This weekend in Middletown, CT

The 9th annual New Haven Dragon Boat Festival brings paddling excitement and friendly competition to the water. Community teams can register to participate, coming together for teamwork and a lively, fun experience.

This free, parent-led annual gathering welcomes parents and parent-leader allies from across the state to connect, learn, and build collective power. Held at Wesleyan University, it offers a supportive setting where parents and allies can forge relationships, exchange experiences, and expand their leadership impact. Guided by the theme Planting Seeds: Growing a Legacy of Leaders, the program includes workshops, thoughtful conversations, resource tables, and raffle prizes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Enjoy a dog-centered day retreat that blends wellness, learning, and play for you and your canine companion. The experience focuses on deepening the bond you share through shared adventures, skill building, and opportunities to meet others who love doing life with their dogs. The schedule balances upbeat fun with time to unwind, featuring dog-friendly yoga, meditation, training sessions, group hikes, paddling together, swim time, campfires, wellness and dog-themed crafts, and informative talks on training and health. Leave feeling refreshed, connected, and equipped with new ideas to continue the journey at home.

This community-focused gathering offers more than a typical market. Explore offerings from over 70 local artisans, craft makers, and holistic practitioners, with live music, food trucks, and wellness activities set against the scenic grounds of Rosedale Farms & Vineyard. A portion of proceeds supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Settle into a cozy setting and spend time with a lively herd of young goats that love to romp, nibble, and cuddle. An on-site event leader will guide the experience, introducing participants to the herd and helping match each guest with especially snuggly companions. These affectionate animals may even hop into a lap for extra cuddle time. It is a gentle opportunity to unplug, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy the moment. Bringing a blanket is recommended to make close-up time even more comfortable. There is ample time to relax, socialize, and capture memorable photos or a selfie with these furry friends.

BB and another person will be at the Bristol Farmer’s Market on select dates throughout the season, with multiple appearances scheduled.

Experience the 5th Annual Fall Farm Festival at The Farm Truck at Hein Farm, featuring an art and craft fair, food trucks, hayrides, cut your own flowers, live music, and more. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks and musicians will be announced.

Honor General James Wadsworth at Old Durham Cemetery with a ceremony dedicating a grave marker in his name. Afterward, the gathering moves to the Community Center, where Town Historian Fran Korn will present on Wadsworth and Durham in the Revolutionary era, followed by a reception. The gravesite sits on a steep, uneven hill, which may make access difficult. Those unable to navigate the terrain can attend the Community Center portion for the lecture and reception. Co-sponsored by the Durham 250 committee, the Wadsworth Chapter of the Connecticut DAR, the Durham Cemetery Company, and the Durham Historical Society.

Now in its fifth year, the Art'ober Festival brings a lively showcase of art and music to Veteran's Memorial Park. Admission is free, and the festivities will proceed regardless of weather.

Now in its third year, Hartford Harvest Festival celebrates the season with cozy flannel vibes, coffee-fueled energy, and a leisurely stroll along the street. Admission is free with an RSVP.

Curious what your antiques are worth? At ANTIQ’S, professional appraisers provide complimentary, no obligation evaluations for items such as furniture, jewelry, and artwork, with on the spot insights and practical advice on preserving, managing, or parting with them. Whether you are handling an estate, clearing space, or preparing for a move, this is an opportunity to discover both the story and market value of your pieces. Items of any size are welcome, and the guidance can help you decide what to keep, sell, or pass along.

This family-friendly gathering in New Haven features arcade games and tasty food. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Barcade donates a portion of Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that provides recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

Enjoy unhurried moments at the fence feeding and meeting a gentle herd of goats. The pace is up to each visitor, which makes this a welcoming option for toddlers, young children, and anyone who prefers connecting with animals without hurry. A friendly, knowledgeable event leader will be nearby to answer questions and share interesting tidbits. Guests can relax, take in the lake scenery, and savor a peaceful pause on the farm. This easygoing, flexible visit is intended for all ages and abilities, offering a sweet way to get to know the goats without a formal structure.

Elizabeth Park hosts the return of this annual production, unveiling a new show and a refreshed vibe for 2026. Alongside the performance, the plan includes a park cleanup, engaging activities, and hands on art projects, with more information to come.

Bring a constructed One Piece deck or use one of the store’s starter decks to take part in tournament play at Lotus Games. The shop is celebrating the 4th Anniversary of One Piece with OP17, and weekly battles feature Bandai prizes while supplies last along with bragging rights. Entry is $5, and winners receive store credit based on placement. It offers a friendly way to connect with other players and help the One Piece community grow.

This weekly draft features a $20 entry fee. The format uses three rounds of Swiss. Prizes are awarded at the end as one pack per win.

Move with MADD Connecticut takes place on the East Haven Town Green and honors the life of Mason Fish, who died from injuries sustained in an impaired driving crash in 2023. The event includes an opening ceremony and a kickoff on the green. In partnership with The Shore Line Trolley Museum, participants walk from the green to the museum for a trolley ride.

Returning for its second year, this Haunted Hayride offers a night of hair-raising fun and eerie adventures. Tickets are on sale, and the organizers are seeking volunteers, participants for live scenes, and sponsors to help bring the experience to life.

Experience a weekly Connecticut car show sponsored by the Farmer's Cow Calfe, showcasing classic, muscle, and street cars. Enjoy good food, explore a variety of standout vehicles, and take part in a family-friendly outing suitable for all ages.

The Plainville Fire Company is hosting a fall pasta supper. Admission is $12 per person, with a $10 rate for senior citizens. The meal includes bread, salad, pasta with meatballs, beverages, and cake. Children under 7 eat free.

Cosmic Bowling at Kickback n Bowl assigns lanes in the order guests arrive. If your group has more than six people, calling ahead is encouraged so an effort can be made to keep lanes together.

CRS appears at The New Cambridge Project for a casual brewery gathering.

The Uncle Louie Variety Show hits the road with its newest tour, "We Are Family", featuring the quick-witted duo Lou Greco and Carlo Russo. Known for comedy rooted in Italian-American upbringing, they deliver a high-energy mix of stand-up, character-driven sketches, and live music that connects with a wide range of audiences. Their set highlights family dynamics, cultural quirks, and the everyday moments people share. Backed by a strong online following, they continue to refresh their material and bring plenty of laughs wherever they perform.

Aries Spears hits the stage at Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant for a live stand-up set packed with sharp jokes and pitch-perfect impressions. The show delivers a lively run of laughs and crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Presented by Premier Concerts and Manic Presents, this all ages concert at College Street Music Hall features Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy with Brennan Wedl also performing. Snail Mail’s Lindsey Jordan arrives with her third album, Ricochet, pairing clear eyed reflections on mortality, friendship, and love with expansive melodies and ornate strings. After vocal polyp surgery and intensive therapy, she sings with heightened control and a sound that builds on Lush and Valentine, created in close collaboration with Aron Kobayashi Ritch and colored by influences that range from a sunnier Smashing Pumpkins to Britpop era Radiohead, with shades of shoegaze, power pop, and emo. Soccer Mommy’s Sophie Allison continues her candid storytelling on the fourth album, Evergreen, shaped by profound personal loss and a commitment to keeping the songs close to their raw, demo rooted core. The writing stays unvarnished and honest, while still making room for surprises, including a playful nod to her purple haired wife in Stardew Valley. Brennan Wedl brings sharp, unfiltered narratives of twenty something life, shifting effortlessly from sweetly lilting country to crashing rock to intimate acoustic moments. Her songs wrestle with the pull between moderation and hedonism, sobriety and indulgence, relationships and restraint. A co founder of Dazey & The Scouts, which saw a viral resurgence in 2020, she has a self titled debut album on the horizon.

Experience the power of Foreigner’s music with Urgent, a tribute to Foreigner, delivering a two hour show packed with hits. Expect faithful renditions of favorites like Feels Like the First Time, Cold As Ice, Juke Box Hero, I Want to Know What Love Is, and more, performed with precision and passion. Seasoned musicians bring these timeless anthems to life for fans of all ages. Tickets start at $35.00.

Hartford’s annual Moth-style story slam returns with personal tales centered on the theme “Falling.” Presented by Tell Me Another, Speak Up, and Chion Wolf Productions, with producers Terry Wolfisch Cole, Matthew and Elysha Dicks, and Chion Wolf, the evening will feature ten storytellers competing for the crown. Audience members may put their names in the hat for a chance to share a five minute story. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

A 50-year celebration unfolds at Chez Est with a special Chez Legends All Stars All Winners showcase. The event features performances from a lineup of titleholders, including MX. Chez Est 2019 October May Lay, 2020 Ray Decorazón, 2021 Natalia Fierce, 2022 Astra, 2023 Rozz Aura, 2024 Moxie Angel, 2025 Harmony The Valkyrie, and 2026 Angel Rivers. There are two performances as this LGBTQ+ bar, cabaret and entertainment spot in Hartford spotlights its champions on stage.

Move Shoot Treat is a comprehensive course focused on staying effective if you are injured and still need to run your firearm. It is designed for those who carry a firearm for self-defense. The day is organized into three parts. It begins with training on controlling severe bleeding, explaining essential equipment and how to use it. Topics include choosing and applying tourniquets, packing wounds, using direct pressure, selecting and applying chest seals, and recognizing signs of shock from blood loss. The second block concentrates on firearm skills such as one-handed shooting, drawing and reholstering with a single hand, reloading with one hand, clearing malfunctions one-handed, and engaging targets while moving. The final segment brings it all together with 20 individual and multi-person drills that apply the medical and shooting techniques learned earlier. Medical supplies needed for hands-on practice are provided for use during the training session.

The Out of the Darkness Hamden Walk brings people together to support suicide prevention through understanding and community. With suicide ranking as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, this event highlights awareness and practical action. Funds raised help advance research, advocacy, and education throughout Connecticut, including programs in schools, workplaces, and local communities. Participants can connect with others who understand, find reassurance that they are not alone, and make a meaningful difference together. Registration is free and ensures participants receive important updates from local organizers.

At SCSU Moore Field House on the Southern Connecticut State University campus, this community festival returns in support of BARC CT as the Compassionate Cause for the year. Attendees can explore vegan cuisine and other animal-friendly products, connect with non-profits and local artisans, and even consider vegan tattooing. Offerings include informative talks, music, yoga, and healing workshops, along with activities suited for all ages. The gathering brings together people who share a commitment to justice, kindness, equality, and compassion. Free tickets are available.

Hubbard Park welcomes a community walk that blends movement, networking, learning, and fun while supporting the TREO Foundation’s mission of Treatment, Research, and Education to end obesity. The guiding message is “No One Left Behind” in the effort to combat the disease of obesity. Participants can go at their own pace, choosing to walk or run as much or as little as they like, and a virtual option is available for those who prefer to take part remotely. Online registration is a $30 donation, with an early bird option of $20. Children under 12 are free with an adult. On-site registration is $35 and can be paid with cash or by credit card on a mobile device. In-person attendees receive an event shirt while supplies last. This 501(c)(3) fundraiser benefits the TREO Foundation. Presented with support from the Connecticut State Chapter of ASMBS and local bariatric programs. For complete registration information, see the online registration page.

The Red Barn hosts a fall gathering centered on psychic and healing arts, creating a welcoming place to explore, recharge, and connect. Attendees can seek tarot, oracle, and intuitive readings, experience mediumship and Akashic Records sessions, and explore energy work such as Reiki and sound healing. A curated marketplace features crystals, candles, handmade goods, and other artisan items, all within a calm, uplifting atmosphere that invites wandering and discovery. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome to stop in at their own pace.

The Hartford Harvest Festival returns for its third year with cozy fall vibes and a flannel-friendly atmosphere. Fuel up on caffeine, then enjoy a relaxed stroll along a charming Connecticut street as the season takes center stage. Admission is free with RSVP.

A day of hands-on cooking and farm discovery at Sub Edge Farm features three workshops led by local Chef Tony Phenis of the DORO Restaurant Group and butcher Howard Shafer. Explore the farm with owner Rodger Phillips during an interactive tour, then learn how the farm operates while preparing dinner alongside the Sub Edge team and Scott Miller. All animals and vegetables used in the classes come straight from the farm, creating a farm to table experience. The day includes two meals, lunch and dinner, plus cocktails. These sessions are designed for anyone looking to reconnect with where their food comes from and to build practical skills step by step. Participants may take home any leftover food from the activities. Dress comfortably for time outdoors with closed toe footwear, and consider sunscreen, a hat, and anything else that helps you stay comfortable outside.

Nightshift returns for a third appearance at Celebrate Wallingford, a two-day festival that highlights Taste of Wallingford, where attendees can sample dishes from local restaurants. The celebration features live entertainment, arts and crafts shows, and activities for children. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food while taking in familiar hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Meriden Humane Society presents the 10th annual Messages From Above, a fundraising gathering at the North Italian Home Club. Medium Vanessa Lynn, author of Heaven’s Guide to the Other Side, offers an afternoon focused on connecting with loved ones who have passed and will read for as many attendees as time allows. Indoor seating is open, and complimentary coffee will be available. This program is intended for adults 18 and older. The event supports the Meriden Humane Society, a no-kill, volunteer-driven shelter that operates independently of other humane societies. Donations are welcome, and tickets are on sale.

A festive parade celebrating the apple harvest as part of the 2026 festival.

A free monthly tabletop gaming hangout creates a welcoming space for queer young adults to connect over play. Expect a variety of options at the tables, from board games and tabletop roleplaying to card games and more. Designed for ages 18 to 24, this gathering welcomes all identities and encourages meeting new friends while trying new games. The event is presented in collaboration with Q Plus, a youth-led, volunteer-powered organization founded in 2019 to address gaps in queer youth programming across Connecticut. After attaining 501(c)(3) status in 2022, Q Plus expanded its work to include weekly youth groups, open mic nights, summer camps, and support services for schools. The best part is the camaraderie built with fellow players along the way.

Discover how to transform everyday outfits into unique art in a creative wearable art session with Lori Siebert. The focus is on personal expression through what you wear. Space is limited.

Kick up your heels at The Midway with a free night of line dancing. DJ Dan keeps the music going while Matt leads easy-to-follow instruction so newcomers can learn the steps and join the action. Learn a few dances, meet other dancers, and enjoy an upbeat evening on the floor with friends.

At The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Reverie Road brings a vibrant, contemporary approach to Irish tradition, uniting Solas founders Winifred Horan on fiddle and John Williams on accordion with former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Steinway Artist pianist Utsav Lal, known for jazz and raga. Celebrated as leading figures in traditional and virtuosic folk music, they share a global performance and recording history spanning more than three decades. The quartet shapes Irish melodies into a cinematic, deeply expressive experience, stretching the form while honoring its roots. Their program moves from tender airs and continental-style waltzes to driving reels and jigs. Chemistry is central, with two classically trained fiddlers who also have backgrounds as award-winning Irish dancers alongside two instrumentalists who rethink accompaniment and rhythm, creating a dynamic concert from start to finish. Their self-titled debut, released in early 2024, quickly made an impact in Irish traditional music and received Ireland Tonight's Debut Album of the Year during a 25-city national launch tour. Whether steeped in the tradition or exploring it for the first time, listeners can expect an exhilarating performance that lifts the spirit and gets feet moving.

Space Ballroom hosts a live music showcase featuring Howling Giant and High Desert Queen with Afghan Haze. The event is produced by Premier Concerts and Manic Presents. It is open to all ages, and tickets are available for purchase.