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- 🎨 SoNo Arts Fest, Norfolk Weekend & Bantam Lake Ski Show
🎨 SoNo Arts Fest, Norfolk Weekend & Bantam Lake Ski Show
Happy Thursday, Connecticut! The weekend is almost here, and there's no shortage of exciting ways to enjoy it! We've rounded up three great events worth adding to your plans.
Here's what's inside today:
🎨 SoNo Arts Festival in South Norwalk
🌻 Weekend in Norfolk Celebration
🌊 America 250 Ski Show at Bantam Lake
📗 This Month in CT History: Powder Ridge's Lost Rock Festival
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Browse incredible artwork, enjoy live music, and experience one of Connecticut's favorite summer arts festivals
The SoNo Arts Festival returns to South Norwalk on August 1-2, transforming downtown into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring more than 100 juried artists and craft artisans. The free weekend event offers something for everyone, from unique artwork and handmade creations to live music and interactive family activities.
Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the weekend, explore the children's art playground, and don't miss the colorful Giant Puppet Parade on Sunday at 1:00 PM. With local food, entertainment, and creativity around every corner, it's the perfect way to spend a summer weekend.
Live music, art, history, gardens, and family fun come together for this beloved community festival
Celebrate summer during the 11th Annual Weekend in Norfolk, taking place July 31 through August 2 throughout downtown Norfolk. This town-wide festival features concerts, art exhibits, garden tours, outdoor adventures, historic attractions, local food, and family-friendly activities across the community.
Highlights include Sidewalk Sunday, live performances, guided walks, fly-fishing workshops, cultural exhibits, and plenty of opportunities to shop from local artists and vendors. Most events are free, making it a wonderful weekend getaway for visitors of all ages.
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with thrilling performances on Connecticut's largest natural lake
The Bantam Lake Ski Club returns with its annual America 250 Ski Show on August 1-2 at Sandy Beach in Morris. The exciting performances take place from 2:00 to 3:00 PM each day and feature talented skiers performing impressive tricks, pyramids, jumps, and synchronized routines on the water.
Parking is $25 per vehicle, and guests are encouraged to arrive by 1:30 PM to allow time for parking and walking to the viewing area. It's a unique family-friendly event that combines patriotic celebration with high-energy entertainment.
Make this summer unforgettable with a trip to Lake Compounce, North America's oldest continuously operating amusement park! For a limited time, score single-day admission for up to 47% off and enjoy access to exciting roller coasters, family attractions, and Connecticut's largest water park—all with one ticket.
Take on the world-famous Boulder Dash wooden coaster, experience the newly re-tracked Wildcat, cool off in the water park, and create lasting memories with fun for all ages. Best of all, kids 3 and under get in free!
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Save over 50% on laser tag and arcade games for an action-packed day everyone will love
Looking for an exciting outing with family or friends? Spare Time Entertainment is offering a fantastic Groupon deal with up to 52% off laser tag and arcade packages at its Bristol, Windsor Locks, and Vernon locations. Choose a package for two or four people, complete with an exciting laser tag game and generous arcade game cards for even more fun.
Battle it out in a high-energy laser tag arena filled with fog, music, and dynamic lighting, then head to the expansive arcade packed with classic favorites, modern games, and virtual reality experiences. Round out your visit with food and drinks from the full-service restaurant for the ultimate entertainment experience.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Hot Food Thursdays (Mashantucket) - Offering guests a delicious new meal to enjoy each week.
Memories at the MATT (Waterbury) - A welcoming and supportive experience for individuals living with early-stage dementia and their care partners.
Family Craft Workshop: Fairy Tails (Hartford) - Introduces participants to the tradition of decorative lettering while guiding them through the creation of their own whimsical “Fairy Tail” letter.
Thursdays on the Dock: Not Sorry (Essex) - An evening of familiar hits and scenic river views at one of the shoreline’s most popular summer music events.
Behind the Scenes Tour: The American Revolution (Hartford) - History enthusiasts can explore rarely seen treasures from the Revolutionary era.
Jessie Altman (Westport) - Rising pop artist Jessie Altman brings her soulful voice and cinematic songwriting to Levitt Pavilion.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
Powder Ridge's Lost Rock Festival
In the summer of 1970, Powder Ridge Ski Area in Middlefield was set to host what organizers hoped would become one of the biggest rock festivals in the country. The lineup featured legendary artists including Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Van Morrison, and Jethro Tull, drawing excitement from music fans across the region.
Before the festival could begin, however, local concerns over traffic, safety, and potential damage led to a court injunction that canceled the event. Despite the cancellation, nearly 30,000 people still made the journey to Powder Ridge, camping on the mountain for several days in hopes the show would go on.
Although none of the scheduled performers ever took the stage, the unexpected gathering became one of Connecticut's most memorable cultural moments. Today, the Powder Ridge Festival is remembered as "the greatest rock concert that never was," earning its place as one of the state's most fascinating chapters in music history.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Sewage Spill Renews Calls to Protect the Connecticut River
After more than 6 million gallons of untreated sewage flowed into the Connecticut River from a Massachusetts wastewater facility, Connecticut officials are urging federal leaders to accelerate infrastructure improvements. Lawmakers say long-term investments are needed to prevent future overflows and better protect water quality, wildlife, and recreation along the river.
Speed Cameras Now Active in I-91 Work Zone
New speed enforcement cameras are now operating in the Interstate 91 construction zone in Meriden as part of Connecticut's "Know the Zone" safety program. Drivers traveling 10 mph or more over the 45 mph work zone speed limit will first receive a warning before fines begin.
Bigfoot Sighting Sparks Curiosity in Eastern Connecticut
A Rhode Island man claims he spotted an 8-foot-tall Bigfoot crossing a road in Voluntown earlier this month, drawing attention from Bigfoot researchers while amusing local officials. State agencies say they've received no reports of the legendary creature, though the unusual story has generated plenty of buzz.
Scientists Test Tiny Insects to Fight Invasive Weeds
Connecticut researchers are studying the use of fly larvae as a natural way to control invasive water chestnut plants that threaten local lakes and waterways. Nicknamed "bulldozers," the insects could offer an environmentally friendly alternative to managing the aggressive aquatic weed if testing proves successful.
Thanks!
Have a wonderful Thursday, Connecticut!
Thanks for joining us today. Whether you're making plans, exploring somewhere new, or simply catching up on local happenings, we hope you found something worth sharing.
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!