- Connecticut Lifestyles
- Posts
- 🌊 Woodbridge Picnic, New London Festival & Essex Boat Show
🌊 Woodbridge Picnic, New London Festival & Essex Boat Show
Happy Thursday! We’re deep in the week now, and Connecticut is stacking up some seriously good weekend previews.
What’s inside this email:
🎉 A full-day America 250 community celebration in Woodbridge
🌊 A waterfront street festival + fireworks in New London
âš“ A classic antique & vintage boat show along the Connecticut River
đź“— This Month in CT History: The Year Without A Summer Brings A Hard Connecticut Freeze
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
BJ’s Wholesale Club is going all in on savings with a limited-time membership deal that unlocks serious value from day one. For just $15 for a 1-Year BJ’s Club Membership or $60 for BJ’s Club+, you get instant access to warehouse pricing on groceries, household essentials, fuel, and more—plus extra perks that stretch every dollar further.
Club+ members take it even higher with 2% rewards on eligible purchases, fuel discounts, free curbside pickup, and same-day delivery benefits. What makes BJ’s different is simple: you can stack manufacturer coupons + BJ’s digital coupons, meaning double the savings on top of already low prices. Add in scan-and-go checkout and strong fuel deals, and it’s built for people who actually want to spend less without overthinking it.
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!
Community celebration, local history, and first access to the new Cultural Center
Woodbridge is turning its America 250 celebration into a full-day community experience at the new Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11. The event blends history, storytelling, food, music, and hands-on activities while giving residents an early look at the new facility before it officially opens.
Throughout the Town Campus, guests can explore exhibits, join lawn games, watch performances, and take part in interactive workshops for kids and families. From tug-of-war challenges and community art projects to local history displays and public safety meet-and-greets, it’s designed as a full community gathering from start to finish.
Downtown festival energy meets waterfront views and a fireworks finale
New London’s downtown and Waterfront Park transform into a citywide festival celebrating America 250 with live music, artisan vendors, gallery strolls, and family-friendly activities running throughout the day. The event brings together the city’s cultural districts and local businesses for a nonstop celebration from morning to evening.
As night approaches, the highlight is a fireworks display over the river, with additional waterfront viewing opportunities via Thames River Heritage Park water taxis. It’s a full-day summer celebration built around music, community, and the shoreline.
Vintage craftsmanship and waterfront tradition on full display
The Connecticut River Museum in Essex hosts the Antique & Classic Boat Show, a one-day waterfront event showcasing beautifully restored vintage boats and historic craftsmanship. The docks and riverfront lawn become an open-air museum for boating enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Guests can explore the boats up close, learn about their restoration, and enjoy a relaxed riverside setting filled with maritime history and community energy. Free admission makes it an easy summer stop for families and visitors.
Craving bold, build-your-own Tex-Mex? Moe’s Southwest Grill is serving up a flavorful deal where your $25 eGift Card works like cash toward burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and more, basically anything on the menu that hits your craving.
Every order starts with Moe’s signature free chips and salsa, then you build it your way with fresh ingredients, sizzling proteins, and all the toppings you want. Whether it’s a quick lunch run or a full dinner fix, this is an easy win for flavor without overpaying.
This is an advertisement.
Classic roller coasters, water park adventures, and all-day summer excitement in Bristol
Connecticut’s ultimate summer playground is calling. Lake Compounce brings together heart-racing roller coasters, splash-worthy water park fun, and classic amusement park charm—all in one legendary destination. From the moment you walk in, it’s nonstop excitement for kids, teens, and anyone chasing a good time.
Ride iconic coasters like the world-famous Boulder Dash, cool off in Connecticut’s largest water park, or take it easy with family-friendly attractions and classic park rides. Whether you’re going for adrenaline or just a fun summer escape, this Bristol favorite delivers a full day of memories without slowing down.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Thursdays on the Dock: Eight to the Bar (Essex) - An opportunity to enjoy live music while watching the sun set over the Connecticut River.
Salsa in the Ninth Square (New Haven) - A lively outdoor dance series held on the colorful Orange Street Promenade in downtown New Haven’s vibrant Ninth Square neighborhood.
Lettuce – Cook Tour (Branford) - Experience Lettuce’s signature grooves and dynamic stage presence in an intimate concert setting.
Kevin James Thornton (Manchester) - Storytelling, humor, and heartfelt reflection take center stage.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Puppet Show (Hartford) - Mark Twain’s beloved American classic comes to life through puppetry, masks, and innovative storytelling.
Red, White & Broadway: Songs for America’s 250th (Waterbury) - Performance examines the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States over the past two and a half centuries.
The Wild Party (West Hartford) - Jazz-age glamour, passion, and danger take center stage.
Richiman and Groove Nice (Westport) - Delivering authentic blues performances inspired by the rich traditions of American roots music.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
The Year Without A Summer Brings A Hard Connecticut Freeze
Connecticut’s summer of 1816 was anything but normal. Known as part of the “Year Without a Summer,” the season brought extreme weather swings, with sudden frosts hitting after brief warm spells and wiping out crops across the region. Cold temperatures weren’t unusual for the era, but what happened that July stood out even by early New England standards.
Overnight temperatures dropped below freezing in parts of the state, coating fields in frost and destroying what little growth had survived earlier cold snaps. The loss hit farmers hard, driving up food prices and putting pressure on families already struggling to get by.
The impact went beyond Connecticut’s borders, contributing to widespread agricultural failure across New England. Many residents were forced to leave in search of better land further west, marking another push in the region’s population movement during the early 19th century.
Treat yourself to something warm, soft, and iconic with a $25 Krispy Kreme eGift Card that works like cash on any doughnuts, drinks, or merch. From the famous Original Glazed to seasonal favorites, every bite hits that fresh-out-the-glaze vibe.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, picking up a dozen for the crew, or just satisfying a late-night craving, Krispy Kreme makes it dangerously easy to say yes to dessert. You can even use it in-store or online, so the sugar rush is always within reach.
This is an advertisement.
HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
CVS Settles $35M Insulin Billing Case With Connecticut
Connecticut and other states reached a $35M settlement with CVS over Medicaid billing issues tied to insulin pens. The case involved claims of over-dispensing and early refills that led to inflated reimbursements over time. Connecticut will receive about $1.09M from the agreement. CVS says insulin billing is complex but is glad to resolve the matter.
Connecticut Veterans Find Healing Through Equine Therapy
A Preston rescue ranch is helping veterans heal through equine therapy programs that pair them with rescued horses. The work gives participants structure, emotional support, and a sense of purpose after military life. One Marine veteran said the experience helped him recover from serious personal struggles. The nonprofit says the horse connections are powerful for both sides.
CT DEEP Hosts Workshop On Future Nuclear Energy Jobs
DEEP is holding a workshop focused on workforce development for advanced nuclear energy in Connecticut. Experts from education, labor, and industry will discuss training and job opportunities tied to future energy systems. Officials say technologies like small modular reactors could play a role in the state’s energy future. The effort aims to prepare workers and policymakers for what’s ahead.
Storm Cleanup In New Fairfield Expected To Last Months
New Fairfield continues cleanup after severe storms caused major tree damage and outages across town. Officials say hazardous debris and fallen trees may take months to fully clear. Tree crews report ongoing demand, especially near homes and power lines. No injuries were reported, but residents are being told cleanup will be a long process.
Thanks!
Thank you for reading today’s update — we appreciate you sticking with us.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more events around Connecticut!
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!