Celebrate Connecticut Open House Day in Middlesex County 2026

Non-profit Artist Co-Op offering paintings, photography, high-end arts & craft gifts, and art classes.

Our mission is to foster an appreciation of the visual arts, promote artistic growth, and create an environment whereby artists, students, and the community can engage in meaningful appreciation of art.

Free entrance. Refreshments.

Take a house tour of the Captain Elisha White House, "Old Brick" built in the 1750s..  Enjoy the perennial gardens, containing heirloom plants.  View a diorama of Main Street, Clinton, as it was in 1915.  Visit the Buell Tool Museum: a treasure trove of antique tools, that demonstrate how work was done 250 years ago. Open 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Join Wanderlust Ecotours on a guided kayaking ecotour - all equipment included.

Immerse yourself in the floodplain forests of the Mattabesset River on this beginner-friendly kayak excursion. We will glide beneath the forest trees passing the occasional catalpa tree in full bloom. We will watch for animal activity along the waterway—this tranquil tour pairs the beauty of the forest's seasonal blooms with the vibrant activity of the river’s most iconic residents, from great blue herons and kingfishers to painted turtles basking in the sun.

Use coupon code CelebrateCT to receive $10 off for any tour on June 13th. 

Join award winning artists in glorious gardens in the historical village of Hadlyme, East Haddam, CT.

Barbara Lussier - sunset paintings
Tin Barrall & Pam Voth - photographs- illustrations/watercolors
Linda Elgart - exciting Rooster paintings
Christine Tanson- decorative and utilitarian pottery
Lisa Bakoledis - fanciful jewelry 

Plants for sale 

Tour the gardens and enjoy the village offerings, cross the ct River by Hadlyme/Chester ferry, tour Gillette Castle or hike over the Haddam Swing Bridge. Food available at Hadlyme Market and Two Wrasslin Cats.
 

$5 off admission with coupon
Link to coupon - https://ctrivermuseum.org/connecticut-open-house/
 

Come join us at EAA to see our latest exhibition with a "Come Sail Away" theme!  Admission is free, and we are excited to welcome you during our 80th anniversary!

20% savings on 2.5 hour Steam Train & Riverboat Excursion or 1 hour Steam Train Excursion (No Boat) on Saturday June 13, 2026.

As part of the town-wide Essex Celebrates America 250 celebrations and special for Connecticut Open House Day, Essex Historical Society will host the 5th Connecticut Regiment of Revolutionary War Reenactors on the grounds of Pratt House during the Connecticut Sea Music Festival.

Open House Day Discount!  Two for $60 deal for any performance of "1776" on stage from June 25 - July 26.  

Celebrate America turning 250 with the founding fathers who come alive in this classic, award-winning Broadway musical.  

Offer valid for tickets purchased on June 13 only.  Tickets can be purchased for any "1776" performance subject to availability.  Offer not available on prior purchases or any other 2026 production. Box Office is located at 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT,  06442
https://www.ivorytonplayhouse.org/
 

Join us at Lyman Orchards for our annual Strawberry Festival! Visit the Apple Barrel Farm Market for live music, pie eating contests, yard games, petting farm, horse-drawn wagon rides, and other various activities (some for a fee).

10% off Lower Mt. Adventure Pass

Help us celebrate our 75th anniversary! Free admittance. Come in for a tour and an introduction to how to get started with your family genealogy. $5 off on an annual membership. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Visit Wesleyan Potters in Middletown during CT Open House Day and explore our vibrant cooperative studios, gallery, and creative community. Watch live demonstrations, tour working artist spaces, shop handmade ceramics, jewelry, and fiber art, and learn about classes, workshops, and membership opportunities. Enjoy a free "Make & Take" activity for kids, plus catch the Clay Olympics and Great Pottery Throwdown!

We offer a wide variety of antique, vintage and unique items from 65 vendors. Over 9000 sq ft to browse. Everything from fine jewelry, rugs, art to knick knacks and kitsch items.

10% off the Adventure sports pass.

Our Museum of Portland History will be open. We have displays of The 1821 Gildersleeve Store, Brownstone Quarries, Shipbuilding and local semi precious gem collection.

Come sailing with Captain Joy & Scupper The Boat Dog!

Mention CT Open House and receive $30 off any sail. Valid through June 30, 2026.
 

The Bushnell House and Carriage House located at 121 South Main St. in Westbrook will be open 10am - 2pm. Come see a spinning wheel demonstration and fiber exhibit and learn how flax and cotton are processed into thread and yarn. An interpreter will discuss Native American hunting and fishing tools on display. The Westbrook Garden Club will have a member to answer questions about the Bushnell's house kitchen garden. On display in the carriage house will be art, sculptures and memorabilia originating from the local artist community that operated during 1950's and 1960's at the Westbrook Gallery owned by Aage Hogfeldt. The book Westbrook History Happenings and Hearsay will be offered at a discounted rate.

The Westbrook Historical Society Museum on the town green will be open 10am - 2pm. The museum houses artifacts and a research center that tells the story of Westbrook. The book Westbrook History Happenings and Hearsay will be offered at a discounted rate.