Stamford Downtown Updates: AI initiative, WineFest, and Parade Spectacular
New Community-Focused Effort Introduced and Two Events Returning
STAMFORD — The business improvement district for the city’s downtown neighborhood recently launched a new interactive tool for residents and visitors, and announced the return of two popular fall events.
Continue reading for the latest updates from Stamford Downtown.
Hello Lamp Post
Stamford Downtown created a new initiative called Hello Lamp Post to enhance access and assistance for people in the downtown area to learn about construction, discover places to grab a coffee, or check out local events.
According to a press release, residents, workers, and visitors are able to take part in friendly, text-based conversations with signs by scanning a QR code placed on benches, planters, bus shelters, and more spaces. No application download, sign-up fees, or registration are required to participate.
“Hello Lamp Post will provide another tool by which Stamford Downtown can communicate with residents, students, commuters and visitors,” Stamford Downtown President Michael Moore said. “Hello Lamp Post will help Stamford Downtown to provide a wide variety of information about events, construction updates, residential and new business openings by merely accessing the many QR codes that we will install throughout our city center.”
Phase 1 began on Thursday, September 18, and lasted two weeks during a trial period for Stamford Downtown staff to collect and analyze data around usage and interactions with the new service before making any necessary updates accordingly in response to questions or inquiries.
The announcement indicated that Stamford Downtown will continue to refine and enhance the experience moving forward.
WineFest on Bedford
WineFest on Bedford, an annual tradition bringing together wine lovers and vendors, will be back on Saturday, October 18, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm in Latham Park on Bedford Street and featuring more than two dozen wine vendors.
A press release from Stamford Downtown stated that admission is $40 per person if purchased by no later than Friday, October 17. If tickets are still available, the price rises to $50 when purchased the day of the event.
A tasting glass, unlimited wine tastings (while supplies last), and entertainment are included with the cost of the ticket.
There is a limited supply of VIP tickets available, offering “unique sampling opportunities and entry an hour prior to general admission,” for an additional $10 per ticket, the advisory stated.
Tickets and more information are available here.
Among the wineries and wine sellers participating are:
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Banfi Wine and Spirits
Benvolio
Cambria Estate Winery
Cline Family Cellars
Copain Wines
Diatom
Gerard Bertrand
Gratsi Wines
Hampton Water Wine
Jackson Family Wines
Joel Gott
Kendall-Jackson Wines
La Crema Winery
Mar de Frades
Miraval
Penner-Ash
Raeburn Winery
Ramōn Bilbao
Scattered Peaks Wine
Siduri
The Smith Wines
Stonestreet Wines
Tenuta Di Arceno
Unsanctioned
Wente Family Vineyards
The Wine Room Stamford
All attendees must be at least 21 years old and will be required to show proper identification with admission, such as a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, identity card issued by the state Department of Transportation, or a valid and current Passport or Global ID along with another form of photo ID.
No pets are allowed and Stamford Downtown is encouraging attendees “to drink responsibly and know your limits.”
Food vendors, including Amazing Momo CT, Grazing Charcuterie Bar, The Sushi Class, and other businesses, will be in attendance.
Craft vendors on hand will be the Hey Stamford! Store, Northeast Vinegar, Plain and Fancy Boutique, and Whimsical Wicks.
There will also be lawn games as well as music by Dive Bar Confessional, a local band that plays popular hits from the 1980s to the 2000s and today.
Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular
On Sunday, November 23, the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, the city’s beloved holiday parade, will make its annual return from Hoyt and Summer Streets at noon down to Atlantic Street and Federal Street with an expected audience of 100,000 people in the crowd along the route.
There will be at least 15 giant balloons, including Bumble the Abominable Snowman, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Elmo, Mistletoe the Snowman, Mr. Potato Head, Oscar the Grouch, Peppa Pig, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Shrek, and Super Grover, with others to be announced.
Performances will be provided by Fairfield County Pipes & Drums, the New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, and high school marching bands from Brentwood, Westhill, Uniondale, and Wyandanch.
There will also be new additions to the parade for 2025, including Ballet Folklórico de las Américas (BFAmericas), the Ballet School of Stamford, and the Pride of Port Chester High School Marching Band.
Other talented groups that will take part include Center Stage Dance Studio, City Center Dance Performing Company, Dance on the DL, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford, and The Pulse Performing Arts Studio, various floats, the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, and Santa.
Colin Cosell, New York Mets and New York Riptide public address announcer, will once again serve as master of ceremonies for the parade.
Last year’s edition featured daredevil and circus performer Bello Nock. Check out photos from the occasion here.
The day before the parade, on Saturday, November 22, the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party will be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street. The pre-parade gathering, hosted by Stamford-based Point72 Asset Management since 2014, offers a unique look behind the scenes at balloons as they grow in size ahead of the big day.
During the pre-parade event, spectators will be greeted by cartoon characters, music, parade participants, and Santa.
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