Connecticut - Fairs & Festivals

• For more fun activities, see Connecticut Events page

Blues, Views & BBQ Festival
Leavitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road
Westport, CT
Phone: 917-446-2921

September 24 - 26, 2010

This barbecue festival features a professional barbecue challenge, amateur barbecue contest, music, cooking demonstrations, kid and teen activities and an opening night concert featuring Blues Traveler. Time: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday,11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: $60 per 3-day pass (includes Blues Traveler ticket); $10 per day (+ $45 for Blues Traveler ticket; $5 per day for students and seniors; children under 5, free. Information: 917-446-2921 or visit www.bluesviewsbbq.com.

Harvest Festival
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-322-1646

October 17, 2010

See Map

Join the Stamford Museum & Nature Center for its annual family festival. Hayrides, apple cidering demonstrations, and fun activities for the whole family. Wear a costume and enjoy some Halloween treats. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost: $10, parking included. Children age 3 and younger admitted for free.

HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar
Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-5272

October 9-10, 2010

See Map

This nature festival is a celebration of the annual hawk migration. Rain or shine, enjoy live animal shows, guided hikes, nature-themed games, environmental exhibits, and lots of eco-friendly vendors who will be exhibiting on-site. Events include live birds of prey shows, hawk watch and raptor identification lessons, live and kid-friendly music shows, rehabilitated bird release. Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $7 for youth age 3 and older; $10 for adults over age 18.

Norwalk Oyster Festival
Veterans Memorial Park, 42 Seaview Avenue
East Norwalk, CT
Phone: 203-838-9444

Sept 10 - 12, 2010

See Map

Waterfront festival celebrates Long Island Sound's seafaring past. Events include live entertainment, arts and crafts, vintage vessels, demonstrations, juried crafters, international food court, exhibits, Kid's Cove. Time: Friday, 6 - 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Cost: NA. Information: 203-838-9444 or visit www.seaport.org/OysterFest.

The Great Stratford Bird Festival
Throughout the downtown
Stratford, CT

September 24, 25, 26, 2010

See Map

Nature walks; guest speakers; wildlife artists; bird watching; decoy, bird and fish carving; educational displays; birds of prey, outdoor education. Family activities all weekend. Information: www.stratfordbirdfestival.com

Berlin Fair
Berlin Fairgrounds, 430 Beckley Road
East Berlin, CT
Phone: 860-828-0063

October 1-3, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits and competitions; arts and crafts;; agricultural museum; tractor and truck pulls; oxen pull; garden club exhibits; live entertainment; baking, photo, and quilting contests, Hours: Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Satufday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: www.ctberlinfair.com/

Connecticut Renaissance Faire
The Lions Fairgrounds
347 Gilead Street
Hebron, CT  06248
Phone: 860-478-5954

Open 10am-6pm, September 25-26 and October 2,3, 9-11, 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2010

Email   See Map

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is a unique entertainment experience and feast for your imagination. There you can take a step back in time to an enchanted 16th century harvest festival, get lost in the colorful pageantry and revelry of the faire, and enjoy storytelling, artisan demonstrations, musicians, warhorse rides, comedy, drama, jousting and so much more. Explore New England’s largest Renaissance marketplace with over a hundred artisans and crafters selling jewelry, pottery, glass, candles, musical instruments, toys, apparel, perfumes, wall hangings, sculptures, face painting, astrology readings, portraits, and more. Bring your friends and family and try your hand at games of skill, feast on a turkey leg, and chat with highly interactive characters. Costumes aren't required so come as you are or as you wish to be.

Free Parking. General Admission: $15; Youth (5-12) $8; Under 5 FREE.

Four Town Fair
Egypt Road and Billings Road
Tolland, CT
Phone: 860-749-6527

September 16-19, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits, car show, live music, skillet throw, midway, antique & farm machinery, agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, children’s contests, bingo. Admission: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, $7; Thursday, $5; children age 12 years and younger, free; seniors all day Thursday and Friday, $4. Information: www.fourtownfair.com/

Hebron Harvest Fair
Hebron, CT
Phone: 347 Gilead Street (Route  860-228-0892

September 9-12, 2010

See Map

Hebron Harvest Fair is a country agricultural fair featuring animal displays, various food, animal pulls, truck pulls, country music, carnival midway, and something to do for the entire family. With such performers from Nashville, Tennessee as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Michelle Wright, Pirates Of The Mississippi, Shenandoh, Aaron Tippin,Craig Morgan and Ricky Skaggs the Hebron Harvest Fair grew to be one of the largest fairs in Connecticut. Information: www.hebronharvestfair.org/

A Taste of The Litchfield Hills
Lime Rock Park, 60 White Hollow Road

Lakeville, CT  06039

September 4 - 6, 2010

See Map

A Taste of The Litchfield Hills, Connecticut's oldest food and wine festival, has attracted thousands of visitors annually since 1985 to enjoy delicious dishes, outstanding wine, live entertainment and upscale shopping. This Labor Day weekend, you are cordially invited to sample fine fare in the summer air; from traditional New England fare to international specialties, the menu will feature a variety of house specialties prepared by chefs from local restaurants, bistros and other purveyors of fine foods and individually served in grazing-sized portions. Compliment the cuisine with an exciting selection of wines served by the glass from award-winning area wineries. Draught beer, premium soft drinks and gourmet coffee will also be served. Plus, there will be live music and upscale shopping in an outdoor bazaar offering artisan crafts, gourmet food products and unique gifts. Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Cost: $20 admission into the park; food and drink not included in admission price; children 12 and under free. Information: 860-435-5000 or visit www.litchfieldfestivals.com.

Bethlehem Fair
Route 61
Bethlehem, CT
Phone: 203-266-5350

September 10-12, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits and competitions, tractor parade, martial arts demonstration. Lumberjack competition; hollerin’ contest, live music, and more Time: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: www.bethlehemfair.com/

Chrysanthemum Festival
Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Bristol, CT

September 25-26, 2010

See Map

This weekend will feature a craft fair, food, and entertainment; including a truck and tractor show, car show, Touch-A-Truck, and a parade on Sunday. Location:. Time: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Cost: free. Information: www.bristolmumfestival.org.

Goshen Fair
116 Old Middle Street (Route 63)
Goshen, CT
Phone: 860-491-3655

September 4-6, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits and competitions; live music; demonstrations of quilting, spinning, weaving, and basketry; magician; clowns; wood cutting contest; tractor pull; antique barn Hours: Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Information: www.goshenfair.org.

Harvest Festival
Haight-Brown Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Road
Litchfield, CT

September 18 - 19, 2010

See Map

This annual celebration for the whole family revolves around the vineyard’s most important event; harvest time. The festival will include hay rides, shopping, grape stomping, children’s activities, locally brewed beer tastings, delicious food, and, of course, wine tastings. L Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days. Cost: adults, $16; children, $8. Information: 860-307-5426 or visit www.haightvineyards.com.

Harwinton Fair
Locust Road
Harwinton, CT
Phone: 860-485-0464

October 2-3, 2010

See Map

Zircus Wallenda high wire entertainment; Civil War Era Demonstrations & Living History; Country Store & Early Americana Display; Draft Horse Exhibit and Demonstration; Demonstrations of Pioneer Living, Blacksmithing & Cooking; Antique Tractor Show; live music by Aces & Eights, Northwest Connecticut Band, and Connecticut Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers. Hours: Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: www.harwintonfair.com/

Sullivan Farm Fall Festival
Sullivan Farm, 140 Park Lane
New Milford, CT

October 16, 2010

Come enjoy a beautiful fall day on the farm, with hay rides and a maze, pumpkin picking, children’s games, cider making demonstrations, livestock and tractor shows, culinary workshops, children’s crafts, and more. This year’s festival features Billy Steers, creator of Tractor Mac, who will be giving demonstrations and showing children how he creates his famous story lines and drawings. Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: adults, $2; youth, $1; children under 5, free. Information: 860-210-2030 or visit www.youthagency.org.

Fall Food & Wine Festival
Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Road
Stonington, CT
Phone: 860-535-1222

September 18-19, 2010

A weekend of food, music, and of locally made wines. Food selection includes samplings from Voodoo Grill, Kitchen Little, and Carol Monnerat Artisan Truffles, among others. The Vineyard staff gives guided tours of the facility and demonstrates how the wines are made. Massage Therapy Works and a caricature artist will also be on hand. And there’s a dance floor in the tent. Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. rain or shine. Cost: $10 admission includes logo glass and tasting ticket. Information: www.stoningtonvineyards.com

Mystic Seaport Chowderfest
Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT
Phone: 860-572-5315

October 9 - 11, 2010

See Map

In the crisp New England air, enjoy unforgettable clam chowder and other fresh seafood specialties, along with seasonal desserts and beer, wine and apple cider. Stroll through the village and enjoy live music. Bring the kids to enjoy a "clammy" art project and story time in the Children's Museum. Or, climb aboard our steamboat Sabino for leaf-peeping from the water. Location: Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Avenue. Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Cost: regular museum admission. Information: 860-572-5315 or visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Woodstock Fair
281 Route 169
South Woodstock, CT
Phone: 860-928-3246

September 3-16, 2010

See Map

Agricultural exhibition building, civil war camp, Brunn Barn Agricultural Museum complex, Barnyard babies birthing center, heritage breeds, antique engines, antique cars, craft tents, Fiesta shows midway, opening night fireworks, labor day parade, antique farm machinery, antique trucks, the living statue, go-kart racing, ceremonial indian dancing, open horse show, grange exhibits, live music on stage. Information: www.woodstockfair.com.

Connecticut Folk Festival & Green Expo
Edgerton Park, 75 Cliff Street
New Haven, CT

Sep 10 -12, 2010

Musical and environmental events including concerts, Grassy Hill Song Circle, green exhibits, vendors and educational programming. Time: Friday concert at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 am - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 pm - 4 pm. Cost: dependent on event; see website for details. Information: visit www.ctfolk.com.

Durham Fair
Main Street and Fowler Avenue
Durham, CT

September 23-26, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits and competitions; truck and tractor pulls; home arts exhibits; lawnmower racing; Discovery Center; children’s events. Events include Demolition Derby on Thursday Night; Aaron Tippin and The Monthei Brothers on the Main Stage on Friday night; REO Speedwagon and the Rising Tide Band on the Main Stage on Saturday night. Hours: Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: www.durhamfair.com.

Guilford Agricultural Fair
Lovers Lane
Guilford, CT

September 17-19, 2010

Midway; the Guilford Family Circus featuring The Flying Wallendas with The Hawthorn Tigers and Lion Act; the Magic of Lance Gifford; Granny's Racing Pigs; live music Friday and Saturday nights by Commander Cody and Chuck Wicks. Hours: Friday, 1-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; children age 6-11, $5; 3-day pass, $25. Information: www.guilfordfair.org.

Haddam Neck Fair
26 Quarry Hill Road
Haddam Neck, CT
Phone: 860-267-4671

September 3-6, 2010

See Map

Livestock exhibits and competitions; contests, live music; tractor pull; baby show; horse show; skillet throw, and more. Information: www.haddamneckfair.com.

Milford Irish Festival
Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion behind the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-874-7275

September 18, 2010

See Map

Come enjoy some Irish music, step dancers, cultural exhibit, food, drink and great Irish wares for sale. Location: Fowler Field Pavilion, New Haven Avenue. Time: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Cost: adults, $8; children under 12, free. Information: 203-874-7275 or visit www.milfordirish.org.

North Haven Fair
Washington Avenue (Route 5)
North Haven, CT

September 9-12, 2010

See Map

Great fun the the whole family with food, rides, entertainment, exhibits a petting zoo, music and much more. Entertainment: Driftwoods on Fridayf at 8 p.m.; Ricochet on Saturday at 4 and 8:30 p.m.; Rivermud on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.; Rosie's Racing Pigs on Friday. Information: www.northhaven-fair.com.