Plan Your Visit to Norfolk

What is chamber music?

Chamber music is played and sung with and among friends in intimate settings. Ensembles typically vary in size, feature one performer on each part, and perform without a conductor. The repertoire is the largest and most diverse in the classical music genre.

What should I wear?

Your experience of the music is what’s important, so wear whatever makes you comfortable. We’re serious about our music, but we’re still pretty informal. Blue jeans and button up? Coat and tie? You pick!We do ask that you refrain from using strong scents, as they may be distracting to other patrons.

Are there any customs that I need to know?

Not at all! No special knowledge or experience of classical music is needed to enjoy the concert. We only ask that all our patrons to respect one another’s concertgoing experience. Talking over the music, tapping your feet so that others can hear you, rustling the program-book pages, and other distracting noises are discouraged.

When should I applaud? 

This is a question that concerns a lot of people. Holding one’s applause until the end of a complete work is a custom that evolved in concert halls during the early 20th century. Most chamber music works have several movements. If audience members respond to a movement with applause, go ahead and join in. The safest course is to wait until the performers stand and face the audience, signaling the end of a performance.

When should I arrive?

It’s a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of a concert. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to park, peruse the concert program, and prepare yourself for the experience. The Music Shed opens at 7:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. concerts. The Box Office at the Music Shed opens at 7 p.m. on concert nights. A big part of the Norfolk concert experience is the social aspect. Come enjoy the grounds, have a picnic, and meet some friends. Our grounds are open all day and you’re more than welcome to come early and enjoy the idyllic setting.

What if I’m late? 

Late seating will take place during the first appropriate pause in the program and at the discretion of management.

May I use a cell phone during a concert?

The use of all recording devices, including cameras, cell phones, and tablets is prohibited in the Music Shed.

May I bring my children? 

Yes! We welcome children at our concerts provided they are not disruptive to other concertgoers. Children under age 19 are even admitted for free. We encourage you to bring your children to our Emerging Artist Showcase concerts, which feature performances by Norfolk fellows. While these concerts are not programmed specifically for children, they do have a less formal atmosphere.

Where can I park?

Parking is conveniently located on the lawn adjoining the Music Shed. An easily accessible patron drop-off area is located at the front of the concert hall. Ample accessible parking is available.

Is the Music Shed accessible?

The Music Shed is accessible. Several parking spaces are available near the front door. Service animals are welcome at the Music Shed.

Can I bring a picnic?

The grounds of the Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate are open to the public on concert days and are perfect for a pre-concert picnic or a leisurely stroll. Bring a blanket and settle into a shady corner or use one of the many picnic tables on the grounds.

Do you sell concessions?

The concessions booth, located just outside the Music Shed, opens at 6 p.m. prior to each Friday and Saturday night concert and remains open through intermission. The booth sells assorted baked goods, ice cream, coffee, Harney and Sons teas, and sparkling water. No refreshments besides water are allowed in the Music Shed.

All performances are held in the Music Shed in Norfolk, Connecticut. The main entrance to the Festival is located on Route 272 – across from the fountain on the Norfolk Town Green – one block south of its intersection with Route 44. 

GPS directions:
20 Litchfield Road, Norfolk, CT

From New York City and Westchester County

Taconic State Parkway, North
to Millbrook
Route 44 East to Norfolk
Route 272 South

From New Haven and Fairfield County

Route 8 North to Winsted
Route 44 West to Norfolk
Route 272 South

From Hartford

Route 44 West to Norfolk
Route 272 South

From Boston and Springfield

Massachusetts Turnpike to I-91 South to Windsor Locks, CT
Route 20 West to Route 219,
to Route 318
Route 44 West to Norfolk
Route 272 South

From Albany

I-90 South to Massachusetts Turnpike.
Route 7 South to
Route 44 East to Norfolk
Route 272 South

The Litchfield Hills and southern Berkshires are filled with numerous inns and B&Bs. Several offer discounts to Festival patrons.

In Norfolk

Blackberry River Inn
860 542-5100  |  538 Greenwoods Rd. W. (Route 44)

• Colonial accommodations, mountain views

Husky Meadows Farm
860 540-4757  |  26 Doolittle Drive 

• Explore seasonal cooking on a beautiful and unique New England organic farm.

Manor House Inn
Festival ticket holders receive a %10 discount
860 542-5690  |  69 Maple Ave. #1104

• A Connecticut Green Lodging Hotel on a historic 125+ year-old estate in downtown Norfolk

Wildwood 1880
860 542-7642  |  67 Litchfield Rd

• A charming country inn located in the Norfolk Historic District
   

In Canaan

Locust Tree Bed and Breakfast
860 824-8035  |  131 E. Canaan Rd.

• “Our Home Is Yours”

In Falls Village

The Falls Village Inn
860 824-0033  |  33 Railroad St.

• Restored to its original 1834 grandeur

In Lakeville

Interlaken Inn
800 222-2909  |  74 Interlaken Rd.

• Exquisite lodging and dining

Wake Robin Inn
860 435-2000  |  106 Sharon Rd. (Route 41)

• A historic hideaway

In the Berkshires

The Old Inn on the Green
413 229-7924  |  134 Hartsville-New Marlborough Rd. (Route 57)  |  New Marlborough, MA

• Authentically restored guest rooms and fine candlelit dining

The Wainwright Inn
413 528-2062  |  518 South Main St.  |  Great Barrington, MA

• An elegant inn just over the border

In Norfolk

Berkshire Country Store
860 542-7176  | 6 Station Place

Norfolk Pub
860 542-1200  |  3 Station Place

In Canaan

Collin’s Diner
860 824-7040  |  53 West Main St.

Mountainside Café
860 824-7876  |  251 Route 7 South., Falls Village

In Winsted

Mario’s Tuscany Grill
860 379-7415  |  560 Main St.

Monaco’s Ristorante
860 379-6648  |  380 Main St.

The Tributary 
860 379-7679  |  19 Rowley St.

In Torrington

Anthony’s Restaurant
860 489-6656  |  258 Main St.

Cristy’s Restaurant
860 496-7330  |  545 Winsted Rd.

Pizzeria Marzano
860 618-0875  |  1315 East Main St.

The Venetian—Connecticut Magazine’s pick for the best Italian cuisine in Litchfield County!
860 489-8592  |  52 E Main St.

Vientiane Thai Cuisine
860 489-0758  |  231 High St.

In Litchfield

Arethusa al Tavolo
860 567-0043  |  828 Bantam Rd.  |  Bantam, CT

Materia Ristorante
860 567-3326  |  637 Bantam Rd.

Sage & Salt
860 567-4900  |  26 Commons Dr.   

The Village
860 567-8307  |  25 West St.

The West Street Grill
860 567-3885  |  43 West St.

In Salisbury

The Dining Room at The White Hart Inn
860 435-0030  |  15 Undermountain Rd.

In Lakeville

Black Rabbit Bar & Grille
860 596-4227  |  2 Ethan Allen St.

Boathouse
860 435-2111  |  349 Main St.

Morgan’s Restaurant at Interlaken Inn
800 222-2909  |  74 Interlaken Rd.

The Woodland Restaurant
860 435-0578  |  192 Sharon Rd.

In the Berkshires

Guido’s Fresh Marketplace
413 528-9255  |  760 South Main St.  |  Great Barrington, MA

No. 10
413 528-5244  |  10 Castle St.  |  Great Barrington, MA

The Old Inn on the Green
413 229-7924  |  134 Hartsville-New Marlborough Rd.  |  New Marlborough, MA

The Southfield Store
413 229-5050  |  163 Norfolk Rd. (Route 272)  |  Southfield, MA

Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant
413 528-2002  |  50 Stockbridge Rd.  |  Great Barrington, MA

Make a weekend of it, and enjoy a day exploring the area's many attractions before the concert.

In Norfolk

Norfolk Farmers Market
A lively, friendly market featuring an eclectic mix of farmers, producers, artists, and artisans from Norfolk and the surrounding regions on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. 
19 Maple Ave. (in front of the Town Hall), Norfolk, CT 06058
manager@norfolkfarmersmarket.org

Norfolk Historical Society 
13 Village Green, Norfolk, CT 06058
860 542-5761
norfolkhistorical@snet.net

Norfolk Library
Miss Isabella Eldridge established the Norfolk Library as a memorial to her parents, The Reverend Joseph and Sarah Battell Eldridge, and presented it to the town of Norfolk in 1889.

Infinity Music Hall and Bistro
An intimate music, dining, and entertainment destination in Norfolk.

Hiking Trails and State Parks

Campbell Falls State Park
Route 272 north from Norfolk center. Take a left onto Old Spaulding Road. Great hiking and terrific views. For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.

Dennis Hill State Park
Route 272, just south of town. Hiking, camping, and views that extend to three states. For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.

Haystack Mountain State Park
Route 272 just north of downtown Norfolk. Great hiking and a terrific view of town when you climb the tower at the top. For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.

Norfolk Land Trust Trails
A comprehensive system of hiking and skiing trails offers the opportunity for nature study, photography, or just unwinding—not to mention a glimpse of Norfolk history. Trails begin near the town green in Norfolk. For trail maps, visit the website.

Visitors Bureaus and Tourist Resources

The Berkshires Visitors Bureau
Official travel and tourism information source for the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

Northwest Connecticut Arts Council
Arts information for northwestern Connecticut.

Official Connecticut Office of Tourism: Litchfield Hills
Tourist-information source for Connecticut’s northwestern Litchfield Hills.

Do you have questions about a concert or the area? Would you like help choosing an event or putting a group package together? We’re here to help. Call or send us an email.
 

Year Round

860 542-3000  |  norfolk@yale.edu
 

June–August

860 542-3000  |  norfolk@yale.edu

Mailing address
P.O. Box 545
Norfolk, CT 06058-0545

Street address
Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate
20 Litchfield Road
Norfolk, CT 06058

Office hours
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–5 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.

September–May

203 432-1966  |  860 542-3000  |  norfolk@yale.edu

Mailing address 
P.O. Box 208246
New Haven, CT 06520-8246

Street address
Sprague Memorial Hall
370 College St., Suite 303
New Haven, CT 06511

Office hours
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.