đŸŽ· Free Jazz Fest, Moby Dick Marathon, Bees, + More

July 30, 2025

In Partnership With

👋 Hey there, explorer! We’re halfway to the weekend—and trust us, you’ll want to start making plans now. From a legendary overnight readathon aboard a historic ship to free jazz under the stars and a hometown celebration of all things local, this week’s events are bursting with Connecticut charm. Check out what’s coming:

What’s Inside:

📖 A whale of a literary sleepover aboard the last wooden whaleship
đŸŽ· Smooth sounds and big vibes at the Brass City Jazz Fest
🐝 Local farms, beekeeping, and more at Woodstock Locally Grown Day
📗 This Month in CT History: The Greatest Rock Festival That Never Happened
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

When prescription costs soar, energy bills climb, or scammers target our most vulnerable neighbors, AARP steps up—not just with words, but with real action at the State Capitol.

In the 2025 legislative session, AARP Connecticut helped push through laws that protect and empower older adults and their families, including:

✅ Capping prescription drug price hikes and expanding access to affordable medications
✅ Saving utility customers an estimated $325M–$350M annually through energy reform
✅ Combating predatory lending and digital scams, including protections for virtual currency
✅ Fighting discrimination in long-term care facilities
✅ Expanding affordable internet access and retirement savings options
✅ Supporting family caregivers and veterans through new protections and studies

These victories didn’t happen by accident—they were fueled by thousands of AARP volunteers and members who took action: emailing legislators, sharing stories, and standing up for what’s right.

đŸ‘„ You can be part of this change.

As an AARP member, your voice joins a powerful network advocating for fairer prices, safer communities, and financial peace of mind. Plus, you’ll enjoy benefits like:

‱ Discounts on dining, travel, and insurance
‱ Tools for fraud protection and safe driving
‱ A subscription to AARP The Magazine
‱ A bonus gift when you join

📣 Join today for just $15 for your first year with automatic renewal — and help shape the future for Connecticut families.

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Set sail on a literary journey aboard the last wooden whaleship

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind overnight adventure at Mystic Seaport Museum as they celebrate the 40th annual Moby-Dick Marathon—a full read-through of the classic novel ad the Charles W. Morgan!

Kicking off at noon on July 31 and continuing through August 1, this beloved tradition invites guests to read aloud (or just listen!) under the glow of lantern.

Even cooler? Chapter one will be read by "Herman Melville" himself. If you're staying overnight, pre-registration is required and space is limited.

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Free outdoor festival with international jazz stars & big community vibes

On Saturday, August 2 from 4–10 PM, Library Park in downtown Waterbury will be buzzing rhythm and soul as the Brass City Jazz Fest returns for its 6th year!

This free event features jazz powerhouses like Adam Hawley, Marqueal Jordan, Carol Riddick, and CT’s own Jay Rowe. Grab your lawn chair, pack a picnic, and get ready for smooth sounds, delicious food, and all the summertime feels.

Farms, flowers, bees, and a whole day of community fun

Head to Woodstock on Saturday, August 2 for a charming day of free family fun celebrating all things local! Woodstock Locally Grown Day kicks off with a farmer’s breakfast and Grange Fair at Senexet Grange, followed by garden and beekeeping demos, artisan goods, farm tours, and more.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and soak in small-town goodness.

Marcello’s in Monroe is flipping the script on Italian dining. This family-run gem is doling out $10 off to new email subscribers—just scroll to the bottom of their homepage and sign up.

While you’re there, prepare for pasta lit on fire in a cheese wheel (yes, tableside!), happy hour deals that slap, and a full menu packed with flavor and flair.

Craving a little excitement with your dinner?

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Up to 34% Off One-Day Passes at Rock Spot Climbing — Gear Included!

Whether you’re a first-timer or already climbing like Spider-Man, Rock Spot Climbing is the place to scale new heights—literally. With this limited-time deal, you can snag up to 34% off indoor climbing passes with gear included at one of Rock Spot’s five CT locations.

Choose from solo passes or bundle up with your besties for a day full of vertical thrills. Beginners can take a Jump Start class with expert instruction, while more seasoned climbers can hit the walls right away. Rock Spot features a variety of climbing styles—including auto belays, bouldering routes, and top rope—so you can test your limits or just have fun doing something different.

🌟 This is a great intro to an addictively fun sport. But don’t sleep on it—this deal’s moving fast and may vanish soon (just like your grip if you don’t chalk up).

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

  • Van Trip: FDR Presidential Library & Hyde Park at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury) - Explore Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and library, including lunch at the Culinary Institute of America.

  • Bee Gees Gold at The Palace Theater (Waterbury) - A tribute performance capturing the essence of the Bee Gees' legendary sound.

  • Music at the Mansion at Long Hill Estate (Middleton) - Enjoy an outdoor concert series with food trucks and picnicking.

  • U.S. Coast Guard Band FREE CONCERT at Old Saybrook Town Green (Old Saybrook) - Join the U.S. Coast Guard Band for a free family concert on the green.

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Greatest Rock Festival That Never Happened

In the summer of 1970, Connecticut was almost home to the East Coast’s answer to Woodstock. Nearly 30,000 eager music fans made their way up Beseck Mountain in Middlefield, lured by the promise of a stacked festival lineup at the Powder Ridge ski resort — including rock legends like Janis Joplin, Van Morrison, Jethro Tull, and the Allman Brothers.

But just before the music could start, local backlash over fears of crowd chaos led to a court-ordered injunction that shut the whole thing down. The bands bailed. The stage stayed empty. Still, the crowd came anyway. What followed was a surreal, days-long, unsanctioned party in the woods, complete with makeshift camps, free-flowing drugs, and skinny-dipping in less-than-pristine waters.

While no music ever played, the lore of Powder Ridge lives on as one of the most legendary non-concerts in rock history — a strange, chaotic, and very Connecticut slice of counterculture history.

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These actionable insights can be implemented immediately, regardless of your team or budget size. See how small brands are making big waves in today's market.

This is an advertisement. 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!

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🚆 MTA Slams CT Over “Scary” 10% Metro-North Fare Hike
Connecticut wants to raise Metro-North fares by 10%, and even though the MTA calls it “exorbitant,” they're likely to approve it. Riders could see two 5% increases by next July as CT tries to cover a budget gap in rail funding.

đŸ”„ Plainville Firefighter Dies in Freak Accident at Fire Scene
Raymond Moreau, a 35-year volunteer and Marine Corps vet, tragically died when a piece of a fire truck broke off and struck him while responding to a blaze. Officials are calling it a heartbreaking loss and a hero’s death.

đŸ§± “Metal Supermarket” Opens in Farmington—Just Don’t Try to Eat There
Farmington is now home to Connecticut’s third Metal Supermarkets location, offering a buffet of pipes, sheets, and cut-to-size metal for construction and remodeling. The name may be deceiving, but this place is all business.

🍗 Stratford Restaurant Opens with Burgers, Chicken—and a Wedding
Heffer Chicken & Burger had a grand opening like no other: ribbon-cutting and vows exchanged! Stratford’s mayor officiated the marriage of the owner and chef after welcoming their smash burger and fried chicken spot to town.

🍕 CT Rolls Out ‘Pizza State’ License Plates for a Good Cause
Connecticut just leaned into its pizza pride with new specialty plates celebrating its food legacy. Proceeds benefit Connecticut Foodshare, so now you can flex your love for New Haven-style ‘za and help fight hunger.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter—we’re glad you’re here! If you liked what you read, pass it along to a friend or two so they don’t miss out on the good stuff. 👀

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!

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