We're in the middle of summer, but Connecticut's fair and festival season is just around the corner.
Connecticut Public has your list of upcoming seasonal celebrations — in chronological order. If we missed an event, send us details at [email protected].
Lebanon Country Fairgrounds122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT 06249Aug. 29 – Oct. 25 (Saturdays and Sundays, plus Labor Day and Oct. 12)Tickets: $18 - $10
The festival includes themed events such as knighting ceremonies, circus performances and full-contact jousting. There will be dozens of live shows every day across 13 stages, more than 200 vendors and nine themed weekends.
32 Reeds Gap Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455
Aug. 30-Nov. 2
$12 ages 13+, $7 for ages 4-12
The theme of this year's maze has not been announced, but expect a roughly four-acre display with about a mile of pathway. Plan 30-40 minutes to make it through the maze.
281 Route 169, South Woodstock, CT 06267Sept. 3-7Tickets: $11.80-$16.95
The 165th Woodstock Fair will feature livestock and agricultural shows, a karaoke contest and cornhole tournaments. Country music star and actor Trace Adkins will perform on the main stage on Sunday, Sept. 6.
26 Quarry Hill, Haddam Neck, CT 06424(Use the 06424 ZIP code; using Haddam’s ZIP code will take you to a different location, organizers say.)Sept. 4-7Tickets: $12-$15 ($35 weekend pass)
A true New England community fair with exhibits and displays, livestock, truck pulls and children's contests — including a parotic baby show. Jam band Max Creek headlines the live entertainment on Sunday, Sept. 6.
116 Old Middle St., Goshen, CT 06756Sept. 5-7Tickets: $5 - $10
A frozen T-shirt competition, truck pull and hay bale toss Sept. 5 and skillet throw contest and antique tractor pull on Sept. 6 are among the events at this agricultural fair in Litchfield County.
42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk, CT 06855Sept. 11-13Tickets: $11-$22
Sure, you can still get fair favorites like funnel cake and cotton candy, but the stars of this event are the fresh-caught oysters — and lobster rolls and fried clams.
175 Old Tannery Rd., Monroe, CT 06468Sept. 12-13Free
More than 100 vendors setup on the Monroe Green. There will be apple cider, apple crisp and apple-themed crafts. Purchase homemade baked goods and mums.
Fort Trumbull State Park and Waterfront Park, New London, CT 06320Sept. 12-13Free
The weekend features military and private ships at Fort Trumbull State Park and New London Waterfront Park. Flock Theatre will stage a reenactment of the burning of Benedict Arnold's effigy on Sept. 12. A drone show will end the day at 8 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter search-and-rescue demonstration is scheduled and the Coast Guard and Navy will compete in a maritime skills competition on Sept. 13 at noon.
Cove Park, 533 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109Sept. 12Free
The 42nd Annual Cornfest in Wethersfield will feature vendors, including corn from Anderson Farms, cornhole, hula hoops, children's activities and live entertainment at Cove Park.
355 Beckley Rd, Berlin, CT 06037Sept. 17-20Tickets: $18/cash, $21/credit card for adults (ages 12+)
The 77th annual Berlin Fair features a variety of events, like a blueberry pie eating contest, antique tractor pulls, stock truck pulls and concerts. There's also a frog jump contest (bring your own frog) and a nail driving contest. New fair foods this year include a pulled pork sandwich on a potato slider, dirty sodas and, in honor of the country's 250th anniversary, maple waffles topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream.
The 19th annual Olde Mistick Village Garlic Festival features more than 50 vendors and 16 local bands and performers during a weekend celebrating garlic. Bring some breath mints!
62 Spruce St., Seymour, CT, 06483Sept. 20Free
The 60th annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival at French Memorial Park features craft and food vendors — including many pumpkin-flavored items — as well as music, entertainment and kids’ activities, including a costume contest. Local elementary students are crowned Pumpkin King and Queen.
24 Townhouse Rd., Durham, CT 06422Sept. 24-27Tickets: $20; free for children under 12 and military
Country artist Tyler Hubbard headlines Sept. 26 during the 106th annual fair that also features monster trucks, special exhibits about America's 250th anniversary and, of course, rides and fair food.
Town Hall Green, 5866 Main St., Trumbull, CT 06611Sept. 27Free
Artists, crafters, performers and food trucks will welcome visitors at the Town Hall Green.
Fowler Field, 1 Shipyard Lane, Milford, CT 06460Sept. 25-26Free
A traditional Oktoberfest celebration with music and beer produced by the Devon Rotary. Organizers say: "Get ready to raise your steins and celebrate!"
70 Memorial Blvd., Bristol, CT 06010Sept. 25-27Free
A parade and Miss Chrysanthemum Pageant highlight the festival celebrating its 64th year.
150 Locust Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791Oct. 2–4Tickets: $10, children 12 and younger are free
Pig races Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 as well as tractor pulls, equestrian shows, poultry judging and a skillet throw are staples of the 169th fair.
1401 Main St., Portland, CT 06480Oct. 2–4Tickets: $10-$15, children 12 and younger are free
Dirty ditch mud runs, baking contests, needle and fabric art and a trashion show (featuring garments made of trash.)
75 N. Main St., Southington, CT 06489Oct. 2–4 and Oct. 9–11Free
Two words: Apple fritters. Festivalgoers line up for the fritters at Zion Lutheran Church's booth. The annual parade is scheduled for Oct. 4 at 2 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 11.
John J. Mitchell Fairgrounds, 75 Brookfield St., South Windsor, CT 06074Oct. 3Free
Grab a signature apple pie and other homemade baked goods. There will be live music, as well as a bounce house and pony rides and train rides for children. Bring a non-perishable donation for the South Windsor Food Bank.
12 Riverton Rd., Riverton, CT 06065Oct. 9-11Tickets: $10
The Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland presents a classic agricultural fair with rides, livestock exhibits, a lumberjack contest, tractor pull and live music.
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830Oct. 10–11Tickets: $15, Members and children under 5 are free
The 45th annual outdoor arts festival features various items available for purchase, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture and photography. There will also be demonstrations, food and art activities for kids.
Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 304 Main St. N., Bethlehem, CT 06751Oct. 10-11$10 adults; $1 for children under 12
Want to try garlic ice cream? You'll have your chance, plus garlic sliders and deep fried garlic. There will be live music and rides and games for the kids.
Riverfront Park, 200 Welles St., Glastonbury, CT 06033Oct. 16-18
Live bands, local food and family fun at Glastonbury's Riverfront Park.
The Northeast Connecticut Great Pumpkin Festival in downtown Putnam features vendors, live music and children's activities.
The event features goodie bags for the first 800 children wearing a costume, as well as a photo booth and additional activities.
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