đź“Ť Your Guide to the Weekend Ahead

August 07, 2026

Happy Friday! The weekend has officially arrived, and Connecticut is buzzing local events, and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the summer. Before you make your plans, here's a roundup of some of the best things happening across the state.

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

BIG SAVINGS ON A FAMILY FUN DAY AT LAKE COMPOUNCE

Looking for the ultimate summer adventure? Right now, you can score single-day admission to Lake Compounce for just $34.99—that's up to 47% off regular admission. Spend the day enjoying thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and Connecticut's largest water park, all with one ticket.

From the legendary Boulder Dash wooden coaster and the newly refreshed Wildcat to splash-filled water attractions perfect for cooling off, there's something for every age to enjoy. Whether you're planning a family outing, a day with friends, or a last-minute summer adventure, this deal makes it even easier to experience one of Connecticut's favorite attractions.

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ALL WEEKEND LONG

  • Chess Lessons (Waterbury) - Players of all ages and skill levels can learn and practice chess during weekly Chess Lessons held every Saturday from 10:30 am to 12 pm at the Mattatuck Museum.

  • Revolutionary Roots: Generations of Change (Norwalk) - A deeper look at local and regional connections to America’s founding, offering visitors a meaningful perspective on the individuals and families who shaped early American history.

  • Plant A Seed, Read: 2026 Summer Reading Program (Bridgeport) - Readers of all ages are invited to grow their love of books during the Bridgeport Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Plant A Seed, Read."

  • Exhibit Highlight Tour (Mashantucket) - Explore thousands of years of history during the Exhibit Highlight Tour at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.

  • Zoo Patrol (Bridgeport) - Explore the Zoo through guided adventures, interactive activities, and engaging staff-led presentations.

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — college season! Move-in is almost here and Staples is making it easy to upgrade your setup without blowing your budget.
From dorm must-haves to desk accessories, they’ve got your list (and your wallet) covered. Grab supplies as low as 25¢ and a brand-new laptop for up to 40% off — perfect for powering through lectures, late-night study sessions and everything in between.

Whether you’re heading to campus for the first time or leveling up your setup, Staples is your college go-to. Think day planners, dorm snacks, tech upgrades and all the little things that make a new space feel like home.

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

You could be saving up to $1,100* on your auto insurance — but only if you're actually comparing. Most drivers stick with their current carrier out of habit, not because it's the best deal. Insurify changes that in minutes.

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

  • America 250 Wayback Fare Day – Ride (East Haven) - Enjoy discounted admission at 2016 prices while exploring one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating suburban street railways.

  • Sunday Markets (New Haven) - A seasonal outdoor market series presented in partnership with the New Haven Green.

  • Drawn Here Gallery Talk (Hartford) - Visitors can explore the stories and history behind the exhibition Drawn Here: Stories from Hartford’s North End during recurring gallery talks.

  • New England Guitar Society (Milford) - Guitar enthusiasts are invited to gather, learn, and share their passion for music.

  • National Theatre Live: The Audience (Fairfield) - See the acclaimed stage production of The Audience during National Theatre Live at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

  • Bonnie Raitt (Westport) - Thirteen-time GRAMMY Award winner Bonnie Raitt takes the stage at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

  • Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes (Hartford) - Comedian Nate Bargatze brings his Big Dumb Eyes tour to PeoplesBank Arena.

  • The Outlaws (Hartford) - Experience an evening of Southern rock when The Outlaws perform live at Infinity Music Hall.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Mystery of the Shoe Box Murder

In 1886, the quiet town of Wallingford became the center of one of Connecticut's most chilling unsolved mysteries. A local resident discovered a shoe box containing the remains of an unidentified man, launching an investigation that quickly captured headlines across the region.

As authorities searched for answers, countless theories emerged about the victim's identity and the motive behind the crime. Investigators uncovered additional human remains nearby, traced the shoe box across several states, and interviewed numerous witnesses, but every promising lead eventually reached a dead end.

More than a century later, the so-called "Shoe Box Murder" remains one of Connecticut's most infamous cold cases. The victim has never been identified, the killer was never found, and the mystery continues to fascinate historians and true crime enthusiasts alike.

Save up to 38% on AMC movie tickets and snack combos with this limited-time Groupon deal

Whether you're planning a date night, a family outing, or catching the latest blockbuster with friends, this AMC Groupon deal makes movie night even better. Save up to 38% on AMC Yellow Tickets, with options for two or four people, plus bundles that include popcorn and drinks for the complete theater experience.

Your AMC Yellow Tickets are valid seven days a week for standard 2D movies at participating AMC locations, giving you the flexibility to see the films you want, when you want. Simply redeem your Groupon online, receive your e-tickets by email, and head to the theater.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your Friday with us! We hope this weekend brings plenty of opportunities to explore, relax, and enjoy everything Connecticut has to offer.

Have a fantastic weekend, and we'll see you next week with more stories, events, and local highlights!

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!