Oysters, Truffle Mac, and a Lighthouse: What Are You Doing June 7th? Norwalk Seaport Association’s Docktails & Oysters

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate seaside celebration! The Norwalk Seaport Association, in partnership with the renowned fourth-generation oyster farmers at Norm Bloom and Sons, invites you to their signature event — Docktails and Oysters. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you'll enjoy an unforgettable evening of fresh flavors, live music, and stunning waterfront views at the historic Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Even better? Every ticket purchased supports the educational mission and the restoration and maintenance of the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a beacon of Norwalk’s maritime heritage. 

This is no ordinary event; it's a celebration of Norwalk’s rich oyster-farming history, dating all the way back to Native American traditions. The oysters, nurtured under the dock at Norm Bloom and Sons and planted in the sandy Sound, are prized worldwide for their sweet, briny flavor. And if you’ve never tried oysters freshly plucked from the sea, this is your chance to treat yourself to one-of-a-kind indulgence. Don’t worry if oysters aren’t your thing — the event also features a mouthwatering array of appetizers like mini chicken biscuits, truffle mac and cheese tarts, grilled shrimp skewers, and much more, catered by Seaside Sliders. It’s a feast for all tastes! 

But the magic doesn’t stop at the food. Guests will have the unique opportunity to tour the Oyster Museum and discover the fascinating process of oyster farming, from seed to harvest. You'll even get to see how tiny oysters are before they mature — it’s a glimpse into an ancient craft that’s still thriving today. Add in the lively atmosphere of good company and live music, and this Sheffield Island-inspired party becomes the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and philanthropy. 

Tickets are just $100, and with only 200 spots available, this event sells out every year. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an evening to remember while supporting a meaningful cause. Purchase your tickets online now, and get ready for an experience that’s as delightful as it is delicious! For questions, call 203-838-9444.

Shine a "Light" on Your Brand with the Norwalk Seaport Association - 2025 Sponsorships Now Open

Are you searching for a unique way to showcase your brand and connect with thousands of people? Look no further than the Norwalk Seaport Association! With a variety of highly visible and engaging events, we offer sponsorship opportunities that ensure your business is front and center. Whether you're aiming to support fun-filled family events or exclusive signature gatherings, we’ll tailor a sponsorship package that perfectly suits your needs. Plus, as a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable recognition across our website, newsletters, and social media platforms—all with direct links back to your business!

Want to sponsor an event that truly makes an impression? Look no further than Docktails and Oysters, one of the Seaport Association’s most sought-after, sell-out experiences every June. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Norm Bloom and Sons Oyster Dock in Norwalk, this event offers attendees a rare opportunity to visit an authentic oyster farm and savor oysters that are as fresh as they come—straight from the dock to their plates. This is your chance to align your business with a unique high quality event that people rave about, not just for its incredible scenery, but for the unforgettable experience it delivers.

One of our most exciting sponsorship opportunities is the iconic Norwalk Oyster Festival, now in its 47th year. This three-day event in September attracts over 50,000 attendees from the tri-state area, making it the perfect platform to connect with a massive audience. Imagine the benefits of sponsoring world-class musical performances, family entertainment, food, drinks, tents, security, or kid-friendly activities—there are endless ways to align your brand with this cherished community event, all at a variety of price points.

Prefer something a bit more playful? Consider sponsoring Pirates Weekend on Sheffield Island every July! This family favorite celebrates maritime heritage with fun, educational activities like boat rides, live entertainment, and storytelling. Your sponsorship here could make a child's day unforgettable while giving your business excellent exposure.

For businesses that value eco-tourism or environmental causes, our bird cruises in May and June are a perfect match. These guided tours of Long Island Sound, led by expert avian enthusiasts, offer a wonderful opportunity to connect your brand with nature and conservation efforts.

And don’t forget about year-round visibility! Sponsors of our seasonal newsletter will receive a custom write-up and interview feature, complete with imagery and links to your website. It’s a great way to connect with our loyal supporters and members.

Ready to align your brand with some of the most exciting and impactful events in the area? Give us a call at 203-838-9444 or email us at info@seaport.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

Sip, Savor, Sustain: Craft Brews and Bites for Sheffield Island Lighthouse

The Norwalk Seaport Association invites you to an evening of exceptional craft beer, delicious food, and community engagement at SpaceCat Brewery, located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk. Mark your calendar for Monday, April 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and prepare to indulge in a night of small-batch brews, hard ciders, and chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café. Each carefully crafted pairing is designed to enhance the experience and showcase the brewery’s creative touch. From robust IPAs to crisp lagers, SpaceCat Brewery’s dedication to using the finest, sustainable ingredients will delight even the most refined beer enthusiasts. 

This fundraiser supports the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime treasure. At this relaxed yet engaging event, guests will hear about the Seaport Association’s exciting plans for 2025, including updates on cruise schedules, renovations to the Lighthouse, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership opportunities. It’s also a chance to learn about volunteering for an organization that has been preserving Norwalk’s maritime heritage since 1978. 

Tickets are $35 per person and include two drink vouchers (wine, beer and hard cider) and appetizers. With only 100 tickets available, advance registration is required. Don’t miss your chance to support this meaningful cause while enjoying a memorable evening. Purchase your tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwalk-seaport-associations-spring-kickoff-event-for-2025-on-april-7th-tickets-1253619011209?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or call the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fun, relaxed evening while supporting a worthy cause. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Sailing into the Future: Norwalk Seaport Association Supports Young Marine Scientists

The Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) is making waves once again! At their recent Annual Meeting, the Association demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education and the environment by donating an impressive $10,000 to Norwalk's Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy. This generous contribution is destined to inspire young minds and bolster innovative learning experiences. 

A Unique Learning Opportunity for Students 

The Marine Science program, has gained recognition for its hands-on, interactive approach to marine education. Students leave the confines of their classrooms and head to Sheffield Island, a jewel of Norwalk Harbor. On the island, they engage in coastal ecology studies, bird-watching tours, and other unique activities that bring the wonders of marine science to life. 

 Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative: “We are honored to be an active partner in this program where students get the chance to learn outside the classroom on Sheffield Island. We can't wait to see how these future scientists and environmentalists grow.” 

A Partnership Built on Shared Goals 

The partnership between the NSA and the Marine Science Academy began in 2019, and it has since flourished into a collaborative force for good. Eva Bartush, Marine Science Academy Coordinator, praised the Association for its enduring support: “This very generous donation will continue to support our program and the innovative projects and experiences we provide for our students. The Seaport Association has been with us since the start, providing trips to Sheffield Island for our students, teacher training sessions, and more.” 

The Academy has already achieved some remarkable milestones. For example, in May 2022, students launched their first mini-boat as part of the Educational Passages Program. Equipped with GPS, solar panels, and temperature probes, the boat traveled across the Atlantic and was recovered in Norway in February 2023. Currently, two more student-built boats are at sea, capturing data and sparking curiosity. A portion of the Seaport’s donation will help defray the cost of the 2025 mini-boat. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.