Things to do in Westport July 25 - July 31, 2025
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WHAT'S NEW & THINGS TO DO
IN AND AROUND WESTPORT
JULY 25 - 31
Hey neighbor,
The big event this weekend is The Soundview Summer Stroll this Sunday! Soundview Drive at Compo Beach turns into a car-free community space filled with live music, kids’ games, food from Old Mill's Romanacci, and good vibes from 10 to 5. If you were there last year, you know how special this one is, and if you missed it, this is your chance.
We’ve also got new openings, outdoor markets, stargazing, tango, great live music, real estate market updates, local business deals, and plenty of family fun to fill the rest of your week.
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 🌟
Saturday
85 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ Partly sunny | S 7 mph (6 knots)
Sunday
83 🌡️ 71 | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy & humid with afternoon storms | S 3 mph (3 knots)
🌟 Westport Community Highlights 🌟
🌞 Soundview Summer Stroll Returns This Sunday
Mark your calendars — the 2nd Annual Soundview Summer Stroll is back this Sunday, July 27, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most joyful days of the season. From 10 AM to 5 PM, Soundview Drive at Compo Beach becomes a pedestrian paradise, closed to traffic and open for walking, biking, Rollerblading, stroller cruising, and neighborly chats. Expect live music, kids’ games, face painting, a photo booth, and crowd favorites from Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
It’s a totally free, feel good day at the beach, thanks to the folks behind 06880 and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. Last year’s event drew a huge turnout, and this one’s expected to be even bigger. For updates and good vibes, follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundviewsummerstroll
🏖️ Beach Update from Parks & Rec
Westport’s Parks & Rec Director Eric Barbieri says the town may start testing water quality more frequently, and possibly switch labs to get results faster. That could mean fewer and shorter beach closures, something every Compo regular can appreciate. The goal is to keep swimmers safe without losing prime summer days waiting on slow lab reports.
🎓 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! 🚧
Starting July 28, 2025, 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
🆕 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
🌟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🌟
Beyond Yoga
📍 136 Main Street
📆 VIP opening party July 31 2025, 5 PM–7 PM
✨ 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
📆 Opening July 2025 (summer launch)
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.
Dandelion
🏷️ Modern Mediterranean Dining (inside Delamar Westport)
📆 Targeting late-July soft-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
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📅 Events
(July 18 - July 24, 2025)
🌟 Family Fun & Kids🌟
Kids’ Night Out: Nature Detectives
📅 Fri Jul 25, 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 Earthplace, 10 Woodside Ln
✨ Parents’ night off—kids explore Animal Hall, take a night hike and toast s’mores.
https://earthplace.org/event/kids-night-out/
Saturdays at Earthplace
📅 Sat Jul 26, 12 PM – 12:30 PM
📍 Earthplace Outdoor Amphitheater
✨ Meet a resident animal, then join naturalists for a short hike.
https://earthplace.org/event/saturdays-at-earthplace/2025-07-26/
Soundview Summer Stroll
📅 Sun Jul 27, 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Soundview Drive, Compo Beach
✨ Pedestrian paradise with live music, kids games, face painting, photo booth and plenty of space for bikes, blades and strollers, plus crowd favorites from Old Mill Grocery & Deli; totally free to participate.
Pick Your Own Bouquet
📅 Sun Jul 27, 11 AM – 12 PM
📍 Earthplace Pollinator Garden
✨ Snip fresh blooms and build a take-home bouquet (tools provided).
https://earthplace.org/event/bouquet-20250727/
Summertime Foraging Walk
📅 Sun Jul 27, 1 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Earthplace Trails
✨ Learn to ID and safely harvest edible summer plants with a naturalist.
https://earthplace.org/event/summertime-foraging/
🌟 Live Music & Performances🌟
Madelyn Spera (Summer Music on Church Lane)
📅 Fri Jul 25, 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 Church Ln at Main St
✨ Westport singer-songwriter kicks off the weekend street series.
Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks
📅 Fri Jul 25, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd
✨ Swing, jump-blues and classic rock-’n-roll under the stars—free lawn show.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/07/19/danny-lipsitz-the-brass-tacks/
From Broadway to Hollywood (Concert)
📅 Fri Jul 25, 8 PM
📍 Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct
✨ Orchestra and vocalists celebrate great musical numbers of stage and screen.
https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/from-broadway-to-hollywood/
Dan Tressler & Friends
📅 Sat Jul 26, 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 Church Ln
✨ Bluegrass and folk favorites on the sidewalk stage.
Tom Hamilton
📅 Sat Jul 26, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Philadelphia rocker (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) in a free solo set.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/06/19/tom-hamilton/
Hitch & the Giddyup (Music at the Barn)
📅 Sun Jul 27, 5:30 PM – 7 PM
📍 Weston History & Culture Center, 104 Weston Rd
✨ Country-bluegrass picnic concert—BYO lawn chair and drinks.
https://westoncthistory.org/item-page.php?id=334&itempageid=1&status=1&pageid=315
Leonardo Suarez-Paz: Piazzolla100 TANGO
📅 Sun Jul 27, 7 PM (free tango lesson 6:15 PM)
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ 11-piece ensemble re-imagines Astor Piazzolla’s nuevo tango.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/06/20/lsp/
Connecticut Ballet “Ballet Under the Stars”
📅 Tue Jul 29, 7:30 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Classical and jazz-age revivals on the outdoor stage.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/06/26/connecticut-ballet-6/
Flor Bromley (Children’s Series)
📅 Wed Jul 30, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Bilingual Latin-folk concert for the whole family.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/06/10/flor-bromley-2025/
Argonaut & Wasp w/ Wild & Co.
📅 Thu Jul 31, 7 PM
📍 Levitt Pavilion
✨ Brooklyn indie-dance duo brings an ’80s-flavored groove.
https://www.levittpavilion.com/2025/06/25/argonaut-wasp-wild-co/
🌟 Arts, Culture & Learning🌟
Destination Westport: In Gatsby’s Shoes (Walking Tour)
📅 Sat Jul 26, 9:30 AM – 11 AM
📍 Longshore Marina
✨ Stroll the spots that inspired F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald’s 1920 Westport summer.
https://westporthistory.org/event/destination-westport-in-gatsbys-shoes/2025-07-26/
Verso University: AI According to Hollywood
📅 Mon Jul 28, 7 PM – 8 PM
📍 Westport Library (Komansky Room)
✨ Film critic Joe Meyers explores how blockbuster movies imagine our AI future.
https://westportlibrary.org/event/verso-university-presents-ai-according-to-hollywood-2/2025-07-28/
Weekly Wednesday Star Party
📅 Wed Jul 30, 7:30 PM – 10 PM
📍 Westport Observatory, 182 Bayberry Ln
✨ Peer through big telescopes at planets, nebulae and galaxies with WAS volunteers.
https://was-ct.org/
🌟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/
Wilton Farmers’ Market (with acoustic sets)
📅 Wed Jul 30, 12 PM – 5 PM
📍 Town Green, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd
✨ Shop 30+ vendors while local singer-songwriters play the gazebo stage.
📅What’s Up Next Week in and Around Westport
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