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- 🌾 Support CT Farmers, Taste Fairfield & Celebrate Wiener Fest
🌾 Support CT Farmers, Taste Fairfield & Celebrate Wiener Fest
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Happy Thursday, Connecticut! This week’s lineup is all about getting out, eating well, and supporting the people and places that make our communities special.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎶 Come together for a day of music, food, and local farming
🍽️ Dig into special menus during Fairfield Restaurant Week
🌠Celebrate the humble hot dog at Wiener Fest: Round 2
📗 This Month in CT History: John Fitch’s Steamboat Changed Travel Forever
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Live music, local food, and family fun all come together for a great cause
Connecticut Farm Strong is bringing the community together on Saturday, August 22, from 1–8 p.m. at March Farm Hilltop in Bethlehem for a day dedicated to supporting hardworking local farmers. Expect live music, food and beverage trucks, local vendors, and plenty of fun for all ages.
The event raises funds to provide assistance, sustainability, and resources to farmers in the Northwest Corner while shining a spotlight on the people who help keep Connecticut’s agricultural community thriving. General admission is $30 for ages 13+, while kids 12 and under and farmers can attend for free.
From August 24 through September 6, Fairfield Restaurant Week is serving up specially priced multi-course menus for lunch and dinner at dozens of participating restaurants throughout the area. It’s a chance to discover new spots, revisit old favorites, and make a meal feel a little more special.
Participating restaurants include Artisan Restaurant, Barcelona Wine Bar, Blackstones Grille, Esh Modern Mediterranean, Old Post Tavern, and The Sinclair, among others. With limited-time menus on the table, reservations are a smart move.
Wiener Fest is back for Round 2 with creative dogs, cocktails, and plenty of reasons to come hungry
After the first celebration was such a hit, Dockside Brewery is bringing it back with Wiener Fest: Round 2 on Sunday, August 23, from 4–6 p.m. Expect outrageous hot dog specials, hot dog-inspired cocktails, and plenty of delicious twists on the classic favorite.
Admission is free, so bring your friends, show up hungry, and get ready to give the humble hot dog the celebration it deserves at Dockside Brewery in Milford.
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Jump, flip, dunk, and dodge your way through 90 minutes of nonstop indoor fun
Sky Zone Norwalk is turning an ordinary day into an action-packed adventure with wall-to-wall trampolines and attractions for all kinds of jumpers. Take on Ultimate Dodgeball, throw down a dunk at SkySlam, test your skills on the Ninja Warrior Course, or launch into the Foam Zone for a softer landing.
Want to take things up a notch? GLOW Night transforms the park with blacklights, lasers, and music for an extra-electric jumping experience. Choose a 90-minute jump pass for yourself or bring the whole crew, with options for up to six people.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Hot Food Thursdays (Mashantucket) - Offering guests a delicious new meal to enjoy each week.
Scenic Trolley Rides & Museum Tours (East Haven) - Guests can explore a variety of preserved trolley cars and exhibits.
Thursdays on the Dock: The Italics (Essex) - Enjoy an evening of classic rock 'n' roll during Thursdays on the Dock featuring The Italics.
Salsa in the Ninth Square (New Haven) - Whether you’re taking your first salsa steps or are an experienced dancer, this free community event offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels.
Borboletta: A Tribute to Santana (Westport) - Fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, blues, soul, and rock while capturing the energy of the legendary guitarist’s live performances.
Eric Gales (Hartford) - Experience an electrifying night of blues-rock when acclaimed guitarist Eric Gales performs at Infinity Music Hall.
Joanne Shaw Taylor (Norfolk) - Look forward to a dynamic live performance featuring fan favorites and standout selections from her acclaimed catalog.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
John Fitch’s Steamboat Changed Travel Forever
For thousands of years, getting anywhere by water meant relying on the wind. Connecticut-born inventor John Fitch challenged that reality with his experiments in steam-powered transportation, eventually building a working steamboat called the Perseverance.
In 1787, Fitch demonstrated his 45-foot vessel on the Delaware River in front of delegates gathered in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. The boat reached about four miles per hour, impressing spectators and proving that steam could propel a vessel even when the wind wasn't cooperating.
Fitch continued refining his designs, but struggled to secure financial backing and meaningful patent protection. Although he never achieved the commercial success he hoped for, his work helped lay the groundwork for the steamboat era and earned him a place in Connecticut's history as an early pioneer of steam-powered transportation.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Connecticut Testing New Sewage Spill Alerts
Connecticut is preparing to pilot a new alert system that would send residents text or email notifications when sewage spills are reported. The program is expected to launch statewide by the end of the year, giving people faster warnings before swimming, fishing, or boating in affected waterways.
Connecticut Ballet Companies Prepare for a Busy Fall
Connecticut's ballet companies are gearing up for a new season of performances this fall, with productions and programs planned across the state. The upcoming lineup offers plenty of opportunities for dance fans to catch both classic and contemporary performances.
State Seeks Public Input on Connecticut’s Rail Future
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold public open houses in New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, and New London to gather feedback for the state's 2027–2030 Rail Plan. Residents can share their experiences and ideas about passenger and freight rail before the updated plan is completed in 2027.
Willie Nelson and Neil Young Team Up for Rare Connecticut Show
Music legends Willie Nelson and Neil Young are coming together for a rare performance at Bridgeport's Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater on September 22. The show comes just days before Farm Aid and will feature Nelson with Willie Nelson & Family and Young with his band, The Chrome Hearts.
DEEP Re-Issues Alcohol Ban at 10 State Recreation Areas
Connecticut DEEP has reinstated temporary alcohol bans at 10 state parks, forests, and recreation areas. The restrictions run from August 18 through November 15 and are intended to help maintain safe and welcoming public spaces.
Thanks!
That’s a wrap for Thursday! From local happenings to stories worth knowing, we hope you found something to add to your weekend plans.
Have a great rest of your day, 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!