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Festivals Coming to Connecticut this Spring and Summer

From music and food, to arts and crafts, there are many festivals coming to Connecticut this spring and summer you'll sure want to check out. 

Food:

New England Regional Chili Cook-off in Somers: May 5 – Whether you want to submit your best chili recipe, or just eat it, the New England Regional Chili Cook-off is the place to be. The event is held at Sonny’s Place in Somers at 394 Main St. Between the hours of 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  There are different categories to submit your recipe to. Entry fee and prizes differ per category. The event overall will have plenty of food, music, and even go-karts.

New Haven Food Truck Festival: June 2 – On the Long Wharf waterfront, The New Haven Food Truck Festival invites you to enjoy a wide variety of food offered from food trucks. The family-friendly event starts at 12 p.m. on June 2 and goes until 7 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. There you can enjoy not only the food but also live musical performances and more. 

Mohegan Sun BBQ Fest: June 2-3 – Get your bib ready because Mohegan Sun’s Sun BBQ Fest is returning this June. Presented by King’s Hawaiian, this year’s event is bringing back the signature wing and rib challenge, along with food trucks, live musicand a firework extravaganza on Saturday night. Tickets are on sale now through the Mohegan sun box office or at the door the day of the event. More information can be found on the website

Connecticut Summer Food Truck Festival in Naugatuck: July 14-15 – Connecticut’s premier Food Truck Festival will take place this summer in Naugatuck. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., enjoy a variety of more than 20 food trucks to indulge in. Live music, carnival rides, bounces houses, and shopping vendors will also be onsite. For the full list of food trucks, check out their Facebook page.

Music:

Locapalooza IV Music and Art Festival in Bethany: May 19 – This one-day music and art festival focuses on Connecticut’s music scene. There will be eight local bands performing their original music. It’s a family-friendly event with activities for kids and vendors of items handcrafted in Connecticut. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the event begins at noon in Bethany at Three Saints Park.  

Sea  Music Festival in Mystic: June 7-10 – Mystic Seaport will host its annual Sea Music Festival. Fans of traditional sea music come together to enjoy national and international performers. The weekend’s festivities include daytime and evening concerts, special performances for children and instructional workshops. A full list of performers and ticket prices can be found on their website. 

Country Music ‘n Food Truck Rally in Danbury: August 4 – If country music is your thing, then the Country Music ‘n Food Truck Rally is the place for you. This festival is held in Danbury on Aug. 4, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’ll be a night filled with food, country music and a lot of dancing. 

Outdoor:

Daffodil Festival in Meriden: April 28-29 – This outdoor family festival has more than 600,000 daffodils on display in Hubbard Park in Meriden. This festival has more to offer than just flowers though. Enjoy live music on three stages, food, and activities for children. Stop by and see the 30th Annual “Daffodils on Parade,” and end the next with fireworks. More information can be found on their website.

The 109th Annual Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival in Vernon: April 28 – This festival began in 1909 by the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association. Today, it includes all types of fibers on display, fiber tools, finished goods, Connecticut cheese, and many other items created by small farms and businesses. This agricultural and learning experience is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 28 in Vernon.

Dogwood Festival in Festival in Fairfield: May 11-13 – This three-day event honors the thousands of dogwoods that can be seen in spring in Connecticut. Events for this festival include a barbecue and dance on Saturday, children’s games, a 2-mile run, and much more. The event is held at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church.A full list of activities throughout the weekend can be seen on their website.

Shoreline Spring Festival and Pet Adoption in Madison: May 19 – If you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your family, then the Shoreline Spring Festival & Pet Adoption is the place for you. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on May 19, stop by the Madison Green, 26 Meetinghouse Lane in Madison for a pet adoption. The Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter and other rescue groups will be bringing many dogs and cats looking for a new home. More than 80 artisan booths and food trucks will be on site too. 

Arts and Crafts:

33rd Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival in Greenwich: May 19-20 - On the ground of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, more than 70 artists come together to share their talents and crafts during this event. Exhibitors specializing in ceramics, jewelry, glassware, and much more will be there. All items are available for purchase. During the festival, you can also look forward to international cuisines. Admission to the festival is $10 and visitors will also receive instant free admission to the museum. The craft festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  More information can be on their website

Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair: June 9 - Chesire is holding their 81st annual New England styled festival featuring farm-fresh strawberry shortcake. The topping on the cake is more than 30 crafters and artisans are brought in with one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items for you to buy for yourself, or as a gift. The day also includes grilled food, amusements and entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. The event is held on the historic CHurch Green in the center of downtown Chesire. It begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.  Further information can be found on the website

Celebrate! West Hartford Craft Show: June 9-10 – This two-day community fair brings in businesses, civic and service organizations, and more to bring awareness to their work. With more than 175 artists, these crafters represent different places throughout New England. Rain or shine, the craft show will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 10. It will be held on the Town Hall Common at 50 South Main St. in West Hartford.

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