1. Harbor Point
Stamford’s Harbor Point district hosts live music and performances, block parties, farmers’ markets, craft shows, movie nights and more throughout the year. There is even a trolly from downtown and from the train station to take you there. Not to mention, there is also a free water taxi that runs all summer long across Stamford Harbor to Prime & Crabshell restaurants and the Waterside neighborhood.
2. The Commute
Stamford’s location is ideal for commuters both on land and sea. Stamford boasts the shortest train commute time to NYC, and is less than an hour’s drive away. Metro-North and Amtrak both offer service to Grand Central Terminal. Amtrak also provides services to Boston and DC. Easy access to Interstate-95 and the Merritt Parkway add to the commuting ease.
3. Town Center
If you’re in need of retail therapy, check out the Stamford Town Center and visit one of its 130 shops, including Apple, Armani Exchange, H&M, Pottery Barn, Brooks Brothers and Coach. If you get hungry while shopping, visit one of the many restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory or Kona Grill.
4. Mill River Park
Located in the heart of downtown Stamford, Mill River Park is known as the Central Park of Fairfield County. It’s now home to a carousel, walking and biking paths, ice skating rink, nature’s classroom, dog park and mini golf with much more to come.
5. Mianus River Park
Mianus River Park is a nature preserve on the Greenwich/Stamford border, covering 391 acres. A two-mile stretch of the Mianus River flows through the park and is a major attraction to visitors. The park also offers fine forest lands, vernal pools, varied wild life and miles of rolling trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking.
6. Summer Concert — Alive @ 5
Alive @ 5 is a live Summer concert series on Thursday nights in Columbus Park featuring national and regional headliners. Thursday night in Columbus Park has become a ritual for after-work crowds in Stamford Downtown with great music, great dancing, and great camaraderie.
7. Stamford Restaurants
Stamford’s culinary offerings including family-run establishments and world-class international cuisine. Whether in search of great outdoor views or unique inside vibes, Stamford is home to every kind of restaurant, café, diner, coffee shop and cocktail bar. Summer Restaurant Week showcases Stamford’s fabulous dining; participating restaurants offer price-fixed lunches and dinners for the public to enjoy. Try some of the local favorites such as the Char, Colony Grill, Bar Taco, Fortina — and don’t miss the Floating Tiki Bar!
8. The Avon Theatre
The Avon Theatre Film Center is a historic landmark showing independent, documentary and classic films for entertainment that’s a little bit different.
9. The Ferguson Library
The Ferguson Library opened its doors at the end of the 19th century and remains the heart of the community. It has four branches located around the city and hosts children’s story time, author’s Nights, lectures, and art exhibits. Other events include Friday films and a variety of other events including cartooning classes, book clubs and playgroups.
10. The Stamford Farmers’ Market
Visit our farmers’ market for a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. You’ll also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils and more — straight from farm to table.
11. Cove Island Park Marina
Cove Island Park Marina’s recreation facilities include: a 1-mile loop walking/running trail, a children’s play area, a roller blade/cycling path and expansive lawn areas for kite-flying. Two sandy beaches, a small salt marsh, mudflats, Holy Pond, and the Cove River provide opportunities to observe water birds.
12. Museum and Nature Center
The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is home to acres of nature trails, a planetarium, interactive museum, animals, and even a working farm. Each year, the museum offers a range of exhibitions focused on the natural world, American culture, art and history. Exhibitions are designed to be interactive and frequently include hands-on elements that are specifically aimed at children.
13. Arts and Crafts On Bedford
The Arts and Crafts Street Fair occurs annually in Stamford. For one weekend in September, you can shop at the craft and artisan boutiques on Bedford Street, which is closed to traffic for the weekend. Pleasant outdoor dining is available in the extended sidewalk café.
14. Bartlett Arboretum/Gardens
The Bartlett Arboretum/Gardens is a 91-acre nature preserve that offers gardening classes and daily tours of its gorgeous grounds. Plus, it’s dog-friendly.
15. Bark in the Park
A special day at Latham Park for our four-legged friends! All friendly, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. The event is free but visitors are encouraged to bring an item to donate to animals in need. Items collected will be distributed between the participating rescue groups.
16. Annual Tree Lighting
From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and friends as they make their daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square. Then follow Santa and friends up Bedford Street to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and join in the countdown of the annual lighting of Stamford’s Holiday Tree.
17. Parade Spectacular
The Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Parade Spectacular takes over Stamford. This parade is one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, featuring everyone’s favorite giant balloon characters, award-winning marching bands and fabulous floats. Fun for the whole family!
18. Rich Forum
The Stamford Center for the Arts is where some of today’s most popular daytime talk shows are filmed. Jerry Springer, Maury Povich and Steve Wilkos all call this home. Tickets are available for those who long to be close to the action. A division of NBC.
19. The Palace Stamford
Music, dance, comedy — Stamford’s Palace Theatre has something for everyone. Situated in the heart of downtown, it’s also a unique venue available to rent for private functions. The Palace Theatre’s vision is to be the regional arts center for entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community.
20. A Grand Summer Night
The Friends of Stamford fundraiser was created to provide the perfect opportunity to experience the delectable cuisine that makes Stamford’s downtown the dining capital of the region. Net proceeds from the event are used to purchase outdoor art to grace the Downtown streets.
21. Stamford Historical Society
The Stamford History Center is an educational and research institution whose primary functions are to collect, conserve, interpret, and share artifacts and information relating to Stamford.
22. SoundsWaters
SoundWaters is an educational water school. Through education, they intend to protect and preserve the Long Island Sound. SoundWaters educates and inspires children from all backgrounds to understand, value, and protect the precious Long Island Sound. Not to mention, through SoundWaters, you can also rent kayaks and paddle board on Stamford Harbor.
23. UConn Stamford
The University of Connecticut Stamford was founded in 1952 and moved downtown in 1998. IT offers students the benefits of a prestigious university in a small college setting.
24. Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Chelsea Piers is among the finest sports and recreational facilities in the country, offering instructional programs, camps, sports leagues, competitive teams, fitness and drop-in fun for children and adults alike.
25. Free Summer Movies
Grab your picnic basket and lawn chairs and head out for a movie under the stars. Harbor Point offers free movies on Wednesday nights, and Mill River Park offers a Saturday night free movie series.
26. Curtain Call
Curtain Call, Inc., with Stamford Community Arts Council, puts on musicals, plays and workshops for all ages. Events take place in the Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, a nonprofit theater where auditions are open to all.
27. Shippan Turkey Trot
The Shippan Turkey Trot is a costumed road race that takes place on Thanksgiving morning. The trot is 2.41 miles (nearly a 4K). Donations of canned foods or cash all benefit Stamford’s Pacific House a shelter for the Homeless.
28. Art Galleries
The City of Stamford is home to numerous recognizable art galleries. The Alvarez Gallery opened in 2009 with the hopes of growing the careers of emerging artists as well as enriching the Stamford community. Guests can spend the day perusing the gallery and viewing fascinating exhibitions or attending informative programs. Also, be sure to check out the Loft Art Association website to learn about their inspiring art galleries, Phillips Gallery and West Gallery, both conveniently located in Stamford.
29. Cummings Park
Cummings Park is a 79-acre haven for outdoorsy types. Guests can stroll the beach, boardwalk, and fishing pier, or enjoy a competitive game of tennis, basketball, or softball in one of the park’s many recreational areas.
30. Harbor Point Trolley
Complimentary shuttle service operates from both residential and office buildings to the Stamford Transportation Center. The Harbor Point Trolley is quick, free and stops at many popular locations like the Transportation Center, Stamford Town Center, Corporate Centers, Fairway Market, UCONN, Sacred Heart University as well as numerous dining and nightlife locations.
