CONNECTICUT - Mystic/Eastern

This three-day festival features live bands, national barbecue experts, cooking demos, rib contests. Host Mike Petit of NESN's Grillseekers hosts the event, filled with cooking demonstrations, live bands and Q&A sessions with Pitmaster Troy Black. Guests can also enjoy the beats and treats from DJ Chef Marc Weiss, shop the Sardilli Farmer's Market, ride the mechanical bull and watch Joey Jaws Chestnut battle in a rib eating contest. Cost: $30 per day including 8 food ticket. Information: http://bit.ly/HrC4Km

Four days of great music with Cajun cuisine, music workshops, and dance workshops with instruction on the Cajun 2 Step, Cajun Jitterbug, and Basic Zydeco from expert dance instructors and plenty of room to dance to the authentic Louisiana bands. The 2012 line-up will feature a terrific mix of Cajun & Zydeco dance bands. Six bands will be making the migration north from the southern bayous, with additional regional performers from throughout the northeast. Campsites available. Cost: Adults, $30-$115, depending on day and whether or not camping is included. Information: www.strawberrypark.net/cajun-zydeco-festival/

Hear sea chanteys from many cultures and learn how they helped coordinate work on ships during this one-of-a-kind sea song event that has been a Mystic Seaport tradition since 1979. The 33rd annual Sea Music Festival features performances at various locations throughout the grounds of this living history maritime museum. Time: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. Admission: Concerts admissions are $20-$30, depending on age; two-day passes are $56 to $75, depending on age. Information: www.mysticseaport.org.

Once again it is time to give thanks for Wuttatmineash, the first berry of the season. Native people continue to come together each year to honor the strawberry. Come enjoy a puppet show and sample the berry’s sweetness with a strawberry drink. Make a pendant to remember the celebration and enter the hubbub tournament, a traditional Native American dice game, where the winner receives a hubbub game. Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Adults (age 16 to 54), $15; seniors age 55 and older, $13; children age 6-15, $10, Information: www.pequotmuseum.org.