FAIRS AND FESTIVALS > CONNECTICUT

JUNE 23, 24, AND 25 - ELIZABETH ROSE WEEKEND
Elizabeth Park, Prospect and Asylum Aves, Hartford, CT (map)
860.244.8181
http://www.visitctriver.com

Concerts, poetry readings, and refreshments, along with a rose show in America's oldest municipal rose garden. Garden, nursery, and farm tours also offered. Free.

JUNE 23, 24, AND 25 - HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL
Valley Railroad, Railroad Ave (off Rte 9), Essex, CT (map)
800.348.0003
info@hotsteamedjazz.com
http://www.hotsteamedjazz.com

The festival features ragtime, swing, blues, and traditional jazz. Concerts are on Fri from 7 pm to midnight, on Sat from noon to midnight (two sessions), and on Sun from noon to 6 pm. Gospel service on Sun at 10 am. Tickets $20 for Fri and Sun, $25 for Sat and Sat night, $70 for the entire weekend, and $8 for children under 12. BYOB.

JUNE 24 AND 25 - 22ND ANNUAL TASTE OF THE LITCHFIELD HILLS
Haight Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT (map)
860.567.4045
haightvineyard@aol.com
http://www.haightvineyards.com

Cuisine prepared by chefs from area restaurants is paired with Haight Vineyard wines. The festival also features hay rides through the vineyard, wine tasting, and winery tours. Open on Sat from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Sun until 5 pm. Admission $6, $5 for seniors, free for children under 12.

JUNE 25 AND AUG 20 - SUMMER MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET
Stafford Motor Speedway, Stafford Springs, CT (map)
860.875.7768
http://www.staffordspeedway.com

Features an antique- and custom-bike show. Open from 8 am to 4 pm. Admission $7.

JULY 1 - RIVERFEST
Hartford, CT (map)
860.713.3131
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, Founders Plaza, and Commerce Center, in East Hartford. Open from 4 to 10 pm. Free.

JULY 4 - Independence Day
Mystic Seaport, CT (map)
860.572.0711
http://www.visitmysticseaport.com

Experience an authentic 1870s Fourth of July celebration. Patriotic ceremonies, silver coronet band concert, an old-fashioned spelling bee, and children's parade. Begins at 1 pm in the Museum's village. Included in Mystic Seaport admission.

JULY 7 THROUGH 9 - SAILFEST 2006
downtown New London, New London, CT (map)
860.443.3786
bjneff1369@earthlink.net
http://www.sailfest.org

Features three days of music, food, art, and entertainment on two stages. Open on Fri from noon to 11 pm, on Sat from 10 am to 11 pm, and on Sun from 10 am to 7 pm. Free.

JULY 22 AND 23 - ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT RENDEZVOUS
Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT (map)
860.572.5341
http://www.visitmysticseaport.com

See a festive gathering of restored wooden powerboats and sailboats, all built before 1963. These craft and their costumed crews parade downriver midday on Sun, but are only on display on Sat and Sun from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission $17, $9 for children six through 12.

AUG 12 AND 13 - MYSTIC OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL
Downtown Mystic, CT (map)
860.572.5098
New England's premier professionally juried outdoor art show. About 300 artists sell their creations along the streets of the historic downtown. Open on Sat from 11 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 10 am to 7 pm. Free.

AUG 19 AND 20 - ANTIQUE MARINE ENGINE EXPOSITION
The Shipyard, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT (map)
860.572.5315
http://www.visitmysticseaport.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. Admission to Mystic Seaport $17 for adults, $9 for children six through 12.

AUG 24 THROUGH 27 - BROOKLYN FAIR
Rte 169, half-mile south of Rte 6, Brooklyn, CT (map)
860.779.0012
information@brooklynfair.org
http://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, with a road race on Sun. Open on Thurs from 4 to 10 pm, on Fri and Sat from 8 am to 10 pm, and on Sun from 8 am to 6 pm. Tickets $9, parking $4.

SEPT 23 AND 24 - 14TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Haight Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT (map)
860.567.4045
haightvineyard@aol.com
http://www.haightvineyards.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 $5, $4 for seniors, free for children under 12.