CONNECTICUT, USA — It's the first weekend of June! It'll be a beautiful weekend to head out and check out various things to do with friends and family. From Pride festivals to exploring Connecticut's beauty, here's what's happening this weekend:
Saturday and Sunday is Connecticut Trails Day! This is a two-day national celebration that different states across the country participate in. Connecticut is home to one of the largest National Trails Day celebrations in the nation, with over 200 events. All of the events are free and include guided hikes, educational walks, group paddles, bike rides, and more! This is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather and learn about the state's scenic trails. To learn more, head here.
Head to Mystic this weekend for Riverfest! This family-friendly outdoor event is hosted by the Mystic Seaport Museum and will feature a variety of fun, interactive activities on the water. During the event, families can tour fishing vessels and historic ships, participate in different demonstrations, including sailing, shop a variety of artisan vendors, and even take a boat ride! There will also be live music and special shows at the museum's planetarium. Learn more about Riverfest here.
The 6th Annual Middletown PrideFEST will occur on Saturday, June 1, with a rain date of June 2. The festival will begin at noon and last to 10 p.m. in downtown Middletown. It's an all-afternoon celebration on Main Street that will combine exhibitors, entertainers, food, and activities for all ages, including a 21+ area, and will feature the Pride March from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about Middletown PrideFEST and more Pride Month events city here.
The Town of Hamden and the Hamden PRIDE Committee will hold their Pride Fest on June 1 at the Town Center Park from noon to 4 p.m. The festival will feature an all-female band, Sister Funk, and a Connecticut-based professional circus company, Circus Splendiferous. Festivities are free, and a family-friendly celebration will include kid-friendly performances, various food trucks, a DJ, live musicians, vendors, and fun activities. Learn more about the festival here.
Dive into a sea of love and acceptance, and celebrate with Mystic Aquarium's Party with Pride event! This is the aquarium's second year holding the celebration, and it will happen from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature a drag performance by the Trailer Park Girls, an African Penguin meet and greet, a reptile meet and greet, party snacks, and drinks available for purchase! Learn more about the event and purchase your tickets here.
Ridgefield will hold its 5th Annual Pride in the Park celebration on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Ballard Park on Main Street. The celebration will include a parade around the park starting at 1 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to the public, catering to families with various activities, crafts, and informational tables geared towards all ages! To learn more, head here.
Pride is for pups as well! Head to the Shops at Farmington Valley in Canton for the 4th Annual Pups & Pride Parade and Art Show on Saturday! This event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and is free and open to the public. It will begin with a parade at the Canton Dog Park at 10 a.m., where attendees and their dogs can walk together along the scenic Farmington River Rail Trail and culminate at the shops at Farmington Valley where guests can enjoy an array of activities! Learn more about the event here.
Finally, head to The Connecticut Asia Cultural Center in Norfolk on Saturday for its Dragon Boat Festival! This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include the Chinese Dragon Dance, several dragon boat racing activities for kids, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities in the wooden dragon constructed in Taiwan! Complimentary Dragon Boat Festival vegetarian food will be served from noon to 1 p.m. Learn more about the event here.
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Of course, that's not all there is to do in Connecticut this weekend! For more ideas, head to CT Visit.
See you next weekend!
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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