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Events Calendar - 2025

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.

-= Featured Events =- Fairs & Festivals Music Outdoor Activities Performing Arts and Theater Science & Nature Workshops & Classes
We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

-= Featured Events =-

Tree Swallow Sunset Trips on Onrust & RiverQuest

Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426

Join us aboard RiverQuest and Onrust for a magical evening on the Connecticut River to witness the incredible Tree Swallow phenomenon. Each night at sunset, hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows gather and perform stunning aerial ballets before settling into the reeds for the night.

Enjoy over two hours on the water, taking in the breathtaking scenery and the unique show the swallows create. This small group experience offers a special, ever-changing glimpse into the river’s natural wonders. 

Adults only / Ages 10+
See website for more details.
$50
860-767-8269

SAVE THE DATE: Block Party

Sep 6, 2025 - Sep 6, 2025 Connecticut River Museum Campus – 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426

Join us for a full day of fun at the Connecticut River Museum’s Block Party. This family-friendly event will feature activities and entertainment for all ages throughout the day.

The block party will take place on the Museum campus and feature a full day of events geared to all ages. Attendees can look forward to food and beverage vendors along with live music.

Children will have the opportunity to take part in other educational activities centered around history and nature. 

More details and signups coming soon! 
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
See website for more details.
860-767-8269

River Tales: Otters Under Water

Sep 6, 2025 - Sep 6, 2025 Connecticut River Museum – 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426

Dive into the world of otters with this special edition of River Tales. Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history. Crafts will take place in the Museum’s Boathouse.

A program just for kids 4+ and their caregivers, River Tales includes a story and craft activity themed around nature.

11:00AM-12:00PM / 1:00PM-2:00PM
Non-members: $3 per learner | Members: FREE / Note: Museum admission is not included with ticket purchase.
860-767-8269

Live from the Boathouse! Steve Gephard presents Sea Lamprey: Misunderstood Monsters

Sep 9, 2025 - Sep 9, 2025 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426

Join us in-person or virtually for an engaging lecture with Steve Gephard as he explores the fascinating and often misunderstood world of the sea lamprey.

Reserve your spot online and learn more about these remarkable creatures.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Members can attend for free (reservation required) / non-members can join for $5
860-767-8269

Sensory Friendly Hour

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426

Enjoy a welcoming and comfortable environment at the Connecticut River Museum during our Sensory Friendly Hour, designed for individuals and families who benefit from a calmer museum experience.

Thanks to the generous support of The Petit Family Foundation, sensory-friendly items like bean bag chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget tools will be available. Reserve tickets in advance to ensure your spot. 
6:00PM - 7:00PM
See website for more details.
860-767-8269

Fairs & Festivals

Highland Festival & Games of Scotland Connecticut

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025 Brooklyn, Connecticut Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Road Brooklyn, CT 06234

Join Us for Our 36th Annual Highland Games Date of Event: Sunday, October 13th, 2024 Located; This year we have MOVED::)) Our new Highland Festival location is at the Brooklyn, Ct. Fairgrounds, 15 Fair Grounds Rd, Brooklyn, Ct. ( Also located on Rt. 169) We will host numerous bagpipe bands to perform throughout the day, Highland fiddle demonstrations, Harp demonstrations & contests, Dance competitions and teaching, numerous vendors selling Scottish wares. Scottish breeds of sheep, Scotch Highland cattle & Clydesdale horses on display, Sheep Dog demonstrations, Mass bands will perform for the opening ( 12 noon) and the closing ( 5PM) ceremonies. This year we will host in our entertainment tent the Great Charlie Zahm and Tad Marks will be entertaining the audience. Events and Activities: Featured performers: Highland Athletics, Dance, Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers Bagpipe & Drum Competitions, Charlie Zahm and Tad Marks Live Performances, Demos, Elizabeth and Ben Anderson Heritage and History, Fiddler Malcolm Littlefield Farm Animals, Bonnie Knees, Jesse Ofgang Clan Village, Scottish Food Trucks, Goodbye Irene Kids’ Games, and Celtic Story-Tellers: Vendors of Scottish Goodies will Teresa Whitaker & Frank Schwartz welcome you as they have for the past The Auld Celt Cameron (Kim) Smith 36 years here in Eastern Connecticut. Pipe Bands, Scottish Harp and Fiddle
0900 through 5pm
$20 General Admission
860-917-5064

Music

Music Under the Stars Concert Series - North Haven, CT

May 27, 2025 - Sep 2, 2025 Town Green North Haven, CT 06473

The North Haven Department of Recreation, in conjunction with the North Haven Business Community, presents a series of free outdoor concerts for the enjoyment of town residents. All concerts will be held on Tuesdays at *7:00 P.M. on the Town Green, unless otherwise noted. Parking is available at the Town Hall Annex and Town Pool lots. See schedule of bands on the website.
Tuesdays 7PM
Free

Outdoor Activities

Stand Up For Animals 23rd Annual Golf Tournament

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025 1 Clubhouse Drive North Stonington, CT 06359

Stand Up For Animals will be hosting its 23rd Annual Golf Tournament at the elegant Lake of Isles in North Stonington, CT. This is our premier fundraising event that supports our mission to promote the health and welfare of animals in our region as well as educate and assist those who care for them. Your registration includes a round of golf, cart, breakfast, end of play buffet, contests, drinks and snacks on the course and "Doggie Bag" with swag.
7:30 AM
$275 per golfer
401-348-9595

Performing Arts and Theater

Solve a Crime Over Dinner, If You Dare! The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – New Haven, CT

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025 Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale 155 Temple St New Haven, CT 06510

Get ready for North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show, now thrilling audiences in New Haven! Enjoy a delicious plated dinner while trying to crack a hilarious true crime case, but watch your back... the killer could be sitting right next to you!

This isn't your typical murder mystery show. Our actors blend seamlessly into the crowd, no costumes, no obvious clues, creating a fun, social and unpredictable evening that keeps you guessing (and laughing) all night long.

Ticket includes:
✔ Our signature award winning interactive show
✔ A full plated dinner
✔ Waitstaff gratuity
✔ Surprises around every corner

It's a one-of-a-kind night out perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just something wildly different. Think you can solve the case?
Aug 16 & Aug 30 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: EDT
$96.68
866-496-0535

Science & Nature

Three-Day Forest Management Intensive @ Great Mountain Forest

Aug 1, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 200 Canaan Mountain Road Falls Village, CT 06031

The GMF Woodland Academy’s Three-Day Intensive is designed to equip woodland owners and stewards with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to steward northeastern forests. Participants will engage in a combination of classroom learning and immersive field experiences in the heart of the 6,300-acre Great Mountain Forest, guided by experienced forestry professionals. Over the course of three days, participants will develop core competencies in tree and shrub identification, explore the ecological processes that shape forest dynamics, and become familiar with a range of landowner goals and forest management approaches—from enhancing wildlife habitat to managing for timber or leaving land “forever wild.” Each module builds upon the last, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded introduction to the science, values, and techniques behind responsible forest stewardship. The final day focuses on connecting participants with the resources and support available to bring their goals to life. Attendees will learn about technical and financial assistance programs and get some hands-on experience with the tools of management. Whether participants are caring for family woodlands or stewarding community resources, this intensive will help them move toward their goals with greater confidence and clarity.
9 am to 4 pm
$90
860 824-8188

Workshops & Classes

📸 History Through a Lens Workshop (Grades 5–8)

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025 104 Weston Rd, Weston History & Culture Center, Weston, CT 06883

📅 Saturdays: August 23, September 13 & September 27, 2025

Young historians and photographers unite! In this 3-class workshop, students will:

  • Explore photographs from the WHCC archives
  • Uncover the hidden stories they tell
  • Learn to capture their own powerful images and perspectives

✨ No experience required. Bring a camera or smartphone (loaners available).
📝 Advanced registration required; students must attend all three sessions.

Instructors: Kira Joshi & Samantha Fargione

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free for WHCC members and $10 for non-members.
203-226-1804