✨ Native Traditions, Craft Brews & Historic Trades

August 13, 2026

Happy Thursday, Connecticut! The state is buzzing with things to see, do, and discover, whether you’re looking for something fun with the family, a new experience, or just an excuse to get out and explore.

Here’s what’s inside:

🌟 Celebrate culture, community, and Connecticut traditions
🎶 Enjoy a lively day filled with food, music, and fun
🛠️ Get hands-on with history and discover old-school crafts
📗 This Month in CT History: How One New Haven Inventor Changed Fire Safety
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Movie night just got a whole lot cheaper! Grab discounted AMC Yellow Tickets through Groupon and save up to 38% on standard 2D movie tickets and snack combos. Choose tickets for two or four people, or bundle your movie tickets with popcorn and drinks for the ultimate night out.

Tickets are valid seven days a week at participating AMC Theatres, so you can plan your next movie night whenever it works for you. Premium formats like IMAX and Dolby are also available for an additional fee.

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🎉 CELEBRATE NATIVE CULTURE, TRADITION & COMMUNITY

A family-friendly celebration filled with tradition, music, food, and dance

The Mohegan Wigwam Festival brings together Native American dancers, artisans, and food vendors for a celebration of culture, heritage, and community. Guests can enjoy traditional crafts, foods, and exciting dance competitions in a welcoming outdoor setting.

The free event runs Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fort Shantok in Uncasville. Complimentary parking is available offsite at Saint Bernard School.

Pair local pours with live music, food, games, and waterfront views

Set at the historic American Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, the ShakesBeer Festival brings breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries together for an afternoon of drinks and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy live music, local food trucks, vendors, games, and a commemorative tasting glass.

The 21+ festival takes place Saturday, August 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $50 in advance, with designated-driver tickets available for $15. A portion of ticket sales supports athletic scholarships for Stratford students.

Explore traditional crafts and experience the skills that shaped early Connecticut

Trades Day at Old New-Gate celebrates the crafts once practiced by incarcerated workers at the historic New-Gate site. Visitors can watch demonstrations in traditional woodworking, furniture making, woodcarving, broom making, copper work, and more.

The free event runs Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in East Granby, with hands-on activities giving visitors a chance to experience some of these historic trades for themselves.

Is your car due for an oil change? Save up to $31 off at Valvoline Instant Oil Change with a Groupon deal that includes up to 5 quarts of Valvoline oil, a standard oil filter, lube, and a maintenance check.

Certified technicians can get you back on the road in about 15 minutes, with no appointment necessary. Choose between synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, plus get 15% off select preventive maintenance services to help keep your car running smoothly.

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Climb, zip, and explore the treetops with an all-day pass for your crew

Ready to trade the usual day out for something a little more wild? The Adventure Park lets you climb through the trees, tackle aerial rope courses, and race across ziplines with an all-day pass for 1, 2, 4, or 6 guests. With trails ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-level, everyone can choose their own challenge and move at their own pace.

Before heading into the trees, guests receive a 30-minute safety briefing, harnessing session, and practice time. The park’s always-attached safety system helps keep you secure as you navigate the courses, and passes are valid at participating locations including Storrs and Fairfield County in Connecticut.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How One New Haven Inventor Changed Fire Safety

In the 19th century, factory fires were a major threat, and businesses in crowded industrial cities faced increasingly expensive insurance rates. New Haven piano maker Henry S. Parmelee wanted to lower the insurance costs at his Mathusek Piano Works, but when negotiations with his insurer went nowhere, he decided to create his own solution.

Parmelee spent years developing an automatic fire-suppression system for his factory. In 1874, he received a patent for what became the first automatic fire sprinkler system, featuring a spring-loaded sprinkler head designed to release water when exposed to intense heat or smoke.

The invention quickly caught on, with more than 200,000 Parmelee-style systems installed throughout New England within eight years. What began as one manufacturer's attempt to cut insurance costs ultimately helped transform commercial fire protection and save lives.

Ready for a day packed with roller coasters, family rides, and nonstop fun? Six Flags New England is offering discounted admission through Groupon, with savings of up to 43%. Take on major thrills like SUPERMAN™ The Ride, Wicked Cyclone, and the new Quantum Accelerator, New England’s first dual-launch straddle coaster.

Want to make the day even better? Choose a ticket bundle that includes a meal, snack, and drink, or go all in with a 2026 Silver Pass for unlimited visits through Labor Day. With more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, there’s plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Free Sunscreen Is Coming to More CT Outdoor Spots

Connecticut is installing more than 30 free SPF 30 sunscreen dispensers at beaches, parks, pools, and other public spaces across several northern health districts. The effort aims to encourage sun safety as the state continues to see high rates of melanoma.

Start Planning Your Fall Fair Adventures

Connecticut’s packed fall fair and festival season is almost here, with events happening across the state from late August through October. Expect everything from apple harvests and pumpkin festivals to live music, agricultural shows, food, crafts, and plenty of classic fair fun.

Black Bear Break-Ins Have Officials Warning Residents

Black bear activity is increasing in Connecticut, with several Warren residents reporting bears getting into homes and other properties. State wildlife experts are holding a public safety forum to discuss preventing bear encounters, securing food and trash, and keeping bears away from homes.

CT Auto Insurance Rates Are Rising Fast

A new report says Connecticut is seeing some of the fastest-rising auto insurance rates in the country, adding another expense for drivers already dealing with higher costs.

Thanks!

That’s a wrap for today! Whether you’re looking for something fun to do, a local story worth knowing, or a new way to explore Connecticut, we hope you found something that caught your eye.

Have a great rest of your Thursday, and we’ll be back tomorrow with more from 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!