Happy Hour Fridays at The Aldrich!

Kick off your weekend with an art-filled escape at The Aldrich! Every Friday this summer, the Museum stays open late until 7 pm for Happy Hour Fridays.*Explore the galleries with a tour at 6 pm featuring works by 40 Connecticut-based artists in the exhibition The Aldrich Decennial: I am what is around me. Unleash your creativity with fun, hands-on activities in The Studio, or simply unwind in our Sculpture Garden, where newly installed outdoor artworks will be on view. Sip on $8 wine and beer while enjoying the Sculpture Garden, including beer selections from Nod Hill Brewery. Members receive one free drink ticket per Happy Hour, to be picked up at the Front Desk upon arrival. Chez Lenard and Bridge Street Ice Cream will be joining on select evenings to offer food and refreshments for purchase. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Happy Hour Fridays at The Aldrich offer the perfect way to start your weekend! *Please note that Happy Hour Fridays will not occur on July 3 and July 24. This season’s Happy Hour Fridays will feature a dynamic lineup of community partners and creative collaborators, offering visitors a lively mix of art, music, film, and hands-on experiences alongside the exhibitions. June 12: Happy Hour Fridays begins followed by a 7 pm screening of The Harvard 5 (directed by Devon Chivvis, World Life Productions) , with a Q&A moderated by The Aldrich's Executive Director Cybele Maylone featuring Devon Chivvis and Bruce Becker of Hotel Marcel. Registration for the film screening and conversation is separate from Happy Hour Fridays. June 12 and 19: Experience Tim Youd's Connecticut Retyped in progress. Throughout the evening, Youd will continue his live retyping of Richard Yates's Revolutionary Road on a period typewriter, creating a compelling artwork that unfolds one keystroke at a time. Presented in conjunction with The Aldrich Decennial: I am what is around me, the project highlights Connecticut's rich literary history and Richard Yates's connection to the state, where the suburban landscape that inspired the novel took shape. June 26: Special collaboration with Center for Contemporary Printmaking! Check out The Aldrich Decennial, participate in a drop-in screen printing workshop, and leave with your own unique screen printed Aldrich merch. Visitors are welcome to print on tote bags provided, or bring something from home to upcycle! Workshop materials are first-come-first-serve while supplies last. July 10: Special sip and shop with The Aldrich Decennial artist Em Rooney. Browse Em's jewelry in the newly re-opened Shop at The Aldrich and watch her demonstrate the process of pouring pewter into molds. Followed by a hands-on Brooch-Making Workshop led by Em Rooney. Registration for the brooch-making workshop is separate from Happy Hour Fridays. July 17: The Plan partners with us for a special evening, bringing together its engaged community for family friendly programming. July 31: Join The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum for a special Happy Hour Friday in collaboration with A. C. T. of Connecticut. Featuring a selection of student performers from A. C. T. of CT's Conservatory Program, this program brings live music into dialogue with the artwork on view. Inspired by works in The Aldrich Decennial: I am what is around me, the evening offers an interpretive way to experience the Museum through sound and live performance. August 7: Special evening of Weird Music Night, featuring an eclectic lineup of experimental musicians and performers across the Museum’s campus. This collaboration brings together artists working across sound and performance for a dynamic program that pushes the boundaries of traditional music. August 21: Ridgefield Moms joins us for a welcoming, community-driven evening that invites local families and new visitors to experience the Museum together. The Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP) Both an art gallery and printmaking studio, The Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP) in Norwalk, Connecticut is dedicated to increasing awareness, knowledge and appreciation for fine art prints and the processes of printmaking. It is the only nonprofit fine art printmaking facility of its kind between New York and Boston. Many of the artists featured in the Aldrich Decennial have also worked with CCP, in the form of residencies, gallery shows, and studio memberships. A. C. T. of Connecticut (A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut) A. C. T. of Connecticut (A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut) is a professional nonprofit theater in Ridgefield dedicated to producing high-quality musical theater while providing educational and performance opportunities for artists of all ages. Through its productions and training programs, A. C. T. supports both emerging and established performers and fosters a vibrant local arts community. Weird Music Night Weird Music Night offers a unique platform for musicians, artists, and performers to connect with audiences through sound, art, and experimentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an eclectic lineup of acts that redefine the boundaries of performance. John O’Donnell, is the creator/curator/performer of this series. O’Donnell is a professor at UConn and a member of The Ely Center of Contemporary Art’s Governing Board. For more information on how Weird Music Night came to be click here. Ridgefield MomsRidgefield Moms keeps families in Ridgefield, Georgetown, and Redding informed, connected, and inspired through local events, social channels, and a relatable website and newsletter. Featuring community news, curated recommendations, and real-life parenting insights, it’s a go-to resource for navigating family life in the area. With a warm, engaging voice, it brings moms together while delivering content that’s both useful and uplifting—and is proudly part of The Local Moms Network.