🌼 What’s Happening This Weekend in CT

March 13, 2026

Hey there, Connecticut explorers!

The weekend is almost here, and there’s plenty happening across the state. Whether you’re looking to get out, try something new, or just see what’s going on nearby, we’ve rounded up a few highlights to help you make the most of the days ahead.

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.

Looking for a fun outing with friends or family? Right now you can save up to 72% on Bowlero bowling deals, including two full hours of bowling with free shoe rental for groups of 2, 4, or 6 people.

Bowlero offers a lively atmosphere with glowing lanes, music, HD video walls, and comfortable lounge seating, making it more than just your typical bowling alley. Whether you’re planning a casual night out, a family activity, or a friendly competition, it’s a great way to spend a few hours together.

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ALL WEEKEND LONG

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

  • HSO Masterworks Series: Pines of Rome (Hartford) - Experience orchestral grandeur with Respighi’s breathtaking landscapes, Mozart’s lyrical charm, and Frank’s rich soundscapes.

  • An Evening With the Metta Quintet (New Haven) - Enjoy a dynamic jazz performance by the innovative Metta Quintet, a group dedicated to expanding jazz appreciation.

  • Jim Messina (Hartford) - Celebrate five decades of musical genius with legendary artist Jim Messina's vibrant performance.

  • Family Movie Night: Inside Out 2 (Hartford) - Join for a fun-filled movie night featuring "Inside Out 2," complete with crafts and free snacks for families.

Welcome to The Vermont Country Store! Since 1946, the Orton Family Business has offered an incredible assortment of unique and useful products and a shopping experience unlike any other.

Find new favorites like our exclusive bedding and sleepwear, heirloom-quality Mountain Weavers table linens, genuine Irish wool sweaters, and baked goods made from treasured family recipes. Rediscover beloved brands from the past, like Tangee, Lemon Up, and Mason Pearson. There’s more in store every time you shop to make each visit even better than the last. 

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Right now you can get $50 off assisted tax services at H&R Block, whether you prefer to file in person or virtually with the help of a tax professional.

H&R Block has over 50 years of experience and more than 100,000 tax professionals across 10,000+ offices, helping people file accurately and maximize their returns. With this deal, you pay just $5 for a voucher worth $50 off your tax preparation, making it an easy way to save while getting expert help.

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Changed America Forever

One of Connecticut’s most influential inventors, Eli Whitney, changed the course of American history with the creation of the cotton gin, a machine that dramatically sped up the process of removing seeds from raw cotton. Whitney received a patent for the invention in 1794, and the device quickly transformed cotton production across the southern United States.

Whitney’s path to invention was anything but typical. Born in Massachusetts in 1765, he showed mechanical talent at a young age and later attended Yale College, graduating in 1792. While traveling in the South shortly afterward, Whitney witnessed how difficult it was for farmers to process short-staple cotton by hand. Encouraged by plantation owner Catherine Greene, he developed a hand-cranked machine that could clean cotton fibers far faster than manual labor, making cotton farming suddenly far more profitable.

Although the invention revolutionized agriculture, its consequences were complex and far-reaching. The cotton gin helped expand cotton cultivation across the South, dramatically increasing demand for enslaved labor and accelerating the growth of the slave trade. What Whitney had hoped might reduce reliance on slavery instead helped entrench it, contributing to tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

Whitney later returned to Connecticut, where he found greater financial success in arms manufacturing, developing a system for producing rifles with interchangeable parts at his workshop in Hamden. His innovations helped shape early American industry, even as the cotton gin remained one of the most consequential and controversial inventions in U.S. history.

Discount tickets and snack bundles make a trip to the movies even better

If you’ve been thinking about heading to the movies, this deal could make your next movie night a lot more affordable. Right now, you can save up to 38% on AMC Yellow Tickets and snack combos, giving you discounted access to movies at AMC Theatres locations across the country, including Connecticut.

AMC Yellow Tickets can be used for standard 2D movie showings any day of the week, making them a flexible option whether you’re planning a date night, family outing, or weekend trip to the theater. Several bundle options are available, including single tickets, multi-ticket packs, and packages that include popcorn and drinks, so you can enjoy the full movie experience without paying full price.

Beyond the savings, AMC theaters offer luxury recliner seating, premium sound and projection technology, and popular upgrades like IMAX and Dolby Cinema. It’s a comfortable and immersive way to enjoy the latest releases on the big screen.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading and spending a few minutes with us! We hope you find something fun to check out this weekend. If you know someone who enjoys discovering local events and things to do, feel free to share this email with them.

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!