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Pickles, Jazz & Pasta: 10+ Must-See Festivals Lighting Up Connecticut This Weekend
Connecticut is sizzling with summer energy this weekend! From pickle-packed parties and Italian celebrations to firemen’s carnivals, jazz legends, and global dance beats—there’s something festive for every age and taste. Here's your can't-miss list for July 25–27, plus bonus happenings and insider tips to plan your adventure.
🍝 St. Ann Feast ’25
📍 St. Ann Club, 16 Hendricks Ave, Norwalk
🗓️ Jul 24–27 (Thru & Fri 6-10; Sat 4-10pm; Sun 3-8pm)
A four-day Italian celebration with authentic food, music, dancing, and cultural traditions at one of Norwalk’s most beloved summer gatherings.
Source: St. Ann Club
🎶 Celebrate Shelton – Downtown Sounds Summer Concerts
📍 Shelton
🗓️ Fri, Jul 25 (5–10 PM) & Sat, Jul 26 (11 AM–6 PM); Rain Date: Sun, Jul 27
A lively downtown celebration with live bands (All Night Boogie, Funk You), food trucks, craft beverages, artisan vendors, and a fun-packed “Wicked” Kids Hour.
🎟 Free; $10 suggested donation
🎷 Litchfield Jazz Festival – 30th Anniversary
📍 Litchfield
🗓️ Jul 25–27
A premier jazz gathering featuring top-tier talent, including the Emmet Cohen Trio at Friday’s Opening Gala and a mellow Sunday Jazz Brunch.
🎟 Tickets required; available online
📍 Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
🗓️ Jul 25–27, 5–10 PM Daily
Fifty-plus pickle varieties, pickle martinis, inflatable rides, live music, and even pickle jousting? Yes, please. A whimsical, briny celebration for all ages.
🎟 From $15; kids under 12 free
🇮🇹 Southington Italian‑American Festival
📍 Southington
🗓️ Jul 25–27 (Various Times)
Three full days of Italian pride with classic food, a Friday night Elvis Tribute and fireworks, plus family fun, vendor markets, and a Sunday Mass and Scopa tournament.
🌍 Danbury International Festival
📍 CityCenter Danbury
🗓️ Sat, Jul 26
A one-day cultural celebration with international music, dance, food, art, and hands-on workshops—great for families seeking a worldly experience.
📍 Mill River Park, Stamford
🗓️ Jul 26–27
Part of Stamford’s summer series finale with headliners Busta Rhymes and Soulja Boy, amazing food trucks, beer garden, cooking demos, and tribute bands.
📍 Harbor Point Park, Stamford
🗓️ Jul 26–27, 10 AM–5 PM
Not to be confused with the food fest! This juried art show features regional and national artists displaying fine art, sculpture, and handcrafted items in a scenic outdoor setting.
📍 Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
🗓️ Fri, Jul 25, 7–9 PM
Unwind by the Lieutenant River with a free evening concert surrounded by art, nature, and midsummer magic.
🎡 Quaker Farms Fireman’s Carnival
📍 Oxford High School, Oxford
🗓️ Jul 25–27, 6–10 PM
A nostalgic New England carnival with rides, games, food, and local firehouse pride. Family-friendly and community-focused.
📍 Lebanon Fairgrounds
🗓️ Jul 25–27, 3–11 PM
Classic country fair vibes with agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, rides, animals, and comfort food galore.
📍 West Haven Green & Beach Area
🗓️ Jul 25–27, 5–10 PM
This shoreline summer fest offers carnival rides, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and beachy family fun. A West Haven favorite!
💡 Tips & Insider Notes
- Parking: Arrive early for downtown events like Shelton, Stamford, and Danbury—lots fill fast.
- Tickets: Some events are free; others like the Pickle and Jazz Fests require advance tickets.
- Best for Families: Lebanon Country Fair, Quaker Farms Carnival, and Danbury Festival are ideal.
- Weather Watch: Some festivals have rain dates—check their social media or websites before heading out.
Whether you're jazzing it up in Litchfield, raising a martini at the Pickle Fest, or dancing to global beats in Danbury, Connecticut’s festival scene is firing on all cylinders this weekend. Hit the road, follow the music, and don’t forget your appetite!
Which fest are you hitting first? Let us know on socials. #CTSummerVibes
