39 Things to Do in Connecticut This September

1. Take a scenic hike. 
Catch a glimpse of the first signs of fall foliage on one of Connecticut’s many hiking trails.

2. Glamp under the stars. 
Ditch the hustle and bustle of the city for a rustic retreat at Tamarack Lodge in Voluntown or try these camping spots.

3. Get out on the water. 
Experience nature’s beauty by kayak or paddleboard with rentals from Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme or Westbrook.

4. Soar through the trees. 
Get a birds-eye view of the leaves beginning to change during zipline tours at the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, or these spots for extreme ziplining.

5. Throw some axes. 
Test your aim and try to hit the bull's-eye with this exciting outdoor axe-throwing activity!

6. Pedal around. 
Grab a bike and get out on any of Connecticut’s biking trails to take in the early signs of fall or plan your own scenic biking trip to see a few of the state’s covered bridges.

7. Set sail. 
Embark on an adventure! Try a daysail, sunset cruise, or captained charter through the Fisher's Island sound with Poet's Lounge Charters in Noank.

8. Cheer on every touchdown. 
Kick off football season and head to a UConn football game — the perfect way to start some fall vibes.

9. Enjoy art, outdoors. 
While the weather is still warmer, plan a visit to any of the state’s outdoor art exhibits including, the Knowlton in Bridgeport, the New London Mural Walk, or the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk in Hartford. 
Or take to the Trumbull Town Hall Green and enjoy the Trumbull Arts Festival - September 15th, 2024!

10. Go to the faire. 
Immerse yourself in medieval times at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire’s 26th anniversary celebration! Enjoy juicy turkey legs and craft beers, hilarious comedy and thrilling acrobatics — plus, you even get to dress in traditional costumes. Expect fun for the whole family.
Saturdays & Sundays, starting August 31st until October 20th 2024! Also on Labor Day & Indigenous People's Day!

11. Live like a Gilmore Girl. 
Plan a quick road trip to explore the towns that inspired the hit television show and snap a few photos at these Instagrammable Gilmore Girls spots.

12. Immerse yourself in history. 
No matter the topic, Connecticut is filled with a rich history. Go back in time to the American Colonial era at the Keeler Tavern Museum, get lost in some old school tunes at the Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut, or discover the historic life of Mark Twain at the Mark Twain House & Museum.

13. Attend a major oyster festival. 
The 46th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival is a big deal. Enjoy unique entertainment, notable live music acts, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.
September 6-8, 2024!

14. Bet on bbq. 
Devour savory barbecue favorites - from pulled pork & ribs to mac 'n cheese & loaded baked potatoes - at these barbecue destinations.

15. Grab one last lobster roll. 
Before Connecticut’s seafood shacks close for the season, grab one more hot buttery lobster roll to last you through next spring — you can even follow this lobster lovers' guide!

16. We scream ice cream. 
Savor the last warm days of the season with a cold treat! Stop by Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown, UConn Dairy Bar in Storrs, Michael's Dairy in New London or perhaps discover these Instagrammable ice cream experiences. You should also try Rich Farm Ice Cream in Oxford, Bristol, or Middlefield.

17. Dine outside. 
Before it gets too cold, take all the opportunities you can get to enjoy outdoor dining at any of these restaurants around the state. Want an amazing view? Try these waterfront restaurants!

18. Sip wine & brews. 
Enjoy the fresh air and great flavors at Connecticut's vineyards and breweries!

19. Take a walking food tour. 
Embrace the history & flavors of Connecticut's coastal towns when you experience a CT Shore Walking Food Tour.

20. Celebrate maritime history. 
Join in a a fun-filled weekend by the water at the Maritime Heritage Festival in New London featuring private & military ships. Enjoy a variety of performances, kid-friendly activities, a parade, live music, local vendors, food trucks, & much more.
September 7-8, 2024!

21. Go fruit picking. 
Connecticut is filled with locally-owned farms & orchards that let you fill up your baskets with fresh apples and other baked goods.

22. See some wild animals. 
Come face to face with zebras, elk, bison & more at the Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen or Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.

23. Watch a drive-in movie. 
Spend a weekend night cozied up in the car watching movies with the whole family at Mansfield Drive-in and Southington Drive-in.

24. Ride horses. 
Bring the kids for a pony ride or even take horseback riding lessons at Lee's Riding Stables in Litchfield. You'll enjoy the 100 beautiful acres of land!

25. Go mini golfing. 
Take advantage of the last summer month and try for a hole-in-one at spots like Safari Golf in Berlin or Saybrook Point Miniature Golf in Old Saybrook.

26. Play in the sand. 
Have a beach day! Make sandcastles, dip your toes in the water, & enjoy the open air at one of Connecticut's public beaches.

27. Explore state parks. 
Get out & enjoy the great outdoors as a family at these parks kids will love!

28. Enjoy a second summer. 
The season isn't technically over until September 22nd! Soak up the last of summer with favorites from ice cream and seafood to waterfront fun.

29. Treat yourself to the spa. 
Visit any of Connecticut’s spas for a fall treatment to help ease your way into the new season.

30. Stay in a B&B. 
West Lane Inn in Ridgefield, Stonecroft Country Inn in Ledyard, Connecticut River Valley Inn in Glastonbury, or these inns & B&Bs to find hospitality so warm it’ll keep you cozy as the temperature drops.

31. Find some small-town charm. 
Stroll, shop, or dine in one of the state’s picturesque towns.

32. Stroll through a few autumn gardens. 
Stop + smell the flowers & watch the natural colors of fall take over at some of Connecticut’s great fall garden destinations.

33. Reel in some real trout. 
Trout is one of Connecticut’s most sought-after freshwater game fish & September is a great time to plan a fishing trip to the Salmon River State Forest! Whether it's trout you're looking for or just want the fishing experience, there are so many reasons to get hooked on fishing.

34. Sip sunset drinks. 
During famed & stunning sunsets, enjoy a romantic outdoor dinner with drinks at the Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook.

35. Plan a romantic weekend. 
As crowds disperse, plan a last-minute getaway to one of Connecticut’s romantic inns by the sea.

36. Take romance to new heights. 
Take in breathtaking views aboard a hot air balloon with your special someone. Book a romantic ride with Berkshire Balloons in New Hartford or Connecticut Voyager Balloons in Woodstock.

37. Go for a cruise. 
Before temperatures drop too low, set sail on the historic Argia in Mystic or Onrust in Essex.
Maybe try a sunset cruise on the R/V Spirit of the Sound from Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

38. Enjoy wine country.
Take in the scenic views at any of these Instagrammable vineyards and wineries and of course, snap a few cute photos of you & your significant other. 

39. Admire the art trail. 
Stop at the more than 20 museums & galleries along the Connecticut Art Trail & experience the world-class art and outdoor sculptures!