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- 🫧 Free Festivals, Foam-Filled Fun & Ballet Under the Stars
🫧 Free Festivals, Foam-Filled Fun & Ballet Under the Stars
Happy Tuesday, Connecticut! Summer is in full swing, and this week is packed with reasons to get outside and enjoy everything Connecticut has to offer.
Here's what's inside today:
🎵 Experience three days of food, music, and fun
🫧 Get ready to run through mountains of foam at the Bubble Run
🩰 Enjoy a magical free ballet performance under the stars
📗 This Month in CT History: P.T. Barnum's Most Remarkable Performance
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Three days of live music, food trucks, cold drinks, and family fun take over Riverfront Plaza
Hartford's annual Beats & Eats Music & Food Truck Festival returns to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza from July 16–18, bringing together more than 30 food trucks, live music, cold beer, lawn games, and plenty of summer fun—all with free admission. Whether you're craving lobster rolls, poutine, cupcakes, or local favorites, you'll find something delicious while enjoying performances throughout the day.
Set along the Connecticut River, this popular summer festival is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to make the most of the season. With great food, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere from morning through evening, it's an event that's easy to spend the whole day exploring.
Hartford's most colorful 5K returns with foam, music, and fun for every age
The Bubble Run returns to Pratt & Whitney Stadium on Saturday, July 18, transforming an ordinary 5K into a colorful foam-filled adventure. Participants of all ages can run, walk, dance, or stroll through giant bubble bogs, making it a fun, untimed event that's all about enjoying the experience rather than racing to the finish.
With upbeat music, mountains of foam, and plenty of photo-worthy moments, it's a memorable outing for families, friends, and anyone looking for a unique way to spend a summer morning. Whether you're pushing a stroller or running with a group, everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Connecticut Ballet brings an evening of world-class dance to Westport
Connecticut Ballet returns to Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, July 14, for its beloved Ballet Under the Stars series. The free outdoor performance showcases the artistry and athleticism of the company's professional dancers, offering audiences the chance to enjoy world-class ballet in a beautiful open-air setting.
A cherished Connecticut summer tradition, the event combines exceptional performances with the relaxed atmosphere of an evening under the stars. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and free admission is available with advance ticket reservations.
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Enjoy handcrafted ciders, charcuterie, take-home growlers, and scenic vineyard views in Portland
If you're looking for the perfect summer date, weekend outing, or excuse to catch up with friends, this Groupon deal at Arrigoni Winery is worth a toast. Located in Portland, Connecticut, the family-owned winery is offering up to 53% off its popular Hard Cider Tasting Experience for two or four people, complete with cider flights, glasses of cider, charcuterie boards, souvenir glasses, and a 32-ounce growler filled with your favorite cider to take home.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful outdoor seating, live music, and handcrafted ciders, Arrigoni Winery has earned thousands of glowing reviews from visitors. Whether you're discovering a new favorite cider or simply relaxing with great company and vineyard views, this experience offers plenty of value for a memorable day out.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Shubert Summer Theater & Arts Camp (New Haven) - Help young artists explore their talents while building confidence, friendships, and artistic skills.
Artivity: Sail Into Summer Edition (Hartford) - Opportunity to explore a range of art forms, including puppetry, sewing, visual arts, textiles, drumming, jewelry-making, yoga, music creation, and more.
Tavern Talks (Hartford) - Learn how to interpret the symbols and imagery featured on these distinctive signs and discover why so few examples have survived into the present day.
The Wild Party (West Hartford) - This electrifying musical transports audiences to the roaring 1920s for a night where excess and desire spiral into chaos.
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Westport) - A gripping tale of murder, deception, and deduction comes to Westport Country Playhouse.
Ballet Under the Stars with Connecticut Ballet (Westport) - An evening of professional dance returns to Levitt Pavilion.
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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
P.T. Barnum's Most Remarkable Performance
Long before he became famous for the "Greatest Show on Earth," P.T. Barnum was also a Connecticut state representative. During a legislative session in July 1865, he was delivering a passionate speech about limiting the influence of powerful railroad companies when he received a telegram with devastating news: his famous American Museum in New York City was being destroyed by a massive fire.
Despite learning that the museum that had made him a household name was being lost, Barnum remained calm and continued his speech without showing any sign of distress. His fellow legislators didn't realize what had happened until after he had finished, leaving many amazed by his composure and dedication to his public duties.
Barnum's resilience didn't end there. Just a few months later, he opened a new American Museum and eventually returned to the entertainment industry, where he built the legendary circus that would earn him a permanent place in Connecticut and American history.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Connecticut Reports Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases
Connecticut health officials have confirmed 30 cases of cyclosporiasis, nearly double the number reported at this time last year. While no common source has been identified, the illness is often linked to fresh produce, and residents are encouraged to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and follow safe food handling practices.
Level99 Bringing Interactive Entertainment to West Hartford
A new Level99 location is set to become the company's first in Connecticut, bringing its popular social gaming experience to Corbin's Corner in West Hartford. The venue will feature more than 50 interactive challenge rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar, and space for hundreds of players, adding a new entertainment destination to the area.
Public Meeting Scheduled for $87 Million Railroad Bridge Project
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the planned $87 million rehabilitation of the Connecticut River railroad bridge connecting Middletown and Portland. A public information meeting will be held on August 4, where state officials will present project plans, answer questions, and gather community feedback before construction is expected to begin in 2028.
New Plans Aim to Expand Grocery Access Across Connecticut
State leaders are developing new strategies to bring more grocery stores to underserved communities across Connecticut. The initiative focuses on improving access to fresh food, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting local economic growth by encouraging new grocery development in areas that need it most.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending part of your Tuesday with us! Whether you're planning a weekend festival, looking for your next family outing, or simply staying in the loop with what's happening around Connecticut, we're glad you're here.
We'll be back soon with more local events, hidden gems, and stories worth sharing.
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!