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- 🎪 Circus Magic, Winter Fest & Curious George Live
🎪 Circus Magic, Winter Fest & Curious George Live
Happy Wednesday! If you’re looking to lock in weekend plans early, we’ve got you covered. From a powerful reimagining of circus arts to a 21+ winter bash and a family-friendly stage favorite, Connecticut’s lineup is stacked.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎪 Minty Fresh Circus at Fairfield University
❄️ A 21+ Winter Festival in Windsor Locks
🐒 Curious George live in Storrs
📗 This Month in CT History: How a Backyard Experiment in Fairfield Became an American Icon
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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A bold reimagining of circus rooted in African performance traditions
On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM, Minty Fresh Circus takes the stage at the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield. Named in tribute to Harriet Tubman, whose childhood nickname was Minty, this dynamic production blends circus, dance, and theater into a raucous and joyful celebration of Black music, movement, and cultural traditions.
Conceived by Monique Martin and performed by an all-Black cast with a majority-Black creative team, the show draws from movement styles across the African Diaspora, including percussive dance, Lindy, hip-hop, poppin’ and lockin’, jukin’, ritual movement, and physical theater. Tickets are $25, with discounts for Quick Members and Fairfield University students.
Live music, food trucks, comedy, and more in Windsor Locks
Winter Festival returns February 20–21, 2026 at the Ramada Inn in Windsor Locks for a full weekend of live entertainment and 21+ fun. The event runs Friday from 3:00 PM to midnight and Saturday from 12:00 PM to midnight, featuring live performances from Just Winging It, Shame Penguins, The Forest Room, Walter Merrill, Marianne Toilet and the Runs, Mantle, and more.
Guests can explore vendors, food trucks, comedy acts, a consumption lounge, and even free bingo throughout the weekend. Day and weekend passes are available, but remember — this event is strictly 21+ with ID required.
A family-friendly musical adventure in Storrs
On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM, Curious George: “The Golden Meatball” comes to Jorgensen Center in Storrs for a fun-filled musical perfect for ages 4 to 9. Based on the beloved books and PBS series, this lively production follows George as he helps Chef Pisghetti prepare for All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day — only to face unexpected competition from a speedy Meatballs-o-Matic machine.
Produced by Wishing Star Productions, this upbeat show blends humor, music, and heart as George discovers the secret ingredient to success. Tickets range from $25–$30, making it an easy and memorable family outing.
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Retro vibes, glow bowl nights, and snacks included
Looking for an easy win for date night, family time, or a group hang? Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes in Hamden is offering up to 67% off 90 minutes of bowling — and this isn’t your average bowling alley. Duckpin bowling uses smaller balls and pins, making the game faster, more hands-on, and seriously fun for all ages.
This deal includes shoe rental, soda, and chips for two, four, or six people during Open Bowl or Glow Bowl sessions. Prices start as low as $18 for two people, and you can save even more today with promo code FAMFUN. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,300 reviews and more than 1,000 deals already purchased, it’s a proven crowd-pleaser. Established in 1955 and renovated for modern play, this Hamden favorite blends nostalgic charm with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Modern Love: An Appreciation (New Haven) - A Gallery Talk exploring the theme of love in the Yale University Art Gallery’s modern American fine art collection.
Indie Lens Pop-Up (New Haven) - A community screening series debuting thought-provoking documentaries with complimentary pizza and conversation.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!
HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
How a Backyard Experiment in Fairfield Became an American Icon
In the summer of 1953, Fairfield resident David N. Mullany watched his son and neighborhood kids improvise a backyard baseball game with a broomstick and a perforated golf ball. Worried about broken windows and limited space, Mullany began tinkering with a safer alternative — something lightweight enough for small yards but designed to curve and spin like a real baseball.
Using hollow plastic perfume containers from a local manufacturer, Mullany discovered that punching holes into one side created just the right aerodynamics. The result was the WIFFLE® Ball, a simple but brilliant invention that allowed pitchers to throw curveballs with ease and left plenty of batters swinging and missing. After early sales quickly took off, Mullany patented the ball in 1954 and moved production to Shelton, where more than 60 million have been made.
Today, Wiffle Ball, Inc. remains headquartered in Shelton and family-operated, proudly manufacturing every ball in Connecticut — a backyard idea that turned into a nationwide staple of summer fun.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
22,000+ Peanut Butter Packs Recalled, Including in Connecticut
Connecticut is among the states impacted by an FDA recall of more than 22,000 cases of single-serve creamy peanut butter products from Ventura Foods. The recall involves portion packs distributed under several foodservice brands after blue plastic was reportedly found during production. The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the products could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.
AutoZone Opening 28,000-Square-Foot Store in Milford
AutoZone plans to open a large-format, 28,000-square-foot store at the Turnpike Square shopping plaza in Milford. The new location, expected to open in September, will fill vacancies left by a former bakery and sports bar. The national auto parts retailer already operates more than 60 locations across Connecticut.
Wendy’s Announces Nationwide Closures, CT Locations Unclear
Wendy’s confirmed plans to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. restaurants as part of a nationwide downsizing effort, but the company has not said which of its 51 Connecticut locations may be affected. The chain cited weaker-than-expected sales and plans to close between 5% and 6% of its U.S. restaurants in the first half of the year.
Bikers Edge Closes Bristol and Torrington Shops
Bikers Edge, a longtime bicycle retailer serving Bristol and Torrington since the 1970s, has permanently closed both locations. Parent company Specialized Bicycle Corporation shuttered the stores as of Feb. 9, leaving employees without prior notice. Customers have expressed disappointment, calling the shops a longtime fixture in their communities.
Thanks!
That’s a wrap for today! We hope you discovered a few events that caught your eye.
If you like what you’re seeing, pass this along to someone who loves exploring Connecticut as much as you do.
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!