Outdoor Summer Festivals in Connecticut for 2023 Last Updated: August 2023

International Festival of Arts & Ideas

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas celebrates and builds community, engages with vital issues, and promotes the arts year-round. The 2023 Festival, RISE, will feature 150 events, from fashion and music to dance, theater and more.

When: June 10 - 25

Glass House – The Summer Party

Enjoy a seasonally inspired picnic lunch by Elm, special performances by Company SBB & Stefanie Batten Bland, cocktails on the lawn by Hennessy Paradis, and vibe to DJ sets by Alexandra Richards. In between picnicking, exploring and lounging on Design Within Reach furniture, view a curated auction of art, design, luxury experiences, and more.

When: June 10

SHAG Festival

Celebrate four days of live music, art, and community at SHAG Festival. The event is set in the unique and beautifully designed Spring Hill Vineyard and will include food and curated libations.

When: June 22 - 25

Mystic River Jam

Check out a Music Festival at Mystic Shipyard, presenting music from rock and reggae to blues and country.

When: June 23 – 24

Connecticut Kids Fun Fest

Children of all ages will enjoy free children's shows, crafts, field games, bounce houses, a giant slide, live music, shopping at more than 70 unique small business vendors, and a variety of cuisines brought to you by 10+ food trucks. 

When: June 24 - 25

7th Annual NICE Festival

The NICE Festival Series celebrates the rich global heritage and culture so evident in the music, food, art, and talent of which we in Norwalk are so proud. The festival host dancers, musicians, food, and craft vendors from multiple traditions and customs, and encourage the community to spend the day together.

Find more multicultural festivals here.

When: July 8

The Roost

Enjoy an intimate celebration of food, music, and community at Stone Acres Farm when you attend The Roost. Expect pairings from expert chefs and sommeliers alongside awesome musical acts.

When: July 13

Summer Fest at Two Roads Brewing Company

Fan favorite craft brewer Two Roads Brewing Company is hosting their first-ever Summer Fest! Sample cold beer, enjoy local bands, taste flavors from food trucks, and even get tattooed. 

When: July 16 - 17

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival: "Macbeth"

Don't miss this unique twist on a classic — including two females in the lead roles of King Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Bring family, friends, lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner to an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

When: July 13 - 30

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

New England’s largest free public jazz festival will feature an incredible lineup of jazz musicians, plus 70+ artists and craftspeople selling hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, gifts, and beauty products along with Health & Human Services vendors, and an array of 23 food vendors, reflecting the diversity of the Greater Hartford region.

When: July 13 - 16

Compassionfest Vegan Festival

Celebrate all things vegan at Compassionfest, featuring many plant-based food vendors, crafts, clothing, cosmetics, and more.

When: July 22

Powder Ridge Festival

Vibe to your old favorite tunes with a variety of tribute bands for the Allman Brothers, Neil Young, and Janis Joplin. Plus, enjoy great food trucks and vendors.

When: July 29

Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

The oldest of its kind in the Northeast region, this iconic art festival features more than 200 artists from around the country, with more than two miles of arts and crafts including oils, watercolors, photographs, pastels, sculpture, woodwork, comics, acrylics, and more.

When: August 12 - 13

Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival

Each summer outstanding local, regional, and national bluegrass acts converge on the Podunk Stages and deliver an awesome festival experience. 

When: August 10 – 13

The 49th Annual Milford Oyster Festival

At this popular event, enjoy tasty Milford oysters paired with craft beer and main stage act, Lou Gramm.

When: August 12

Hot Air Balloon Festival

See colors fly at this iconic hot air balloon festival featuring fireworks, fair food favorites, live music, craft vendors, a car show, and two balloon launches.

When: August 25 - 26

Pride Festivals

Connecticut celebrates the LGBTQ+ community at pride festivals throughout the summer! Check out our list of events.

When: All summer long

Food Truck Festivals

Foodies can indulge their taste buds at these food truck festivals in Connecticut. Check out our list of events.

When: All summer long

Sound on Sound

Wrap up the season at Connecticut's biggest music festival. From seeing your favorite band perform live, to relaxing with a cold beer at the Sports Hall, or sipping a glass of wine in the Wine Grove, to riding the ferris wheel this year’s festival offers an elevated experience. Headliners include John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Alanis Morissette.

When: September 30 - October 1