Connecticut's Can't-Miss Events for 2023 Last Updated: January 2023
Putting together your 2023 priorities? Keep FOMO far away by penciling in these must-dos in Connecticut. They're worth scheduling your months around.
January
Sun Wine & Food Fest
January 26-29, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
There's no better way to beat the winter blues than with a full weekend of wine and spirit tasting, delicious dishes and celebrity chef showcases.
February
Jumpfest
February 3-5, Salisbury
No need to wait for the Winter Olympics. You can find world-class ski jumping right here, at this annual competition. Leave any fears of heights at home.
Fire & Ice Festival
February 11, Putnam
Fall in love with winter this Valentine's Day weekend. It's easy with ice carving competitions, warming fire pits, restaurant specials, unique shopping and more.
Connecticut Flower & Garden Show
February 23-26, Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
Even die-hard New Englanders are looking forward to spring at this point. And this annual show will give you a head start. Come stop and smell all the flowers.
March
Maple Weekend
March 18-19, Throughout Connecticut
Spring in Connecticut kicks off with maple syrup being made. And the state's sugarhouses are ready to show you how with tours this weekend. Bring your own pancakes.
Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show
March 24-26, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
Pull yourself away from the Great Outdoors for three days indoors at this inspiring show, full of exhibitors, demonstrations, competitions and seminars.
American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
March 31-April 2, The Marriott, Stamford
Calling all crossword aficionados. Enter the nation's oldest and largest crossword competition, directed by New York Times Crossword Puzzle Editor Will Shortz.
April
Spring Home Show
April 1-2, XL Center, Hartford
You've got spring projects on your mind. We've got New England's largest spring home show — and hundreds of exhibitors ready and waiting to help you bring your plans to life.
Connecticut Craft Beer Fest
April 22, XL Center, Hartford
Fun fact: Connecticut is one of the top states in the country for craft beer. Taste for yourself at this annual festival, featuring many of Connecticut's best brews.
May
Dogwood Festival
May 13-14, 2023, Fairfield
It’s more than just gorgeous spring blooms. Check out food trucks, live music, a vendor fair, children’s crafts, the Blossom Café and Blossom Bakery, raffles, a plant and garden boutique, and more.
June
Travelers Championship
June 19-25, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell
Since 1952, this PGA event has driven the summer schedules of generations of pro golfers...and fans. And there's no more fan-friendly course on the entire tour.
Road Jam Music Festival
Dates TBD, Stratford
Great beer, great bands...what more do you need in the summer? No wonder this music festival, from one of Connecticut's most acclaimed breweries, is always, well...jamming.
Pride Month
Monthlong, Statewide
June is Pride Month in Connecticut, and you'll find many ways to show your support for LGBTQ+ pride all month long throughout the state. Start here.
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Dates TBD, New Haven
For two weeks in June, the world's freshest ideas come to Connecticut. Come enjoy performing arts, lectures, and conversations with influential artists and thinkers.
SHAG Festival
June 22-25, Spring Hill Vineyard
Four fun days of live music, art, and community building — all set at an awesome vineyard.
July
Greater Harford Festival of Jazz
July 13-16, Bushnell Park, Hartford
Eagerly awaited every summer, this weekend-long festival brings many of the biggest names in jazz — and thousands of picnickers — to Hartford's historic Bushnell Park.
August
Hey Stamford! Food Festival
Dates TBD, Mill River Park, Stamford
This food festival is so epic, it can't be contained to one weekend. Over the course of two, explore more than 50 food vendors, a beer garden, kid’s activities and more.
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
Dates TBD, Mystic Seaport, Mystic
This juried art show and showcase for over 200 artists from around the country offers more than two miles of incredible artworks in a beautiful setting. And did we mention it's free?
Savannah Bananas Play Hartford Yard Goats
August 14, Hartford
Root for the home team as the Yard Goats face the Savannah Bananas. Don’t forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
September
Sound On Sound Music Festival
Dates TBD, Seaside Park, Bridgeport
"Music Festival" doesn't begin to describe this event, offering two stages, more than 20 world-class bands, local eateries and craft breweries — all on the shores of Long Island Sound.
Norwalk Oyster Festival
Dates TBD, Veteran's Memorial Park, Norwalk
Norwalk's known for their oysters...and this festival, featuring three days of food, music, rides and entertainment. It's been a perennial favorite for 45 years.
Hartbeat Music Festival
September 9, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford
Hartford's riverfront area has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years, and this music festival is one reason why, thanks to bands, food, local beer and more.
Small State, Great Beer Festival
Dates TBD, Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford
Connecticut loves its craft beer, and you'll understand why at this celebration of our local brews. Come sample dozens of the best offerings from nationally known breweries.
October
Eversource Hartford Marathon
October 7, Bushnell Park, Hartford
Connecticut's premier marathon and half marathon winds its way through Hartford and surrounding towns. And there's just as much fun to enjoy for non-runners.
Black Bear American Music Fest
October 6-8, Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen
This showcase of American rock, blues, folk and bluegrass features a mix of Grammy-winning artists, local talent, and up-and-coming New England artists.
The Roost Music Festival
Dates TBD, Stone Acres Farm, Stonington
This is not your usual music festival. Instead, it's an "intimate celebration of food, music and community" at a beautiful farm, carefully curated by local tastemakers.
November
Manchester Road Race
November 23, Main Street, Manchester
Whether you've run it or just cheered from the sidewalks, you know there's nothing like this wild, nationally known 4.75-mile road race. The most fun way to earn your Thanksgiving feast.
December
Miss America Competition
December 15, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
Much more than a "beauty competition," this event raises millions of dollars that empower women and raise awareness for social causes. Come cheer all our contestants.
Holiday Lights Displays
Monthlong, Statewide
If you want to get in that festive holiday state of mind, you're in the right state. Connecticut offers many holiday lights festivals and displays. Discover them here, or other holiday events.