Good morning, Westport.

Westport will host the 9th annual Dog Festival at Winslow Park on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—if rain occurs, the event will be held on Sunday, June 1 instead.

The festival will feature dog competitions, a police K9 demonstration, animal adoptions, food trucks and a special visit from Gilbert the party pig.

The Westport Farmers' Market opened on May 8 for its 19th season at 50 Imperial Ave. The market—featuring live music, free seed packets and produce from over 50 local farms—operates every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Nov.

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Westport community events this week include the 19th season of the Farmers Market starting tomorrow at the Imperial Avenue parking lot + a bell tribute for late Jon Jaeger, with the Garden Club’s Plant Sale on Saturday at Jesup Green and the Dog Festival scheduled for May 18 at Winslow Park, while the town will ban handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers from May 15 through October 15.

Westport police promoted Capt. David Wolf to deputy chief and promoted Lt. Eric Woods and Lt. Jillian Cabana to captain following Chief Farrell’s recent appointment—these changes strengthen the department's leadership.

Sustainable Westport honored local green building projects, kindergarten registration is underway, the Weston Volunteer Fire Department invested $215,000 in PFAS-free turnout gear, and the police will host an e-bike safety forum Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.—residents are invited to participate.

Connecticut officials warned that unsolicited seeds arriving by mail may harm the environment and agriculture—residents should dispose of the seeds safely by sealing them in a bag and mailing them to the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Office in Wallingford.

Westport’s Representative Town Meeting approved a $252.5 million budget for fiscal 2025—26 that fully funds transit and Earthplace programs so the Wheels2U service stays running, and the Board of Finance will set the town’s mill rate on May 21.

The school and city budgets were also adjusted to increase health insurance and technical equipment funding.

Lawmakers passed a bill on May 8 that would let police seize and destroy vehicles used in street takeovers after 30 days—drivers involved will also face a $2,000 fine and lose their license as the bill heads to the state House.

GFA Dragon Dash

12:45 – 4:45 PM — 35 Beachside Ave, Westport, CT — Registration fee applies — Experience a scenic and family-friendly 5K run or walk in the GFA community.

Mother's Day 2025 Celebration

4 course dining experience — 11:30 a.m. — The Cottage — $95 Prix Fixe — Celebrate Mom with a delightful culinary journey crafted by Chef Brian Lewis.

Holi Festival Celebration

12-3 p.m. — City Center Green — Free entry — Celebrate the Festival of Colors with joyful festivities and vibrant powders marking the arrival of spring.

Westport Dog Festival

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Winslow Park — $10 per person, $30 per family of 4 — Join in on pet-friendly fun with competitions, food trucks, and adoptables.

Weston Memorial Day Weekend 5K Run

7:45-10:30 AM — Weston High School — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Memorial Day with a fun 5K run open to all levels of runners and walkers.

Dan Bikel: A Little Folk Music

7-8:30 p.m. — The Westport Library — Ticket includes a complimentary drink — Experience heartfelt melodies and harmonies with local singer-songwriter Dan Bikel.

Garden Terrarium Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Jenni Kayne Home - Westport — Light refreshments provided — Learn to create a lush terrarium with seasonal plants in this hands-on workshop.