There’s lots to do in the state of Connecticut during the Summer, especially when the weather is cooperating. It is truly ‘hotter than July’ so there is really no need to travel anywhere, we have sun filled days and long nights right here in CT (smile).
Here is a short list of annual events that occur in the Summer months and involve food, fun, music, festivities, entertainment and more! The good news is that most are free to attend and some even offer free parking.
A Taste of Mystic (New London County)
This annual event takes place at the Olde Mistick Village (OMV) around the second weekend in June (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) and involves food and drinks, live bands, loads of entertainment, merchant specials and more!
Admission is free (parking is also free). To participate in The Taste you buy sleeves of tickets for $1.00 each to be exchanged for food and drinks from the vendors.
And the OMV Merchants offer money-saving specials as well!
New Haven Music on the Green (New Haven County)
In New Haven the unofficial start to Summer kicks off with Music on the Green!
In Summers past we have been entertained (in our VIP seats) by such notable acts as Ronnie Spector, Debbie Gibson, Taylor Dayne, KC and the Sunshine Band and En Vogue, just to name a few.
And this year we had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Lisa on Saturday 7/20/19 and Morris Day on Saturday 7/29/19!
The Hamden Free Summer Concert Series (New Haven County)
Beginning late June on Friday nights at 6pm at the Hamden Town Center Park, live bands play to diverse crowds made up of singles, couples, families, dogs and more! This free annual outdoor event truly features something for everyone. There’s no VIP but at the same time there is truly not a bad seat in the house. And if you come hungry you can feast off of the nearby food trucks or better yet, pack your own picnic complete with adult beverages. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and make a space on the lawn as happy people jam to the music.
This year (2019) on Week 4 The Wailers, featuring Julian Junior Marvin, delighted the Friday night crowd.
The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (Hartford County)
Jazz is alive and well outdoors at Bushnell Park in Hartford! This free annual event takes place over an entire weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) in mid July. There are food and retail clothing vendors and folks completely covering the Bushnell park lawn with their blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and sun umbrellas. Big screen TVs on both sides of the stage ensure that everyone gets a decent view.
The line-up of jazz musicians is awesome and the party lasts all day long and well into the night.
Although this is a free event donations are gladly accepted…
New London Sailfest (New London County)
This coastal city comes alive during the Summer with its signature event, the New London Sailfest!
July is the month and the entire mid month weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) offers something for all family members.
Speaking of which, there are amusement park rides, face painting, delicious food options plus sailboat and people watching.
So that’s my short list of fun things to do during Summers in Connecticut – enjoy!
