Summer. fun. FAMILY. FOOD.

Connecticut festivals and fairs are back!

If you’re planning to stay-and-play at home this summer, why not explore the state and check out some of the best festivals, fairs, and fun around? Connecticut has a full social calendar this summer, including the return of some beloved events that were postponed, canceled, or went virtual last year. This year, you’ll find some common-sense COVID-19 safety precautions in place, to make all the participants and guests feel welcome and comfortable.

July 2021

For novice listeners to true jazz afficionados, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is a fan favorite, and this year, it’s back with a packed weekend of live performances. The festival is July 16 to July 18, 2021, at Bushnell Park in Hartford. Following a challenging year, the 2021 festival theme seems just right: “A Time of Hope.” Thanks to sponsors, vendors, and donations, this event is free to the public. The 2021 lineup represents artists from across the jazz spectrum and beyond, including blues, reggae, and Motown. Info: hartfordjazz.org

The 6th Annual Stamford Arts Festival at Harbor Point is Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 10 a.m, to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. This art and artisan exhibit brings together more than 100 artists from all across North America, who gather to exhibit their paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed-media artwork, jewelry, ceramics, and more. “These exhibiting artists are some of the top award-winning A-listers and creatives in the country,” according to Sue Brown Gordon, the festival’s executive director.

To make attendees comfortable and safe, the festival will take certain measures. “We are socially distancing booths, displaying with open walls, and making exhibits very accessible,” Gordon explained. In addition to the exhibition at Stamford’s Harbor Point waterfront, this event also comprises a juried arts and crafts competition, live music, children’s activities, and food vendors. On Saturday, July 25, the festival also hosts a farmers’ market. Admission and parking are free. Info: StamfordArtFestival.org

The Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire returns for one day only this summer—Saturday, July 3, 2021, from 1-8 p.m., at Warsaw Park in Ansonia, Connecticut. Daniel Greenwolf is the fair’s co-owner, entertainment director, and one of the acts. He’s both a fire-eater and an Irish-themed magician. “We’re going to have an open lawn concert-style event this year,” Greenwolf explained. “The stage will showcase musicians, magicians, jugglers, fire performers and sword fighters.”

Faire attendees will enjoy the wares and culinary creations of approximately 20 merchants. Advanced tickets are required, available at mfrenfaire.com. Parking is free.

August 2021

In August, the 24th Annual Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival

returns to the Goshen fairgrounds. The festival runs from August 12 to August 15. The event blends live performances, a band competition, music workshops, food vendors, and camping, for those who’d like the most immersive festival experience. Single-day passes are also available.

Shawn Szirbik, media relations and Podunk Board member, pointed out

that one of 2021 headliners, Michael Cleveland, recently added a Grammy to his collection of awards. “Many of our past winners have gone on to great success,” he said.

Podunk’s planners, a non-profit group, made some modifications to the festival grounds layout this year, Szirbik explained, moving the main stage so accommodate a much larger area for the audience to spread out. There are two smaller stages, as well—one for workshops and one to showcase local and regional talent. Tickets are available at podunkbluegrass.com.

For a true taste of coastal Connecticut summer, check out the

Milford Oyster Festival on August 21, right in downtown Milford. This year represents the 47th year for this culinary and music festival. With live music, a craft-beer and wine garden, a pre-festival party, and the promise of serving up 30,000 oysters this year, it’s no wonder this festival ranks among the top food festivals in the state. Info: milfordoysterfestival.com

The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival 2021 is back for its 63rd season. Hosted by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, it’s being held this year from Friday, August 13 to Sunday,

August 15 in downtown Mystic, a quintessential New England shore destination. With a juried art show, an exhibit of more than 200 artists, and a charming Children’s Art Park, the festival attracts thousands. This year, there are a few noteworthy changes; for example, the hosts have added an outdoor stage and live performances to the event.

“The show route has changed,” according to Morgan Yandow, membership manager at the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. “The new route will be entirely on the Stonington side of the bridge and will extend the length of the Mystic River, from the Mystic Seaport Museum all the way to the end of Cottrell Street, by the Mystic River Park. We are confident this new layout will make for a safer show, with an improved ease of setup/breakdown, more parking options, and an improved pedestrian show. We are thankful to the Mystic Seaport for opening their grounds to this event. We will have booths inside the shipyard, where we have also moved our kid’s art area. There will be a continuous, natural, safe route, with convenient parking at the Seaport Museum.” Info: mysticchamber.org