One of my favorite local events is the Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival in Glastonbury. Three days showcasing infectious Irish and Celtic music, bagpipers, dancing, traditional crafts, food, whiskey tasting and a beer tent . There is also a large carnival area with rides and games for the kids.

The Ray Gonzalez Latin Jazz and Salsa Fest is a free event at the Hartford riverfront Saturday. You'll see some of the most talented artists from around the world perform Latin music that is sure to have your entire family dancing the night away.

Come celebrate arguably the most popular rock & roll band at the Beatles Music Festival in Danbury. Ten hours of ten bands will honor the Fab Four at Ives Concert Park. Reserved and lawn seats are available.

Sir Paul McCartney likely won't be there, but you'll run into other knights, kings and princesses at the Enfield Renaissance Festival. Magic, jousting, face painting, circus acts and music highlight the merriment for all ages.

The 16th century will also be alive and well at Connecticut Free Shakespeare's performance of "Romeo & Juliet" at McLevy Green in Bridgeport. This edition has a modern twist, so everyone can relate and understand the play better. Blankets and picnics welcome. Be sure to check out our listing of other mostly free outdoor summer performances in Fairfield County.

Theater for younger crowds around the state include "Hansel & Gretel" in New London, "Seussical Jr." in New Britain and "Willy Wonka" in Westport.

The Dixwell Children's Arts Festival in New Haven is geared towards exposing K-12 children and families to a wide range of the arts. Activites in this free event include quilting, cooking, cartooning, painting, dancing and much more.

Old Lyme is renowned for its artistic history, and the town will be transformed into a giant art party as the Midsummer Festival spans six locations. Hundreds of works of art will be on display, live music, dog show, arts and crafts for the little ones, food trucks and sidewalk sales are just a sample of what you can find.

Up the coast in Mystic, the family will enjoy the Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous. This two-day event culminates with a three-mile boat parade down the Mystic River.

If your kids love the water, check out our review of Water Play at Brownstone Park and Discovery Center in Portland.  This outdoor adventure makes a lovely day trip. 

The 45th Annual Village Fair Days in New Milford includes two days of excitement including music, interactive kids' activities, bounce house, food, vendors and more. New Milford's largest yearly event also features an eight-mile road race, 5K and children's fun run.

Your kids can also run through 350,000 flowers at the Pirate Ship Sunflower Maze at Middlefield's Lyman Orchards. Explore this beautiful sight that will be open daily through August 26. One dollar of every admission is donated to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

The Monster Truck Jam at Stafford Motor Speedway is high-flying, car-crushing action that will leave your child in awe. You won't believe what these massive trucks can do! Three shows are available this weekend.

On Saturday, come celebrate Bushnell Park Carousel's 98th Birthday Bash. Rides on this antique, ornate treasure will be free all day.  Party fun includes face painters, jugglers, balloon twisters and free cake and punch from noon until 1pm.

The carousel is just one of many places you can hold your own outdoor party in Hartford County

We've also written about suggestions on how to host a memorable party at your house in Fairfield County.

If the high admission cost has been keeping you away, our review of the CT Science Center in Hartford will show you that it is no ordinary museum, and definitely worth a visit. 

There are more great events listed on our events calendar.  If you haven't already, remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest for updates and more ideas on how to have fun with your family in Connecticut. Summer is running short, so get out and savor it!