🏀 Weekend Plans, Solved: Games, Galleries & Live Music Across CT

January 09, 2026

It’s Friday, Connecticut!

The weekend is calling, and we’ve gathered a mix of things happening around the state to help you answer it. Whether you’re planning ahead or deciding last-minute, there’s something here to get you inspired.

You can click on any event below to get more details, and if you're looking for even more ideas, check out our full Weekend Guide for a complete list of things to do across Connecticut.

If you’ve ever tried eating better, you know it’s not exactly easy. From buying expensive organic ingredients and oils to prepping, cooking, plating, and tracking, so much goes into a high-quality healthy meal that it can all be a little overwhelming – unless you have Forkful.

Forkful offers the best of both worlds: A wide variety of restaurant-quality meals fit for any diet, that are also made with the finest ingredients (think grass-fed beef, organic produce, and avocado oil). Add to that the fact that every dish is fresh, never frozen, prepared by chefs, and only takes 2-3 minutes to prepare, and you’ve just discovered your newest healthy eating hack. 

Ready to start eating better?

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

ALL WEEKEND LONG

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

Wildgrain is today’s sponsor, and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited about this one. They deliver artisanal sourdough bread, fresh pastas, and pastries straight to your door!

Everything bakes from frozen in 25 minutes or less, so you get that “fresh from the bakery” magic without leaving home. And don’t forget their new slow-churned butter. Gluten-free or vegan? They’ve got that too.

As a treat for Connecticut Lifestyles readers, Wildgrain is giving you $30 off your first box plus free croissants for life (yes, for life, in every box). Consider this your excuse to stock your freezer with artisan sourdough.

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

Say goodbye to quick fixes and hello to lasting results. Noom’s science-based program helps you change your habits for good. With personalized coaching and expert guidance, you’ll build sustainable habits that stick.

Ready for real, lasting weight loss? Start your free 14 day trial today!

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Can-Do Connecticut Invents the Can Opener

Long before canned food was a pantry staple, opening a tin can was a real challenge. Early cans were thick, heavy, and sealed tight, often requiring a hammer and chisel just to reach the food inside. While canning revolutionized food storage in the 19th century, the lack of a simple opening tool made it inconvenient and, at times, dangerous.

That changed when Waterbury native Ezra J. Warner stepped in with a practical solution. In 1858, Warner patented the first dedicated can opener, a handheld tool designed specifically to pierce and cut through tin can lids. His design used a pointed blade to puncture the can and a curved cutting edge to slice around the top, making canned food far more accessible.

Though Warner’s opener left sharp edges and was eventually replaced by safer, more refined designs, it solved a long-standing problem at the right moment. Used by everyone from Civil War soldiers to shopkeepers, his invention marked a key step in making canned food an everyday convenience—and added another chapter to Connecticut’s long history of practical, problem-solving innovation.

One pass, endless adventures across New England—at half the price

If you’re tired of doing the mental math every time your kids spot something fun, this deal is about to be your new best friend. The GetOutPass – New England unlocks a full year of family-friendly attractions across the region, all wrapped into one easy-to-use digital pass. Right now, you can snag it for 50% off, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to say “yes” to more outings in 2026.

With a single pass per person, you’ll get 365 days of admission to 25+ attractions, including favorites like Buttonwood Park Zoo, Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, trampoline parks, mini golf, museums, and indoor adventure spots. Most venues offer one free visit per year, but some allow repeat access, and new attractions are added throughout the year—so the value keeps growing.

Everything runs through the GetOutPass mobile app. Browse attractions, plan spur-of-the-moment trips, and scan your phone at the door—no paper tickets, no extra fees, no stress. After just a few visits, the pass pays for itself, and everything after that feels like a win. It’s perfect for families, grandparents, staycation planners, and anyone looking to swap screen time for real experiences.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

Thanks!

Thanks for spending time with us! We hope you find a reason to get out, try something new, and enjoy the weekend ahead. And if you know someone who’s always on the hunt for fun things to do, feel free to share this email with them too.

Have a fantastic weekend!

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!