Connecticut’s first full week of August is packed with everything from big-name concerts to quirky local festivals. Here’s a lineup of ten events that really show off the state’s music venues, cultural energy, and seasonal fun—spread all over the map.
You’ll catch national acts at spots like Mohegan Sun and Xfinity Theatre, but don’t sleep on the local fests for family activities and regional eats. There’s a chance to wander Connecticut’s wine country, join in on pride events, and take advantage of the annual Open House Day, when all sorts of cool places open their doors for free.
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1) Attend The Roots concert at Mohegan Sun
The Roots, those Grammy-winning legends (and, you know, the house band from The Tonight Show), hit Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio on Saturday, August 2nd at 9:00 PM. This is a standing-room-only outdoor show—no chairs, coolers, or outside snacks allowed, and it’s rain or shine, so maybe toss a poncho in the car.
The Sun Patio Concert Series is general admission and open to everyone. If you want a good spot, show up early; parking’s easiest in the Indian Summer Garage.
If you’re 21+, bring your ID for the Sun Patio Bar. The Roots have been doing this forever, so you’re in for a tight live set in a pretty intimate spot.
Mohegan Sun’s got a bunch of restaurants within walking distance of the venue, so you can grab dinner before the show if you’re making a night of it.
2) Visit Lyman Orchard Blueberry Festival in Deep River
The Lyman Orchards Blueberry Festival is set for July 19th from 10am to 4pm at the Apple Barrel Farm Market. Blueberry picking starts early—8am—and runs until 4:30pm on South Street.
Admission is free, and there’s plenty for families: face painting, live music, food tastings, and even horse-drawn hayrides. The petting farm is always a hit with kids.
There’s a community yoga class at 10am—just reserve your spot ahead of time. Bluegrass bands play all day for that summer festival vibe.
Heads up: Lyman Orchards is actually in Middlefield, not Deep River (event guides get it wrong all the time). It’s about a 30-45 minute drive from most cities in Connecticut, depending on traffic.
3) Explore the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas marked its 30th year back in June, but you can still dive into their digital archives for a treasure trove of performances and talks.
Normally, the festival packs over 150 events into New Haven—music, theater, discussions, and more. The on-demand collection is open year-round, so you can catch past highlights at home.
Downtown New Haven turns into a cultural playground during the festival, with lots of public spaces hosting events. Even though the main dates are over, local venues often keep the spirit going with related programming.
If you’re curious about what’s on or want to connect with the festival team, give them a ring at 203-777-8550.
4) Enjoy Big Time Rush live show
Big Time Rush is rolling through Mohegan Sun Arena this weekend. Remember them from Nickelodeon? The original members are still together, and fans haven’t forgotten.
The arena has plenty of seating and parking, but it gets busy—BTR shows always pull a crowd. Tickets are available through the usual channels, and the concert starts at 7 p.m., running about 90 minutes.
You’ll find food options before the show, plus merch stands inside. If you want to keep the night going, the casino complex has restaurants and entertainment.
Traffic can get gnarly around showtime, especially since Mohegan Sun hosts multiple events at once. Plan ahead—Hartford is about 45 minutes away, New Haven about an hour and a half.
5) See Jerry Seinfeld perform in Connecticut
Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy tour stops in Bridgeport on Saturday, August 9 at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, kicking off at 8:00 PM.
You know what you’re getting—classic Seinfeld, riffing on the little things in life. The amphitheater offers a range of seating, so you can pick what works for your wallet.
It’s an outdoor venue, so check the weather and dress for an August night. No re-entry if you leave, and security will check your bags. Leave the fancy cameras at home—no detachable lenses allowed.
Tickets are on LiveNation and the venue’s site. Bridgeport’s right off the highway, so it’s an easy drive from most places in the state.
6) Experience Nelly’s concert at Xfinity Theatre
Nelly’s “Where The Party At Tour” hits Xfinity Theatre on Saturday, August 2nd, with Ja Rule and Eve tagging along. It’s basically a 2000s hip-hop dream.
The tour marks 25 years since Nelly’s Country Grammar dropped, so you’ll get “Hot in Herre,” plus Ja Rule and Eve’s hits. The outdoor Hartford venue has good sound and a relaxed amphitheater setup.
Tickets start at $28 from Live Nation and StubHub. Parking’s easy, and the Saturday night slot makes it a solid weekend plan.
Three headliners in one go? That’s a nostalgia overload for anyone who grew up on early 2000s jams.
7) Tour Connecticut Open House Day venues
Open House Day is when Connecticut’s historic sites and museums throw open their doors for free. You can wander places that usually charge admission and see what’s inside.
Noah Webster House in West Hartford is running special activities 1-4pm, showing what life was like in the 1700s. Other museums and cultural centers across the state are in on it, too.
You’ll find guided tours, demos, and hands-on stuff that’s not always available. Manchester’s local sites are joining in, but check each venue’s website for details.
Plan your stops—hours and activities vary. Some spots ask you to register ahead, even though it’s free. Parking can fill up fast at the popular places.
8) Join Pride celebrations across the state
Connecticut’s Pride events run all year, so there’s always something happening. While the biggest parades in Hartford and New Haven are in September, August is perfect for catching smaller, more personal celebrations.
Check local listings for drag shows, film nights, and community meetups. Pride-themed events pop up everywhere all summer.
Stamford usually goes all out with art, culture, and family-friendly fun. You’ll find something for every age.
Keep an eye out for pop-up events at small businesses and community centers. Local artists and musicians often show up and share their stories.
9) Discover family activities at local fairs and festivals
Connecticut’s summer festivals and fairs are everywhere in 2025, with music, food, and carnival rides for all ages.
Most fairs have petting zoos, games, and special rides for little kids. Food runs the gamut from cotton candy to local specialties. Entrance covers the basics, but rides and extras usually cost a bit more.
Putnam’s got a bunch of community events this week—car shows, outdoor music, and family activities. It’s a good bet for a low-key day out.
Get there early for easier parking and shorter waits. Most festivals run during the day, but some keep the party going into the evening.
Bring cash—lots of vendors still prefer it. And keep an eye on the weather; rain can shut down outdoor stuff in a hurry.
10) Take a wine tasting tour at Connecticut vineyards
Connecticut’s wine scene is way more varied than you’d expect. There are 25+ licensed wineries tucked into some really pretty countryside.
Stonington Vineyards is open every day from 11 to 5. You can taste in the room or bring a picnic and hang out outside.
The Connecticut Wine Trail links up a bunch of vineyards in scenic towns, so you can hit several in a day if you want.
Tour companies can handle the driving and all the details, which is honestly worth it if you’re hopping between spots.
Wineries here make both classic grape wines and fruit wines. Holmberg Orchards even mixes in hard cider and fruit picking.
Most tasting rooms charge $10-20 for a flight. Weekends book up fast, especially during leaf-peeping season in late September and October, so reserve ahead if you can.
Tips for Planning Your Connecticut Adventure
Connecticut’s small enough that you can wing it, but a little planning goes a long way. Summer weather can be unpredictable—pack accordingly. Family packages at attractions can save you a few bucks, too.
How to Get Around Connecticut
Driving’s usually your best bet for getting around Connecticut. I-95 hugs the coast, and I-84 slices through the middle. Route 9 zips up the Connecticut River valley—pretty handy, honestly.
Parking in downtown Hartford or New Haven will set you back $10-25 a day. Most coastal towns let you park on the street for free, but you’ll want to snag a spot early, especially on summer weekends.
Public transit covers some routes. Metro-North links New York City with New Haven, Stamford, and a few other coastal cities. CTtransit buses go between major towns, but don’t expect much on weekends—they’re limited.
If you’re heading between New Haven and Hartford, rideshares like Uber might work. That 40-mile trip can run $60-80 during busy times.
Figure on 30-45 minutes between central Connecticut towns. Coastal drives can drag out, thanks to traffic and, let’s be honest, the urge to stop for the scenery. Route 1’s gorgeous, but in summer? You’ll hit delays.
What to Pack for Summer Activities
August gets hot and sticky—80-85°F and humid. Bring light, breathable layers. Once the sun sets, especially by the water, it cools off to 65-70°F.
You’ll want waterproof shoes for Connecticut’s state parks; lots of waterfalls and streams to cross. For museums or city wandering, regular comfy shoes are fine.
Don’t skip sun protection. The summer sun bounces off water and pavement, so grab SPF 30+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Insect repellent’s a must for trails and evenings outdoors. Mosquitoes love hanging around water and woods.
Toss in a rain jacket. August thunderstorms roll in fast—sometimes they hang around for an hour or two. Umbrellas? They’re okay, but wind near the coast can make them a pain.
Family-Friendly Recommendations
Book your place early if you’re staying over a weekend. Hotels near Mystic Seaport and Essex fill up fast in summer.
Look for family passes. Mystic Seaport and Connecticut Science Center have two-day deals that usually beat single tickets.
Have a few indoor options in your back pocket. Art museums along the Connecticut Art Trail are family-friendly and often have hands-on stuff for kids.
Snacks and water bottles save money. Food at attractions runs $12-18 a meal, but most parks let you bring your own—could save a family of four $40-60 a day.
Try going to popular spots at off-peak times. Beaches are way less crowded before 10 AM or after 4 PM, and you’re more likely to find parking.
Seasonal Events and Local Highlights
August in Connecticut is pretty much the sweet spot—festivals everywhere, live music, and farmers markets bursting with fresh stuff. Warm nights are perfect for outdoor concerts and those small-town gatherings that just feel right.
Annual Festivals in Early August
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival takes over downtown Mystic August 9-10. You’ll see 250+ artists with paintings, sculptures, and crafts lining the old streets.
Guilford Fair is August 7-9 on the Guilford Green. It’s been running for 300 years, with livestock shows, carnival rides, and classic New England food.
The Connecticut Irish Festival lands at Fairfield Hills in Newtown August 8-9. Expect Irish music, dancers, cultural demos, and plenty of authentic eats.
Riverfest pops up August 8 in downtown Hartford, right on the Connecticut River. Multiple stages, live bands, food trucks everywhere.
Deep River Ancient Muster is August 9, bringing in fife and drum corps from all over New England. The parade starts at 11 AM, then it’s performances at Devitt Field.
Live Music and Outdoor Performances
Levitt Pavilion in Westport puts on free concerts Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 PM—this week’s a mix of jazz, folk, and world music.
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra does outdoor shows at Bushnell Park on August 6 and 8. Bring a blanket for the lawn or grab a pavilion seat if you want to splurge.
Stamford Summer Concert Series keeps going at Mill River Park, Wednesday through Saturday. Food vendors open at 6 PM, music starts at 7.
Ivoryton Playhouse runs summer theater productions all August. It’s a cozy spot—just 296 seats in a renovated 1911 building.
Music on the Green happens in towns like Madison, Guilford, and Essex. Most shows kick off at 6:30 PM and last about an hour and a half.
Local Food and Farmers Markets
West Hartford Farmers Market pops up Saturday mornings from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Memorial Corner. You’ll see stalls piled with seasonal veggies, crusty artisan breads, and jars of local honey—maybe even a few surprises.
The New Haven Farmers Market sets up shop Thursday evenings, 3-6 PM, right in the heart of downtown. Vendors roll in with prepared foods, plus a colorful spread of produce from Connecticut farms.
Westport Farmers Market shows up Thursday mornings at Imperial Avenue, 10 AM to 2 PM. It’s a lively mix—organic fruits and veggies, fresh-cut flowers, and some cheeses that’ll make you pause and sample.
With peak corn season here, sweet corn shows up just about everywhere. Connecticut farms are also bringing in early tomatoes, summer squash, fresh herbs—honestly, it’s a good time to wander and see what’s new.
Mystic Country Farmers Market meets Saturday mornings at Olde Mistick Village. There’s live music, activities for the kids, and plenty of food vendors—kind of a mini festival every weekend.
Most markets take SNAP benefits and some even offer double-value deals for produce, which is a nice touch if you ask me.
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