Darien Community Association (DCA)

Darien Community Association (DCA) Bringing our community together through programs, private events, the Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, and the DCA Thrift Shop. Join us!

At the DCA, we enrich our community in a welcoming, historic setting for lifelong learning, philanthropy, and enjoyment. We do this in four distinct ways:

Activities: We offer a wide range of programs, classes and groups — both in-person and virtually, and attended pre-COVID by 1500 participants each month. Philanthropy: As the largest provider of college scholarships to Darien High School gradua

tes, we award at least $50,000 each year — last year to over 50 students. Our philanthropy also includes our nearly four acre DCA Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, our contribution to open space in Darien, available for the public to enjoy — and the DCA Blue Notes, our volunteer singing group that enjoys performing at senior residences and other venues. DCA Thrift Shop: We own and operate the DCA Thrift Shop on the Post Road, providing a much-needed community service. 1000 customers purchase items each month — and the shop is staffed by enthusiastic volunteers under the supervision of a paid manager. Beautiful Venue: We offer our historic home and garden to rent for your own private or corporate event — whether it is a wedding, birthday celebration, nonprofit fundraiser, or corporate meeting. Proceeds from donations and income from DCA programs, house rentals and the DCA Thrift Shop, support our philanthropy, including scholarships for Darien High School graduates. Contact us by phone (203) 655-9050 or email to [email protected], or stop by the DCA Meadowlands at 274 Middlesex Road, Darien.

Thank you for supporting our free events through your donations, participation and partnership! We are proud of offer ou...
09/03/2026

Thank you for supporting our free events through your donations, participation and partnership! We are proud of offer our community partners a place to bring our neighbors and friends together.

Join us. We can't wait to see you. Registration for these free events can be found on our website.

You're not going to want to miss one of the best events of the year! Shop the Runway: A Sustainable Fashion Show at the ...
09/01/2026

You're not going to want to miss one of the best events of the year! Shop the Runway: A Sustainable Fashion Show at the DCA (sponsored by The Monogram Travel Collective). Discover coveted fashion and accessories from Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Salvatore Ferragamo, The Row, Jason Wu, Isabel Marant, Burberry, Loro Piana, Saint Laurent, Longchamp, Jenni Kayne, Farm Rio, plus vintage treasures and much more.

Wednesday, September 30
🚶‍♀️ 6:30pm Doors Open
👠 7:00pm Fashion Show
👛 7:30pm Shopping

Photos from the 2025 show (Bambi Riegel).

Know someone who could help us preserve our 100+ year old Lord and Burnham greenhouse? Someone with experience in restor...
08/26/2026

Know someone who could help us preserve our 100+ year old Lord and Burnham greenhouse? Someone with experience in restoring historical buildings, specifically greenhouses!

Home to decades of DCA Greenhouse Group gardeners, countless plants and flowers, and dozens of close friendships, the greenhouse was built adjacent to the formal gardens designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman. Every year, our Greenhouse Group grows the wonderful plants that take part in our annual plant sale and support our nonprofit organization.

We’re looking for a partner to help us restore and preserve this historic building. Perhaps you’re a greenhouse aficionado or you own a greenhouse of your own and understand its importance. Maybe you love to restore beautiful old things and preserve history.

If you’re interested, please let us know! We have projects big and small.

The DCA Page Turners Book Group is looking for a few new members! The Group will read and discuss nine amazing books dur...
08/24/2026

The DCA Page Turners Book Group is looking for a few new members! The Group will read and discuss nine amazing books during its 2026-27 season. The first meeting is Sept. 14.

Many of these bestsellers are available at the Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore.

Visit www.dariendca.org-> Get Involved-> Join A DCA Group to sign up for The Group and Register for Programs for author events and book chats this fall. Books open us to the world and bring us together!

Are you a Darien High School student entering grades 9-11 who is interested in making a positive impact in our community...
08/18/2026

Are you a Darien High School student entering grades 9-11 who is interested in making a positive impact in our community? The DCA’s Youth Leadership Board is currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year and we want to meet you!

The YLB brings our community together in support of the DCA scholarship program and sustainability efforts.

Come meet us at our Open House on Sunday, September 13 from 11-1 at the Darien Community Association and learn more about the YLB! And if you already know you want to apply, complete an application on our website at dariendca.org.

Calling all artists, makers, artisans, and small businesses. Applications to Merry Meadowlands: A Holiday Home & Market ...
07/30/2026

Calling all artists, makers, artisans, and small businesses. Applications to Merry Meadowlands: A Holiday Home & Market are now open!

Visit our website to apply.

New this year, the event is free to the public and only one day!

Merry Meadowlands
🌲 Saturday, December 5
⏰ 10AM - 2PM
👍 Fundraiser!

Not yet following us on Instagram  ? Come see stories from the DCA, private events at the Meadowlands, the DCA Thrift Sh...
07/21/2026

Not yet following us on Instagram ? Come see stories from the DCA, private events at the Meadowlands, the DCA Thrift Shop and so much more! Community is at the heart of everything we do. 💚

Thank you  and  for choosing the Meadowlands at the Darien Community Association as Best Event Venue in the Local Love A...
07/20/2026

Thank you and for choosing the Meadowlands at the Darien Community Association as Best Event Venue in the Local Love Awards 2026!!!

Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, the Meadowlands at the DCA is the perfect setting for weddings, parties and fundraisers. From intimate events around the fountain in the garden to large-scale receptions in our historic Regency-style home expect a magical experience that you and your guests will never forget.

Schedule a tour with our Private Events team today!

This recognition is a true reflection of the extraordinary people behind the Meadowlands at the DCA from our private events to our property teams, and everyone who brings care, creativity, and dedication to every detail. Thank you for celebrating what we love most, creating meaningful moments for our community.

Photos L to R:

Have you ordered your flat of flowers yet? Don't miss out on ordering a burst of color for your garden.Last day to order...
05/14/2026

Have you ordered your flat of flowers yet? Don't miss out on ordering a burst of color for your garden.

Last day to order is May 19 at 12PM. And pickup is May 28 at the DCA Greenhouse.

Support the DCA by purchasing flats of impatiens, petunias, marigolds, vinca roses, alyssum, salvia, and snapdragons. There are 32 plants per flat, all sourced from a local grower. Each flat costs $26.

Visit our website to order soon!

Address

274 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT
06820

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+12036559050

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