June Open Trails + Music at I-Park

Join us for a walk on art-filled nature trails, listen to some great local music. Free, and fun for the whole family!

I‑Park invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with nature and explore its expansive grounds at our first Open Trails Day event of the season. Taking place during Connecticut Trails Day weekend on June 6 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, the event will feature a range of activities including live music, a guided hike, crafting and a garden educational session.

Wander at your own pace through over 40 environmental artworks nestled in I-Park’s meadows, woodlands, and waterways. Most trails are gentle and well‑marked, offering an easygoing experience for both casual walkers and day‑long explorers. Explore at your will, or participate in a variety of planned activities.

• From 9:30am-12:30pm: Join in a crafting activity in I-Park’s common area and an educational session in the pollinator garden. The craft is inspired by I‑Park Fellow Alice Momm’s project, The Flock. During the pandemic, Momm began collecting coffee cup sleeves - unable to use her own mug at her local café - and transformed the growing pile into a flock of whimsical birds. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own bird forms while reflecting on resourcefulness, beauty, and the natural world. A learning session in the pollinator garden, paired with a scavenger hunt for children, will add an engaging, educational layer to the day’s adventures.

• From 10:00am-12:30pm: A guided hiking party will depart at 10am. This ~2 hour excursion will lead visitors to view artworks along some of I-Park’s lesser-ventured paths- a special opportunity to learn about the artists and their sculptures from a knowledgeable I-Park guide. Please register in advance for this activity.

• From 12:30pm-2:30pm: Live music will fill the landscape. The Jolly Beggars bring the rich tradition of Celtic folk music and storytelling to modern day audiences. They tell traditional stories from Irish folklore and intersperse their musical arrangements with traditional reels and jigs. Bring along a picnic basket, join in a jig and enjoy this lively performance.

This is a free, family‑friendly event, open to all who wish to explore, create, and be inspired by the land. Advance reservations are recommended for a quick easy check-in, though walk‑ins may register at the welcome table upon arrival. A suggested donation of $10 per adult supports the ongoing maintenance of I‑Park’s trails and gardens.

Open Trails + Music is being funded in part through a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Please note that no pets are allowed.

For additional information, email [email protected] or call 860-873-2468.

Important: You will be agreeing to our Visitor Code of Conduct and Photo Release when you register for this event.