Seasonal Festivals and Events for Families in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a vibrant array of seasonal festivals and events that are perfect for families. From colorful fall festivals to festive winter events and everything in between, there’s always something happening to keep your family entertained. Here’s a guide to some of the best seasonal events across the state that are sure to create lasting memories for your family.
Spring
1. Daffodil Festival – Meriden
- When: Late April
- Highlights: Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Daffodil Festival in Hubbard Park. The festival features over 600,000 blooming daffodils, a carnival, live music, craft vendors, and a parade. Kids will love the amusement rides and the variety of food trucks offering delicious treats.
2. Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival – North Haven
- When: Late April
- Highlights: This annual event at the North Haven Fairgrounds is a unique opportunity for families to learn about sheep farming, wool production, and fiber arts. The festival includes sheep shearing demonstrations, a kids’ craft area, and opportunities to meet the animals.
3. Cherry Blossom Festival – New Haven
- When: Late April
- Highlights: Held in New Haven’s Wooster Square, the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of over 70 Yoshino cherry trees. The event features live music, cultural performances, and a variety of food vendors. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy the spring weather with your family.
Summer
- When: July
- Highlights: Sailfest is one of Connecticut’s largest summer events, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over the Thames River, tall ships, live entertainment, and a bustling street fair. Kids will enjoy the carnival rides, games, and interactive activities.
5. Litchfield Jazz Festival – Goshen
- When: July
- Highlights: The Litchfield Jazz Festival is a family-friendly event that brings world-class jazz musicians to the Goshen Fairgrounds. In addition to the music, there’s a children’s craft tent, food vendors, and plenty of space for a family picnic.
6. Connecticut Renaissance Faire – Lebanon
- When: Late September to October
- Highlights: Travel back in time at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire, where your family can experience jousting knights, period music, artisan crafts, and delicious food. Kids will love meeting costumed characters and participating in interactive games and activities.
Fall
7. The Big E – West Springfield, MA
- When: Mid-September to Early October
- Highlights: Although just over the border in Massachusetts, The Big E is a must-visit fall event for Connecticut families. It’s the largest fair in the Northeast, featuring agricultural exhibits, a giant parade, live music, carnival rides, and a petting zoo. The Avenue of States is a highlight, with each New England state represented in its own building.
- When: October
- Highlights: The Pumpkin Festival in Seymour is a perfect fall outing for families. The festival includes a pumpkin carving contest, craft vendors, live music, and plenty of pumpkin-themed foods. Kids can enjoy face painting, hayrides, and other seasonal activities.
9. Apple Harvest Festival – Glastonbury
- When: October
- Highlights: Celebrate the fall harvest at the Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival, which features apple-themed foods, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a craft fair. The festival also includes a petting zoo, pony rides, and a farmers’ market.
Winter
10. Festival of Lights – Olde Mistick Village, Mystic
- When: Early December
- Highlights: The Festival of Lights transforms Olde Mistick Village into a winter wonderland with thousands of luminaries lighting the walkways. Families can enjoy holiday shopping, caroling, and a visit with Santa Claus. The event also includes live entertainment and festive treats.
11. Winterfest & The Tunnel of Lights – East Windsor
- When: December
- Highlights: Hop aboard a vintage trolley at the Connecticut Trolley Museum for a magical ride through the Tunnel of Lights. The museum is decorated with holiday lights and exhibits, and kids can visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and participate in festive crafts.
12. First Night Hartford – Hartford
- When: New Year’s Eve
- Highlights: Ring in the New Year with your family at First Night Hartford, a city-wide celebration featuring fireworks, live entertainment, ice skating, and a parade. The event is alcohol-free and family-focused, with activities for all ages throughout the day and evening.
Tips for Enjoying Festivals with Kids:
- Plan ahead: Check event schedules and plan your visit around the activities your family will enjoy most.
- Arrive early: Festivals can get crowded, so arriving early can help you secure parking and avoid long lines.
- Bring essentials: Pack snacks, water, sunscreen, and a stroller or carrier for younger kids.
- Set a budget: Many festivals have vendors selling food and crafts, so set a spending limit in advance.
Connecticut’s seasonal festivals and events offer endless opportunities for family fun. No matter the time of year, there’s always something happening that will delight kids and adults alike. Mark your calendars and get ready to create some wonderful memories with your family!
