Zac N’ Fried, a tribute band made up of some of the area’s best musicians paying tribute to The Zac Brown Band, will headline a Friday night concert on September 20 on the grounds of Fairfield Hills. The concert will mark the beginning of the three days of the 2024 Newtown Arts Festival.

Reviewers and fans have said attendees to Zac N’ Fried show can close their eyes and they’ll “feel the energy and vibes of a true Zac Brown concert.”

Led by founder and Newtown resident Randall John, the band is backed up by fellow Newtowner Matt Spencer on drums and instrumentalists from all over Connecticut.

The opening act of the concert will be King Saison, a group with vibrant stage presence and captivating chemistry.

The concert starts at 7:30, with Zac N’ Fried beginning at 8:30.

Tickets are $15 and available at newtownartsfestival.com/

The Wine and Beer Garden will be open during the concert. Adult audience members will again be able to purchase and then enjoy wine or beer at their seats. Food trucks will also be there.

Outside food or beverages will not be allowed.

Arts Festival Weekend

The Newtown Arts Festival will then run Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, 11 am-5 pm rain or shine, at the corner of Trades Lane and DG Beers Boulevard.

The Wine and Beer Garden will be open during all hours of the festival and the food trucks will be returning.

Eighty artisans, from wood turning to jewelry to jams and jellies, will be in the center of the Saturday & Sunday Arts Festival.

The Freeway is returning, along with four tents plus Terrific Totes, with craft activities to see and do and for which there is no extra charge.

The Dance Tent will have performances both days with master classes.

The Make and Take Tent will have different crafts, members of The Society for Creative Arts in Newtown (SCAN) will be demonstrating plein-air painting at The Art Oasis on Saturday.

On Sunday, Weaving Newtown will be in the Fiber Arts tent with demonstrations and instructive projects.

Returning to the Arts Festival this year will also be The Art of Science Tent. EverWonder Children’s Museum staff members will lead activities both days.

The Newtown High School Band will open the festival each morning. Live music will then continue until close each evening.

The Newtown Arts Festival will continue to provide shade tents so that visitors can enjoy every part of the Festival.

Although tickets for the two-day Arts Festival can be purchased at the door, visitors are encouraged to buy them early at newtownartsfestival.com/

Tickets are $5, in advance or at the gate; ages 5 and under are free. Cash, credit or debit cards will all be accepted at the door. Credit and debit cards will be accepted for advance sales.

Sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, proceeds of the 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.