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Events Calendar - 2026


Find a multitude of fun events and great things to do, including weekend events, throughout the year, like music, festivals, comedy, outdoor fun, boat cruises, excursions for families and kids, food, wine and beer tastings.

Check out the listings of year-round Fairs & Festivals throughout New England. Also be sure to read our list of Great Things To Do in New England. Whether you're curious about what to this weekend, this month, or this season, we have you covered.

For events specifically related to the anniversary of the American Revolution, please visit our MA250 Events Calendar.

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

-= Featured Events =-

An American Story of Perseverance: The Griswold Inn Celebrates 250 Years

Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

 ID of the event 
Founded in 1776 alongside the birth of the nation itself, The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut, is celebrating an extraordinary 250 years as one of America’s oldest continuously operating inns. Through centuries of history — from wars and economic hardships to changing generations — “The Gris” has remained a beloved gathering place filled with timeless New England charm.

To mark this historic milestone, the Inn will host a yearlong celebration featuring a special Birthday Weekend in June that brings the Revolutionary era to life. Guests can enjoy fife and drum performances, Founding Father reenactors, candlelit colonial dinners, lively sea chanteys, and immersive historical experiences. Later in the month, the celebration continues with The Spirit of 1776: Stay & Play, a unique theatre experience presented in partnership with the Ivoryton Playhouse.

“There are few places in America where you can truly step into history and feel it all around you,” says co-owner Joan Paul, who operates the Inn alongside her husband Doug and his brothers Greg and Geoff. “This anniversary honors the generations of seafarers, soldiers, travelers, and loyal guests who have helped shape The Griswold Inn’s remarkable story.”

A symbol of endurance, hospitality, and American heritage, The Griswold Inn’s 250th anniversary offers visitors a rare opportunity to celebrate history where it has been living for centuries.

Gris 250 Birthday Weekend: “A Taste for History”

Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

A Taste of History
In celebration of its 250th anniversary, The Griswold Inn will host A Taste for History — a festive weekend honoring America’s Revolutionary spirit through food, music, storytelling, and colonial-era traditions.

The celebration begins Friday with performances by the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps, alongside Revolutionary Ale, “1776” burgers, sea chanteys in the Tap Room, and historic wine pairings at The Gris Wine Bar. Guests can also mingle with reenactors portraying iconic Founding Fathers and Revolutionary-era figures.

On Saturday, the Inn will host a candlelit Courses in History Dinner Party in its historic Covered Bridge dining room, featuring live chamber music from Orchestra New England, colonial-inspired dining, appearances by historical figures including John Adams and George Washington, and a special birthday cake celebration.

Sunday’s festivities conclude with a traditional Hunt Brunch inspired by the Inn’s War of 1812 history, commemorating the British Raid on Essex. Guests can also enjoy a special Author’s Tea with bestselling author Julie Gerstenblatt, who will preview her upcoming historical novel The Stargazer of Nantucket ahead of its official release.

Blending immersive history with timeless New England hospitality, A Taste for History offers guests a memorable way to celebrate 250 years of The Griswold Inn and America’s enduring heritage.

The Connecticut Sea Music Festival

Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026 Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426

Sea Music Festival
The 2026 Connecticut Sea Music Festival returns to Essex, celebrating the rich traditions of maritime folk music and coastal culture. Presented in partnership with the town of Essex and local venues, this beloved festival brings together musicians, storytellers, and sea music enthusiasts for four days of unforgettable performances and community spirit.

Daytime events are free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted, while evening concerts require tickets. Advance ticket sales close Wednesday, June 10 at midnight. A limited number of walk-in tickets will also be available prior to each evening concert for $35 (Adults) and $20 (Children), though advance purchase is strongly encouraged.

As many events take place outdoors near the waterfront, guests are encouraged to dress in weather-appropriate layers and bring hydration for comfort during cooler evening temperatures. Please note that smoking is prohibited on museum grounds, and only service animals are permitted under the concert tent.

The Spirit of 1776: Stay & Play at the Ivoryton Playhouse

Jun 25, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

Stay and Play
As part of its 250th anniversary celebration, The Griswold Inn is partnering with the historic Ivoryton Playhouse — Connecticut’s famed “First Lady of Theatre” — for a special Stay & Play experience featuring the beloved musical 1776. Located just two miles from the Inn, the Playhouse has entertained audiences for more than a century and celebrates its own 115th anniversary this year.

The package invites guests to immerse themselves in Revolutionary-era history through an overnight getaway that includes preferred seating to 1776, accommodations at The Griswold Inn, continental breakfast for two, and a commemorative keepsake.

Weekday packages are available for $350, while Friday and Saturday stays are priced at $385, with room upgrades available for an additional charge. Performances run throughout the week with both matinee and evening show options available.

Blending historic charm, award-winning theatre, and New England hospitality, the Stay & Play experience offers a memorable way to celebrate America’s founding spirit during The Griswold Inn’s milestone anniversary year.

The Griswold Inn's Fourth of July Celebration

Jul 4, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

4th of July
Celebrate Independence Day in historic Essex with a full day of patriotic festivities centered around The Griswold Inn and the Connecticut River Museum. The celebration features family-friendly activities, including a special scavenger hunt, museum exhibits opening at noon, and the beloved annual boat parade sailing down the Connecticut River at 2 p.m., accompanied by ceremonial cannon fire.

Guests can also enjoy a taste of colonial America with special historic-inspired dining in The Griswold Inn’s iconic Covered Bridge dining room. Adding to the Revolutionary spirit, the Essex Sailing Masters of 1812 will welcome visitors with traditional music and maritime pageantry, creating a festive tribute to America’s independence and Essex’s rich coastal heritage.

Griswold Art Tour

Sep 22, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

Griswold Art Tour
The Griswold Inn is home to one of the finest private marine art collections in the country, with museum-quality paintings and artifacts displayed throughout the historic property. Originally built over generations by the Ladd/Lovell Family, the collection continues to grow under the stewardship of the Paul Family, who have cared for the Inn for more than 30 years.

Due to growing guest interest in the stories behind the artwork, The Griswold Inn introduced guided art tours led by co-owner and innkeeper Geoffrey Paul, whose passion and deep knowledge bring the collection vividly to life. Held seasonally and open to the public, these tours combine history, storytelling, and art in a uniquely engaging experience that has earned rave reviews from visitors and local historic groups alike.

Guests frequently praise the tours as informative, entertaining, and filled with fascinating historical insights — with many returning more than once. Additional public tours are planned for the fall, while private group tours paired with brunch, lunch, or dinner experiences are also available.

Charity Events

Save the Date for Boobstock!

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026 10 Woodland Rd, Deep River, CT 06417

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, great food, and community spirit at the John Sobieski Club in Deep River.

This year’s Mini Music Fest will feature five incredible bands, delicious food, and dozens of exciting raffle prizes — all coming together for an important cause.

Hosted at the John Sobieski Club, the event is dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients. Proceeds raised will benefit both the Middlesex Health Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital, helping provide care, support, and resources to those affected by breast cancer.

Bring your friends, enjoy amazing live entertainment, and help make a difference while celebrating music, community, and hope.

Fairs & Festivals

24th Annual Milford Pirates Day

Jun 7, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026 Downtown Milford – Milford Green / Lisman Landing and Milford Historical Society Milford, CT 06460

For more than 23 years, Pirates Day has transformed Milford into a lively world of swashbuckling adventure, hidden treasures, and family-friendly fun. This beloved annual celebration invites visitors of all ages to step into pirate life for a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit.

Guests are encouraged to arrive in full pirate attire as the festivities begin with the dramatic arrival of pirates by boat at Lisman Landing, complete with booming cannon fire from the Long Island Sound. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live music, pirate performances, dancing, yoga, story time, face painting, and interactive activities across downtown Milford.

The celebration also features more than 80 vendors, food trucks, and participating local storefronts, offering everything from unique shopping finds to delicious food and treats. History lovers can explore authentic pirate relics at the Milford Historical Society, while families can follow treasure maps through downtown in search of pirate-themed surprises and adventures. Along the way, guests may even encounter magical mermaids adding an extra touch of wonder to the experience.

Blending history, imagination, and coastal charm, Pirates Day continues to be one of Milford’s most treasured traditions.

Museums

New Haven Museum: "It's Pronounced Ah-beetz" Exhibition Opening

Oct 9, 2025 - Oct 31, 2027 New Haven Museum 114 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510

The New Haven Museum (NHM) will open a new free-admission exhibit titled “Pronounced Ah-Beetz”, exploring the history, culture, and legacy of New Haven-style apizza.

The exhibit traces pizza’s origins from Italy’s working-class food to its rise in New Haven, highlighting the city’s “Big 3” iconic pizzeriasFrank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza — and how they became national favorites. It will also showcase other local pizzerias such as Ernie’s, Zuppardi’s, BAR, Zeneli’s, Olde World, and the Big Green Pizza Truck, portraying the deep ties between family, food, and community.

Co-curated by Jason Bischoff-Wurstle (NHM), and Gorman Bechard, Dean Falcone, and Colin M. Caplan — the team behind the documentary “Pizza, A Love Story” — the exhibit features:

  • Artifacts, oral histories, and memorabilia from local collections.
  • Video footage from the documentary.
  • Replicas of the “Big 3” pizzerias, complete with a realistic brick oven.
  • Short histories of Foxon Park Soda and locally served beers

The idea originated in 2009 during the making of the documentary, with Caplan recognized as the main historian of New Haven pizza. Recently, following a trip to Washington, D.C., where Representative Rosa DeLauro declared New Haven the “Pizza Capital of the U.S.”, the curators expanded the project with new materials.

The exhibit’s title, “Pronounced Ah-Beetz,” reflects the authentic New Haven pronunciation of apizza (from Italian la pizza). It will be on display through October 2027.

Sports

Hamden Hills Half Marathon & Flat 5K

May 23, 2026 - May 23, 2026 270 Sherman Ave Hamden, CT 06518

Celebrate the 15th Annual Hamden Hills Half Marathon & Flat 5K. This rain-or-shine race offers both a challenging, hilly Half Marathon and a more accessible 5K option, welcoming runners of different experience levels. The course begins at the New Haven / Northampton Railroad Canal Line Parking Lot on Sherman Avenue.

Participants can expect a well-organized race experience featuring official timing, live results, finisher photos, custom medals, and commemorative awards. Half Marathon runners will receive technical shirts and finisher perks including refreshments such as water, Gatorade, bagels, and bananas at the finish line. Age group awards and overall top finisher recognition add a competitive edge to this community-focused running event.

Tours

Guilford House Tour

May 30, 2026 - May 30, 2026 Guilford Town Green, Broad and Whitfield Streets Guilford, CT 06437

The Guilford House Tour returns, showcasing unique homes all within one mile of the Guilford Green, which serves as the starting point for the event. This self-guided tour offers an exclusive glimpse into some of Guilford’s most fascinating and historic homes, showcasing the charm and history of Guilford while celebrating the town’s rich architectural heritage. Tickets & information will be available at guilfordkeepingsociety.org, Sachem Card and Party, Breakwater Books, or at the Guilford Green on May 30.