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- 🎉 Big Weekend Ahead: Food Fests, Art Shows & Spring Fun Across CT!
🎉 Big Weekend Ahead: Food Fests, Art Shows & Spring Fun Across CT!
Hello, Connecticut!
Another fun-filled weekend is on the horizon, and we've gathered some of the top events happening around the state. From delicious food festivals and live entertainment to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, there's plenty to explore in 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 summer outing with friends? The Stamford Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest is returning to Mill River Park on August 29, bringing together craft beverages, live entertainment, food vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere in the heart of downtown Stamford.
This popular event gives attendees the chance to sample a wide variety of beers, wines, and spirits from producers around the world, making it easy to discover new favorites and explore different styles and flavors. Each guest receives a souvenir sampling glass to kick off their tasting experience.
Beyond the drinks, the festival features live music, interactive games, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy a summer afternoon outdoors. Food vendors will also be on-site with delicious options available for purchase throughout the event.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply looking for a memorable day out with friends, this festival offers a little something for everyone.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
🎭 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Milford Arts Council (Milford): Follow a brilliant teenager's journey to solve a neighborhood mystery in this acclaimed, award-winning stage adaptation of the bestselling novel.
😂 Joey Vega at The Stress Factory Bridgeport (Bridgeport): Enjoy an evening of sharp observations, energetic storytelling, and nonstop laughs from veteran comedian Joey Vega.
🇺🇸 Revolutionary Roots: Generations of Change at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (Norwalk): Discover untold Revolutionary War stories through artifacts, costumes, and exhibits commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Screenings at Pitkin Plaza (New Haven): Watch the world's biggest soccer tournament alongside fellow fans in a festive outdoor setting featuring food specials and community spirit.
FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
🍺 Summer Pour Tour at Outer Light Brewing Company (Groton): Sip local craft beverages while supporting Mystic Aquarium's marine animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
🎸 Friday Night Live Music Series Featuring The Lone Gnome at 1741 Pub & Grill (Middlefield): Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music, great food, and drinks with singer-songwriter Benny Mikula performing originals and crowd favorites.
🎆 Barnum Skyblast Fireworks at Seaside Park (Bridgeport): Experience one of Connecticut's signature summer fireworks displays with food trucks, live entertainment, and spectacular waterfront views.
😂 Mark Viera – The Boricuas of Comedy Tour at Hartford Funny Bone Comedy Club (Manchester): Laugh along to Mark Viera's energetic comedy featuring hilarious stories about family, culture, and everyday life.
🎤 Rob Schneider: Live at Shubert Theatre (New Haven): Spend an evening with the longtime comedian, actor, and former Saturday Night Live star as he brings his stand-up tour to Connecticut.
🎶 Prince/Bowie: The Music of Prince & David Bowie at Infinity Music Hall (Hartford): Celebrate two music legends with a high-energy tribute concert featuring classic hits from Prince and David Bowie performed by an all-star band.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!
Few aromas are as irresistible as a fresh Cinnabon cinnamon roll straight from the oven. Now, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and save at the same time with a $25 Cinnabon eGift Card available through Groupon for less than face value.
Use the eGift Card like cash toward any of your Cinnabon favorites, including the brand's famous cinnamon rolls, sweet baked treats, specialty drinks, and other menu items. Whether you're grabbing a quick dessert, treating the family, or picking up a sweet surprise for someone special, this flexible gift card lets you choose exactly what you're craving.
With hundreds of participating locations nationwide, it's also a convenient gift idea for birthdays, thank-you gifts, celebrations, or anyone who appreciates a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.
If you're already planning your next Cinnabon visit, this deal is an easy way to stretch your dessert budget a little further while enjoying one of America's most iconic sweet treats.
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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
🍓 Strawberry Moon Living Exhibition at Mashantucket Pequot Museum (Mashantucket): Celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions with hands-on activities, song and dance performances, wildlife encounters, and strawberry-themed treats.
🫐 Raspberry Festival at Lyman Orchards (Middlefield): Enjoy a sweet summer day filled with raspberry picking, live music, food trucks, family activities, wagon rides, and seasonal treats.
🌺 Garden Conservancy Open Days: Litchfield County Gardens Tour (Cornwall, Kent & Falls Village): Explore three stunning private gardens featuring woodland landscapes, colorful plantings, sculptures, ponds, and unique horticultural designs.
⚡ Pokémon Day at Connecticut Science Center (Hartford): Catch Pokémon-themed fun with scavenger hunts, card trading, science demonstrations, special character appearances, and interactive activities for fans of all ages.
🩺 Community Health Fair at Central High School (Bridgeport): Access free health screenings, wellness resources, family activities, and valuable information from healthcare organizations across the region.
🇫🇷 Rochambeau Monument Dedication at Meadowview Park (Middlebury): Commemorate a pivotal Revolutionary War alliance during the unveiling of a new monument honoring the French soldiers who helped secure American independence.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!
Boxes of old VHS tapes often contain some of our most treasured memories—family vacations, childhood birthdays, holiday gatherings, weddings, and moments that can never be recreated. The problem? VHS tapes don't last forever.
This Kodak Digitizing Kit makes it easy to preserve those memories by converting your aging videotapes into modern digital formats. Professional U.S.-based technicians carefully handle each tape, digitizing VHS, VHS-C, Mini-DV, and other supported formats using broadcast-grade equipment designed to maximize video and audio quality.
Every item is individually tracked throughout the process, giving you peace of mind while your memories are being preserved. Once complete, you'll receive your videos in a convenient digital format while your original tapes are safely returned to you.
Whether you're looking to safeguard priceless family footage, create an unforgettable gift for loved ones, or finally organize years of home videos, this service offers an easy way to protect memories that might otherwise fade away with time.
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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
🌿 Garden Conservancy Open Days: New London County Gardens Tour (Mystic & Stonington): Explore two extraordinary private gardens showcasing sustainable landscapes, historic plantings, tranquil ponds, and inspiring horticultural design.
🎺 The Great Street Parade in Bridgeport (Bridgeport): Celebrate one of Connecticut's most beloved traditions with marching bands, colorful floats, performers, and community groups filling the streets with festive energy.
🥗 Food for Life: Navigating Travel at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury): Learn practical strategies for maintaining healthy eating habits while traveling through this interactive discussion-based program.
🇺🇸 History & Hops: Red, White, & BINGO! at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury): Test your knowledge of American history while enjoying a lively bingo game filled with patriotic trivia and prizes.
👑 Villains Drag Brunch at Hartford Funny Bone Comedy Club (Manchester): Enjoy a wickedly entertaining afternoon of drag performances inspired by iconic pop culture villains, hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race star Robin Fierce.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
The Educator Who Defied Connecticut to Open a School for Black Girls
Few figures in Connecticut history demonstrated more courage and conviction than Prudence Crandall. In the early 1830s, the Canterbury educator found herself at the center of a national debate over race, equality, and access to education after making a decision that challenged the prejudices of her time.
Crandall originally operated a successful boarding school for young women in eastern Connecticut. But when she admitted Sarah Harris, the daughter of a free Black family, local support quickly disappeared. Rather than reverse her decision, Crandall took an even bolder step—reopening her school as an academy dedicated to educating Black girls from across the Northeast.
The move sparked fierce opposition. Local residents pressured state lawmakers to pass legislation restricting the education of out-of-state Black students, leading to the creation of Connecticut's infamous "Black Law." When Crandall refused to close her school, she was arrested and jailed, setting off a series of legal battles that drew national attention and made her a prominent figure in the growing abolitionist movement.
Although the school eventually closed after repeated harassment and violent attacks threatened the safety of its students, Crandall's stand for educational equality left a lasting legacy. Decades later, Connecticut formally recognized the injustice she endured, and today she is remembered as the state's official State Heroine. Her former schoolhouse in Canterbury remains a museum dedicated to preserving the story of one of Connecticut's most important civil rights pioneers.
Discounted Tickets, Popcorn Combos, and an Easy Way to Enjoy Your Next Movie Night
Looking for an affordable night out? AMC Theatres is making movie nights easier on the wallet with discounted Yellow Tickets and snack combo deals that can save moviegoers up to 38% off regular prices.
Whether you're planning a solo trip to the theater, a date night, or a family outing, there are options for everyone. Choose from single tickets, multi-ticket packages, or bundles that include classic movie essentials like popcorn and drinks. The flexible Yellow Tickets can be redeemed seven days a week at participating AMC locations, giving you the freedom to see the movies you want on your schedule.
AMC continues to be one of the country's most popular theater chains thanks to its comfortable reclining seats, reserved seating options, premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema, and, of course, its famous movie theater popcorn. With blockbuster season in full swing, these discounted ticket packages offer a great excuse to catch the latest releases on the big screen.
Whether you're planning a summer movie marathon, treating the family, or searching for an easy gift idea, this deal helps you enjoy the full theater experience while spending less.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and letting us be part of your weekend planning! We hope you found a few events, adventures, and local gems worth adding to your calendar.
If you enjoyed today's newsletter, consider sharing it with a friend or family member. There’s always something happening in Connecticut, and great experiences are even better when shared.
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!