Get ready to rock Sandy Hook.

Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) will bring the community together for Rockin’ the Hook 2026, its free annual outdoor concert and community celebration, this year scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from noon to 8:30 pm, at Heritage Park Pavilion, 7 Glen Road in Sandy Hook.

Designed as a day for neighbors, families, friends, and visitors to come together, Rockin’ the Hook will feature live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, food, and plenty of community spirit — all set against the backdrop of Sandy Hook Village.

The concert lineup will kick off at noon with a variety of local talent.

West Rock Band will open the stage at noon with timeless classics. Performances will continue 2-3:30 pm with 100 Proof playing modern country and rock, 4-5:30 pm with Dan’s Garage playing classic rock, and 6-8:30 pm with Zac N Fried.

The evening headliner, Zac N Fried will bring the sounds and energy of the Zac Brown Band to Sandy Hook with a high-energy tribute performance perfect for singing along and enjoying the final hours of the celebration.

The event is presented by Hartford HealthCare, with Greentree Toyota serving as the stage sponsor.

Rockin’ the Hook is more than a concert. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, including The Village Mural Project, specialty boutiques, permanent jewelry, food trucks, a beverage tent, therapy dogs, face painting, a Lego table, the Good Humor ice cream truck, cornhole, and a wing-eating contest.

Admission to Rockin’ the Hook is free, and all are invited to attend.

Inaugural Village Mural Project

The Village Mural Project will give community members the opportunity to take part in creating a lasting piece of Sandy Hook artwork. The project is part of SHOP Sandy Hook’s ongoing efforts to bring the community together while raising funds toward the replacement of the Sandy Hook pedestrian footbridge over the Pootatuck River.

After months of community participation, the winning mural design has been announced: Morgan Sclafani’s design — which includes the former pedestrian bridge SHOP is fundraising to replace, the business district’s red sidewalks, a table set for a meal, a guitar, the Sandy Hook Center Christmas tree, and other local highlights — will be the basis for the first Village Mural Project.

Sclafani also plans to be at the festival for at least part of its presentation. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet her, purchase a postcard replica of the mural, and participate in creating the mural. Sclafani’s drawing will be transformed into a six-foot-by-eight-foot permanent mural.

The mural will be divided into 48 individual squares, giving attendees the opportunity to purchase a square (price TBD) and become part of the artwork itself. No artistic experience is necessary — the project is designed for everyone.

On September 26, those who would like to help install the mural should visit the SHOP Sandy Hook Village Mural and select an available square to purchase. Each individual section of the winning design will be stapled to a paint palette, giving each guests a visual guide to follow.

A Color Bar will be nearby, where participants will select the paints needed to recreate their section. Each square will be painted directly onto the full mural canvas.

As the squares come together, the finished mural will take on the look and feel of a patchwork quilt.

“The project embodies the spirit of Sandy Hook: neighbors coming together, sharing their talents, supporting local causes, and creating something that will remain a part of the Village for years to come,” said Katelynn Clark, who is spearheading the mural project. “Every square painted represents a person who helped make the mural — and its message — possible.

“Once completed, the mural will become a permanent piece of Sandy Hook Village, serving as a colorful reminder of the community that came together to support the future of the Village and help bring the pedestrian footbridge back to the Pootatuck River,” Clark added.

All ages and artistic abilities are welcome, she emphasized.

“Just come ready to paint, have fun, and leave your mark on Sandy Hook!” Clark said.

For event updates and additional information, follow SHOP Sandy Hook Village on social media.