The Longest Table Comes to Stamford: Community Invited to Gather Around One Shared Table

On Saturday, September 19, from Noon to 2:00 p.m., residents from across Stamford are invited to gather at Mill River Park for The Longest Table Stamford, a free community-wide event designed to bring neighbors together over a shared meal and meaningful conversation.

Hosted by Marty Shapiro, The Longest Table, Stamford's inaugural event, aims to transform a simple meal into an opportunity to build stronger community connections. Inspired by the global Longest Table movement, the event features one continuous table where people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life are encouraged to sit together, share stories, and make new friends. 

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch or a favorite dish to share with others at their table. Whether attending alone, with family, or with friends, everyone is welcome. “The Longest Table is a wonderful opportunity to bring Stamford residents together and celebrate the strong sense of community that makes our city so special,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “By creating a welcoming space for neighbors to connect, build new relationships, and share meaningful conversations, this event reflects the spirit of inclusion and belonging that we value in Stamford.”

“Communities become stronger when people take time to connect truly," said Shapiro. He continued, "This event is about creating space for conversations that might never happen otherwise. By gathering around one table, we're sending a simple but powerful message: everyone belongs."

The Longest Table is built on the belief that small conversations can have a lasting impact. The event promotes inclusivity, kindness, civic pride, and a greater sense of belonging by encouraging neighbors to meet one another in a welcoming, relaxed environment. At its heart, The Longest Table is about turning strangers into neighbors—and neighbors into friends.

Stamford, CT Event Details

The Longest Table Stamford on Saturday, September 19, Noon–2:00 p.m. at Mill River Park

Free and open to the public.

Register at: https://www.cityeventsct.com

Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and food to share with others if desired.

Community Leadership Committee

The Longest Table Stamford is supported by a volunteer community committee representing local business, nonprofit, government, communications, and civic leadership, including: Isis-Rae Goulbourne, Founder, City Events CT; Mia Schipani, Owner, Schipani PR; Maria Antonietta Larrea, City of Stamford; Laurie Guzda, Creative Director, LA Guzda Creative Arts & Services; Heather Cavanagh, Executive Director, Stamford Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Bamford, Communications Strategist, Hybrid Media; Marlie Saint-Surin, Mill River Park Collaborative; Janeene Freeman, City of Stamford

For more information about The Longest Table movement, visit https://www.longesttablecommunity.org/