Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Connecticut
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Connecticut, including events in River Valley, Mystic, Greater New Haven and Hartford.
Connecticut Flower & Garden Show
February
Hartford, Connecticut
Considered one of the most prestigious flower and garden shows in New England, the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show features breathtaking gardens constructed by some of Connecticut’s most prolific landscape designers.
Spread over almost 3 acres, the show includes floral and horticultural masterpieces and gardening products and services as well as over 200 exhibitors displaying fresh flowers, plants and herbs.
For more information visit: www.ctflowershow.com
Travelers Championship
June
Hartford, Connecticut
The northeast’s only PGA Tour features the world’s best golfers, popular Celebrity Pro-Am, and interactive Fan Zone and events the whole family can enjoy.
The action takes place at TPC River Highlands, a par 70, 6,844 yard course in Cromwell, Connecticut, 10 miles south of Hartford. The course is a well-balanced golf test with a mixture of long and short holes. The most notable stretch is Nos. 15-17 which play around a four-acre lake.
For more information visit: www.travelerschampionship.com
Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous
June
Mystic, Connecticut
An award competition celebrating high-quality antique vessels built before 1965, including cruisers, sailboats, runabouts, and launches, recognizing excellence in restoration, authenticity and workmanship.
More than 50 classic vessels gather along The Museum of America and the Sea’s waterfront all day Saturday and Sunday morning . Festivities conclude on Sunday afternoon as the vessels make their way down the Mystic River in a jubilant, costume- and music-filled three-mile parade.
For more information visit: www.mysticseaport.org
OR ... TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOP EVENTS USA FEATURE PROFILE ABOUT THE ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT RENDEZVOUS
International Festival of Arts and Ideas
June
New Haven, Connecticut
Every year in June, New Haven sparkles as the International Festival of Arts & Ideas displays a rare collection of gems: stunning music and dance, brilliant theater, bright and emergent thinkers gathered from around the world. From the New Haven Green to the courtyards of Yale University, New Haven becomes a Festival city with something for everyone, featuring world-class culture, award-winning dining and eclectic shopping.
For more information visit: www.artidea.org
Connecticut Trails Day
June
Statewide, Connecticut
There are over 130 guide hikes across the entire state. These exciting adventures include long or short hikes, history walks, kayaking, tree identification, horseback riding, orienteering, letter boxing, trail maintenance, or cycling.
All the walks are along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
For more information visit: www.ctwoodlands.org
Annual Craft Expo
July
Greater New Haven, Connecticut
Attracting more then 14,000 artists, collectors and visitors from across the USA, the Annual Craft Expo is one of the state’s oldest (more than 51 years) and finest outdoor juried shows.
Craft Expo is known for its one-of-a-kind work of the highest quality handmade by the artists, all of whom have been accepted in the show by a panel of professional peers,
Attractions include a food court, craft activities for youngsters attending the show, and a silent auction.
For more information visit: www.guilfordartcenter.org/expo.html
OR ... TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOP EVENTS USA FEATURE PROFILE ABOUT THE ANNUAL CRAFT EXPOGreat Connecticut Traditional Jazz Fest
July
Meriden, Connecticut
The largest festival in all of the Northeast featuring old time jazz, the Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival has moved the event to beautiful Mountain Ridge. Located just off I-91 Exit 15 on the town lines of Wallingford, Meriden, and Middlefield, Mountain Ridge offers one of the most scenic mountain views in central Connecticut.
The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival showcases New Orleans style Dixieland, hot jazz, big band sounds, swing and jug band music being played simultaneously in 4 venues all weekend with 18 bands from all over the US (including one directly from New Orleans).
There is plenty of fun for the whole family – swimming pool, tennis courts, and activities for the children, dancing and dance lessons all weekend, a gospel service on Sunday and an antique car show.
For more information visit : http://www.greatctjazz.org/
New Haven Open at Yale
August
Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale - Greater New Haven, Connecticut
Billed as New England’s ultimate tennis experience, the championship is a professional women-only tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts, featuring some of today’s top tennis players of the world. Previous players include Venus and Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and James Blake.
The fun continues with week-long events that include Kids Day and a live jazz concert.
For more information visit: http://www.newhavenopen.com/
Milford Oyster Festival
August
Milford, Connecticut
Started more than 34 years ago, the Annual Milford Oyster Festival is held on the third Saturday of August every year and attracts local residents and visitors from around the globe who want to enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and history of Milford, Connecticut at a family-oriented festival and to celebrate the Long Island Sound’s seafaring past.
Activities and attractions include live entertainment, arts and crafts, vintage vessels, demonstrations, juried crafters, international food court, exhibits and Kid’s Cove.
For more information visit: www.milfordoysterfestival.org
Durham Fair
September
Greater New Haven, Connecticut
Established in 1916, the state’s largest agricultural fair, Durham Fair is traditionally held on the last full weekend of September.
Features include many traditional agricultural programs, brand new exhibits each year, food nationally-known country music performers and thousands of exhibits competing for prizes.
For more information visit: www.durhamfair.com
