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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.

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+

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. 

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

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.

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