The 14th annual Newtown Arts Festival will open with a Concert Under the Stars featuring On the Trail on Friday, September 18, on the grounds of Fairfield Hills.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at https://newtownartsfestival.com/music-schedule.

Doors will open at 6 pm, the first band will begin its set 7, and seating is open.

On the Trail, a modern acoustic blue grass band, features current Connecticut State Troubadour Charlie Widmer. He is backed up by Austin Scelzo on fiddle, Tom Polizzi on mandolin, and guitar and Matt Curley on bass.

Opening the concert will be Iris Lies, a band with folk harmony roots and classic rock influences.

In case of inclement weather, the performances will move to Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

The Wine and Beer Garden will be open during the concert, and attendees will be able to their drinks to sit at the concert. Food trucks will also be operating.

Outside food or beverages will not be allowed.

The festival will then continue the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20. Hours are 11 am-5 pm both days. The Newtown Arts Festival will continue with music all day, dance presentations, art and fiber demonstrations, craft activities, and the popular Terrific Totes.

Once again, the Wine and Beer Garden will be open during the weekend festival with 11 food trucks each day. Favorites Grumpy Dumpling and Maine Seafood as well as Ferris Acres Ice Cream will be returning for both days of the festival.

The festival will also feature more than 60 artisans, including pottery, jewelry, scents, fiber arts, photography and woodturning.

Following tradition, the Newtown High School Marching Band will open the field on Sunday, performing at 11 am.

Tickets for the two-day festival are $5 each, with those under age 5 admitted for free. Tickets will be available at the gate or they can be purchased in advance at newtownartsfestival.com/

Sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, the proceeds of Newtown Arts Festival funds scholarships for Newtown residents who are graduating high school seniors and grants for Newtown artists and organizations that bring the arts to Newtown.