Norwalk Pulse: Thursday, May 15

Good morning, Norwalk.

Friday is stacked. The Norwalk Symphony and Fairfield County Chorale are performing Mendelssohn's "Elijah" at Concert Hall. District Music Hall has Death Angel headlining a thrash metal triple bill. NHRL is running robot fights. MarineMax is kicking off boating season. And that's before you even get to Saturday.

Here's what's in this week's Pulse:

• Norwalk Symphony performs Mendelssohn's "Elijah" Friday
• Robot Fighting World Championships return to NHRL
• MarineMax opens boating season with their Spring Showcase
• Death Angel, Beetlejuice JR., and a 21+ island party round out the weekend

Tonight: Nashville Nights at Factory Underground. Songwriters in the round, sharing the stories behind their songs. If you're reading this in time, it's worth the trip.

-- Cooper

Friday

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and Fairfield County Chorale: Mendelssohn's "Elijah"

The Symphony and Chorale are teaming up for one of the big oratorios. Mendelssohn's "Elijah" is dramatic, full-voiced choral work. This is the kind of night where the Concert Hall earns its keep. If you have been meaning to see the NSO, this is a strong one to start with.

• Details: Friday, City of Norwalk Concert Hall. Ticketed.
• See more: Norwalk CT Events

NHRL 2026 Robot Fighting World Championships

Fighting robots. Right here in Norwalk. NHRL runs some of the most exciting combat robotics events in the country, and this is a World Championship qualifier. If you've never been, think BattleBots but live, loud, and in your backyard. Good for families, good for anyone who likes watching things get destroyed.

• Details: Friday, NHRL (Norwalk). Ticketed, family-friendly.
• See more: Eventbrite

Death Angel "ACT III" Tour at District Music Hall

Bay Area thrash legends Death Angel are bringing the "ACT III" tour through SoNo with Vio-Lence and Incite opening. District keeps booking acts that fill the room with people who actually care about the music. This is one of those nights.

• Details: Friday, District Music Hall, 101 Water Street. 21+.
• See more: Eventbrite

Spring Showcase at MarineMax Norwalk

Boating season is here. MarineMax is hosting their annual open house to celebrate the start of it. If you are in the market, shopping, or just like being near boats, this is an easy Friday stop on the water.

• Details: Friday, MarineMax Norwalk. Free, outdoor.
• See more: Eventbrite

Beetlejuice JR. at RSPA

RSPA brings the Netherworld to life with Beetlejuice JR. Local kids doing a full musical production. Family-friendly.

• Details: Friday, 81 W Rocks Rd. Family-friendly, ticketed.
• See more: Eventbrite

Annual Epilepsy Awareness Walk and Purple Picnic

A charity walk and picnic for epilepsy awareness. Community event, outdoor, family-friendly.

• Details: Friday. Free, outdoor, family-friendly.
• See more: Patch

Summer Kickoff: Island Vibes

Caribbean food, open bar all night, DJ Gudz on the decks, and a secret location. Bring your flags. 21+.

• Details: Friday, secret location (details on ticket). 21+.
• See more: Eventbrite

Saturday

Rendezvous with Rachel Revere

Travel back to 1775 for storytelling at Mill Hill Historic Park. An encounter with Rachel Revere set in Revolutionary America. Norwalk has real history on this hill, and this event puts you in it. Family-friendly, outdoor.

• Details: Saturday, Mill Hill Historic Park
• See more: Eventbrite

G-CODE'S: Mommy and Me Forum

A forum for mothers and daughters to connect and build. Hosted at the SoNo Branch Library. Free.

• Details: Saturday, SoNo Branch Library. Free.
• See more: Eventbrite

Learn to Play the Dragons of Mah Jongg Way

Fairfield County's premier Mah Jongg group hosts a session at 62 Wall Street. Social, strategic, and a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon if tiles are your thing.

• Details: Saturday, 62 Wall Street. RSVP required.
• See more: Eventbrite

In Case You Missed It

Norwalk police warn public of skimming devices at local businesses. NPD is alerting residents about card skimmers found at local businesses. Check your card readers before you swipe.

12 Norwalk places got serious violations in April health inspections. The April inspection reports are out. Twelve spots earned serious violations. Worth a look before your next order.

Norwalk Art Space names four resident artists for 2026-27. The Art Space announced its new cohort. Four artists will work from the Norwalk studios over the next year.

Sunday

Haitian Flag Raising

The City of Norwalk hosts the Haitian Flag Raising ceremony. Norwalk's Haitian community is one of the largest in the state, and this is their day. Public event, all are welcome.

• Details: Sunday, City of Norwalk
• See more: Norwalk CT Events

On the Horizon

Looking ahead:

• Toadies: The Charmer Tour (May 19). Toadies with Local H and Vandoliers at District Music Hall. Monday night rock show.
• Black Wall Street Norwalk (May 30). Norwalk's first Black Wall Street Festival. Mark the calendar.
• Love Fest R&B Bingo and Karaoke (May 29). R&B bingo plus karaoke. A Thursday night worth planning around.

The harbor side of Calf Pasture has that new-green smell this week. The trees along the seawall finally leafed out.

Thanks for reading Norwalk Pulse. Forward this to a neighbor who'd like it.

We also cover Stamford and Greenwich.

-- Cooper