🍁 Maple Fest, Museum Beats & Mrs. Doubtfire

March 04, 2026

Happy Wednesday! The weekend is starting to take shape, and this lineup brings sweet traditions, live music energy, and big Broadway laughs to Connecticut. Whether you’re craving something seasonal, a night out with friends, or a feel-good show, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what’s inside:

🍁 Plymouth Maple Festival in Plymouth
🎶 First Friday: Down to Funk at the New Britain Museum of American Art
🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven
📗 This Month in CT History: Where America’s Crossword Craze Turned Competitive
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A sweet celebration of Connecticut’s sugaring season

The Plymouth Maple Festival returns on March 7 at the Plymouth Green, inviting visitors to experience one of New England’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Guests can watch maple syrup boil over an outdoor fire and learn how backyard sugaring works, all while soaking in the charm of a classic small-town gathering.

Festivalgoers can enjoy maple-inspired favorites like French toast, baked goods, baked beans, and sugar on snow, with live fiddle music from Down Home Frolic adding to the festive atmosphere. Locally made maple syrup, sugar, and confections will also be available for purchase, making it easy to take a taste of Plymouth home with you. A scavenger hunt around the Green adds extra fun, ending with a prize at Books and Art on Main. Admission is free, and parking is plentiful.

Live music, art, and a high-energy night at the museum

The New Britain Museum of American Art’s popular First Friday series continues on March 6 with Down to Funk, one of New England’s premier cover bands. From 1970s classics to today’s hits, the band brings a dynamic, dance-floor-ready performance to this lively 21+ event.

Guests can explore the museum galleries, grab a drink from the cash bar, and enjoy a night that blends culture with celebration. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended for those who want a chair before the dance floor fills up.

A heartwarming Broadway hit brings big laughs to New Haven

The beloved story of Mrs. Doubtfire comes to life on stage at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven from March 5–7. Based on the hit film, this musical comedy follows an out-of-work actor who goes to extraordinary lengths to stay close to his children, transforming into the unforgettable nanny audiences know and love.

Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt emotion, and lively musical numbers, the production explores family, resilience, and the power of love. With multiple showtimes throughout the weekend, it’s a perfect pick for a memorable night at the theatre.

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TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Where America’s Crossword Craze Turned Competitive

Long before word games became viral apps and daily rituals for millions, a group of puzzle lovers gathered in Stamford for something entirely new: a head-to-head crossword competition. In 1978, the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament launched at a Marriott hotel in Stamford, founded by New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz. More than 100 contestants competed over two days, racing to solve increasingly difficult puzzles with scores based on both speed and accuracy.

The inaugural tournament crowned two women as its top finishers, setting the tone for what would become a fiercely competitive yet tight-knit community. What started as a hobbyist gathering quickly evolved into the nation’s premier crossword event, eventually drawing hundreds of solvers from around the world. For three decades, Stamford remained its home base before a surge in popularity temporarily moved the event to New York, later returning to Connecticut roots.

The tournament also embraced innovation. In 2012, a computer program named Dr. Fill entered the competition, steadily improving each year until it ultimately outscored human competitors in a virtual showdown during the pandemic era. Now in its fifth decade, the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament continues to blend brainpower, tradition, and showmanship, proving that Connecticut played a key role in turning crossword solving into a national spectacle.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Windsor Locks Condemns Bradley Inn

The Bradley Inn in Windsor Locks has been condemned due to a lack of electrical power, heat, and hot water. About 20 residents who had been living at the property were relocated to other area hotels with assistance from social services. State health officials and the Attorney General’s office have been notified as the town works with agencies to address the situation.

Hartford Walk Raises Over $40K to Combat Homelessness

Nearly 250 volunteers took part in Hartford’s Coldest Night of the Year walk, raising more than $44,000 to support residents experiencing homelessness and hunger. Organizers highlighted the growing crisis, noting sharp increases in homelessness across the state in recent years. Funds will support services through the Community Renewal Team and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

CT Metros Rank Among Nation’s Fastest for Home Value Growth

Five Connecticut metro areas rank among the top 20 nationwide for projected home value gains in 2026, according to Zillow. Greater Hartford and New London County are expected to see 4.1% growth, with New Haven, Torrington, and Stamford-Bridgeport also making the list. While mortgage rates have dipped slightly, affordability remains a challenge for many buyers.

Sunday Is the Best Day to Save on Gas in Connecticut

A new GasBuddy analysis finds that Sunday is the most affordable day to fill up in Connecticut, while Thursday tends to be the most expensive. Timing purchases strategically could save drivers up to several cents per gallon. Analysts say prices typically rise midweek before easing into the weekend.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your day with us. We hope you found a few fresh ideas to get out, explore, and make the most of the week ahead.

If you enjoyed today’s roundup, share it with a friend and help them stay in the loop on everything happening across Connecticut.

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!