Connecticut Calendar in 2026: List of Festivals, Holidays and Big Events

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Connecticut Festivals and Major Events in 2026

In 2026, Connecticut—the “Constitution State”—offers a full calendar of festivals and major events celebrating its history, culture, and community spirit. From winter to holiday season, residents and visitors can enjoy arts, music, food, and seasonal traditions across the state.

The year begins with Winterfest Hartford, featuring free ice skating and family-friendly activities. Spring highlights include the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show and Meriden’s Daffodil Festival, where hundreds of thousands of blooms create a colorful backdrop. In May, New Haven’s International Festival of Arts & Ideas brings global performances and thought-provoking discussions.

Summer shines with Sailfest in New London, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, and beloved food and music events like the Milford Oyster Festival. Fall welcomes the Connecticut Renaissance Faire and Americana music celebrations, while winter ends the year with Holiday Light Fantasia and Mystic Seaport’s Lantern Light Tours.

Together, these events showcase the unique cultural heartbeat of Connecticut in 2026.

A festival map for Connecticut 2026

List of Festivals and Big Events in Connecticut 2026

January

1. Winterfest Hartford

• Date: January 1–31, 2026
• Location: Bushnell Park, Hartford
• Highlights:
  • Free ice skating on an outdoor rink.
  • Seasonal light displays and decorations.
  • Family-friendly activities and entertainment.

2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's Eagle Flyer

• Date: Weekends in January 2026
• Location: Essex, CT
• Highlights:
  • Scenic train rides along the Connecticut River.
  • Opportunities to view wintering bald eagles.
  • Educational narration about local wildlife.

February

1. Chocolate Expo

• Date: February 9, 2026
• Location: Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk
• Highlights:
  • Sampling chocolates and confections from local vendors.
  • Live demonstrations by chocolatiers and pastry chefs.
  • Family activities and aquarium exhibits.

2. Mystic Seaport's Chantey Blast

• Date: February 22, 2026
• Location: Mystic, CT
• Highlights:
  • Maritime music performances by local and regional artists.
  • Sing-alongs and workshops on sea chanteys.
  • Fundraiser supporting the annual Sea Music Festival.

March

1. Connecticut Flower & Garden Show

• Date: March 20–23, 2026
• Location: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
• Highlights:
  • Over 300 booths featuring garden displays and floral arrangements.
  • Seminars by gardening experts and landscape designers.
  • Marketplace with plants, seeds, and garden accessories.

2. St. Patrick's Day Parade

• Date: March 17, 2026
• Location: Downtown New Haven
• Highlights:
  • Traditional parade with marching bands and cultural organizations.
  • Irish music and dance performances.
  • Family-friendly festivities and local food vendors.

April

1. Daffodil Festival

• Date: April 26–27, 2026
• Location: Hubbard Park, Meriden
• Highlights:
  • Over 600,000 blooming daffodils.
  • Craft fair with local artisans and vendors.
  • Live music, carnival rides, and food booths.

2. Cherry Blossom Festival

• Date: April 13, 2026
• Location: Wooster Square, New Haven
• Highlights:
  • Celebration of cherry blossoms with cultural performances.
  • Artisan vendors and local food trucks.
  • Family activities and historical tours of the area.

May

1. International Festival of Arts & Ideas

• Date: May 10–25, 2026
• Location: New Haven
• Highlights:
  • Performances by international artists in music, theater, and dance.
  • Lectures and discussions on global topics.
  • Community events and interactive workshops.

2. Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

• Date: May 17–18, 2026
• Location: Downtown Mystic
• Highlights:
  • Exhibition of works by over 200 artists.
  • Live demonstrations and children's art activities.
  • Local food vendors and live entertainment.

June

1. Connecticut Sea Music Festival

• Date: June 6–9, 2026
• Location: Essex, CT
• Highlights:
  • Traditional maritime folk music performances.
  • Workshops on sea chanteys and maritime history.
  • Evening concerts featuring international artists.

2. Stonington Village Fair

• Date: June 21, 2026
• Location: Stonington Borough
• Highlights:
  • Local crafts, antiques, and artisan goods.
  • Live music and dance performances.
  • Children's games and activities.

July

1. Sailfest

• Date: July 11–13, 2026
• Location: New London Waterfront
• Highlights:
  • Tall ship displays and harbor cruises.
  • Live music on multiple stages.
  • Fireworks extravaganza over the Thames River.

2. Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

• Date: July 18–20, 2026
• Location: Bushnell Park, Hartford
• Highlights:
  • Performances by renowned jazz artists.

August

Podunk Bluegrass Festival

1. Podunk Bluegrass Festival

• Date: August 7–10, 2026
• Location: Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen, CT
• Highlights:
  • Celebration of bluegrass music with performances by local and national artists.
  • Workshops and jam sessions for musicians of all levels.
  • Family-friendly activities, including children's programs and craft vendors.
  • Camping facilities available for attendees.
• Website: https://podunkbluegrass.com/

2. Milford Oyster Festival

• Date: August 16, 2026
• Location: Downtown Milford, CT
• Highlights:
  • Featuring 30,000 oysters harvested from Milford waters.
  • Live music performances by national headliners.
  • Arts and crafts vendors, classic car show, and children's activities.
  • Craft beer and wine selections complementing the seafood offerings.
• Website: https://milfordoysterfestival.com/

Milford Oyster Festival

September

1. The Guilford Fair

• Date: September 19–21, 2026
• Location: Guilford Fairgrounds, Guilford, CT
• Highlights:
  • Connecticut’s second oldest agricultural fair, established in 1859.
  • Livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and competitive events.
  • Midway rides, games, and live entertainment.
  • Craft vendors and a variety of food options.
• Website: https://guilfordfair.org

2. Connecticut Renaissance Faire

• Date: Weekends from September 27 to October 26, 2025
• Location: Lebanon, CT
• Highlights:
  • Step back in time to a 16th-century harvest festival.
  • Live performances including jousting, comedy, and music.
  • Artisan marketplace with handcrafted goods.
  • Themed weekends and interactive experiences for all ages.
• Website: https://ctfaire.com/

Connecticut Renaissance Faire

October

1. Black Bear Americana Music Fest

• Date: October 10–12, 2026
• Location: Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen, CT
• Highlights:
  • Three-day festival featuring Americana, bluegrass, and folk music.
  • Multiple stages with performances by over 30 bands.
  • Workshops, jam sessions, and dance performances.
  • On-site camping and food vendors offering diverse cuisines.
• Website: https://ctvisit.com/

2. Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival

• Date: October 18, 2026
• Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford, CT
• Highlights:
  • Dragon boat races featuring teams from across the region.
  • Cultural performances including traditional music and dance.
  • Asian cuisine vendors and cultural exhibits.
  • Family-friendly activities and educational workshops.
• Website: https://festivalnet.com/

November

1. Connecticut International Auto Show

• Date: November 7–9, 2026
• Location: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
• Highlights:
  • Showcase of the latest car models from major manufacturers.
  • Interactive displays and test drive opportunities.
  • Classic car exhibits and automotive accessories vendors.
  • Family-friendly activities and special guest appearances.

2. Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

• Date: November 23, 2026
• Location: Downtown Stamford, CT
• Highlights:
  • One of the largest helium balloon parades in the country.
  • Marching bands, floats, and dance troupes.
  • Special appearances by cartoon character balloons.
  • Pre-parade balloon inflation party open to the public.

December

1. Holiday Light Fantasia

• Date: December 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027
• Location: Goodwin Park, Hartford, CT
• Highlights:
  • Two-mile drive-through light display featuring over a million lights.
  • Themed displays celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and more.
  • Proceeds benefit local charities and community programs.
  • Open nightly, including holidays.

2. Mystic Seaport's Lantern Light Tours

• Date: Weekends in December 2026
• Location: Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT
• Highlights:
  • Evening tours by lantern light through the historic seaport.
  • Interactive theatrical performances depicting holiday stories.
  • Live music, caroling, and seasonal refreshments.
  • Suitable for all ages; reservations recommended.

Conclusion

Connecticut's 2026 festival lineup offers a diverse and enriching array of events that cater to all interests and ages. From the arts and music to historical reenactments and seasonal celebrations, each festival provides an opportunity to engage with the state's heritage and community. These events not only entertain but also educate and inspire, making Connecticut a vibrant destination throughout the year.

FAQs

1. What are some must-visit festivals in Connecticut for 2026?

   • Notable festivals include the Daffodil Festival in April, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in May, the Sailfest in July, and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire in September.

2. Are these festivals family-friendly?

   • Yes, many festivals such as the Daffodil Festival, Sailfest, and Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular offer activities suitable for all ages.

3. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

   • While some events are free, others may require tickets. It's advisable to check the official festival websites for ticketing information and to purchase in advance when necessary.

4. What is the best time to visit Connecticut for festivals?

   • Connecticut hosts festivals year-round, but the spring and summer months, particularly from April to September, feature a higher concentration of major events.

5. Where can I find more information about these festivals?

   • Official tourism websites like CTvisit and individual festival websites provide detailed information on dates, locations, and activities.

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