This weekend in Norwalk: robot fighting championships, 100 Demons at District, GirlTREK on the River Valley Trail
This weekend in Norwalk: robot fighting championships, 100 Demons at District, GirlTREK on the River Valley Trail
Good morning, Norwalk.
Saturday is loaded. NHRL (National Havoc Robot League) is running their 2026 World Championships at 165 Water Street. Hundreds of fighting robots, three weight classes, quarter-finals through finals under the lights starting at 7 PM. Across town at District Music Hall, 100 Demons is headlining a five-band hardcore bill for their record release. And if Saturday morning is more your speed, GirlTREK and the Norwalk Bike/Walk Commission are leading a free community walk along the Norwalk River Valley Trail from Mathews Park to Oyster Shell Park, with a panel discussion after at the Norwalk Art Space.
Best for families this weekend: NHRL Robot Fighting Championships at 165 Water Street (all ages, kids under 3 free) and the weekly Wellness Walk at Calf Pasture Beach (Saturday, free).
-- Cooper
Saturday
NHRL 2026 Robot Fighting World Championships
If you have been to NHRL before, you know what this is. If you have not: BattleBots, but in a warehouse on Water Street, and you can feel the impacts from the bleachers. Hundreds of robots compete across three weight classes. Qualifying rounds run 10 AM to 5 PM. The prime time show starts at 7 PM with quarter-finals through the championship finals. VIP includes a pit tour and a chance to drive a fighting robot. General admission from $12. Kids under 3 free.
- Where: NHRL, 165 Water Street (SoNo)
- When: Saturday, June 6, 10 AM to late
- Cost: From $12 GA; VIP available
GirlTREK's Walk for Healing, Joy, and Justice
GirlTREK and the Norwalk Bike/Walk Commission are hosting a guided community walk along the Norwalk River Valley Trail between Mathews Park and Oyster Shell Park. After the walk, the group heads to the Norwalk Art Space for a panel on health, justice, and community in Norwalk. Free and open to all.
- Where: The Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Avenue (downtown)
- When: Saturday, June 6, 9:45 AM to 12 PM
- Cost: Free
100 Demons is back with a new record and a five-band bill to celebrate. Death Threat, END, King Nine, Bloodshed, and Mercy Whip round out the card. If any of those names mean something to you, you already have plans Saturday night.
- Where: District Music Hall, Wall Street (SoNo)
- Cost: Check Eventbrite for tickets
Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruise and Tour
The Norwalk Seaport Association's cruise to Sheffield Island is running Saturday. The standard tour departs from 90 Water Street. There is also a longer Green's Ledge combo tour if you want more time on the water.
- Where: Departs from 90 Water Street (SoNo)
- Cost: Check Eventbrite for pricing
CT NAACP State Conference Housing Summit
Theme this year: "From Displacement to Ownership." Housing is the conversation in Norwalk and across Connecticut right now. This summit is the substantive version of that conversation.
- Where: CT State Community College Norwalk, 188 Richards Avenue
- Cost: Check Eventbrite
Latin Takeover Pop-Up: Salsa, Bachata, Dembow
Free Latin dance pop-up on Main Street. Live DJs spinning salsa, bachata, reggaeton. No ticket needed.
- Where: 61 Main Street (SoNo)
- Cost: Free
Also Saturday: Lockwood-Mathews Mansion 90-minute guided house tour, 295 West Avenue (downtown), 12 to 1:30 PM. Weekly Wellness Walk at Calf Pasture Beach (East Norwalk), free. MedVet Norwalk Open House, 1 to 3 PM, free.
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In Case You Missed It
Norwalk's tax abatements are generating millions more for the city. Properties in Norwalk's Enterprise Zone program are now pulling in more than eight times the tax revenue they generated before development. When the breaks fully expire, the number climbs higher. NancyOnNorwalk has the math.
City Council praises nonprofit accelerator, approves second cohort. Chrissy Mahanna of Compass Consulting and Coaching led six monthly cohort sessions for four local nonprofits in the pilot round. Council voted to fund a second round.
Silvermine community honors Dr. Sasha Carr. Around 400 students at Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School placed paper flowers on two memorial benches dedicated to Dr. Carr, who served as the school's principal.
On the Horizon
Revolutionary Roots: Generations of Change (Thursday, June 11). Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum opens a new exhibit for America's 250th anniversary. Free reception. 295 West Avenue (downtown). Eventbrite
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday, June 13). Norwalk Town Green, 4 to 9 PM. Live performances, food vendors, activities for all ages. Organized by Romney Donald. Free. Eventbrite
Docktails and Oysters at Copps Island (Saturday, June 20). Fresh-shucked oysters from Norm Bloom and Son, beer, sliders, live music, and an oyster museum tour. Benefits the Norwalk Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse preservation. $132/ticket. Sells out every year. Eventbrite
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-- Cooper
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-- Cooper
