The Fairfield Weekend — Issue #1

Welcome to the very first issue of The Fairfield Weekend — your free weekly guide to every new business, restaurant, and event worth knowing about in Fairfield, CT. Each Friday, we’ll tell you what’s new in town, what’s coming soon, and what’s happening this weekend. Since this is Issue #1, we’re catching you up on the best newer spots that have opened recently — plus breaking news on what’s headed our way. No fluff, no filler. Let’s get into it.

Open Tue-Sun 8am-3pm. If you’ve been driving past Brick Walk and wondering what smells incredible, this is it. Flour Water Salt is an artisan sourdough bakery that opened earlier this year, and the line out the door on Saturday mornings tells you everything you need to know. They specialize in naturally leavened breads, buttery pastries, and what might be the best morning bun in Fairfield County. Grab a loaf of their country sourdough before it sells out — it usually does by noon.

Open Tue-Sun, Lunch & Dinner. Fairfield’s first fully plant-based restaurant has been quietly winning people over since opening last fall — and not just the vegan crowd. The menu changes seasonally, but the crispy cauliflower tacos and mushroom “steak” are permanent fixtures for a reason. The bright, airy dining room seats about 50, and they have a juice bar up front for grab-and-go mornings. Whether you’re plant-based or just plant-curious, this one is absolutely worth a visit.

You might know Panicale from their original Westport location or from farmers markets around Fairfield County. Now they’ve opened a second spot inside the Fairfield Sportsplex, making handmade pasta even more accessible. Think fresh ravioli, pappardelle, and sauces made from scratch daily. Perfect for grabbing dinner after the kids’ practice — or for stocking up on fresh pasta to cook at home.

Open Wed-Sun, hours vary. Fairfield’s own craft brewery continues to pack the house — and for good reason. With an 80-foot bar, 25+ house taps, and a dog-friendly patio, Elicit has become the go-to hangout on Black Rock Turnpike. The rotating lineup covers everything from hazy IPAs to smooth stouts. They host trivia nights, live music on weekends, and the industrial-cool space is worth seeing even if you’re not a beer person. If you haven’t been yet, this weekend is the move.

Breaking this week: the popular bakery-cafe chain has signed a lease at the former Bond Vet space in Fairview Plaza. Paris Baguette is known for its French-inspired pastries, fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, and cakes. They recently opened their first Connecticut location in West Hartford, and Fairfield is next. No opening date yet, but we’ll be watching the build-out closely.

Taking over 5,250 sq ft at 1877 Black Rock Turnpike. Expected to open by late spring. The first J.Crew outlet in Fairfield — perfect for stocking up before summer.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Terrapin Flyer — Grateful Dead Tribute. One of the premier Grateful Dead tribute acts takes over StageOne for a Friday night of jams, good vibes, and improvisational magic. If you’re a Deadhead (or just Dead-curious), this is your night. 21+ show. Fairfield Theatre Company, StageOne, 8:00 PM.

Live Music: Struggle Monkey + DJ Golden Boy at Elicit. A high-energy double feature at the brewery. Struggle Monkey takes the stage at 9:00 PM in the Beer Hall, followed by DJ Golden Boy at 10:00 PM. Cover charge at the door. Elicit Brewing, 111 Black Rock Tpke, 9:00 PM.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Big East Tournament Watch Party at Elicit. College basketball fans: gather at Elicit to cheer on your favorite teams on the big screens. No cover charge — just smash burgers, house-brewed drafts, and March Madness energy. Elicit Brewing, 111 Black Rock Tpke, 6:30 PM.

Church of Cash — Johnny Cash Tribute. A world-class Johnny Cash tribute act that’s earned rave reviews across the country. If you love The Man in Black, this is Saturday night done right. Fairfield Theatre Company, StageOne, 8:00 PM.

St. Patrick’s Day Party at Elicit. Get your green on early! Elicit is going all out with a St. Paddy’s bash starting at 8 PM, featuring Muddy River Band (9 PM) and DJ Jake Z (10 PM). The biggest party on Black Rock Turnpike this weekend. Elicit Brewing, 111 Black Rock Tpke, 8:00 PM.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

“Common Ground” Film Screening (Family-Friendly). FTC and CT Audubon present this acclaimed documentary about regenerative agriculture and the future of our food system, followed by a speaker discussion. A thought-provoking Sunday afternoon for the whole family. Fairfield Theatre Company, The Warehouse, 4:30 PM.

When Joylark quietly opened its doors at 260 Post Road last November, Fairfield wasn’t sure what to make of a fully plant-based restaurant. Five months later, it’s packed on weekends. The menu changes with the seasons, but regulars swear by the crispy cauliflower tacos, the mushroom “steak,” and the craft cocktail list (the smoked rosemary old-fashioned is a standout). The 50-seat dining room is bright, airy, and designed for lingering over long dinners. They also run a juice bar up front for mornings. Whether you’ve been vegan for years or just want to try something different this weekend, Joylark is worth the trip.

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See you next Friday, let’s make it a good one.

— The Fairfield Weekend