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- 🎶 Music Fest, Colonial History & Outdoor Crafts Across CT
🎶 Music Fest, Colonial History & Outdoor Crafts Across CT
Hey there, Connecticut explorers! There’s plenty happening around the state this week, and we’ve rounded up a few events worth adding to your calendar. From live music and local history to shopping and handmade finds, today’s lineup has a little something for everyone.
Here's what you’ll find inside today’s email:
🎶 Fairfield Hills Music Festival in Newtown
🇺🇸 Colonial Encampment with the 5th CT Regiment in Weston
🛍️ 41st Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival in Greenwich
đź“— This Month in CT History: Katharine Hepburn Became Hollywood Royalty
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Live music, food trucks, and all-day festival fun
The Fairfield Hills Music Festival returns to Newtown on Saturday, May 16 from 12:00 PM–9:30 PM at Fairfield Hills Campus. The event features live performances across two stages, headlined by Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds alongside regional acts, plus food trucks, local vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere throughout the day.
Guests can enjoy everything from BBQ and burgers to Mexican food while exploring the historic Fairfield Hills grounds. Tickets are $55 in advance, children 12 and under are free, and the festival will take place rain or shine.
Colonial reenactments and hands-on history experiences
The Colonial Encampment with the 5th Connecticut Regiment takes place Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Weston History & Culture Center. Visitors can experience Revolutionary War life through blacksmithing, weaving, musket drills, cooking demonstrations, reenactors, and interactive exhibits throughout the day.
The family-friendly event also includes guided tours, artifact displays, food trucks, and activities for kids. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine.
A weekend filled with art, shopping, and local makers
The 41st Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival returns to the Bruce Museum in Greenwich on May 16–17 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The festival features handmade jewelry, pottery, wearable art, furniture, home décor, and more from artists and makers across the region.
Admission includes access to both the festival and museum, with food available outdoors from Aux DĂ©lices. Tickets are $15 for both days, while museum members and children under 5 are free.
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Kayak and paddleboard rentals are up to 50% off in Niantic
Looking for a fun outdoor activity once the weather finally cooperates? Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic is offering up to 50% off two-hour kayak, pedal kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, with options starting around $17 with code MOM. Whether you want a relaxing paddle along the shoreline or a more active afternoon on the water, it’s an easy excuse to get outside and enjoy the Connecticut coast.
The rentals are available for one or two people and include paddle kayaks, pedal kayaks, and SUP boards depending on your vibe. Located along the scenic waterfront in Niantic, Three Belles Outfitters gives visitors the chance to explore calm waters, take in the views, and spend a few hours unplugged from everything else. Reservations are required, and rentals are available through September 30.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Arts in Mind (New Haven) - Program designed for individuals in the early stages of memory loss and their care partners.
Meditation and Mindfulness (Fairfield) - Participants will be introduced to meditation and mindfulness techniques designed to promote inner calm, clarity, and balance.
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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
Katharine Hepburn Became Hollywood Royalty
Katharine Hepburn, born in Hartford in 1907, became one of the most legendary performers in film history and still holds the record for the most Academy Awards won for acting, with four Oscars over the course of her career. Known for her sharp wit, confidence, and refusal to follow Hollywood norms, Hepburn starred in more than 80 films, television productions, and stage performances during a career that lasted over six decades.
Hepburn rose to fame in the 1930s and became known not only for iconic films like The Philadelphia Story, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and On Golden Pond, but also for her independent personality and rejection of the glamorous Hollywood image expected of actresses at the time. She often played strong, intelligent characters and worked alongside many of the biggest stars of classic Hollywood.
Despite her worldwide fame, Hepburn remained closely connected to Connecticut throughout her life, frequently returning to her family home in Old Saybrook. She also helped support environmental efforts to protect the Connecticut River during the 1960s. After a long career and decades as one of America’s most respected actresses, Hepburn passed away in Connecticut in 2003 at the age of 96.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Connecticut Expands All-Terrain Wheelchair Program
Connecticut is continuing its free all-terrain wheelchair program for a second year, helping visitors with mobility limitations access hiking trails and outdoor spaces across seven state parks and forests. Reservations are now open through October.
Norwalk Police Warn About Credit Card Skimmers
Norwalk police are warning residents to stay alert after skimming devices were discovered at several local businesses. Officials recommend inspecting card readers before use, using tap-to-pay when possible, and regularly checking bank accounts for suspicious charges.
Bristol Facility Closure Will Impact 73 Workers
IDEX Health & Science announced plans to shut down its Bristol facility later this year, resulting in 73 permanent layoffs. The closure will happen in phases beginning this summer and affect manufacturing, engineering, and management positions.
Manchester Moves Forward With New Senior Center
Manchester officials approved plans to purchase the Concordia Lutheran Church building and convert it into the town’s future senior center. Town leaders say the project could save millions compared to building a brand-new facility while moving much faster.
Thanks!
That’s it for today’s Connecticut roundup! Whether you’re planning your weekend early or just looking for something different to do, we hope today’s email gave you a few good ideas. Thanks for being here with us.
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!