🌊 Folk Music, Waterfront Art & Sea Glass Treasures Await

Happy Thursday, Connecticut! The weekend is almost here, and it's shaping up to be one of the best of the summer! We've rounded up three unforgettable events that are well worth adding to your plans.

Here's what's inside today:

🎶 Experience three days of music, dancing & community
🎨 Browse incredible artwork, live music & waterfront views
🌊 Discover stunning sea glass treasures
📗 This Month in CT History: The Connecticut Explorer Behind Machu Picchu
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Three unforgettable days of live performances, workshops, camping, and family fun await

The 38th Annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival returns for three days of incredible folk, Americana, and roots music featuring more than 40 performers across five stages. The festival takes place July 24-26 at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, with activities beginning Friday at 12:00 PM and pre-festival events starting Thursday.

Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy workshops, artisan vendors, delicious food, family activities, dancing, and late-night campground jam sessions that have made Falcon Ridge one of the Northeast's most beloved summer traditions.

Meet talented artists, enjoy scenic harbor views, and celebrate creativity by the water

The Stamford Art Festival returns for its 11th year, showcasing more than 70 juried artists displaying paintings, photography, jewelry, sculpture, glass, and handcrafted works. The festival takes place July 25-26 at Harbor Point in Stamford from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM each day.

While browsing the artwork, visitors can also enjoy live music, delicious food, nearby restaurants, the Harbor Point Farmers Market, and beautiful waterfront views for the perfect summer outing.

Celebrate authentic sea glass, coastal art, and New England charm all in one place

The 22nd International Sea Glass Festival returns to Mystic Seaport Museum for a weekend celebrating authentic sea and beach glass with artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world. The festival takes place July 25-26 in Mystic from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily.

Browse more than 50 juried artisans, explore collector exhibits, attend fascinating lectures, and even enter your own sea glass discoveries while supporting shoreline preservation efforts.

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Sip premium rum, enjoy authentic island cuisine, and experience a day filled with Caribbean culture and entertainment

Bring the islands a little closer to home at the Caribbean Rum & Food Festival, a lively celebration featuring authentic Caribbean food, renowned rums, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and cultural exhibits. The Connecticut festival takes place on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 PM-7:00 PM at The Grand Alure Banquet Hall in New Britain, making it the perfect summer outing for foodies and culture lovers ages 21 and older.

With this Groupon deal, you can save up to 47% on admission while enjoying complimentary rum punches, delicious island flavors, vibrant performances, and unique artisan vendors. Even better, proceeds from the festival help support programs for children with disabilities, making every ticket part of a great cause.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Connecticut Explorer Behind Machu Picchu

Connecticut native Hiram Bingham III led an expedition to Peru in 1911 that brought international attention to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. A Yale professor with a passion for Latin American history, Bingham organized an expedition in search of the lost Incan capital, relying on local guides to navigate the rugged Andes Mountains.

When his team reached the remarkable stone city hidden high in the mountains, Bingham carefully documented the site through photographs, notes, and archaeological research. He returned to Yale with thousands of artifacts, sparking years of study and helping introduce Machu Picchu to audiences around the world.

Bingham later chronicled his adventures in the bestselling book Lost City of the Incas, cementing his place in history as one of Connecticut's most fascinating explorers. Today, Machu Picchu is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of South America's most iconic destinations, while Bingham's remarkable journey continues to be an enduring part of Connecticut history.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

New Haven Neighborhood Named Connecticut's Most Iconic

A new survey named East Rock/Prospect Hill in New Haven as the neighborhood that best represents Connecticut's character. Respondents praised the area's architecture, community atmosphere, and overall sense of place, earning it the state's top spot.

Plum Island Preservation Moves Closer to Reality

Environmental advocates are celebrating after Suffolk County, New York, announced plans to pursue ownership of Plum Island, a protected island just off Connecticut's shoreline. The move could pave the way for future conservation, research, education, and limited public access to the ecologically important site.

Foreclosure Home Purchase Takes Shocking Turn

A Connecticut man who purchased a foreclosed home in Burlington discovered three bodies inside after finally gaining access to the property. Authorities continue investigating the deaths while legal questions surrounding the foreclosure and ownership remain unresolved.

High-Profile ESPN Layoffs Include Familiar Faces

ESPN's latest round of layoffs includes several well-known broadcasters and analysts following the company's integration with NFL Network operations. Among those reportedly affected are longtime baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech, injury analyst Stephania Bell, and several other on-air personalities.

Thanks!

We hope today's edition gave you a few great ideas for an unforgettable weekend in Connecticut.

We'll be back tomorrow with more events across 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!