Big Flavors are Coming to The Big E: Frank Pepe’s Joins a Lineup of New Food, Beverage, and Entertainment in the Connecticut Building
HARTFORD, Conn. [September 9, 2025] – When the Connecticut Building opens September 12, visitors can look forward to brand-new food, drink, and entertainment – headlined by a guest appearance from one of the state’s most famous restaurants: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.
Pepe’s will serve its famous New Haven pizza in the Connecticut Building on Sept. 16, 17 ,and 18. This debut comes during the pizzeria’s 100th anniversary year, marking a milestone for both the brand and the Fair.
"We are thrilled to be a part of The Big E for the first time, especially celebrating Connecticut Day with the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism and other iconic Connecticut companies,” said Jennifer Kelly, granddaughter of founders Frank and Filomena Pepe. “As we celebrate 100 years this year, we are always looking for new and exciting ways to become involved with our communities and bring Frank Pepe pizza to as many people as possible. The Big E is such a beloved New England event, we are delighted to be able to bring our legendary coal-fired New Haven apizza to share with guests here."
Pizza Pride and State Highlights
As Connecticut prepares to launch its new Pizza Trail in early October, the Connecticut Building will feature a “pizza throne” by artist Michael Pollack of New Haven Pizza Club. The piece was designed as a nod to the state’s highway welcome signs proudly declaring Connecticut the “Pizza Capital of the United States.”
The Building will also spotlight another source of state pride: the UConn Women’s Basketball National Championship trophy, on display for visitors to celebrate the team’s latest title.
“The Connecticut Building is more than an exhibit – it’s where our state shines on one of New England’s biggest stages,” said Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer for the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism. “From Pepe’s legendary pizza to award-winning craft brews and artisan goods, this is Connecticut’s flavor, pride, and creativity all in one place. If you want to taste, shop, and experience some of the best of our state, this is where it happens.”
New Food and Beverage Vendors
In addition to Pepe’s, visitors can discover more new tastes this year, including:
The Hop Knot – pretzels and pretzel-wrapped creations
BrightSide Brew Kombucha – kombucha and slushies
Veegmyeats – vegan baked goods
Returning favorites are serving up new twists, like Danny’s Smoke House with its CT Hot Dog, made with Hummel Bros. and Martin Rosol’s hot dogs on Hartford Baking Co. rolls.
The Connecticut Beer Garden will showcase a rotating selection of beers and ciders from 35 craft breweries, including newcomers Rhythm Brewing, Kinsman Brewing, Transcend Beer Crafters, Dudleytown Brewing, Red Brewster, and Clocktown Brewing. Seasonal favorites include:
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Ale – Little House Brewing
Glazed Doughnut Ale – Alvarium Beer Co.
The Connecticut Farm Wineries booth will offer 17 different varietals from 11 farm wineries, plus popular wine slushies.
CT-Grown Products and Artisan Goods
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s booth will highlight CT Grown products such as honey, maple syrup, cheese, apples, sauces, jams, salsas, and goat milk soaps. Five new rotating vendors will join this year, including Ledge Creek Farm (alpaca products) and Broken Back Farm (sheep fiber products).
Returning Favorites
Don’t miss iconic Connecticut eats and treats, including:
Lobster rolls from Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale
Award-winning barbecue at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
Pizza from Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Shop
Handcrafted chocolates and pies from Fascia’s Chocolates and Lyman Orchards, featuring new chocolate-caramel apples
Other returning highlights include Republic Gastropub (cheesesteak egg rolls, bacon-wrapped dates, J. Foster Ice Cream, Sweet Madeline’s apple cider doughnuts, Good Ole Boys kettle corn, and Perfect Poundcakes.
Specialty Shops and Exhibitors
New this year:
Kinship Glassworks – handmade glass products + live demonstrations
Fire and Ice Creations – handmade felt toys
Alpine Drift – wooden ski maps
Returning exhibitors include the Florence Griswold Museum, Connecticut Valley Tobacconist, The Bristol Bazaar, Mohegan Sun, and the Connecticut State Police.
“Visiting the Connecticut Building at The Big E is an abbreviated journey through our great state – from award-winning farm wines and artisan foods putting CT on the culinary map to agricultural businesses showcasing the rich diversity of CT Grown food, fiber, and flower products,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. “This is the heart of what makes CT great and just a sampling of what can be found along the CT Grown Trail year-round.”
Connecticut Day at the Big E
On Wednesday, September 17, the fair celebrates Connecticut Day, sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino, featuring a parade and hours of live entertainment on Connecticut’s front lawn stage. The lineup includes The Savage Brothers, Salvatore Basile, Coastal Mix, School of Rock of New Canaan, and Red Light.
“Foxwoods Resort Casino is thrilled to be back at The Big E as a sponsor of Connecticut Day," said Blair Bendel, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Foxwoods Resort Casino. "At Foxwoods, it’s all about the experience, and we’re bringing that same energy to the Connecticut Day stage with unforgettable moments that remind guests why they choose Foxwoods."
“Connecticut Day isn’t just a tradition,” said Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism. “It’s about bringing so much of what we love about our state together in one place, all at once. Where else can you grab Pepe’s pizza, sip a doughnut ale, and meet an alpaca farmer in the same afternoon? Connecticut Day at The Big E is about surprising people with the range of experiences our small state delivers.”
The Connecticut Building is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information, follow the Connecticut Building on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConnecticutBuilding/
