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- đź‘€ Theatre Laughs, Winter Wildlife & Aquarium Magic
đź‘€ Theatre Laughs, Winter Wildlife & Aquarium Magic
Good morning and happy Tuesday!
We hope you’re keeping warm. If you’re looking to mix a little fun into the week ahead, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up a few standout experiences happening across Connecticut, from laugh-out-loud theatre to wintry wildlife encounters and a bit of magic for all ages.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎠A hilarious, high-energy musical running in West Hartford
🦠Winter cruises for seal spotting and birding on Long Island Sound
🧜‍♀️ A magical underwater experience returning to Mystic Aquarium
đź“— This Month in CT History: A Factory Built for a World on the Brink
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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A fast-paced, wildly clever spoof that’s pure Broadway fun
This crowd-pleasing musical comedy follows two overly enthusiastic playwrights as they pitch an epic (and hilariously misguided) musical about the inventor of the printing press. With just two actors playing every role using hats, props, and boundless energy, Gutenberg! The Musical! delivers nonstop laughs and sharp satire for theatre fans.
Running from late January through early February at Playhouse on Park, the show has earned rave reviews for its smart humor and infectious charm. It’s a great pick for a night out that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
A winter wildlife experience on Long Island Sound
Bundle up and head out on the water with these two-hour cruises led by aquarium educators, offering a chance to spot harbor and gray seals that winter along the Connecticut coast. Along the way, you’ll also learn to identify seasonal waterfowl while hearing about the natural history of the Sound’s marine life.
Cruises run on weekends through late March, with times based on tide conditions, making this a refreshing way to experience the outdoors during the colder months.
A magical, family-friendly winter tradition
On select weekends, Mystic Aquarium welcomes enchanting mermaids back to its Caribbean Reef habitat. Guests can watch these performers glide through the water among colorful sea life, enjoy photo opportunities, and even dress up in ocean-themed costumes to join the fun.
Included with general admission, this popular event is perfect for kids and anyone who loves a bit of whimsy mixed with an aquarium visit.
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High-energy indoor fun for kids, teens, and adults alike
If you’re looking for an easy win when it comes to active fun, this deal delivers. Altitude Trampoline Park - Franklin is offering 90-minute jump passes for one, two, four, or six people at up to 16% off, making it a great option for family outings, group hangouts, or letting kids burn off some serious energy. The park features wall-to-wall trampolines plus attractions like dodgeball courts, foam pits, cardio walls, and performance jump zones.
The space is well-lit, clean, and designed with safety in mind, so both kids and adults can jump with confidence. Whether you’re planning a weekend activity, a school break treat, or just want to do something active indoors, this is a flexible option that works for all ages.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Suffs (Hartford) - A powerful musical about the women who fought for the right to vote.
Lunch and Learn – Faith Trumbull Huntington: An Eighteenth-Century Woman Encounters War (Hartford) - A virtual presentation exploring the life of Faith Trumbull Huntington and the Revolutionary War era.
Studio Confidential (Ridgefield) - An engaging event offering behind-the-scenes insight into the artistic process.
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?
There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
A Factory Built for a World on the Brink
In early 1940, thousands of visitors toured a massive new factory expansion at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. The 280,000-square-foot addition marked a stunning reversal for the aircraft engine maker, which had faced steep cutbacks just a year earlier as reduced U.S. defense spending slowed the entire aviation industry. At the time, the company’s future looked uncertain, with shrinking payrolls and limited orders on the books.
That outlook shifted rapidly following the Munich Conference in 1938, when European leaders—most notably Adolf Hitler and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain—failed to prevent the march toward war. In the wake of the agreement, France moved quickly to strengthen its air power, placing major engine orders with Pratt & Whitney. Those contracts grew rapidly, totaling tens of millions of dollars within a year.
To meet the surge in demand, Pratt & Whitney hired thousands of new workers and began constructing what became known as the “French Building,” financed with support from the French government. With its vast machine shop and forward-looking design, the facility symbolized both industrial resilience and the sobering reality of a world preparing for conflict—an East Hartford landmark shaped by global events far beyond Connecticut’s borders.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Hartford Named the Hottest Housing Market for 2026
Hartford has claimed the top spot on Zillow’s list of the nation’s hottest housing markets, driven by extremely low inventory and intense buyer competition. With most homes selling above list price and few price cuts, experts say bidding wars are likely to continue throughout the year.
Dirty Soda Shop Expands from Food Truck to Storefronts
Get Fizzy CT, a mobile dirty soda business that started in Southington, is expanding with new brick-and-mortar locations planned for Milford and Plainville. The shop’s custom soda-and-cream creations have gained a strong following, especially among younger customers eager to try something new.
State Health Plan Subsidies Launch February 1
Beginning February 1, qualifying Connecticut residents can access new state-funded subsidies to help offset the loss of federal ACA assistance. Access Health CT will open a special enrollment period, offering financial relief to lower- and middle-income households affected by expiring federal credits.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Marks 60 Years
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is celebrating six decades of youth mentoring across the state, having served more than 100,000 children since its founding. The milestone will be marked with a 60th Anniversary Gala in Simsbury, honoring mentors and supporters who’ve helped shape the program’s impact.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading. We hope this helped you find a few fun ways to explore Connecticut this week.
Feel free to pass it along to a friend who’d enjoy it.
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!