🛻 Feel the Roar, Meet Huskies & Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

March 18, 2026

Hey there, Connecticut explorers! Midweek plans are looking pretty fun. We’ve rounded up a mix of high-energy events, family-friendly outings, and festive celebrations happening across the state—so whether you’re in the mood for action, animals, or a little Irish spirit, you’ve got options.

Here’s what’s inside:

🛻 Monster Jam takes over Hartford with high-flying, adrenaline-packed action
🐺 Meet real sled dogs at a live husky demo in Middlefield
🍀 A festive St. Patrick’s Day parade brings the energy to Greenwich
📗 This Month in CT History: A Forgotten Civil War Hero Who Shaped Connecticut’s Legacy
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

From weekends along the Connecticut coast to long-awaited trips abroad, the best experiences are often the ones that connect you more deeply with the places you visit. Learning a language adds a new layer to travel — helping you navigate conversations, appreciate culture, and move through the world with greater confidence.

With Babbel, expert-designed lessons focus on real-world dialogue and take just minutes a day, making it easy to build a meaningful skill over time. During the Spring Sale, enjoy 60% off a Lifetime subscription and unlock unlimited access to all languages — forever. One thoughtful investment now, and a skill that enhances every journey ahead.

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!

High-flying stunts, head-to-head racing, and nonstop action.

The roar of 12,000-pound trucks returns as Monster Jam rolls into PeoplesBank Arena for a full weekend of adrenaline. Known for its gravity-defying tricks and intense competitions, this is one of the most exciting live events you can catch with friends or family.

Catch the action on Saturday, March 21 at 12 PM and 6 PM, or Sunday at 1 PM. Want more? The Pit Party lets you meet drivers, see the trucks up close, and go behind the scenes before the show even starts.

Up-close encounters and live mushing demonstrations.

Looking for something wholesome and different? Head to Apple Barrel Farm Market for a Siberian Husky Sled Dog Meet & Greet. Watch live mushing demos, see how these incredible dogs train, and chat with the team behind it all.

Happening on Saturday, March 21 from 10 AM–1 PM, this free event is perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone who wants a unique outdoor experience.

Irish pride, music, and festive energy take over the streets.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in full spirit at the Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Expect marching bands, floats, Irish wolfhounds, and plenty of green as the community comes together for one of the season’s most festive traditions.

The parade kicks off on Sunday, March 22 at 2 PM, starting at Town Hall and moving through the heart of Greenwich.

Now that tax season is here, there's no better time to file with Cash App Taxes. It's fast, 100% free, and it only takes a few minutes. Cash App Taxes is a completely free way to file your federal and state taxes-and get your refund.

File with Cash App Taxes
Exclusions apply. 5-day refund estimate is based on filing data from tax year 2024. Refund windows are subject to change for 2025. We do not guarantee when you will receive your refund. Timing estimates are dependent on the timing of your submission of a complete return and when the IRS submits your refund. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Tax Filing Preparation services are provided by Cash App Taxes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

This is an advertisement.

Games, pizza, and nonstop fun—all in one place.

Looking for an easy, fun-filled day out with the kids? This Chuck E. Cheese Family Play & Pizza Deal delivers everything you need for a stress-free family outing. With options like a $30 dining voucher for $20 or a Family Play & Pizza Package for just $54.99 (43% off), it’s a simple way to turn any day into a full-on fun day.

The Family Package includes 60 minutes of all-you-can-play games for two, reloadable Play Pass® cards, a large 1-topping pizza, and four soft drinks—perfect for sharing and keeping everyone fueled. From arcade games and racing simulators to interactive dance floors and prize-filled redemption games, there’s something for every age (yes, even adults get hooked).

Whether you’re planning a casual weekend outing or just need an easy win with the kids, Chuck E. Cheese brings together food, play, and entertainment all under one roof—without the hassle of planning multiple stops.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Forgotten Civil War Hero Who Shaped Connecticut’s Legacy

Joseph R. Hawley was once one of Connecticut’s most respected figures—a Civil War general, newspaper editor, and political leader whose influence shaped both the state and the nation. Before the war, he built a reputation through journalism and politics, using his skills as a writer and speaker to rise within the Free-Soil and Republican movements. When the Civil War began, he quickly enlisted, becoming one of Connecticut’s earliest volunteers and eventually rising to the rank of Major General through his leadership in key battles.

After the war, Hawley returned home as a celebrated hero and was elected Connecticut’s 51st governor. He later expanded his influence through journalism, transforming the Hartford Courant into one of the state’s most powerful newspapers. His political career continued for decades, serving in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, where he remained a strong voice in national affairs.

Beyond elected office, Hawley also played a key role in organizing the 1876 Centennial Exposition, a major national event celebrating America’s 100th anniversary. Though his name is less widely recognized today, his legacy lives on through his lasting contributions to public service, media, and the preservation of the nation’s history—remembered as a true patriot, soldier, and statesman.

They remain one of the key affordable-housing sources nationally, have limited supply and high tenant retention (10-12Y). Investors can see tremendous upside with professionally-managed MHP portfolios such as Vintage Capital’s, which targets a 15-17% IRR and makes monthly distributions. Invest directly in individual deals or via a 10+ property fund. 1031s also available.

This is an advertisement.

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Henkel Expands With Major R&D Campus In Trumbull

Global consumer-goods company Henkel is investing over $70 million to transform its Trumbull location into a full-scale research and development campus. The expansion will bring together teams across North America and support innovation for major brands like Dial, Persil, and Schwarzkopf, while creating space for more than 200 employees.

CT-Based Chain Drops A Healthier ‘Big Arch’ Burger

Connecticut-founded Green & Tonic is taking on fast food with its new “Better Arch” burger, a high-protein, lower-calorie twist on McDonald’s viral Big Arch. The launch is part of a broader menu expansion aimed at offering healthier, high-protein options across its growing list of locations.

Kayaker Rescued From Connecticut River

Emergency crews in Portland responded quickly after a kayaker was found clinging to a log in the Connecticut River. Firefighters launched a rescue boat, safely retrieved the individual, and transported them to the hospital for evaluation.

Nightly Ramp Closures Coming To I-84/I-91 Interchange

Drivers should prepare for overnight detours as a key ramp from I-84 eastbound to I-91 northbound in Hartford will close nightly from March 23 through May 29 (9 PM–6 AM). The closures are part of a bridge rehabilitation project aimed at improving safety and extending the structure’s lifespan.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading and spending a bit of your day with us! We hope you found some fresh ideas to get out, explore, and enjoy everything happening around Connecticut this week.

If you know someone who’s always looking for something fun to do, go ahead and send this their way—let them in on all the best things happening across the state.

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!