🌸 Barnes Egg Hunt, First Friday & Mystic Trunk Hop

April 01, 2026

Good morning! Midweek plans are looking pretty solid, especially with Easter weekend right around the corner. Whether you’re planning something for the kids or looking for a fun night out, there’s a mix of events across Connecticut worth checking out.

Here’s what’s inside:

🐣 A charming Easter egg hunt at a historic museum
🎶 A high-energy First Friday with live music, art, and drinks
🌸 A community Easter trunk hop with local businesses and surprises
📗 This Month in CT History: A Pandemic That Changed Connecticut Forever
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Springtime fun in a charming, historic setting

If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-friendly Easter activity, the Barnes Museum in Niantic is hosting a sweet spring morning on April 4 with a 10:00 AM time slot. Kids can explore the museum grounds searching for colorful eggs filled with candy and small toys, all set in a cozy historic environment that feels a little more special than your typical egg hunt.

After the hunt, families can head inside to meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with crafting and seasonal fun. Admission is free with a suggested $10 donation, making it an easy, budget-friendly option for a memorable morning.

Live music, art, and a full-on Friday night vibe

If your idea of a good time leans more toward music and nightlife, the New Britain Museum of American Art is hosting its First Friday event on April 3 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This month features Down to Funk, a high-energy cover band playing everything from the ’70s to today, so expect a packed dance floor and a fun crowd.

Your ticket also gets you access to the museum galleries, plus there’s a cash bar to keep the night going. It’s a 21+ event with tickets starting at $8 for members and $16 for non-members in advance, so if you’re planning to go, grabbing tickets early is the move.

🌸 HOP INTO THE GREATER MYSTIC EASTER TRUNK HOP

A fun, community-driven Easter event for all ages

For something a little different, the Greater Mystic Easter Trunk Hop is bringing the community together on April 4 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Seaport Marine (2 Washington Street, Mystic). Local businesses will set up decorated trunks filled with surprise eggs for kids, creating a fun, walk-through experience that feels like a mix of trick-or-treating and Easter celebration.

The event is free to attend with a donation of a non-perishable food item, making it both fun and meaningful. Families can also take photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a few extra surprises along the way, all while supporting local businesses.

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Up to 50% off haircuts and highlights for a salon glow-up

If your hair’s been feeling a little… meh lately, this deal at Nauti-Cuts Salon in Bristol might be your sign to finally book that appointment. Right now, you can score up to 50% off services like a haircut with shampoo and blow-dry, or go all in with partial or full highlights for a full refresh.

Located at 1174 Farmington Avenue, this spot is known for personalized styling and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re going for a subtle trim or a full transformation, their stylists focus on making sure you leave feeling confident, with results that actually last. With hundreds of positive reviews and a reputation for consistent quality, it’s an easy yes if you’ve been putting off a hair refresh.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

  • Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical (New London) - Join Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog as they teach baby frogs to create their own comics in this madcap musical!

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Pandemic That Changed Connecticut Forever

In the late 1910s, Connecticut faced one of the deadliest public health crises in its history as the global influenza pandemic spread rapidly across the state. What started as a relatively mild outbreak quickly turned devastating, especially during its second wave, overwhelming communities and leaving thousands of families affected.

The virus entered through New London’s busy port and moved quickly through densely populated cities and industrial towns. Schools, factories, and public spaces were shut down in an effort to slow the spread, while some areas faced severe shortages, including limited space for the deceased. With no vaccine or effective treatment available, fear and uncertainty became part of everyday life.

Unlike typical flu strains, this virus hit healthy adults especially hard and ultimately claimed more than 8,500 lives in Connecticut alone. While the pandemic eventually subsided, its impact was long-lasting, reshaping how communities approached public health and crisis response for years to come.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Massive Apartment Project Proposed for Montville

A developer is pitching a huge residential project that could bring 700 to 900+ apartments and townhouses to Montville. While it could boost local tax revenue and support job growth tied to Electric Boat, it would also require major infrastructure upgrades and could significantly impact the town’s population and landscape.

Metro-North Stations Getting Major Upgrades

Commuters can expect clearer announcements and better real-time train info as Connecticut plans a $40+ million upgrade across 28 Metro-North stations. The improvements aim to make travel smoother and more reliable, with construction expected to run through 2028 without major service disruptions.

Beloved CT Restaurant Closes After 13 Years

The Foundry Kitchen and Tavern in Sandy Hook has officially closed, ending over a decade of serving as a go-to spot for meals, celebrations, and milestones. The historic location and strong community ties made it more than just a restaurant for many locals.

Potholes Surge Across Connecticut After Harsh Winter

A tough winter has left roads across the state in rough shape, with a noticeable spike in potholes reported in multiple cities. Officials say repeated freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow contributed to the damage, and crews are now working to catch up on repairs.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! We hope you found a few fun ways to get out, explore, and enjoy everything happening around Connecticut this week.

If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend and help them stay in the loop too.

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!