🎟️ Lunar New Year, Blue Man Group & Willy Loman Take the Stage

Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and if you’re ready to lock in plans, we’ve got a lineup that brings culture, creativity, and serious stage energy across Connecticut. From a vibrant community celebration to a global performance tour and a timeless American drama, there’s plenty happening statewide.

Here’s what’s inside:

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration in Manchester
🥁 Blue Man Group in Waterbury
🎭 Death of a Salesman in Hartford
📗 This Month in CT History: Ralph Nader and the Consumer Crusade That Changed America
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🧧 CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE IN MANCHESTER

A vibrant Lunar New Year celebration for all ages

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut, is hosting a free Lunar New Year Celebration on February 28, 2026 at Connecticut State Community College in Manchester.

Running from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the event welcomes families and community members to celebrate the Year of the Horse with food, crafts, workshops, vendors, and live performances. Guests can choose between a Morning Block (10 am – 1 pm) or Afternoon Block (1 pm – 4 pm). While admission is free, tickets are required due to capacity limits and space is expected to fill quickly.

🥁 EXPERIENCE BLUE MAN GROUP: BLUEVOLUTION WORLD TOUR

Music, art, and high-energy spectacle at the Palace

Blue Man Group brings its Bluevolution World Tour to the Palace Theater at 100 East Main Street in Waterbury on March 3 and March 4, 2026. Showtimes include 7:30 pm on March 3, and 10:00 am and 7:30 pm on March 4.

Blending percussion, immersive visuals, humor, and audience interaction, the production introduces a new character, “The Rockstar,” adding an extra layer of electrifying energy to the performance. It’s a multi-sensory experience designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

🎭 DON’T MISS DEATH OF A SALESMAN AT HARTFORD STAGE

A timeless American drama returns to the stage

Hartford Stage at 50 Church Street presents Death of a Salesman from February 27 through March 29, 2026. Evening performances run Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm, excluding March 10.

This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning classic follows Willy Loman’s pursuit of success and the emotional cost of chasing the American Dream. Thought-provoking and deeply human, it remains one of the most powerful works in American theatre. Tickets range from $20 to $105.

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🎳 SCORE BIG AT BOWLERO WITH THIS 2-HOUR BOWLING DEAL

Up to 72% off bowling for 2, 4, or 6 guests, with free shoe rentals included

If you’re looking for an easy win for your next night out, this is it. Bowlero is offering two full hours of bowling for groups of 2, 4, or 6, with free shoe rentals included, at savings of up to 72% off regular pricing. Thousands have already grabbed this deal, and it’s moving fast.

Options start at $40 for two people, $64 for four, or $87 for six, with each voucher covering one lane for the full two-hour session. That’s plenty of time for rematches, strike streaks, and the kind of friendly competition that somehow gets way more intense than expected.

Bowlero isn’t your old-school bowling alley. Expect black-light lanes, booming music, plush lounge seating, and massive HD screens that keep the energy high. When you need a break, there’s arcade games, billiards, and a full menu loaded with burgers, wings, nachos, pizza, and sweet treats. It’s built for group fun, date nights, or family outings that actually feel exciting.

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TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Zoo Tots - February (Bridgeport) - Join to meet some of our animal ambassadors as we explore how they stay warm in winter.

• Black Violin Full Circle Tour (New Haven) - The Grammy-nominated duo combines classical music with hip-hop in an engaging performance.

• Chris Janson (New London) - Experience live country music with Chris Janson.

• Paintball Thursday League Night (Middlefield) - Gear up for adrenaline-filled Thursday evenings during Paintball League Night.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Ralph Nader and the Consumer Crusade That Changed America

Born in Winsted in 1934, Ralph Nader rose from small-town Connecticut roots to become one of the nation’s most influential consumer advocates. After graduating from Princeton and Harvard Law School, he turned his attention to public safety and corporate accountability.

His 1965 bestseller Unsafe at Any Speed exposed dangerous flaws in American automobiles and criticized manufacturers for putting profits ahead of people. The book sparked national outrage and helped lead to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, giving the federal government greater authority to set vehicle safety standards.

Nader went on to champion environmental protections, government transparency, and consumer rights, playing a role in landmark legislation such as the Clean Water Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Though his later presidential runs stirred debate, his impact on public safety and reform remains one of Connecticut’s most far-reaching legacies.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Connecticut Bank Rebrands as Beacon Following $1.1B Merger

Berkshire Bank’s Connecticut branches are now operating under the new name Beacon Bank after a $1.1 billion merger involving four banks and two parent companies. The rebranded institution now spans New England and New York with 145 branches and more than $23 billion in assets. Beacon leaders say the move strengthens regional reach while maintaining local decision-making and community ties.

Wilton Secures Millions in Grants to Rebuild Aging Bridges

Wilton officials approved nearly $15 million in bridge replacements and repairs, with the vast majority funded through state and federal grants. Two deteriorating bridges over the Norwalk River will be fully replaced, while four others will undergo rehabilitation. Town taxpayers are responsible for a small portion of the overall cost, with reconstruction expected to begin this spring.

Bridgeport KFC Property Listed for Sale

The standalone Kentucky Fried Chicken building on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport has been listed for $1.3 million. The 1,440-square-foot property, remodeled in 2021, is marketed as a stable investment opportunity with steady traffic and net operating income. The listing highlights its strong visibility in Connecticut’s largest city.

Three Connecticut Parks Named Among Top ‘Micro-Escapes’

Wooster Square Park in New Haven, Mill River Park in Stamford, and Bushnell Park in Hartford were recognized in a national survey of the top 200 “micro-escapes.” The list highlights urban green spaces that offer calm and restoration without leaving the city. Each Connecticut park was praised for blending accessibility with a sense of everyday serenity.

CT Biotech Reserves Spot on Commercial Space Station

Woodbridge-based LambdaVision has secured space aboard an upcoming commercial space station to help scale production of its artificial retina technology. The company is developing treatments aimed at restoring vision for patients with degenerative eye diseases, marking another step forward in Connecticut’s growing biotech sector.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! We hope today’s edition sparked a few ideas and inspired you to get out and experience something new around Connecticut this week.

If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend who’s always looking for their next plan. The best events are even better when more people are in on them.

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!