🌸 Spring Festivals, Street Fests & Horses

May 20, 2026

Good Morning, Connecticut! We’ve got another fun mix of spring festivals, outdoor community events, and local happenings happening around the state this week. Today’s lineup has plenty worth checking out.

Here's what you’ll find inside today’s email:

🌸 Shop local vendors, food, and live music at a spring festival
🎶 Explore a massive street fest with food trucks, music, and 140+ vendors
🐴 Enjoy a peaceful spring picnic with horses and community connection
📗 This Month in CT History: The Connecticut School That Changed Women’s Education
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Chuck E. Cheese is offering discounted family play packages and dining vouchers at participating locations nationwide, with deals starting at $20. The popular Family Play & Pizza Package includes 60 minutes of all-you-can-play arcade games for two, two Play Pass cards, one large one-topping pizza, and four soft drinks for $54.99. Families can also grab a $30 dining voucher for just $20.

The deal is valid any day of the week and includes access to a wide variety of arcade games and attractions designed for kids of all ages. With pizza, games, prizes, and entertainment all in one place, it’s an easy option for family outings, rainy days, or school break fun.

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!

A full day of food, shopping, and family fun is coming this weekend

The Heirloom Market Spring Festival returns on May 23 with a full day of local vendors, artisan shopping, food, drinks, and live music. Visitors can explore dozens of small businesses and makers while enjoying a relaxed outdoor atmosphere perfect for a spring weekend outing.

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is designed as a family-friendly celebration filled with local shopping, community vibes, and seasonal fun. Whether you’re browsing handmade goods, grabbing lunch, or just looking for something fun to do outdoors, this festival offers an easy day trip option for all ages.

Food trucks, live music, performers, and late-night shopping return this season

The popular 3rd Thursday Street Fest is back for another season, bringing over 140 vendors, 30+ food trucks, five music stages, street performers, and a lively downtown atmosphere to Connecticut. The monthly event stretches across Historic Main Street and has become one of the region’s biggest community celebrations each summer.

Along with live entertainment and food, local businesses stay open late with special surprises and shopping opportunities throughout the evening. The free event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM every third Thursday from May through September.

A free spring picnic supports veterans and first responders

The Equus Effect is hosting a free spring picnic on May 24, inviting families and community members to gather outdoors for an afternoon of connection, fresh air, and time with horses. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic lunches while enjoying the peaceful setting and learning more about the organization’s equine-assisted programs for veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD and other challenges.

The relaxed community event will also include cookies, soft drinks, and opportunities to spend time near the horses in a welcoming environment. The picnic takes place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and is open to all ages with no registration required.

STOCK UP ON 18 BOTTLES OF WINE FOR UP TO 80% OFF

Splash Wines is offering huge discounts on curated 18-bottle wine packs, with deals starting at $55.89 using code MAYSALE. Customers can choose between all-red, all-white, or mixed collections featuring customer-favorite wines from around the world, including selections from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Argentina. Two-voucher options are also available for wine lovers looking to stock up even more.

Each pack includes 18 full-size bottles selected from Splash Wines’ top-rated collections, making it an easy option for entertaining, gifts, summer gatherings, or simply keeping your wine rack full. Shipping is additional, and customers must be 21+ to order and receive delivery.

This is an advertisement.

Grab discounted rounds with carts included at Norwich Golf Course

Norwich Golf Course is offering discounted golf packages for one, two, or four players, with deals starting at $56.70 with code FUN. Each package includes 18 holes of golf plus a cart, giving players the chance to experience one of Connecticut’s historic public championship courses at a reduced price.

Originally opened in 1926, the course features 6,228 yards of rolling terrain designed for golfers of all skill levels. Players can enjoy scenic fairways, well-maintained greens, a full pro shop, and post-round food and drinks at The Caddy Shack Restaurant. Whether you’re planning a solo round, date-day activity, or group outing with friends, this deal makes for an easy summer golf day.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Connecticut School That Changed Women’s Education

In the early 1800s, most schools for girls focused mainly on etiquette, art, and other “proper” subjects considered suitable for women at the time. Catharine Beecher challenged those expectations when she founded the Hartford Female Seminary, one of the most influential schools for young women in American history.

Beecher believed girls were just as capable as boys when it came to academic subjects like science, philosophy, history, and rhetoric. Her school introduced a far more rigorous curriculum than most female academies of the era, giving students opportunities to study topics that were traditionally reserved for men. She also strongly supported physical education for girls, encouraging exercise and health programs decades before they became common in schools.

The Seminary quickly grew in popularity and became a major force in shaping women’s education in the United States. Beyond teaching students directly, Beecher later worked to recruit and train female teachers across the country through the American Woman’s Educational Association. Her work helped open new educational opportunities for generations of women and permanently changed the direction of American schooling.

Sam’s Club is offering discounted one-year memberships starting at just $25 for new members, giving shoppers access to bulk savings, exclusive fuel prices, curbside pickup, and the popular Scan & Go feature that lets members skip checkout lines entirely. Customers can also upgrade to a Plus Membership for $55, which includes perks like free shipping, same-day delivery, early shopping hours, and 2% Sam’s Cash rewards on qualifying purchases.

The membership works at more than 600 Sam’s Club locations nationwide and includes a complimentary household card for an additional family member. From groceries and household essentials to pharmacy discounts and gas savings, the deal is designed for shoppers looking to stretch their budgets while unlocking extra member benefits throughout the year.

This is an advertisement.

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Connecticut Cannabis Growers Faced Hundreds of Investigations

State regulators opened nearly 400 investigations into Connecticut cannabis cultivators between 2023 and 2026, with many cases tied to mold, HVAC failures, contamination concerns, pests, and even fires. Industry leaders say maintaining stable growing conditions is one of the toughest parts of large-scale cannabis production, especially in tightly controlled indoor facilities.

Connecticut Colleges Are Expanding Free Food Programs for Students

Public colleges and universities across Connecticut are increasing access to food pantries, meal programs, and free food services as more students struggle with food insecurity. Schools like CCSU and UConn have expanded pantry locations, added grab-and-go options, and partnered with organizations like Connecticut Foodshare to meet rising demand.

Connecticut Beaches Closed 928 Times Over the Past Decade

New state data shows Connecticut shoreline beaches closed 928 times between 2015 and 2025 due to water quality concerns, with Fairfield County accounting for most closures. Experts say heavy rainfall and polluted stormwater runoff are major contributors, and climate change could increase closures in the future as storms become more frequent and intense.

Millstone Nuclear Plant Could Soon Have New Owners

Connecticut’s Millstone Power Station may change ownership under a proposed merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy. Millstone supplies roughly half of Connecticut’s electricity and more than 90% of its carbon-free power, making the deal a major development for the region’s energy future.

Connecticut Manufacturer Expanding Amid Submarine Production Boom

A Connecticut manufacturer is expanding operations to help meet growing demand tied to submarine production. The expansion comes as defense contractors ramp up work connected to major U.S. Navy submarine programs, bringing more jobs and industrial growth to the state.

Thanks!

That’s a wrap for today’s newsletter! Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, discovering local events, or just staying in the loop, we’re glad to have you here with us.

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!