This fantastic end-of-summer festival features food booths, barbeque vendors, demonstrations and competitions with more than $20,000 in prizes. Other attractions include more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, vintage boat tours, children activities, and of course, some of the freshest, most delicious oysters in the world. Information; www.seaport.org/OysterFest.html

HARTFORD/CENTRAL top of listings

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
Bushnell Park, Trinity Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-727-0050

July 17-19, 2009

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New England's largest free outdoor jazz festival with three days of free live jazz entertainment from world-renowned artists and the finest local musicians. Contemporary, straight ahead, smooth, Latin, and more. A variety of food and beverage vendors and an arts and crafts marketplace. Location: Bushnell Park. Cost: Free admission. Information: www.hartfordjazz.org.

Ray Gonzalez Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT

July 25, 2009

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This festival brings you an evening of music featuring some of the best international Latin Jazz and Salsa artists. Time: 5-10 p.m. Rain Date: Sunday, July 26. More performance information to come. Information: http://www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Latin

Riverfest 2009
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd., Hartford; Great River Park, East Hartford
Hartford and East Hartford, CT

July 11, 2009

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Riverfest features free entertainment including live bands, musicians, clowns and other entertainers, kids activities, and more. A dazzling fireworks show over the river highlights this traditional Hartford festival. Come early for a walk through the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Enjoy live music, traditional children’s games and activities, and plenty of food at this true American festival. Kids activity tents can be found at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza on the Hartford side and at The Family Fun Zone in Great River Park on the East Hartford side. Boaters are welcome to join us on the Connecticut River. Riverside Park’s boat launch will be open, but launches at Charter Oak Landing and Great River Park will be closed. This year, the fireworks will launch from two barges on the river. Time: Starts at 4 p.m. Rain Date: July 12 (fireworks only). Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Riverfest

Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-713-3131

August 15-16, 2009

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Expect more than 1,300 paddlers, both local and club teams, participating over the course of our two day festival. This event also features Asian entertainment, martial arts demonstrations, a table tennis tournament, educational cultural booths, delicious Asian cuisine, Asian games for kids and much more. Event Highlights include a tent city with local and club team villages; Asian entertainment, dancing, demonstrations, and activities; Asian food as well as American favorites; kids’ Asian activities; table tennis competition; Asian beer garden. Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-713-3131

August 1, 2009

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This year marks the 4th Annual Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival and it will be bigger and better than ever! Don’t miss one of Hartford’s premier cultural events as both upper and lower Mortensen Riverfront Plaza are transformed into a Caribbean village. Bring the whole family to enjoy numerous musical and dance performances while you sample authentic and world famous Caribbean dishes. Rain Date: Sunday August 2. To 1-11 p.m. Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/

LITCHFIELD/NORTHWEST top of listings

Garlic & Harvest Festival
Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 384 Main Street North (Route 61)
Bethlehem, CT
Phone: 203-266-7350

October 10, 2009

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Fresh garlic and farm produce, garlic specialty food vendors, garlic food court, garlic growing lectures, garlic cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, amusements, and plenty of samples make this a must for the garlic lover. Bring the kids and your appetite. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children under age 12. $1. Information: www.garlicfestct.com

Irish Festival
Quassy Amusement Park, Lake Quassapaug, 2132 Middlebury Road / Route 64
Middlebury, CT
Phone: 800-FOR-PARK

October 10, 2009

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Great food, entertainment and drink. Time: Noon to 6 p.m. Information: www.quassy.com or 203-758-2913.

Oktoberfest
Quassy Amusement Park, Lake Quassapaug, 2132 Middlebury Road / Route 64
Middlebury, CT
Phone: 800-FOR-PARK

September 26-27, 2009

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German music, food, dancing in the Oktoberfest pavilion. Parking $5 with free admission to the pavilion. Fee for food and beverages. Information: www.quassy.com or call 203-758-2913.

MYSTIC/EASTERN top of listings

North Stonington Agricultural Fair
Wyassup Road (off Route 2)
North Stonington, CT
Phone: 860-535-3956

July 9-12, 2009

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Enjoy and learn about farm life - see tractor and animal pulls, view beautiful arts and crafts and award-winning vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. Midway, hypnotist and comedian, nail-driving contest, pie-eating contest, livestock shows, Bella the Clown, horse shoe pitching, lawnmower racing, ham and bean supper, oxen pulls, tractor pulls. Admission: Adults, $7; Senior Citizen Day on Saturday only, $4; children under age 112, free. Information: www.northstoningtonfair.org/index.html

Powwow Festival
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail
Ledyard, CT
Phone: 860-396-6838

July 8-9, 2009

Enjoy and share the traditions of these colorful Native American gatherings that showcase tribal cultures and strengthen ties between friends old and new. Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Free with museum admission. Information: www.pequotmuseum.org

Sailfest
Bank Street and waterfront
New London, CT
Phone: 860-444-1879

July 10-12, 2009

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Three days of maritime fun and history at this historic sailing city. Major events include the annual Maritime Regatta; a 5K Road Race; tours and cruises on the sailing ship Mystic Whaler; the Hygienic Outdoor Art Festival Bizarre Bazaar with Peruvian singers, Cambodian dancers, acoustic music, blacksmith and glass-blowing demonstrations; and visits abaord the Project Oceanology research vessel; lots of live entertainment; and fireworks on the New London waterfront on July 11. Stop at the Main Street booth located at Custom House Pier in New London to get an official Sailfest Guide. Information: 860-443-3786 or visit http://www.sailfest.org/

NEW HAVEN/SOUTH CENTRAL top of listings

Milford Oyster Festival
Milford Town Green, Broad Street
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-878-5363

August 14-15, 2009

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The annual festival has something for everyone: arts and crafts, children's entertainment and rides, musical entertainment, kayak and canoe races, classic car show and plenty of food. Information: milfordoysterfestival.org

New England Arts and Crafts Festival
Milford Green, Broad Street
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-878-6647

July 11-12, 2009

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More than 150 fine art and craft exhibitors, food court, music, theater, children’s activities and live entertainment, Sidewalk Chalk Contest. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.milfordarts.org

Shoreline Wine Festival
Bishop's Orchards Farm Market and Winery, 1355 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
Phone: 203-453-2338

August 15-16, 2009

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Celebrate 10 Connecticut wineries and sample the fruits of their labor. Enjoy food from local restaurants. Meet and sample products from local businesses. Enjoy and purchase crafts from local artisans. Expand your knowledge of food and wine at seminars offered by local experts. Enjoy all of this while listening to the sounds of live music from renowned bands around New England. Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: $30 per person. Information: www.shorelinewinefestival.com