While the apex of the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations occurred ahead of and on July 4 — coinciding with the adoption of The Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress — local events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country’s founding continue.

Admission is free unless noted.

*Movie Night Under The Stars will be presented Thursday, July 30, at 8 pm, on the fields of Fairfield Hills, where a patriotic outdoor screening of Disney's Miracle will be offered. Popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase. Attendees will need to provide their own seating.

Newtown Community Center and Newtown Police Department will then co-host National Night Out, returning to Fairfield Hills on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 until 7:30 pm. All ages are invited to the annual event that celebrates community, this year with an America 250 theme.

Attendees will meet local first responders and explore vehicles, dance to DJ selections, and take part in family-friendly activities including face painting and crafts, view K-9 demonstrations and more. There will be giveaways and at least one food truck on site.

'Newtown: An American Town'

C.H. Booth Library is presenting a special exhibition. “Newtown: An American Town,” in the Mary Hawley Gallery and Annex third floor, celebrates America's 250th birthday by exploring the intersection of local and national history through the words of The Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.

Residents are invited to become a part of the exhibit by sending their picture to be added to a growing collection of "The People of Newtown" featured on one wall within the exhibition.

NCAC Exhibits

Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) is presenting two exhibitions at Newtown Municipal Center this month.

"Newtown in 1776. Celebrating the Nation's 250th anniversary," a collaborative effort with Flagpole Photographers Camera Club and local photographer Bill Glass, opened July 1. The exhibition presents small snippets of what it was like to live in Newtown in 1776 through photographs, a multi-media collection of posters, and QR codes that connect with Newtown Historical Society’s website.

In a series of seven photographs by Chane Cullens, Newtown houses built before 1776 are presented in one area. Labels note the age and location of each private residence.

In addition, eight Flagpole Photographers Camera Club members contributed 107 photos of Newtown for the exhibit. Most of the images are available for purchase.

NCAC Chair Laura Lerman has created a multi-media exhibit of posters that include the population of Newtown in 1776, the food the colonists ate and a quick history of the Whigs versus The Tories in Newtown during the war. There are QR codes expanding the information presented, including a recipe for apple pan dowdy, a favorite dessert and a recording of Yankee Doodle Dandy, a song sung by the troops fighting the British during the Revolutionary War and which became the Connecticut state song in 1978.

The collection’s final poster notes that, unlike surrounding towns, Newtown was known for supporting the Tories, loyalists to the Crown.

Visitors who want to know more about Newtown’s history can scan the QR on that final poster, which will take them to the website of Newtown Historical Society.

A second exhibition, “History & Current Quilting — With The Quilt Shop by Lois” is also be presented by the cultural arts commission this month, in display case at The Municipal Art Gallery.

Both exhibits can be viewed weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm, and weeknights when Town boards or commissions are meeting within the building.

‘A Music Event’

Newtown Congregational Church will host a special event in October.

“Our Country’s 250th Anniversary: A Music Event” will take place Sunday, October 4, at 2 pm, at the West Street church.

The event will include performances and sing-alongs of patriotic music and contemporary American music. Readers will also share portions of famous historic speeches.

Local musicians and readers have been contacted; additional volunteers to lead the music and/or read speeches are welcome. Contact Rich Collins at 203-240-7465 if interested.

Light refreshments will be offered.

Donations will be accepted and forwarded to a veterans organization TBD.

Volunteers are also sought to help with set-up and/or breakdown before and after the presentation. Contact Collins for more information.