CONNECTICUT — Connecticut is stepping into mid-September with a packed calendar full of fairs, food, furry friends, and even a ukulele or two. Or three. (There's going to be a lot of ukuleles…) Whether you’re in the mood for a tractor pull, a food truck feast, or geeking out over collectibles and cosplay, Sept. 11–14 offers something for every taste. Here’s your guide to the weekend’s highlights.
Running Sept. 11–14 in Somers, the Four Town Fair is one of Connecticut’s oldest agricultural fairs, dating back to 1838. Visitors can expect oxen and horse pulls, carnival rides, local crafts, and traditional fair food.
Also running Thursday through Sunday, the Berlin Fair brings a full slate of entertainment and agricultural fun. Started in 1882, this long-standing tradition offers tractor pulls, livestock shows, home arts exhibits, and an impressive lineup of musical acts. Kids’ activities, food courts, and midway rides make it a favorite for families looking for a day of fun.
Pups get their day in the spotlight at the 11th Annual Chester Dog Fair, happening Sept. 13–14. Hosted by Homeward Bound CT, the event includes dog-friendly contests, demonstrations, adoptions, and plenty of vendors catering to canine companions. It’s a paw-some outing for dog lovers and their four-legged friends.
Hungry? The Bloomfield Food Truck Festival barrels into the Bloomfield Town Center Saturday, Sept. 13, with a wide range of vendors serving everything from tacos and barbecue to sweet treats. Organized by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, the festival pairs food with live entertainment and family activities for a daylong community feast.
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Strum along at the Nutmeg Ukulele Festival, returning Sept. 13 to Simsbury’s Eno Memorial Hall. Workshops, jam sessions, and performances celebrate the cheerful little instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this festival invites everyone to join in the fun.
Whether in search of an MTG Black Lotus or an MLB 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, collectors will be flocking to the Northeast Sports Card Expo at the XL Center in Hartford Sept. 13–14. The expo features trading cards, memorabilia, celebrity appearances, and a bustling marketplace for enthusiasts of all ages. It’s a must-stop for fans looking to expand their collections or score a rare find.
Not nerdy enough for ya? On Sept. 13, the New Britain Museum of American Art hosts Fandom Fest, a colorful celebration of pop culture. Cosplayers, panel discussions, local artists, and themed activities turn the museum into a hub for fans of comics, anime, film, and fantasy. It’s part convention, part art showcase, and all fun.
If you’re looking for a quieter but equally charming experience, don’t miss Cow Tales, wrapping up Sept. 14 at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. The whimsical exhibit explores the role of cows in art and culture, offering a family-friendly blend of history, humor, and creativity.
From midway rides in Berlin and Somers to ukulele jams in Simsbury and fandom fun in New Britain, Connecticut’s mid-September weekend is packed with reasons to get out and explore.