Where are the nearest movie theaters?

Redding has no movie theaters but several are in neighboring towns. In Danbury, there’s Loew’s (796-7777), a 10-screen complex on International Drive. Bethel Cinema (778-2100), is at 269 Greenwood Avenue. Edmond Town Hall (426-2475) on Main Street, Newtown, shows second-run major releases several weeks after the first-run theaters at a lower price. The Ridgefield Playhouse (438-5795) is at 80 East Ridge Avenue.

An extensive listing of what’s at area theaters appears in the Film Fare column in the Arts & Leisure section of The Redding Pilot.

Are there any theatrical companies in the area?

Companies include the Ridgefield Theater Barn (431-9850), the Town Players of Newtown (270-9144), the Country Players of Brookfield (775-0023).

Are there any local or area orchestras?

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (438-3889) consists of professional musicians and presents a series of concerts each year. Visit ridgefieldsymphony.org. The Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra is open to students in sixth through 12th grade. Audition requirements are available online at www.ridgefieldsymphony.org.

The Danbury Symphony Orchestra is for experienced orchestra musicians while the Danbury Community Orchestra is for teens and adults who wish to develop their skills. The Preparatory String Orchestra, also in Danbury, helps prepare musicians prepare for playing in an orchestra. Experienced adult vocalists may join the Danbury Concert Chorus. These Danbury groups perform from September to June. For more information, call the Danbury Music Centre at 748-1716.

Is there any place that offers outdoor concerts?

The Concerts on the Green series runs from June through August outside the Redding Town Hall on Route 107, sponsored by the town’s Park and Recreation Department. The Sunday concerts are free to the public. There are usually six to eight events each year, featuring local and area folk, rock, and country artists. Concerts start at 6 and are financed by private donations. Call the Park and Recreation office at 938-2551 for more information or to find out how to donate. Schedules also appear in The Redding Pilot and the parks and recreation brochure.

Are there any singing groups I can join?

Known for its repertoire of Broadway show tunes and popular music, the men and women of the Ridgefield Chorale perform in a variety of concerts and productions throughout the year. For information, visit online at www.ridgefieldchorale.org.

The Adesso Choral Society performs contemporary music, particularly works by New England composers. The group rehearses Tuesday nights, 7:30 to 9:30, beginning in September, at Jesse Lee Memorial Church. For information, or to arrange an audition, call Margaret Collins Stoop at 438-2980.

The Wilton Treblemakers is open to women of all ages and experience who enjoy singing for the love of music. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wilton High School. For information, call Mary Higgins 216-7999 or visit www.wiltontreble.org.

Where can I hear live music while dining?

The Georgetown Saloon (544-8003) at 8 Main Street has a small dance floor and live music on many nights. Call for a calendar of upcoming bands and events.

Squire’s Redding Roadhouse (938-3388) also offers live music.

The Lyrics Coffeehouse series runs the first Friday of each month from October through April at 7:30, at the Redding Community Center. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, half-price for seniors and students. Coffee is included; snacks are for sale. For detail, call park and recreation at 938-2551.

There are many other venues in the area. For details, check the Arts & Leisure section of The Redding Pilot.

What museums are in the area?

The Lonetown Farm and Museum is run by the Redding Historical Society at 43 Lonetown Road. It is open Sundays from 2 to 4, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. There is a furnished 1780 farmhouse and antique tool museum in the barn. Call 438-8586.

Ridgefield offers the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (438-4519) and the Keeler Tavern historical museum (438-5485), both on Main Street.

In Danbury, there is the Charles Ives Birthplace Museum (778-3540), 5 Mountainville Avenue; the Scott-Fanton Museum and Historical Society (743-5200), 43 Main Street; the Danbury Railway Museum (778-8337), 120 White Street; and the Military Museum of Southern New England (790-9277), 125 Park Avenue.

The Bethel Historical Firefighters Museum (794-8523), behind the South Street firehouse, has antique firefighting equipment and memorabilia, but is open only for special occasions or by appointment.

Can I get a guide to interesting places to go?

The Redding Pilot publishes a guide called 100 Things to Do that lists activities and places to visit within an hour or so of Redding. (Free copies are available at our offices or call 438-6544 to order.) The Redding Book of Trails, for hiking aficionados, is available at town hall on Route 107 for $10. Call 938-2377 for information.

The Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau in Litchfield also has a guide to area places of interest and events, called Unwind. Call 800-663-1273 for a copy or visit www.northwestct.com.

Can I rent a hall here for a party or a reception?

One of the most charming places is the historic Spinning Wheel Inn (938-2511) on Route 58. Squire’s Redding Roadhouse (938-3388) on Route 53 also handles large groups as does the Redding Country Club (938-2567) at 109 Lonetown Road (Route 107). The Georgetown Saloon (544-8003) at 8 Main Street is good for smaller parties.

You can also look into renting at any of the town’s three firehouses, some church halls, or the Mark Twain Library (938-2545).