Fresh off the heels of Wilton’s recent Food Truck Festival, the Fairfield County Dance Festival is headed to Wilton for the very first time, on Thursday, July 17 at Schenck’s Island in Wilton Center.
This event brings together world-class professional dance, community celebration, and local flavor for a free and unforgettable evening in the heart of Wilton.
The Fairfield County Dance Festival is an annual, free, open-air summer performance series produced by East Coast Contemporary Ballet (Norwalk) and Thomas/Ortiz Dance (New Canaan). Curated for and touring throughout Fairfield County, this dance festival provides greater accessibility to the arts and promotes community engagement. In addition to ECCB and Thomas/Ortiz Dance, the touring festival features other local artists, guest dance companies and musicians.
The Wilton tour stop is presented by East Coast Contemporary Ballet and sponsored by Wilton’s WildBloom Skincare.
“This is more than a show—it’s a cultural gift to our community,” said WildBloom Skincare co-founder Alison Smith. “We’re proud to support East Coast Contemporary Ballet and help bring this kind of inspiring, professional arts experience to Wilton, blending culture, community, and celebration.”
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a curated lineup of food trucks offering delicious, diverse options for every craving. Food trucks include Chef Jeff’s BBQ, JJB Wood Fire Pizza Truck, The Chamo, Los Pablanos and Jim’s Ice Cream Truck. Local businesses will be on hand for fun shopping as well. To enhance the community atmosphere, Wilton businesses will be on hand, allowing attendees to explore local offerings and shopping while enjoying the festive environment.
At 5:30 p.m., the stage turns local with special community performances by talented young dancers from Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet and a special kids’ pop-up hip hop class from Wilton’s Conservatory of Dance, with a proud showcase of Wilton’s youth and the strength of local arts education.
Then, at 6:30 p.m., the main event showcasing ballet, contemporary and modern dance begins: a professional performance featuring dancers from East Coast Contemporary Ballet (Norwalk), Thomas/Ortiz Dance and Ballet Frontier. These companies bring breathtaking contemporary ballet to life in an outdoor setting that invites all ages and backgrounds to connect with the power of movement and music.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, come early for food and vendor shopping, and stay for the artistry that transforms a summer night into something truly magical.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 17
- Location: Schenck’s Island
- 5 p.m.: Food Trucks and Vendors
- 6 p.m.: Wilton Youth Dance Performances
- 6:30 p.m.: Fairfield County Dance Festival Performance
- Admission: Free and open to the public
About the Festival: The Fairfield County Dance Festival is an annual celebration of dance across towns in Fairfield County, bringing together professional companies to make the performing arts more accessible and community-centered. Learn more online.
About East Coast Contemporary Ballet: East Coast Contemporary Ballet is a nonprofit, professional dance company based in Fairfield County, known for its original, emotionally-driven choreography and dynamic ensemble of artists. It’s dedicated to sharing meaningful performances and fostering community engagement through dance.
About WildBloom Skincare: WildBloom Skincare is a Wilton-based beauty brand founded on sustainability, purity, and community. Committed to creating all-natural skincare with an emphasis on wellness and environmental responsibility, WildBloom also proudly supports local arts, youth development and women-owned business initiatives. Follow along on Instagram or visit the WildBloom Skincare website.
