion, the Delamar’s new restaurant. Expect vibrant coastal dishes and a polished-but-laid-back scene perfect for lingering cocktails after the beach.
https://dandelionwestport.com
Maman
🏷️ Provençal-inspired Bakery & Café
📆 Opening later this summer (renovation underway)
🗒 NYC’s cult-favorite café snapped up 44 Church Lane (the former Mrs. London’s). Founders Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte bring Nutty-Chocolate-Chip cookies praised by Oprah, dreamy lavender-honey lattes, and that South-of-France-meets-Tribeca décor. Perfect for a post-farmers-market pastry run.
https://www.mamannyc.com
PopUp Bagels
📆 Relocating Soon
🗒 PopUp Bagels is moving to a new home at 24 Taylor Place. Known for its cult-favorite bagels and two-time “Best Bagel” winner at Brooklyn Bagelfest, it’s a local favorite on the rise.
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🛍️ Sponsored Businesses & Deals
Thank you to these local businesses for supporting this week’s newsletter:
Alina’s Cakes & Cookies
📍1252 Post Rd E, Westport
📍2480 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
📞 203-292-3510
[email protected] 🌐 https://www.alinascakes.com
Alina’s Cakes & Cookies is Westport’s go-to for handcrafted bakery specialties, specializing in custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, pastries, cookies, and desserts made the old-fashioned way. Owner Alina grew up in Europe, where baking with fresh, natural ingredients was part of daily life. That philosophy still guides her today: no shortcuts, no pre-made frostings. All items are handcrafted from scratch with the finest natural ingredients.
They use non-GMO flour and sugar, cage-free eggs, and organic milk in all pastry creams. Their sourdough breads are made with pure Italian flour, cookies with Plugrá butter, and jams and flavor compounds come straight from Germany and Switzerland. Even the chocolate is fair-trade Belgian, because the details matter.
“I refuse to use any ingredients that I would not use when cooking for my own family at home.”
From elegant custom cakes to European-style cookies and pastries, it’s all made with the same care she’d use for her own family.
Bumble Bee Blinds of Fairfield County
Local family-owned.
🌟Special offer: Get 15% Off the Purchase of Woven Shades in July and August. Free in-home design consultation. Mention Go Local Westport
Appointments fill fast – book yours now! No obligation, stress-free, and they bring the showroom to you. bumblebeeblinds.com | (203) 937-2121
Winslow Park Animal Hospital
We’ve been taking our three dachshunds to Winslow Park Animal Hospital for over 10 years, and there’s a reason we keep going back. The team there genuinely treats every pet as family, and at one point, they even saved one of our pup’s lives. Founded by experienced local veterinarians and located right next to the dog park, Winslow Park is deeply woven into Westport’s pet community. Whether it’s a routine visit or something urgent, you’ll find care and communication you can trust. https://winslowparkah.com/
📍 319 Post Road East, Westport | (203) 226-5555
🌟Special offer: Free First Exam, mention Go Local Westport.
Davis Raines Design
Interior designer Karen Davis specializes in translating your vision into beautiful, functional spaces that feel uniquely yours.
Special offer: Complimentary 20-minute virtual consultation – mention “Go Local Westport” to get your free session.
https://www.davisrainesdesign.com/ | 917.834.5926
Mayflower Home Organizing
Stephanie Radman helps busy families and homeowners create calm, functional spaces with a warm, no-judgment approach.
Free consultation: Schedule at https://mayflowerhomeorganizing.com/
Matthew Scott Designs
Elevate your home with bespoke mirrors that reflect your style and personality. Enjoy the precision and elegance of professionally installed art, customized to your space.
🌟Special offer: Mention “Go Local Westport” for 10% off
https://matthewscottdesigns.com | [email protected] | (917) 239-3090
📅 Events
(August 1 - 7, 2025)
🌟 Family Fun & Kids🌟
Butterfly Walk
📅 Sat Aug 2, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
📍 Earthplace
✨ Stroll the meadow with experts and ID local butterflies.
Free First Saturdays
📅 Sat Aug 2, 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 Westport Museum for History & Culture
✨ Scavenger hunts, colonial games & the “Playful Pastimes 1890-1910” exhibit.
Ramblin' Dan & The Freewheelin' Band
📅 Sat Aug 2, 4 PM
📍 Westport Country Playhouse
✨ Interactive rock show that gets little ones dancing.
Nature Theater: Vernal Pool Party
📅 Sun Aug 3, 1 – 3 PM
📍 Earthplace Amphitheater
✨ 30-min kids’ play + woodland walk to real vernal pools.
Winged Wonders Birds-of-Prey Demo
📅 Sun Aug 3, 1 PM
📍 Earthplace
✨ Up-close raptor encounter (free with admission).
Camp MoCA Half-Day (Week 8)
📅 Mon Aug 4 – Thu Aug 7, 9 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 MoCA CT
✨ New art-and-agriculture adventures each morning.
Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band
📅 Wed Aug 6, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Grammy-winning bassist’s goofy tunes + touch-a-truck & ice-cream pre-show.
🌟 Live Music & Performances🌟
Gunsmoke (classic country)
📅 Fri Aug 1, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Kick-off the weekend with timeless honky-tonk.
Ramblin' Dan & The Freewheelin' Band
📅 Sat Aug 2, 4 PM
📍 Westport Country Playhouse
✨ High-energy kids’ rock that parents enjoy, too.
Low Cut Connie (rock & soul)
📅 Sat Aug 2, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Obama and Elton John endorsed piano-pounding party, free with RSVP.
Music in the Garden: Quantum Leap String Quartet
📅 Sun Aug 3 — Garden tour 4:30 PM, Concert 6 PM
📍 Blau House & Gardens (shuttle from Coleytown Elem.)
✨ Chamber music amid woodland blooms; BYO picnic.
Stella Blue’s Band (Grateful Dead tribute)
📅 Sun Aug 3, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Free, tie-dye-friendly night of Dead classics.
Comedy Night III
📅 Tue Aug 5, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Stand-up under the stars; lawn opens 6 PM.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (film)
📅 Wed Aug 6, 6 PM
📍 Westport Country Playhouse
✨ Beloved 1971 classic on the big screen, golden ticket not required.
Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band
📅 Wed Aug 6, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Kid-friendly pop with Grammy cred.
Borboletta: A Tribute to Santana
📅 Thu Aug 7, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Percussion-driven Latin-rock marathon, bring your dancing shoes.
Eric Johanson – NOLA-bred blues-rock guitarist in an intimate room
📅 Thu Aug 7, 8 PM
📍 Fairfield Theatre Co., StageOne
🌟 Arts, Culture & Learning🌟
Docent-Led Tour (Banks Violette: American Standard)
📅 Sat Aug 2, 1 – 2:30 PM
📍 MoCA CT
✨ Get insider context on the museum’s summer blockbuster exhibit.
Free First Saturdays at Westport Museum
📅 Sat Aug 2, 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 25 Avery Pl
✨ Enjoy all exhibits gratis, plus scavenger hunts for kids.
Docent-Led Tour (encore)
📅 Sun Aug 3, 1 – 2:30 PM
📍 MoCA CT
✨ Missed Saturday? Catch the Sunday walkthrough.
Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Open Studio
📅 Sun Aug 3, 11 AM–12:30 PM
📍 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton
✨ Meet August’s resident painter, kid craft table included.
Camp MoCA Week 8: Art & Ag Adventures
📅 Mon Aug 4, 9 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 MoCA CT
✨ Daily hands-on projects for creative kids (runs Aug 4-8).
Summer Learning Clubs (Grades 1-2)
📅 Tue Aug 5, 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 Westport Library
✨ STEAM-powered morning camp inside the Library.
Miss Lynne’s Summer Storytime
📅 Tue Aug 5, 10 AM
📍 Jesup Green (Library lawn)
✨ Lively tales under the trees—bring a blanket.
Camp Explore: Cartooning with Franco!
📅 Wed Aug 6, 10 – 11:30 AM
📍 Westport Library
✨ Teens learn to craft their own comic-book page.
Language Conversation Group: Beginner/Intermediate French
📅 Wed Aug 6, 10 AM
📍 Westport Library
✨ Practice your français in a friendly circle.
‘Nothing Compares to You’—Sinéad O’Connor Book Panel
📅 Wed Aug 6, 7 – 8 PM
📍 Westport Library
✨ Writers discuss the icon’s legacy; Q&A to follow.
🌟Outdoor & Markets🌟
Westport Farmers’ Market
📅 Every Thursday, 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 50 Imperial Ave parking lot
✨ 50+ local vendors, chef demos, and a lively lunch crowd, rain or shine.
https://westportfarmersmarket.com/
Earth Animal Market
📅 Fridays Jun 13 through Oct 31, 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 925 Post Road East
✨ Weekly open air market with organic produce, fresh bread, honey, baked treats, flowers, jewelry and other local treasures.
https://earthanimal.com/
📅What’s Up Next Week in and Around Westport
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