🎉Celebrate Lunarfest, Winter Fest & Matilda in CT

February 19, 2026

Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and Connecticut is bringing culture, creativity, and community in a big way. Whether you’re heading to a lively parade, exploring a charming winter town festival, or catching a Broadway-caliber musical close to home, there’s something worth putting on your calendar.

Here’s what’s inside:

🐎 Lunarfest 2026 in New Haven
❄️ Winter Weekend in Norfolk
🎭 Matilda the Musical in Shelton
📗 This Month in CT History: Roger Sherman Baldwin’s Lifelong Fight Against Slavery
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Why More Seafood (and Less Red Meat) Might Be the Wellness Shift You’ve Been Looking For

 If you’re thinking about cutting back on red meat for better health, wild-caught seafood could be your secret weapon. Science shows that eating fish 1-2 times a week can support healthy heart and brain function, help reduce inflammation, and even may give your metabolism a little boost.

Here’s what wild-caught seafood delivers: essential n‑3 polyunsaturated fats (specifically, the marine-based omega-3 fatty acids that nutritionists love so much!), lean and digestible protein, and a smorgasbord of nutrients. Compare that to conventional red meat, which often comes with higher saturated fat, an unhealthy balance of omega‑6 fatty acids, and a limited range of nutrients.

Switching to seafood as your go-to protein is not just a shift away from a red meat rut. It’s a shift toward higher-quality nutrients and a more diversified diet for well-rounded health.

This is an advertisement. 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!

🐎 CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE AT LUNARFEST 2026

Connecticut’s largest Lunar New Year celebration returns to New Haven

Lunarfest 2026 takes over New Haven on Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a full day of vibrant performances and cultural celebration. Presented by the Yale-China Association, this free, family-friendly festival begins with a lively parade along Whitney Avenue between Grove Street and Trumbull Street, featuring a traditional lion dance, Chinese dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and remarks from community leaders.

Additional activities unfold at multiple locations throughout the city, highlighting cross-cultural exchange through performances, demonstrations, and hands-on community events. As the state’s largest Lunar New Year celebration, Lunarfest offers a meaningful and festive way to experience global traditions right in the heart of New Haven.

A townwide celebration in Connecticut’s “Icebox”

Norfolk’s annual Winter Weekend returns February 21–22, 2026 with two full days of arts, music, history, and seasonal fun throughout town. Known as the “Icebox of Connecticut,” Norfolk embraces winter with indoor and outdoor events designed for all ages, from gallery talks and art exhibits to live music, workshops, and family-friendly programming.

Events take place at multiple locations across Norfolk, with most activities offered free of charge. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, enjoy creative performances, and soak up small-town charm during a festival that showcases the community’s vibrant spirit even in the coldest months.

A Tony Award-winning favorite comes to Center Stage Theatre

Center Stage Theatre in Shelton presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical from February 21 through March 8, 2026 at 54 Grove Street. Performances run on select evenings at 7:30 pm and matinees at 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm on designated dates. This high-energy production features two talented casts and brings to life the beloved story of a brilliant young girl with an extraordinary imagination.

With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, this internationally celebrated musical blends humor, heart, and powerhouse dance numbers. Tickets range from $20–$55, making it an accessible night out for families, theater lovers, and anyone who appreciates a feel-good story with serious stage presence.

If you’ve been thinking about joining Sam’s Club, this is your moment. Right now, you can grab a One-Year Club Membership for just $20 (regularly $50) or upgrade to a One-Year Plus Membership for $60 (regularly $110). That’s up to 60% off — and over 1,000 people jumped on this deal today alone.

The Club membership gets you members-only fuel savings, free curbside pickup on eligible orders, instant savings, and a complimentary household membership. Upgrade to Plus and unlock 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases, free shipping, early shopping hours, and even more exclusive perks. Stock up, save more, and make every trip count.

This is an advertisement.

Games, pizza, prizes — and serious savings

Looking for an easy win for family night? Chuck E. Cheese is offering major savings on its Family Play & Pizza Package and Dining Vouchers, making it simple to pack games, food, and nonstop fun into one visit. The Family Play & Pizza Package is now $54.99 (regularly $95.94) and includes 60 minutes of All You Can Play games for two, two reloadable Play Pass cards, one large 1-topping pizza, and four soft drinks.

Prefer just food? Grab a $30 Dining Voucher for $20 and save 33% on pizza, wings, cheesy bread, and more. With refreshed arcade games, an interactive dance floor, over 150 prizes, and locations nationwide, it’s a go-to spot where kids can run, play, and make memories — without you having to plan an elaborate day out. Over 300 people grabbed this deal today alone, so don’t wait.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Roger Sherman Baldwin’s Lifelong Fight Against Slavery

Roger Sherman Baldwin is remembered as a governor and U.S. senator, but his legacy is most powerfully tied to his unwavering opposition to slavery. Born in 1793 into a prominent Connecticut family and educated at Yale and Litchfield Law School, Baldwin built a respected legal career in New Haven. Early on, he used his legal skills to defend escaped enslaved people and stood publicly against efforts to block educational opportunities for African Americans in Connecticut.

He gained national prominence for his role in the landmark Amistad case, defending the Mendi people who had been illegally enslaved and transported aboard a Spanish ship. Arguing alongside former President John Quincy Adams before the U.S. Supreme Court, Baldwin helped secure their freedom in 1841, grounding his case in fundamental human rights and the illegality of their captivity. The victory cemented his reputation as one of the country’s leading abolitionist lawyers.

Baldwin later served as Connecticut’s governor and as a U.S. senator, where he pushed for election reform, education improvements, and immigrant property rights, while consistently opposing the expansion of slavery. He spoke out against the Fugitive Slave Act and helped lay the groundwork for Connecticut’s Republican Party, supporting Abraham Lincoln’s rise to the presidency. Baldwin lived long enough to see the Emancipation Proclamation take effect, marking a turning point in the struggle he had championed throughout his life.

Amazon Prime offers much more than just free shipping! Ensure you're getting the most out of your membership with help from our deal experts. Discover 9 Prime benefits you should be using.

This is an advertisement.

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Hollywood Icon Yamashiro Coming to Foxwoods

Yamashiro, the legendary Japanese restaurant that opened in Los Angeles in 1914, is bringing its immersive dining experience to Foxwoods Resort Casino. The new location will feature traditional Japanese cuisine, sushi, steak, and an upscale nightlife vibe that transforms into a DJ-driven scene on weekend nights. Casino officials also announced renovated hotel suites and a new “Innovation Zone” introducing next-generation gaming concepts.

Fat Duck Tavern Expanding to West Hartford

Blue Back Square in West Hartford is welcoming Fat Duck Tavern, an upscale-casual restaurant known for elevated comfort food and bold flavors. The eatery, originally established in Madison, will take over space at 63 Memorial Road. An opening date has not yet been announced.

Proposed 20% Cut Could Impact Cross-Town Library Borrowing

Connecticut’s reciprocal library borrowing program, borrowIT CT, faces a proposed 20% budget cut under Gov. Ned Lamont’s plan. The program allows residents to use library cards at nearly 200 libraries statewide, with reimbursements helping local libraries maintain collections and services. Library leaders warn the reduction could limit access or strain already modest budgets.

BBB Warns of Tax Scams Targeting CT Residents

The Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut is warning residents about scammers posing as tax agencies or consultants during tax season. Fraudsters are using urgent phone calls to pressure individuals into sharing personal and financial information. Officials remind residents that the IRS typically contacts taxpayers by mail first and does not demand immediate payment over the phone.

Connecticut Invests $4.8M in Robotics and Manufacturing Education

State officials announced a $4.8 million investment over two years to expand robotics and advanced manufacturing education programs in Connecticut schools. The funding aims to strengthen workforce development and prepare students for careers in high-tech manufacturing industries.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked a few ideas to get out, explore somewhere new, and make the most of what Connecticut has going on this week.

If you enjoyed today’s email, share it with a friend and help them stay in the know about the best things happening around the state.

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!