FAIRS AND FESTIVALS > CONNECTICUT
JUNE 21 AND 22 — ELIZABETH PARK ROSE WEEKEND
Address: Elizabeth Park, Prospect and Asylum Aves, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860.231.9443
Email: elizabeth_park@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.elizabethpark.org
Concerts, poetry readings, and refreshments, along with a rose show in America’s oldest municipal rose garden. Garden, nursery, and farm tours also offered. Activities run from 11 am to 4 pm. Free.
JUNE 21 AND 22 — 23RD ANNUAL TASTE OF LITCHFIELD HILLS
Address: Haight-Brown Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860.567.4045 or 800.577.9463
Email: haightvineyard@aol.com
Web: www.litchfieldfestivals.com
Cuisine prepared by chefs from area restaurants is paired with Haight Vineyard wines. The festival also features strolls through the vineyard, wine-tasting, and winery tours. Open on Sat from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Sun until 5 pm. Admission $7, $6 for seniors, free for children under 12. Weekend passes $10.
JUNE 22 AND AUG 17 — SUMMER MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET
Address: Stafford Motor Speedway, Rte 140, Stafford Springs, CT
Phone: 860.684.2783
Email: markarute@staffordspeedway.com
Web: www.staffordspeedway.com
Features an antique- and custom-bike show. Open from 7 am to 4 pm. Admission $7.
JULY 4 — Independence Day
Address: Mystic Seaport, CT
Phone: 860.572.5315
Web: www.mysticseaport.org
Experience an authentic 1870s Fourth of July celebration. Patriotic ceremonies, military re-enactments, Silver Coronet Band concert, croquet, and ice cream churning. Events begin at 9 am in the museum's village. Admission to Mystic Seaport $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for seniors, $13 for children six through 17.
JULY 5 — RIVERFEST
Address: Hartford, CT
Phone: 860.713.3131
Email: info@riverfront.org
Web: www.riverfront.org
The Connecticut River is celebrated in Hartford and East Hartford with entertainers, food, and a fireworks display. Venues include Charter Oak Landing and Riverfront Plaza in Hartford, and Great River Park and Founders Plaza in East Hartford. Open from 4 to 10:30 pm. Free.
JULY 11 THROUGH 13 — SAILFEST 2008
Address: Downtown New London, New London, CT
Phone: 860.444.1879
Email: sailfest@gmail.com
Web: www.sailfest.org
Features three days of music, food, art, and entertainment on four stages. Attractions include a car show, tall ships, and a beer garden. Open on Fri from noon to 11 pm, on Sat from 10 am to 11 pm, and on Sun from 10 am to 6 pm. Free.
JULY 26 AND 27 — ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT RENDEZVOUS
Address: Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT
Phone: 860.572.5341
Email: shannon.mckenzie@mysticseaport.org
Web: www.mysticseaport.org
See a festive gathering of around 50 restored wooden powerboats and sailboats, all built before 1963. These craft and their costumed crews parade downriver midday on Sun, but are on display only Sat from 9 am to 5 pm and Sun from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Admission $18.50, $16.50 for seniors, $13 for children six through 17.
AUG 10 — MYSTIC OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL
Address: Downtown Mystic, CT
Phone: 860.572.9578
Email: alexa@mysticchamber.org
Web: www.mysticchamber.org
New England's premier professionally juried outdoor art show. More than 250 artists sell their creations along the streets of the historic downtown. Open from 10 am to 5 pm. Free.
AUG 16 AND 17 — ANTIQUE MARINE ENGINE EXPOSITION
Address: The Shipyard, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT
Phone: 860.572.5315
Web: www.mysticseaport.org
Hear the hum and see the steam as collectors from across the US and Canada demonstrate “the power for a new century.” The transition from sail to engine power is brought to life through a dazzling display of antique marine engines. Open on Sat from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sun from 9 am to 3 pm. Anchor demonstrations at 3:15. Admission to Mystic Seaport $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for students and seniors, $13 for children six through 17.
AUG 21 THROUGH 24 — BROOKLYN FAIR
Address: Rte 169, half-mile south of Rte 6, Brooklyn, CT
Phone: 860.779.0012
Email: info@brooklynfair.org
Web: www.brooklynfair.org
One of the oldest continuously active agricultural fairs in the United States. It features music, agricultural displays, games, food vendors, homecrafts, animals, and contests. Tickets $10, parking $4. Free for children 12 and under. Check the Web site for schedule.
SEPT 20 AND 21 — LITCHFIELD HILLS HARVEST FESTIVAL
Address: Haight Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860.567.4045
Web: www.litchfieldfestivals.com
Held at the state's oldest winery, the festival is an old-fashioned celebration of the grape harvest. Festival includes gourmet food, artisan displays, pony rides, children's grape stomp, and more. Open from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission $6, $5 for seniors, free for children under 12.
