CONNECTICUT

The “Something Different” you’ve been looking for is closer than you might think. Escape to the past with family & friends to experience a romantic age lost to time at the 13th annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Thrill to a full day of continuous entertainment on eight stages including jousting, armored combat, fire eaters, comedy, magic, chivalrous knights, and the best variety entertainment of any New England Festival – all included with your admission! New acts and old favorites return to chase they cares away with smiles and laughter.

Explore New England’s LARGEST Medieval Marketplace featuring handcrafted and unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Dine on turkey legs, bread bowl stews, apple crisp and a variety of other delectable foods and desserts in our food courtyard. Learn about this enchanted period in time and perhaps even a bit about your own heritage. You’ll have so much fun you’ll be looking for reasons to come back again and again! And as always, costumes are encouraged but not required.

The Hilton hosts a weekend of events in honor of this spicy Latin dance. Watch professional performances or take to the floor yourself for an instructional class or social session. See website for workshop rates and schedule. Information: visit www.ctsalsafest.com.

At this quintessential New England event, you’ll enjoy a cookout that includes: Fresh fire roasted Connecticut river shad or barbecue chicken or hot dogs, salads, Lyman Orchard’s apple pie and shucked clams and oysters with all the fixin’s. There also will also live music, antique cars, and firetruck/moon bounces, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn and sno cones for the kids. The Shad Bake is held Rain or Shine. There is covered outdoor seating as well as indoor seating. Tickets are non-refundable. Time: 4:30 p.m. Admission: Adults, $20; children age 12-18, $10.

There will be lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment: a chariot parade that begins at 12:00 noon, live music (kirtan and bhajan), classical Indian dance, a children's magic show and activities, henna (Indian tattoos), hatha yoga, and japa meditation instruction. A gift stall will also be on site. But the big draw is the delicious vegetarian food. This sumptuous feast is served free of charge to all. Time: Noon-5 p.m. Information: www.iskconct.org/rathayatra

The Third Annual Connecticut Wine Festival returns to the Goshen Fairgrounds in Connecticut this summer. Featuring fine wines, specialty food vendors, artisans, and live music, it is the perfect summer activity for both the amateur and sophisticated wine connoisseur. Sponsored by the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association, adult guests will enjoy the opportunity to sample the finest wines Connecticut has to offer from many of the state's top wineries. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Guests under age 21 and designated drivers,$10. More information and a complete list of participating wineries can be found at www.ctwine.com.

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.

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas offers a wide range of events highlighting the many facets of the arts. More than 80 percent of the events offered during the festival are free of charge. Featured events at the 2012 festival include Freedom's Journey: A Celebration of Heritage and Art; Sing the Truth! Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves & Lizz Wright; and the Mark Morris Dance Group. Information and schedules: www.artidea.org.