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- 🎉 A Weekend Full of Fun, Finds & Fresh Things to Do Across CT!
🎉 A Weekend Full of Fun, Finds & Fresh Things to Do Across CT!
Hey there, Connecticut explorers!
The weekend is calling, and we’ve pulled together a lineup of things to do across the state to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re looking to get out of the house, try something new, or stick with a favorite kind of plan, there’s plenty of inspiration ahead to shape your weekend your way.
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

Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven at Yale Schwarzman Center (New Haven): This exhibition highlights the significant and often overlooked roles of Black individuals throughout Yale University’s and New Haven’s histories.
The View from Here: Accessing Art Through Photography at Yale Schwarzman Center (New Haven): This exhibition showcases the work of thirteen student-photographers from Greater New Haven who participated in a collaborative photography program.
Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Train Show at Connecticut River Museum (Essex): The holiday season comes to life once again at the Connecticut River Museum with Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Train Show.
Call of the Dolphins (3D) at the Connecticut Science Center (Harford): This 3D documentary explores the intelligence, playfulness, and emotional depth of these remarkable creatures while showcasing the work of researchers and rescue teams dedicated to protecting them.

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
Open Winter Vacation (Hartford) - Step out of the cold and into a full day of discovery with unique experiences.
Christmas Week Trolley Rides (East Haven) - Enjoy a festive family activity aboard the Christmas Holiday Trolley Rides amidst beautiful holiday decorations.
Inspire Center – Expanded Hours (Hartford) - Experience hands-on creativity and problem-solving in the Inspire Center, available during school break.
SPINNATO'S COMEDY MAGIC (Uncasville) - Enjoy a unique and hilarious twist on magic for an adults-only night out at Mohegan Sun.
Docent Tour | Collection Highlights (New Haven) - Join a docent-led tour to explore highlights from the remarkable collection at the Yale Center for British Art.
Friday Night Live Music Series Featuring Shawn Taylor (Middlefield) - Experience live music from Shawn Taylor at 1741 Pub & Grill, blending various Americana sounds.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
Cocoa and Crafts: Slothee Wants Coffee at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (Hartford) - Enjoy a cozy afternoon at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History during a special reading of Slothee Wants Coffee.
The Disco Biscuits Fall Tour 2025 (New Haven) - Experience this pioneer band of "Trance-Fusion" music live as they celebrate 30 years of music.
Art Adventures: Wishing Stars! (Greenwich) - Create unique snowflakes in this drop-in art program for families.
Shen Yun 2025 (Waterbury) - Experience a mesmerizing cultural performance celebrating China's rich heritage.
Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour (Hartford) - Join the legendary Harlem Globetrotters in this special anniversary tour!
Comedy in the Oasis Room (New London) - Enjoy a night of laughter with Brian Glowacki's unique comedic style!
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
All-You-Can-Eat Cider Pancake Sunday Brunch at 1741 Pub & Grill (Middlefield) - Indulge in our delicious brunch featuring all-you-can-eat cider pancakes!
Docent Tour | The Architecture of the YCBA (New Haven) - Join for a guided exploration of the iconic architecture at the Yale Center for British Art.
Mixtape Match at 1741 Pub & Grill (Middlefield) - Join for a fun twist on bingo featuring music themes and free play!
Passholder Appreciation Weekends at Lake Compounce (Bristol) - Guests can enjoy unlimited visits to over 50 attractions, celebrating the Ultimate Season of Family Fun.
Walk-In Tour: Norman Rockwell (New Britain) - Explore the artistry of Norman Rockwell through a docent-led tour of the special exhibition Norman Rockwell.
Downtown Mystic Ghost Tours (Mystic) - Explore the darker side of Mystic’s past, from colonial conflicts and lost sailors to unexplained murders and supernatural sightings.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
The Governor Who Refused to Leave Office
Few figures in Connecticut history packed as much ambition into one lifetime as Morgan G. Bulkeley. Born in East Haddam in 1837, Bulkeley built an extraordinary résumé long before entering the governor’s office. He served briefly in the Union Army during the Civil War, thrived in finance and insurance, became president of Aetna, helped found professional baseball’s National League, and spent years shaping Hartford’s political life as mayor.
Bulkeley’s rise to governor came during an era of fierce political division. After a contested election failed to produce a clear winner, the General Assembly stepped in and selected him to serve. When his term ended two years later, history repeated itself: once again, the opposing parties deadlocked, unable to agree on a successor. With no governor officially chosen, Bulkeley remained in office to keep state business running.
Tensions escalated when Bulkeley returned to his office one morning to find the locks changed, an apparent attempt to force him out amid growing political threats. Rather than back down, he famously ordered a deputy sheriff to pry open the door with a crowbar and resumed work as if nothing had happened. The dramatic moment cemented his nickname and his reputation as a forceful, unyielding leader.
Eventually, the Connecticut Supreme Court resolved the standoff by ruling that Bulkeley would continue serving as acting governor. The episode became one of the state’s most memorable political sagas, turning an already larger-than-life public figure into a legend of Connecticut history.

Big-screen entertainment, buttery popcorn, and major savings
Movie night just got a whole lot better. With this popular Groupon deal, you can score AMC Yellow Tickets or ticket-and-snack combos at up to 38% off, making it easier than ever to catch the latest blockbusters without the blockbuster price tag. These flexible tickets are valid seven days a week at participating AMC Theatres nationwide, so you can plan a spontaneous night out or save them for later with no rush once redeemed.
Upgrade the experience with optional snack bundles featuring AMC’s famous freshly popped popcorn and drinks, or go all-in with premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, or AMC Prime for an extra wow factor. With plush recliners, reserved seating, and top-tier sound and visuals, AMC turns a simple movie into a full experience — and this deal makes it even sweeter. Whether it’s date night, family time, or a last-minute gift idea, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

Thanks!
Thanks for spending a bit of your planning time with us! We hope you find something fun to check out and make the most of the weekend ahead.
If you know someone who’s always on the hunt for great local events, feel free to share this email their way.
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!


