Heineken Tent Entertainment Schedule

The music and fun @ the 2018 Norwalk Oyster Festival features a different band each hour, on all three festival days.  This musical extravaganza highlights outstanding entertainment by many top area musicians and bands that keep the party going at the Heineken Entertainment Tent!  It's the place where party action happens and where fairgoers can see their old and new favorite bands perform.  All entertainment is included in the price of the ticket making this an affordable day out!

Line up- Friday, September 7, 2018

On Friday night, the entertainment opens with Oyster Stew at 7 p.m. so bring your dancing shoes because they will come in handy when listening to the dynamic sound of this band.

Next on tap is the  60's Satisfaction Band is sure to get you in a party mood where you will relive an era -- and, what better way to ramp up the 2018 Oyster Festival than with a  60's band that performs all your bubblegum, psychedelic and Motown favorites that will get you into the TGIF mood!  Pierce Campbell is on guitar and vocals, Tony Pasqualoni on bass, Loren Evarts on piano and vocals and  John Rispoli is on drums.  This band is pro and has been wowing audiences together since the 1980s.  You will be dancing on your feet from start to finish!

The final performance on Friday is School of Rock at  9 p.m. Join the best and most hardworking students from School of Rock Fairfield, School of Rock Bedford, and School of Rock New Canaan as they rock the audience on the first night of the festival.

Line Up - Saturday - September 8, 2018

The music begins at 12 noon sharp with  Rubber Band. MN8 takes the stage at 1 p.m. with music that is sure to get the audience moving.  For a change of pace, Joni and the Keepers take the stage at 2 p.m.  Singer-songwriter Joni Wallace and the Keepers bring to the stage acoustic music from top female artists. Her show spans Country, Rock, Folk, Gospel, and original tunes that are sure to inspire.

A true Milford 'supergroup' formed in summer 2014 The Void takes the stage at 3 p.m.  This band brings members of Inside/Out, Murray The Wheel, The Barrelhouse Boys, Outside Chance, and ROAR together in one group, with a huge catalog of great songs to perform.  The passion of this band is sure to get you up on your feet and dancing! 

If you like the blues you are in for a treat when the  Jay Willie Blues Band takes the stage at 4 p.m. with music steeped in lyrical emotion and sultry melodies that are open to endless improvisations bothy lyrically and musically. The drummer, Bobby T Torello was named to the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame and has toured with Johnny Winter, Grace Slick, and Michael Bolton.

 At 5 p.m. The Cold Ones will rock your world with high energy rock and roll. Their style is influenced by a range of bands from the Black Crowes and Aerosmith to Lady Gaga, Rihanna to Kansas, Bush, and Puddle of Mud.

The evening starts with the Gunn Street Revival Band at  6 p.m. whose musical tastes range from the 60s to the 90s. These local professional musicians have been playing the Connecticut circuit for many years to audiences that have consistently enjoyed their performance, and so will you @ Oyster Festival 2018.

For a Saturday night adrenaline, audiences will groove to the sounds of this premier party rock cover band, Bad Boy at 7 p.m.  Danny Mariano is dynamic on vocals, Pete Ruello on Bass, Frank Calarco on Drums and Dave Aaron is on Guitar.  When they start to play, you will find yourself dancing this set away -- a great way to kick off Saturday night @ the Norwalk Oyster Festival!

At 8 p.m. experience the vibrant sound of Neo Sound,  that is composed of a diverse group of musicians connected through a shared desire to create a stage show that captivates their audience.  You can expect an hour filled with r&b, pop, funk, Motown, and dance hits from the 60’s to current radio favorites.  

The final band to take the stage at 9 p.m. is Killer D that performs music by Pink, Alanis Morrissette, Pat Benatar, and others.

Line - Up - Sunday, September 9, 2018

The fun on Sunday, the final day of the  Norwalk Oyster Festival begins at 12 noon with the award-winning Silver Steel Band that takes the stage at 12 noon sharp. Get ready for a trip to the Caribbean when this band starts to play some of their favorite styled music from Trinidad and Tobago as well as Soca and Calypso, Rock, Latin and your Disney Favorites!

At 1 p.m. get ready for the music of the vibrant, high energy band called the Juicy Grapes. This popular band has been performing high energy funk, rock and soul since the late '90s and are sure to get you up and dancing! The Juicy Grapes love to create a scene that's high on good vibes.

Get ready to be wowed by the young musicians from The Paul Green Rock Academy who take the stage at 2 p.m.  These talented and very serious young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 aspire to put on a professional show that you will be talking about for the rest of the day!

For a change of pace, the Summertime Band will take you back to the 50s and 60s with Swing, Doo Wop and classic rock tunes at  3 p.m. You will be up on your feet dancing as they play all your classic favorites. 

Next on tap is Bobby T's All-Star at 4 p.m.headed up by Classic Hall of Fame Drummer Bobby T. whose talent has wowed audiences around the world.  Next on stage is RD3 at 5 p.m.

At 6 p.m. the dynamic Ratso and Friends will be belting out blues that is sure to charm the audience. You won't want to miss the sound of these amazing professional musicians. Ratso is also an inspiring teacher at the Lenox School of Music in Stamford.

The final performers of the night the Norwalk Oyster Festival is Logical Pretzel at 7 p.m.  Close out this year's Oyster Festival to the blues beat of this band that has a serious groove.

Tickets, Parking & Metro-North

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.  Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday.  Senior tickets are $10 all days.  Children 5-12 year’s old are $5.  Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.  On Sunday, Sept. 9 children 12 and under free with paying adult.

Festival Hours: Friday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

For those that want to take the train Metro-North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train station to the Oyster Festival.

Free parking and shuttle service available from Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk City Hall, and Norwalk Community College.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage.  The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival.  In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org. or call (203) 838-9444. 

Fun @ Kids Cove @ Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 7,8,9

Mark those calendars for September 7, 8, and 9 for the Norwalk Oyster Festival.  If you have children, head to Kids Cove that offers hours of kid-friendly fun with so much to do, see, and eat!  Kids Cove has exhibits, hands-on activities, and free entertainment sure to delight kids of all ages. Children can get their face-painted and then pose with one of their favorite characters.

Hog Diggity Dog Review

You will feel like a kid again when watching the new show at this year's Oyster Festival, the  Hog Diggity Dog Review.  This amazing show is performed by animal trainer and second generation circus performer,  Hans Klose who took over from his parents, who also worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Baily Circus. Klose started his career at Ringling Bros., and then as a dog trainer at just sixteen years old.  He has traveled all through the US and Canada and as far south as Mexico thrilling audiences with his act. Most recently he appeared on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

Expect plenty of squeals of delight from crowds as the dogs and pigs perform. Today Kouse works with 20 dogs and four pigs.  The performing pigs, Roscoe weighing 750 pounds, and Shelton weighing around 700 pounds were part of Klose's act when he worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The Hog Diggity Dog Review will take place on Friday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The pigs were acquired from farms and his dogs, with the exception of a couple of standard poodles, are rescues with a talent for jumping.  The animals have their own climate controlled trailer and Mr. Klose is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates zoos, circuses and marine mammal parks under the Animal Welfare Act that requires regular inspections.  The animals have regular vet care and the pigs get regular hoof trimmings and are fed a special diet.

Magic Show with Master Magician Doc Swan

Another not to be missed highlight of Kids Cove is the professional magic act conjured up by the award-winning Master Magician Doc Swan. This show delights the audience with fantastic illusions, magic with lots of audience participation, juggling, clowns and much more that takes place under the big circus tent.  The Doc Swan Magic Show will take place on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.and 7:45 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

If you have children, be sure to take advantage of the $25 dollar wristband for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and, best of all, Sunday, Sept. 9 is Family Day when kids get in free with a paying adult.

Complete Kids Cove Schedule

Friday, September 7, 2018

Face Painter Open at 6 p.m.

Seaport Festival of Magic 7 p.m. @Circus Tent

Hog Diggity Dog Review 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 8, 2018 

Face painters Open at 11 a.m.

Seaport Festival of Magic 12:30 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review  1:30 p.m.

Karate Demo 2 p.m.

Character appearance 2:30 p.m.

Festival of Magic 3 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review 4 p.m.

Festival of Magic 5 p.m.

Karate Demonstration 6 p.m.

Character appearance 6 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog review 7 p.m.

Seaport Festival of Magic 7:45 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Face painters open at 11a.m.

Seaport Festival of Magic 1 p.m.

Character Appearance 1:30 p.m.

Karate Demo 2 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review 2 p.m.

Seaport Festival of Magic 3 p.m.

Character Appearance 3:30 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review 4 p.m.

Festival of Magic at 5 p.m.

Hog Diggity Dog Review 6:30 p.m.

Tickets, Parking & Metro-North

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.  Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday.  Senior tickets are $10 all days.  Children 5-12 year’s old are $5.  Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.  On Sunday, Sept. 9 children 12 and under free with paying adult.

Festival Hours: Friday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

For those that want to take the train Metro-North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train station to the Oyster Festival.

Free parking and shuttle service available from Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk City Hall, and Norwalk Community College.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage.  The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival.  In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org. or call (203) 838-9444. 

The Clambake Classic Golf Tournament

We’re very excited about our Tournament taking place on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Oak Hills Golf Course,” said Steve Sabol, trustee for the association and chairman of the golf committee.  “Our shoreline themed tournament is unlike any other charity outing around and no other tournament offers greater value”.  What makes this tournament so unique is that golfers play their own ball but score as a foursome.  “We call our format “Captain & Crew” which is fun for all levels of golfers,” Sabol added.  Each foursome will be placed in one of eight different divisions named after Connecticut lighthouses like the Sheffield Island Lighthouse that is owned by the Norwalk Seaport Association and turned 150 this year.  “We’ll have division and wild card winners, just like the NFL”.  A portable leaderboard will circle the course keeping teams apprised of how well they are doing in their division.  The odds of winning tournament trophies are better than one in four.

About the Golf Tournament

The tournament includes lunch and specialty holes like the “What the Shuck” contest where golfers pay $5 on these par 3 contests and if they get on the green, they’re given a Copp’s Island Oyster Shooter.  There’s “Man Over Board”, another par-three contest over water where golfers pay $5 and win a sleeve of golf balls if they land on the green and avoid the pond.  There’s the “lobster trap” which is similar to closest to the pin where they can win lobster headcovers. A detailed explanation of the tournament format can be found at www.ClambakeGolfClassic.com

“We’re thrilled to have moved our annual outing to Oak Hills because it showcases Norwalk’s municipal golf course,” said Sabol.  The golf course will be decorated with unique tee markers and pin flags and culminate in an upscale clambake that includes New England clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, steamed clams, and a choice of 1.25 pound lobster, NY strip, grilled salmon or marinated grilled chicken that will be served with traditional red potatoes, corn on the cob, rolls, coleslaw and cookies.  “It’s such a great way to end the golf season.”

Pricing and Perks

The cost is $185 per golfer that also includes two raffle tickets for upscale prizes. The tournament is limited to just 32 foursomes. Twosomes and singles will be paired to make a foursome. The first half of the field is already filled with members from local yacht and boat clubs, and the second half is open to golfers of all abilities, and any age or gender.  “Wait until everyone sees our gift pack” mentioned Sabol.  “That and our awards will have everyone signing up for next years tournament right on the spot.”  The tournament committee hopes that everyone will buy more at the tournament before they tee off to increase their chances of winning great prizes.  Winners will be chosen during the tournament so when golfers finish, they can pick up their prizes.

Sponsor Space Available

Tee & green sponsors are still available and includes signage on their website linked to the sponsors’ website.  “This really adds value to our sponsors,” said Sabol as this upscale, desirable audience will be going to our website often to find out tournament information, results and to get their foursome pictures.”  Tee sponsorships are just $100 and green sponsorships are $200, which includes a tournament pin flag actually used in the event.

Interested golfers and sponsors alike should call the Seaport office at 203-838-9444.  For additional tournament information, please visit www.ClambakeGolfClassic.com The Seaport Association thanks Copp’s Island Oysters, the Blind Rhino and First County Bank for their contributions.

Calling all lovers of Italy & Sheffield Island - Aug. 25 Special Cruise and Dinner

The Seaport Association is in a year of celebration because the Sheffield Island Lighthouse is 150 years old.  In addition to the upcoming Norwalk Oyster Festival that is taking place on September 7,8, and 9 featuring the headliner Steve Augeri, Journey's former lead singer, they have also planned two very special events, including the 150 Gala Dinner  on September 15 and, the Sheffield Island Isola Italiana Night that is taking place on Saturday, August 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

If you want to raise a salute to Sheffield Island, Connecticut's maritime heritage, and your love of Italian food, this event is for you!  The menu is classic Italian and includes antipasti, rigatoni marinara, meatballs, sausage, and garlic bread.  This feast would not be complete without gelato, biscotti, and espresso!  Although water and soda are provided, if you want to raise a toast or two, it is recommended that you bring your own bottle of your favorite vino!

Sheffield Island Isola Italiana Night offers you the chance to experience this beautiful island with 49 other guests - think of it as dinner on your own private island.  The cost is $55 per person and includes the ferry ride to and from the island, a great Italian meal, and the chance to connect with old friends and to make new friends. As the Italian saying goes....Mangiare per vivere e non vivere per mangiare ---Eat to live, don’t live to eat ! For tickets click here.

The Nerveless Nocks Set to WoW Norwalk Oyster Festival Audiences

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is a time-honored tradition in Norwalk that takes place every September. This year the Festival will be held on September 7, 8, and 9 at Veterans Park in Norwalk. The Norwalk Oyster Festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts such as Steve Augeri, Journey former lead singer, a vast array of food at the International Food Court, a unlimited ride wristband for kids on Sat. & Sun.,  100 plus art and craft vendors, and several special entertainment venues that round out three days of fun. Best of all, entertainment is included in the cost of admission.

One of the acts that will be WOWing fairgoers is The Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show.  Nock and his family have been dazzling audiences with their high flying death-defying performances for eight generations!  The show has a history that goes back to 1840 when the group first performed as Switzerland's first circus club.  The Original Nocks performed for Queen Elizabeth in 1954 as a command performance in London, England and after their performance for the Queen she named them Nerveless and the name was created.

The Nocks have performed on the Ed Sullivan Show, at numerous World Fairs and Exhibitions, countless fairs and festivals worldwide and have even participated in Walt Disney's Disney on Parade.  Acts include the Sway Pole Act, Space Wheel, Helicopter Trapeze, Motorcycle High Wire, Carolina Espana Nocks Contortions and The Globe of Thunder Acts. 

The current members of the Nerveless Nocks consist of Michelangelo Nock, Carolina Espana Nock, Angelina Nock and Cyrus Nock. Carolina Espana Nock is a highly talented flying trapeze artist, The Flying Espanas and Daredevil Artist. Her circus roots date back 100 years and 5 generations as one of Mexico’s and the world’s greatest Circus families. Carolina performs on the giant Sway Poles and is the only woman to ever perform on the giant Space Wheel. Cyrus Nock has been performing and touring the world since the age of 4 and is now the top motorcycle stuntman of his generation.

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is taking place at Norwalk's Veteran's Memorial Park on Seaview Ave. on Friday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Friday night adults $10, Sat. & Sun. $12, Children 5-12, $5, Children under 5 free, and Seniors 62+ $10. Advance tickets are available online by clicking here.