🛰️Star Wars Brunch, Chalk Art Fest, & Dino Trolleys

July 18, 2025

Happy Friday, Connecticut explorers!

The weekend’s here, and we’ve got a fresh lineup of fun to help you make the most of it. From local eats to outdoor escapes, live music to family-friendly picks—there’s something for everyone across the state.

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.

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ALL WEEKEND LONG

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

  • Who's Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience at Infinity Hall (Norfolk) - Experience the ultimate tribute to Michael Jackson in an electrifying concert.

  • The Music of Tina Turner at Talcott Mountain Music Festival (Simsbury) - Celebrate the legendary career of Tina Turner with a stunning musical tribute.

  • Morse Summer Music Academy Pop-Up Concert at Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven) - Enjoy an informal concert performed by talented students from the Morse Summer Music Academy.

  • Stand Up and Learn Performance at The Playhouse (Westport) - Experience a fun showcase of innovative stand-up routines by students in the program.

  • Salsa Night at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury) - Dance the night away with a salsa lesson followed by music, food, and fun on the rooftop terrace.

  • Community at Garde Arts Center (New London) - Pre-estate sale reception featuring a unique collection of art and furniture from renowned artists and designers.

  • Friday Night Live Music Series Featuring Kt Lay at 1741 Pub & Grill (Middlefield) - Enjoy live music along with delicious food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Groupon has tons of amazing deals right now on family-friendly activities all over Connecticut!

From nearly 50% off admission to Lake Compounce to discounted Chuck E. Cheese Family Play Packages, 47% off tickets to Kidz Bop Live, and savings on bowling, AMC movies, and so much more — there’s something for every kind of adventure.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a summer day trip, or just need a quick and affordable way to make memories, these deals are worth checking out.

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How Hammonasset Became CT’s Beachfront Gem

From farmland to firearms testing to a million annual visitors, Hammonasset’s transformation is a century in the making.

Stretching over two miles of soft sand along Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park is now Connecticut’s largest shoreline park and a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. But long before sunbathers and swimmers arrived, the land had a surprisingly varied history.

Originally used by Indigenous tribes for fishing and farming, the name "Hammonasset" roughly translates to "place where we dig in the ground." Centuries later, the land was used as a weapons testing range by Winchester Repeating Arms in the 1800s, with shooters aiming from boats at targets on the dunes.

By the 1910s, the state began acquiring shoreline land for public use, piecing together over 70 properties in Madison to form what would become Hammonasset Beach State Park, officially opened in the summer of 1920. It quickly became a crowd favorite, attracting tens of thousands in its first year alone.

Aside from a WWII-era closure—when the park served as an army reserve station—Hammonasset has remained a beloved coastal escape.

Today, it draws over one million visitors annually, offering not just a beach day, but a piece of Connecticut history.

Explore 19 Acres of Hands-On History at Mystic Seaport Museum

History doesn’t have to live behind glass—and at Mystic Seaport Museum, it doesn’t. This massive, open-air maritime village lets you step aboard towering tall ships, chat with costumed blacksmiths and coopers, and watch live demos that bring 19th-century New England seafaring to life. ⚓️

With this Groupon deal, you’ll get full access to the 19-acre campus, including three legendary tall ships, rotating maritime exhibits, and a working shipyard where preservation is part of the experience. The highlight? The Charles W. Morgan—the world’s last surviving wooden whaleship, now open for you to explore. 🐳

Whether you're going with family, a history buff, or just want an outdoorsy day that isn’t a hike, this is a standout summer day trip that’s worth the drive to Mystic. And thanks to Viator’s price guarantee, you’ll be sailing into savings too. 💸

👉 Grab the deal now before it books up.

Thanks!

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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!