CONNECTICUT — It’s been a long time coming, but the brrr! is back, happily, in Connecticut. So whether you find yourself appraising the local art or a local IPA this weekend, be sure to dress warmly.
The state’s top bands will take the stage for three days this weekend at the Connecticut Chili & Brew Fest in Waterbury. Look for corn hole tournaments and stein-holding contests along with all the food, drink and merch. The admission is free, so come to Freight Street and spend heavy for a good cause: It’s a big fundraiser for the non-profit Waterbury Police PAL organization. Friday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.
They say the Irish invented bagpipes, but it was the Scots who took them seriously. You can do your own research at the 2024 Highland Festival & Games this Sunday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn, CT. Pipes will skirl, cabers will fly, and clans will gather at a Clan Village. There’s plenty of fun to be had, even if you can’t tell your cèilidh from your Hebridean. Tickets are available online here.
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If you’re in the mood for something a little more apple pie, the Riverton Fair runs from Friday through Sunday. It’s one of the old-fashioned sorts, with exhibits, skillet-throwing, oxen-pulling, vendors, food, midway rides, music, wood chopping events, the “Two-Crusted Apple Pie Contest,” and more, all spread out along the beautiful Farmington River. Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Juggling, hot air balloon rides, face painting and a golf ball throw are all part of the same fun equation at Ridgebury Day, celebrating the Ridgebury neighborhood of Ridgefield. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of it, they’ve got falconry, as well as live music by Mojo and food from Odeen’s BBQ and Sunrise Cafe. Festivities kick off 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Ridgefield Golf Course, tickets are available online here.
Enjoy the best of autumn and the arts at Madison’s Outdoor Autumn Arts Festival on Oct. 12 and 13. Scoop up some original artwork in oil, acrylic, watercolor, as well as photography and mixed media. Fine crafts can be found in pottery, fabric, natural and botanical materials, plus a wide selection of unique jewelry designs. It’s a huge shebang, produced by Spectrum Gallery, and all laid out on the Madison Town Green. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Get back into fighting trim before indulging in all that Halloween candy at the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Run Harwinton – 5K and Fall Festival on Oct. 12. The run begins at 100 Bentley Drive at 9:30 a.m., after which the games, events, vendors, food trucks, live music, face painting, and pumpkin decorating will begin. Sign up for the race here.
The Annual International Playwrights Festival at the Warner Theatre in Torrington has brought over 130 new one-act plays to the stage. Add another 10 to the count after the curtain rises on its 13th season, Oct. 11 and 12. Two days, five one-acts per day, followed by a talk-back with the playwrights. Tickets are available online here.
Oct. 12 is also the date for the 20th Annual Town of Prospect Pumpkin Festival on the Prospect Town Green. The town plans to squeeze in plenty of vendors, contests, entertainment, food, games, and hay bale races from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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