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- 🎡 Barnum Parade, Arts Fest, Summer Concerts
🎡 Barnum Parade, Arts Fest, Summer Concerts
Good Morning, Connecticut! Good vibes, local plans, and a few reasons to get out of the house are officially on deck. This week is packed with community events, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎈 A full weekend of Barnum Festival celebrations
🎨 The return of the New Milford Arts Festival
🎶 Weekly Kids Summer Concerts in Trumbull all summer long
📗 This Month in CT History: Kelo v. New London Expands Eminent Domain
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Fireworks, parades, and community events take over the city this weekend!
Bridgeport is turning up the energy with a full weekend of Barnum Festival events, bringing fireworks, live entertainment, and community celebrations across the city. From Seaside Park to downtown streets, the festival delivers one of Connecticut’s most vibrant summer traditions.
The weekend kicks off with Barnum Skyblast Fireworks on June 26 at Seaside Park, featuring food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show over Long Island Sound. On June 27, the Community Health Fair at Central High School offers free screenings and wellness resources for families, before the celebration wraps on June 28 with the Great Street Parade, filling downtown Bridgeport with floats, marching bands, and festival crowds.
A full day of creativity takes over the town green with artists, performers, and live entertainment
The New Milford Arts Festival returns to the town green, bringing together more than 50 artists along with a full lineup of live music, dance, and theater performances. The event transforms downtown into a walkable showcase of creativity and community spirit.
The main stage features a full day of performances, starting with acoustic sets and continuing through dance and theater showcases, ending with a live performance from Connecticut cover band Pentamore. Visitors can explore local eateries, browse handmade art, and enjoy one of the most scenic town greens in the state.
Weekly morning concerts bring music, movement, and family fun to the park
Trumbull Parks & Recreation is bringing back its Kids Summer Concert series, offering free weekly performances designed for families to enjoy together. Held under the tent, the series creates a relaxed outdoor space where kids can dance, play, and enjoy live music.
Running every Tuesday morning throughout the summer, the concerts feature rotating performances that keep things fresh each week. It’s an easy, no-cost way for families to get outside, enjoy music, and spend time together all season long.
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Roll into 60–90 minutes of bowling, arcade energy, and all-in-one entertainment for your crew
Spare Time Entertainment is bringing the perfect mix of competition and fun with this bowling deal for 2 or 4 players across multiple Connecticut locations. Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, date night, or family outing, this is an easy way to get straight into the action with no hassle—just show up and start rolling.
Enjoy 60 or 90 minutes of bowling with shoe rental included, so you can skip the prep and jump right into the game. With modern lanes, upbeat energy, and a full entertainment setup that also includes arcade games and laser tag, Spare Time is built for groups that want more than just bowling—it’s a full experience under one roof.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Lunch and Learn – From Winchester to War: The Story of Lewis Hazzard of the 29th Connecticut (Hartford) - The life and legacy of Civil War soldier Lewis Hazzard will be explored during the virtual presentation.
Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan (New Britain) - Japanese folklore, art, and mythology take center stage this summer.
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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
Kelo v. New London Expands Eminent Domain
The Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London became one of the most controversial property rights decisions in modern U.S. history, fundamentally expanding how eminent domain could be used. The dispute centered on whether private homes could be taken for economic redevelopment projects intended to benefit the broader community.
In New London’s Fort Trumbull neighborhood, city-backed planners approved the seizure of more than 100 homes to make way for a large-scale redevelopment tied to Pfizer’s expansion plans. Homeowners, led by Susette Kelo, fought the decision, arguing that “public use” should not include transferring land to private developers.
The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the city in 2005, allowing economic development to qualify as public use under eminent domain. The decision triggered widespread public criticism and prompted more than 40 states to strengthen property rights laws afterward, leaving a lasting legal and political impact across the country.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Connecticut Bets Big on Quantum Computing
State leaders are investing heavily in quantum computing to help grow jobs and innovation. Funding is going toward QuantumCT and partnerships with Yale and UConn to expand research, build facilities, and train workers for the future tech economy.
Mohawk State Forest Plan Sets 15-Year Management Goals
A new plan outlines how Mohawk State Forest will be managed over the next 15 years, focusing on forest health, wildlife protection, and limited timber harvesting. It also includes efforts to manage invasive species and improve climate resilience.
Solar Growth Sparks Debate Over Land Use
Connecticut’s push for more solar energy is raising concerns about the loss of farmland and forest areas. The challenge is finding a balance between clean energy goals and protecting open space.
Lifeguard Shortages and Water Safety Concerns Rise
With summer crowds increasing, officials are stressing water safety after recent rescues in the Long Island Sound. The state is close to full lifeguard staffing but still urges caution in open water.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending part of your Tuesday with us. We hope this gave you a quick spark of ideas, a reason to get out and explore, or just something fun to look forward to later this week.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more events, local highlights, and can’t-miss deals!
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!