🦪 Norwalk Oyster Fest, Hartford Bakery & Maritime Festival

September 04, 2025

Hey there, Connecticut explorers! đźŚź We’ve rounded up the best events, bites, and weekend adventures to make your next few days seriously fun. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or just looking for something new to do, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🎉 Three days of rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun by the seaside
🍞 Discover why this artisan bakery is stealing the hearts of Connecticut
âš“ Military ships, parades, live music, and hands-on nautical fun for all ages.
đź“— This Month in CT History: Benedict Arnold Strikes New London
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Seaside Rides and Good Time Vibes Are Back!

Get ready for three days of fun, food, and entertainment at Norwalk’s favorite fall festival! Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association at Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Oyster Festival runs from September 5–7 and offers something for everyone—from thrilling rides and live performances to family-friendly events for kids and adults alike.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 5–12, and children under 5 are always free. On Sunday, kids 12 & under get in free with a paid adult ticket! Stroll along the park, sample fresh seafood, enjoy local vendors, and soak up the lively festival atmosphere.

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Fresh Bread, Big Flavor, Local Love

Few things beat the smell of fresh bread—and Hartford Baking Company has perfected it. Since 2010, this local gem has grown from a small café operation to a thriving artisan bakery, using simple, high-quality ingredients to create scratch-made sourdough, pastries, and more. Each loaf is shaped by hand, baked fresh nightly, and bursting with flavor.

The bakery’s commitment to craft and community makes every visit a treat, whether you’re picking up a warm baguette, a buttery loaf, or a sweet pastry. Locations in West Hartford, Glastonbury, Farmington, and South Windsor make it easy to taste the magic yourself.

âš“ 2025 CONNECTICUT MARITIME HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Sail, Explore, and Celebrate on the Waterfront

Set sail for a weekend of nautical fun at New London’s Maritime Heritage Festival, September 6–7. With military and private ships, a kids’ nautical zone, fishing clinics, live music, food trucks, and local vendors, there’s something for every seafarer at heart. New this year, the Basque Festival joins the festivities for a full weekend of maritime adventure.

Events take place at both Fort Trumbull State Park and New London Waterfront Park, and admission is free! Grab your friends and family and dive into a weekend celebrating Connecticut’s rich maritime history.

If you're looking for budget-friendly family fun, this might be the best deal of the year. The GetOutPass New England is your all-access pass to amusement parks, trampoline parks, mini golf, zoos, museums, and more—for just $34.95 (regularly $99.95).

That’s a full year of adventures for one low price.

With your pass, you can visit places like:

  • Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

  • Funz Trampoline Park (Hamden)

  • The Cave CT for mini golf or laser tag

  • Farmington Mini Golf & Ice Cream

  • Buttonwood Park Zoo

  • York’s Wild Kingdom

  • Urban Air Waterbury

  • Multiple Launch Trampoline Park locations

  • City Climb Gym (New Haven)

  • And many more!

There’s no catch—just unlock access through the GetOutPass mobile app and go! It’s a perfect way to explore hidden gems and beloved attractions throughout the region without paying full price every time.

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One-Day Pass or Bouldering Jump Start Class – Up to 35% Off

Ready to scale new heights? Rock Spot Climbing in New Haven and across New England is inviting beginners and pros alike to experience the thrill of bouldering with a one-day pass or a Jump Start class. With state-of-the-art climbing walls, a welcoming community, and flexible options for individuals or groups up to four, it’s the perfect way to challenge yourself, build strength, and have a blast.

From first-timers to seasoned climbers, you’ll enjoy guided jump start classes, full access to indoor bouldering walls, and all the gear you need to climb safely. Each visit promises fresh challenges, new friendships, and the chance to test your limits in a fun, supportive environment.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Infamous Raid That Shaped Connecticut’s Revolutionary Legacy

Benedict Arnold’s raid on New London marked one of the most devastating episodes of the Revolutionary War in Connecticut. Leading a force of British, Hessian, and Loyalist troops, Arnold burned over 140 buildings, destroyed ships at the wharves, and left a trail of destruction across the city. On the Groton side of the Thames River, Fort Griswold became the site of fierce resistance, where local militiamen fought valiantly before being overwhelmed.

The raid wasn’t just an act of military strategy—it was fueled by Arnold’s personal grievances and desire to prove his loyalty to the British crown after his defection. New London, a thriving hub of privateering and trade, had been a crucial center for the revolutionary cause, making it a symbolic target for retribution.

The impact of Arnold’s attack lingered for generations. Many structures were lost, lives were devastated, and the Fort Griswold site quickly became a memorial to the bravery of Connecticut citizens. Even centuries later, his name is still invoked whenever New London faces destruction, cementing Arnold’s place as one of America’s most notorious traitors.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Freccia Brothers Garage Faces Eviction After 103 Years
Greenwich residents are rallying to support the iconic Freccia Brothers Garage, forced to vacate due to a family legal dispute over property ownership. The fifth-generation family has launched a GoFundMe to secure a new home for the century-old business, which has survived everything from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Infamous Farmington Mansion Hits the Market Again
The 50 Poplar Drive mansion, once owned by Mike Tyson and 50 Cent, is back for sale at $9.9 million. The sprawling 51,657-square-foot property features 19 bedrooms, seven kitchens, a nightclub, a recording studio, and even a casino, continuing its long history as a headline-making estate.

Over 100 Dolphins Spotted Off Milford Coast
Marine watchers are thrilled as a large pod of dolphins was spotted near Silver Sands Beach. This is the second significant sighting in Long Island Sound this month, reminding locals to observe wildlife safely and from a distance.

Proposed 55-Plus Housing in South Windsor Sparks Debate
Developer James Newbury proposes a 69-unit, age-restricted community on 32 acres, promising wetlands preservation, affordable housing, and $1 million in new tax revenue. Neighbors oppose the plan, citing potential environmental damage, while the wetlands board continues hearings on the project.

Stamford Kindergarten Enrollment Falls Short
Stamford Public Schools is cutting seven kindergarten classes this year due to enrollment falling 500 students below projections. The largest shortfall was at the kindergarten level, where only 950 students registered compared to the usual 1,150–1,200.

Thanks!

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