Vibrant Weekend Events: Shakespeare, Helicopters, and Music in Connecticut

# Weekend Fun: Top Events Across Connecticut for July 12-13

Looking for something to do this weekend in Connecticut? There’s honestly no shortage of options, with everything from community celebrations to live music and outdoor theater popping up all over the state.

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The weekend of July 12-13 brings a wild mix of events: Shakespeare festivals, fireworks by the water, aviation history, and some pretty lively concerts. Whether you’re hanging out near New London’s coast or somewhere closer to Hartford, there’s probably something that’ll catch your eye.

Community Celebrations and Festivities

Let’s start with the coast. New London is throwing “Celebrate New London” on Saturday, turning its downtown waterfront into a hub of activity. From noon to 9:30 p.m., you’ll find live music, food from local vendors, and family-friendly stuff that’s actually fun for all ages.

New London’s Waterfront Spectacular

As the sun goes down, the real show begins. Fireworks will light up the harbor, which is always a crowd-pleaser and honestly a great excuse to stick around until dark.

Theater Under the Stars

If you love Shakespeare, you’re in luck—there are two outdoor festivals this weekend. In West Hartford, the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival is putting on “King Lear” and “Twelfth Night” at the University of Saint Joseph.

The campus lawns make a pretty dreamy setting for some classic drama under the stars.

Shakespeare in Shelton

Or maybe you’re closer to Shelton? The Valley Shakespeare Festival is performing “As You Like It” at Veterans Memorial Park from July 10-13. Shows start at 7 p.m., and it’s totally free, so you can bring the whole crew and not worry about tickets.

Jane Austen at Lyman Orchards

Not a Shakespeare fan? No problem. Middlefield’s Lyman Orchards is hosting open-air shows of “Pride and Prejudice” by Escapism Productions. They’re running Friday and Saturday evenings, plus a Sunday matinee, if you’d rather soak up some Jane Austen with your summer sunsets.

Aviation and Music Experiences

Stratford is kind of the place to be if you’re into aviation or music. The Connecticut Air & Space Center is holding Helicopter Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can check out helicopters up close, chat with pilots, and dig into some cool rotorcraft history.

Craft Beer and Live Music in Stratford

But wait, there’s more. Two Roads Brewing Company is throwing the Road Less Traveled Music Fest on Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. Expect regional bands and headliners Bella’s Bartok, who bring a wild gypsy-punk vibe.

Craft beer will be flowing, and local food trucks are rolling in, so you can make a whole afternoon (and evening) of it. Not a bad way to spend a summer Saturday, right?

Planning Your Connecticut Weekend

Events pop up all over Hartford County, New Haven County, and plenty of other spots, so you’ve got choices. Connecticut locals can really shape their own weekend adventures.

Families might kick things off with kid-friendly fun in New London. After that, maybe check out a Shakespeare show nearby.

If you’re planning a date, “Pride and Prejudice” in Middlefield sounds pretty romantic. You could follow it up with craft beers and live music over in Stratford.

From shoreline towns to the central valley, Connecticut’s summer scene feels packed with arts, entertainment, and local celebrations. There’s honestly something for everyone—whatever your age or interests.

Here is the source article for this story: Shakespeare, Helicopters, and Music Light Up Connecticut’s Event Calendar

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