🚀 Vineyard Festival, Space Expo & Earth Day Vibes

April 23, 2026

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Good morning and happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and if you’re ready to actually do something instead of just saying “we’ll figure it out,” this lineup makes it easy. From food and music to hands-on experiences and community events, there’s a lot happening across Connecticut worth locking into your plans now.

Here’s what’s inside:

🍔 A food, music, and wine-filled festival at a scenic vineyard
🚀 A family-friendly space expo with real astronauts and interactive fun
🌿 An Earth Day celebration packed with crafts, local vendors, and live music
đź“— This Month in CT History: Tensions Ignite in Early Connecticut
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Adventures led by women, designed to make a difference.

Imagine a vacation that’s not only transformative for you but helps open doors for the local women you meet along the way. That’s what Intrepid’s new Women’s Expeditions in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan are all about.

Designed specifically for women travellers, these trips offer immersive local experiences that support women-run and owned businesses in each destination. With an expert local leader out front, you could trek the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos route in the Peruvian Andes alongside an all-female crew, dive into Cambodia’s street food scene on a women-run tuk tuk tour, or unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan.

First launched in 2018, Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition range is designed to break down barriers, foster discussion and create meaningful connections for travellers and locals alike.

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Two days of food trucks, live music, wine, and nonstop festival energy at Priam Vineyards

Get ready to show up hungry. The Colchester Music & Food Truck Festival is taking over Priam Vineyards for a full weekend of food, music, and good vibes. Happening Saturday, April 25 from 11am–7pm and Sunday, April 26 from 11am–6pm in Colchester, this free event brings together a stacked lineup of food trucks, live bands, local vendors, and scenic vineyard views that honestly do half the work for your Instagram.

This isn’t just about grabbing a bite. You can sip local wines, hang out with friends, let the kids run around in the family fun zone, and stay for the entertainment from open to close. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or just a chill spring day outside, this is one of those events you don’t want to miss.

Meet a NASA astronaut, explore real aircraft, and dive into hands-on space fun

If you want something a little more out of this world, Space Expo at the New England Air Museum is where you should be on Saturday, April 25. With special guest astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger, plus talks, meet-and-greets, and interactive exhibits, this is the kind of event that keeps both kids and adults fully locked in.

From building rockets to sending postcards to space and exploring real aircraft, there’s a ton to experience throughout the day. It’s included with general admission, which makes it an easy yes if you’re looking for something fun, educational, and a little different.

An eco-friendly day of creativity, community, and hands-on fun for all ages

For something a bit more laid-back, the Earth Day Celebration at Kaleidoscope in Chester brings together local artists, live music, and family-friendly activities in one easygoing event. It’s happening Saturday, April 25 from 10am–4pm, with free admission and plenty to explore throughout the day.

You’ll find sustainable vendors, food from KaraBella’s Kitchen, live performances, book signings, and hands-on crafts for kids. It’s the kind of event where you can slow down, support local, and still have a full day of things to do without spending a ton.

If you need an easy win for the kids (or let’s be real… yourself too), this deal delivers. Chuck E. Cheese is bringing the full experience — arcade games, interactive dance floors, prizes, and that iconic pizza — all in one place, without the usual price tag. You can score a Family Play & Pizza Package for up to 43% off or grab a $30 dining voucher for just $20, making it way easier to say yes to a spontaneous fun day.

We’re talking 60 minutes of all-you-can-play games, reloadable play cards, a large fresh-made pizza, and drinks for the crew. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and kids absolutely love it. Plus, everything’s in one spot so you don’t have to overthink the plan.

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A laid-back cider tasting experience with charcuterie, scenic views, and serious savings

Looking for a low-effort, high-vibe kind of outing? This one checks all the boxes. This Arrigoni Winery cider experience brings you curated flights, full pours, and a charcuterie board to match, all in a relaxed, scenic setting. Even better, it’s up to 58% off, making it an easy yes whether you’re planning a date, a catch-up with friends, or just want to do something different this weekend.

You’re getting more than just a tasting. Expect handcrafted ciders, cozy vineyard vibes, souvenir glasses to take home, and even a 32oz growler filled with your favorite pick. It’s the kind of experience that feels a little elevated without trying too hard, and one you’ll probably want to repeat.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Tensions Ignite in Early Connecticut

Life along the Connecticut River in the 1630s was far from peaceful. English settlers faced harsh conditions, limited resources, and increasingly strained relationships with Indigenous communities already navigating their own conflicts. In Wethersfield, early alliances quickly unraveled after settlers pushed out the Wangunk people despite initial agreements, creating deep resentment and setting the stage for violence.

That tension erupted when a combined force of Pequot and Wangunk warriors launched a surprise attack on the settlement during spring planting season. Several colonists were killed, others were taken captive, and livestock was destroyed, striking both fear and a serious blow to the colony’s survival.

The attack marked a turning point, escalating conflict across the region and leading to a formal declaration of war shortly after. What followed was the Pequot War, a devastating and defining chapter in New England’s early history that reshaped relationships, land control, and the future of the region.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

K-9 “Scup” Sniffs Out Illegal Fishing Operation in Stratford

A wildlife detection dog helped uncover six illegally caught striped bass hidden in marshland near the Housatonic River. The fish were well below legal size limits, and the angler now faces multiple violations. The seized fish were repurposed to feed injured birds of prey.

Connecticut Honors War Hero Sgt. Stubby with New Statue

A life-sized statue of Sgt. Stubby, the most decorated war dog in U.S. history, has been unveiled at the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford. The WWI canine became a symbol of bravery after serving in 17 battles and even helping capture an enemy soldier.

Major Hartford Roadwork Brings Weeks of Detours

A $315 million underground electrical upgrade project is set to disrupt traffic along Asylum Avenue starting in early May. Expect lane closures, detours, and heavier congestion for up to 12 weeks as Eversource replaces aging infrastructure.

Amtrak Confirms No CT Bridge Closures During World Cup

After concerns spread online, Amtrak confirmed it will not close shoreline railroad bridges during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The decision avoids major disruptions for boaters and coastal communities during peak summer activity.

Connecticut College Earns National Recognition for Sustainability

Connecticut College in New London is gaining national attention for its sustainability efforts, including reducing emissions and investing in geothermal energy. The school holds a prestigious “gold” rating and continues to lead in environmental initiatives among smaller institutions.

Thanks!

Thanks for hanging out with us today! We hope you found a few ideas worth adding to your plans this week.

If this email helped you discover something new, pass it along to a friend and put them on too — there’s a lot to explore out there!

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!