https://bridgeportarttrail.org
https://bridgeportarttrail.org/schedule
Thursday, November 7th
THURSDAY BAT NIGHT KICKOFF
“It’s like an artists’ home company party”, mingle and meander. The BAT city-wide celebration starts downtown at four arts venues! View art and socialize with the creative community. See new art and popular favorites. Enjoy live music and reception fare.
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History And Community #26
The Hypogean Tip: What Lies Beneath the Surface? Sculpture by Rachel Owens. Featuring Gary Judkins, Jack Lardis, and Aisha Nailah.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
BPT Film Fest #31c screening at Housatonic Community College #9
3pm Artist Meet and Greet, 3:45pm Film Screening
View a curated collection of films that dive into the intimate lives of Artists and their journeys through triumphs, struggles, and the personal emotional highs and lows that they face through the creative process.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
City Lights Gallery #22
Enjoy reception fare and view a new exhibit, “My Stories.” Through their art and words, Chilean fiber artists share their personal stories and the memories of those who lived under the Pinochet dictatorship. A time that Chileans rarely talk about, funding from CT Humanities enabled City Lights Gallery and these artists to present important personal stories and relevant universal themes.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Housatonic Museum of Art #9
Start your annual city-wide open studios art celebration off right with free food and music! Experience a night like no other with reggae, calypso, and AfroBeats, lite bites and drink. Connect with the current exhibition of artwork by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo and meet the artist himself, mingle with the local arts community. Free & open to the public.
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Read’s ArtSpace #12 Light/Projection Art
The BAT brings back a popular favorite. Dustin De Millio lights up Peacock Alley outside Read’s ArtSpace #12 projecting a montage of local art and music videos and his signature free form digital magic. Light and projection installation sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Read’s #12 BAT Kick Off
Party with us as we kick off the BAT with our new exhibit, ”About Time” featuring an array of work by Read’s residents and guest artists whose art highlights a variety of mediums. Savor delectable appetizers and cool refreshments while enjoying the musical explorations of Chris Cavaliere, musician & songwriter. Celebrate with friends, neighbors and fellow art aficionados at this lively annual event.
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hi-fi at the Arcade #21 showcasing DJ’s, musicians, and producers who share a little about their story, process and a selection of their music.
Friday, November 8th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Color Shop #33
Open house with professional tutorials and demonstrations of decorative finishes and kid-friendly crafting. Try your hand at our DIY Finish Kits, see our mock-up room displaying one of our decorative finishes.
Start your Friday art viewing early, miss the crowds. Enjoy the 2 new exhibits depicting relevant themes through impactful art.
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Housatonic Museum of Art #9 Arwe Journey Exhibit a solo exhibit by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo depicts the 20th Century Afri-Caribbean migration to Europe and North America. The exhibit continues in the back gallery, where Mandingo's work delves into his ancestral and spiritual connections, with a special tribute to Black women, who he credits as "nurturers, survivors, and leaders" in his personal life and the broader Afri-Caribbean community. The museum is open Monday – Friday.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
City Lights Gallery #22 My Stories Exhibit, Through their art and words, Chilean fiber artists share their personal stories and the memories of those who lived under the Pinochet dictatorship. A time that Chileans rarely talk about, funding from CT Humanities enabled City Lights Gallery and these artists to present important personal stories and relevant universal themes
Paradox Ink #21d
Visit the studio of Liz Squillace at the Arcade Mall #21, see her latest works.
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History And Community #26
The Hypogean Tip: What Lies Beneath the Surface? Sculpture by Rachel Owens. Featuring Gary Judkins, Jack Lardis, and Aisha Nailah.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bridgeport Pride Center #25 unveiling of our inaugural queer art exhibit at BPC.
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Artists’ Meet-Up at FoolProof Brewing/MNTD Studios #3
As artists are preparing their studios for the public, join them for an evening of good music, food, drink and community. Tour the freshly renovated and reactivated space, and the MNTD Studios #3 art.
Ursa Gallery #18
Can It Be All So Simple, curated by Tara Blackwell, captures the raw nostalgia of a pre-digital era—before camera phones and social media reshaped our experiences—when life was lived fully in real-time. URSA Roasters debuts the house Barnum Blend, with samples for people to try and purchase.
Salsa Night at the Arcade Mall #21
Enjoy the rhythm and beats of DJ Harry Trinidad, and learn from instructor Jonathan Borges of Latin Rhythm Dance Studio. Just bring your dancing shoes and join the fun!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WPKN Radio Studios #19
Open House, Record Sale and Art Exhibit, tour the studios, meet the broadcasters.
UFOlogist Albert K. Bender Info Session with artist MIA at Reads Art Space #12
Learn about Bridgeport’s Albert Bender who established the International Flying Saucer Bureau on Broad Street, Bpt in 1951 and published Space Review Magazine, claiming to have met the “Men In Black” extraterrestrials. His UFO-ology has been immortalized in the mural of Brad Noble blocks away from Bender’s Bridgeport home, on the corner of Broad St and Cesar Batalla Way. Bender’s home once stood on Broad St, replaced with the I-95 overpass.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Knowlton #29 hosts Iterations: A Dialogue of Scale, this experiential exhibit at the Armstrong and Wilder Galleries, invites viewers to journey through the artist's mind, where tiny conceptions grow into monumental works of art.
Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council (BACC) #21e “The Untitled Show - No Themes, Just Art” showcases a vibrant collection of works from both emerging and established local artists, celebrating a diverse range of mediums and perspectives
7:30 PM
Downtown Cabaret #23 “In the Heights” - bring your snacks and drinks and enjoy this popular Tony Award winning musical. Tickets range from $43.50 - $49.50.
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Improv Comedy, Love, Laughs & Lyrics 10 Year Anniversary show at BPT Creates #21a, $20 at the door.
Saturday, November 9th
8:30 AM
Framemakers #36 -See the exhibit "Compilation of Artistic Endeavors" Start viewing art early, then stop at one of the many Black Rock eateries and cafes for a coffee and a breakfast nosh, Source Coffeehouse #32, Harborview Market #35 and others.
The Urban Bike Tour #22a meets up at City Lights Gallery #22 for a complimentary coffee and bagel and the annual photo and Evel Knievel faux stunt jump by Jeff Coleman. (You gotta’ see it to understand.)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bridgeport Innovation Center #2 Open Studios
Artists Gerald Moore of Gallery 1212 LLC and Robin Gilmore, formerly of Made In Bridgeport, will be partnering with BIC, BAT and City Lights Gallery to bring a sampling of artists from all over New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. They have organized a multicultural / multigenerational gathering of creative people, activities, discounts, demonstrations, live painting, performances and workshops taking place on the second and third floors.
The Color Shop #33
Open house with professional tutorials and demonstrations of decorative finishes and kid-friendly crafting. Try your hand at our DIY Finish Kits, see our mock-up room displaying one of our decorative finishes.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
American Fabrics #1 welcomes the public to tour their studios, view and purchase art, and meet the artists in their art-making environment. See how industrial warehouses have been transformed into creative spaces. Don’t miss the inaugural exhibit in the Stairwell Space curated by Terri Smith.
Visit the Reiki Room at the Knowlton #29b, Reiki Master Practitioner, Rev. Ina Andersen offers a serene, tranquil, safe and sacred space dedicated to promoting holistic healing.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Reiki at the Bridgeport innovation Center #2
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Read’s ArtSpace Ground Floor Gallery #12 presents the group exhibit ”About Time” featuring Read’s residents and guest artists working in a variety of mediums.
The Nest Arts Factory #31 - Step into a world of creativity at Open Studios at the NEST Arts Factory, where art comes alive in every corner!
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Arts studios are open to the public city-wide including The Knowlton #29 and MNTD Studios #3 Check out their full listings for further info about activities, demos, receptions, and special projects.
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Metro Art Studios #7, Tour the studios, watch a series of short films, purchase some affordable art, visit the gift shop and see Transformations: Reimagining Earth and Waste Art Exhibit, curated by Carla Goldberg. Family fun activities include an artful scavenger hunt, live music and a body painting demo.
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History And Community #26
The Hypogean Tip: What Lies Beneath the Surface? Sculpture by Rachel Owens. Featuring Gary Judkins, Jack Lardis, and Aisha Nailah.
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Colorful Bridgeport #14a public art walk - the best way to see all the incredible new public art in Downtown Bridgeport.
12:00 – 4:00 PM
City Lights Gallery #22, My Stories, .” Through their art and words, Chilean fiber artists share their personal stories and the memories of those who lived under the Pinochet dictatorship. A time that Chileans rarely talk about, funding from CT Humanities enabled City Lights Gallery and these artists to present important personal stories and relevant universal themes.
Family friendly demos at the NEST Arts Factory #31 from Abstract art, to glass blowing, Tai Chi and storytelling.
Demonstrations at Metro Art Studios #7 Interactive Cyanotype Demonstration and Body Painting
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Ursa Gallery #18
Can It Be All So Simple, curated by Tara Blackwell, captures the raw nostalgia of a pre-digital era—before camera phones and social media reshaped our experiences—when life was lived fully in real-time.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Smooth Jazz/ Rhythm and Blues and Inspirational Sounds by the John & Co Music Group at the Bridgeport Innovation Center #2
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Neighborhood Studios #24 Open House, tour our creative classes for children in Bridgeport including student art, theater and dance classes.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Live music at the NEST #31, Metro Art Studios #7, Bridgeport Innovation Center #2
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Iyaba Arts Open House at Gallery 9104 #6, view 3 floors of art in a stunning loft space in the South End.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
We Rise: Storytelling Collective in the Community Room at the NEST #31
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Pangea Band #31f resident musicians play energizing world beat music in the NEST #31 community room
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Live painting at Read's ArtSpace #12 by MIA
3:30 PM
Downtown Cabaret #23 “In the Heights”, bring your snacks and drinks and enjoy this popular Tony Award winning musical. Tickets range from $43.50 - $49.50.
4:00 PM
BRAG #31b art exhibit reception at the NEST Arts Factory #31 with music by Dan Tressler
5:00 PM
Kindred Thoughts Bookstore #21b
I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou, book discussion moderated by Cultural Historian, Michelle Black-Smith, we will come together quarterly to engage with and celebrate the great canon of African American literature.
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
NEST #31 After Party | Community Room
Celebrate the evening at the After Party at the NEST, where good vibes and great company await! Enjoy complimentary refreshments while soaking in the sounds of the band Honest Ivy, alongside a lineup of lively reggae and world music performers. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect with friends, and dance the night away in a vibrant atmosphere!
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
See the debut of "URSA Underground"#18, a gallery group show of local hits. Curator Cris Dam creates a unique art space with art and music.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Talk That Talk - Art Legends & Advocacy at the Arcade (BACC #21e) A dynamic panel discussion featuring local legends and artists from a diverse range of backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and creative journeys. Engaging conversation will explore the intersections of art, culture, and identity.
7:30 PM
Downtown Cabaret #23 In the Heights, bring your snacks and drinks and enjoy this popular Tony Award winning musical. Tickets range from $43.50 - $49.50.
Greater Bridgeport Symphony #30a at the Klein#30
Guest conductor Leslie B. Dunner leads GBS, program includes Haydn’s Symphony #6, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F major, and Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes.
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live music at Ursa Gallery #18.
Sunday, November 10th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bridgeport Innovation Center #2
Artists Gerald Moore of Gallery 1212 LLC and Robin Gilmore, formerly of Made In Bridgeport, will be partnering with BIC, BAT and City Lights Gallery to bring a sampling of artists from all over New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. They have organized a multicultural/multigenerational gathering of creative people, activities, discounts, demonstrations, live painting, performances and workshops taking place on the second and third floors.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
American Fabrics #1 welcomes the public to tour their studios, view and purchase art, meet the artists in their art-making environment. See how industrial warehouses have been transformed into creative spaces. Don’t miss the inaugural exhibit in the Stairwell Space curated by Terri Smith.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Artists’ Brunch at the Nest Arts Factory #31 Creativity meets community at this popular annual BAT tradition! Mingle with the creative community. Enjoy complimentary bites, refreshing mimosas, and live music by the acoustic duo Honest Ivy. Donations gratefully accepted.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Read’s ArtSpace Ground Floor Gallery #12 presents the group exhibit ”About Time” featuring Read’s residents and guest artists working in a variety of mediums.
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
City wide open studios, The Knowlton #29, MNTD Studios #3, The NEST #31, Metro Arts #7
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
City Lights Gallery #22, My Stories, Chilean fiber artists share their stories and those who lived under the Pinochet dictatorship. A time that Chileans rarely talk about, funding from CT Humanities enabled City Lights Gallery and these artists to present important personal stories and relevant universal themes.
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History And Community #26
The Hypogean Tip: What Lies Beneath the Surface? Sculpture by Rachel Owens. Featuring Gary Judkins, Jack Lardis, and Aisha Nailah.
3:00 PM
Bridgeport Innovation Center #2 Love & Melody of Tajay Vibrant beats and soulful melodies, music is a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience. emotion and the power of rhythm.
3:30 PM
Downtown Cabaret #23 In the Heights, bring your snacks and drinksand enjoy this popular Tony Award winning musical. Tickets range from $43.50 - $49.50.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Meet Mario Productions Film screening at the NEST #31 proudly presents an afternoon of thought provoking independent short films for your mind.
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
BAT Closing Party Part 1 at FoolProof Brewing/MNTD Studios #3
Get a final look at some BAT artand savor the experience of the weekend of art with a beverage. Are you hungry? All that art trailin’ can build up an appetite. FoolProof’s menu ranges from fondue to Thai Mussel pot to Captain Crunch chicken fingers. Enjoy!
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
BAT Closing Party Part 2 at Park City Music Hall #34
The BAT weekend closes down with the turbo charged rhythms of Pangea, playing their brand of Afrobeat, Soul and Space Funk blended with influences from around the globe. They share the stage with the incomparable The Lost Tribe who bring Afro-funk Fusion to new levels. The show will kick off with a pop up art installation and poetry by Bridgeport's griot/storyteller Iyaba Mandingo.
