All Weekend

Fairfield County Irish Festival (Fairfield County) 
Come and celebrate all things Irish at this three-day festival on the campus of Fairfield University. You can enjoy live music and step dancing shows, rides, crafts, inflatables and plenty to do in the children's tent. Watch some Gaelic Football while you taste traditional food and treats. And dad will enjoy the Pub Tent - a Father's Day treat for any beer lover. 
Friday-Sunday. Adults - $12; kids under 16 free with adult. 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Hartford County) 
Playhouse on Park in West Hartford is the venue for this delightful comedy about six students competing for the spelling championship. This Tony Award winner will include volunteers from the audience, so you can arrive early and sign up at the box office to have a chance. Due to the mature subject matter, they recommend this for ages 12 and up. Sounds like a great night out with teenagers and then over to AC Petersen's for ice cream after. 
$30 and up; runs through July 20. 

Goshen Stampede (Litchfield County) 
Now in its 9th year, the Stampede is a weekend-long festival including rodeo, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, live music, fireworks, rides, petting zoo, food, vendors and more. You can save money by purchasing tickets online and printing out a free ticket for one child. 
Friday-Sunday. Adults - $10; ages 10-18 - $6; under 10 - free with coupon

International Festival of Arts and Ideas (New Haven County) 
This is a 15-day celebration of performing arts, guest lectures, panel events to showcase the wide range of culture the city of New Haven has to offer. There are a ton of family-friendly activities including concerts, shows, arts and crafts, and many are done outdoors on the New Haven Green. Check out the Box City Craft Activity and Children's Film Festival happening this weekend. The Elm city is a fantastic place to explore, and this is a perfect chance to do so on the cheap!
Runs through June 28. More than 80% of events are free. 

Chelsea Botanical Gardens Butterfly Pavilion in Norwich (New London County) 
The butterflies are coming and you won't want to miss this chance to get up close and personal with them. Over 1,000 of them will be flying free in a greenhouse with flowers where you can walk through and see them in action as well the stages of development. This is a beautiful event, and the kids will love it. There will also be a small garden where they can plant a seed or seedling to take home. Face painting and food will be available on the weekend. 
Runs through Sunday. Adults - $6; kids under 12 - $4.

Saturday, June 14 

Wing Ding Parade at the Beardsley Zoo (Fairfield County)
As part of the Barnum Festival, start your day with free face painting, arts and crafts, clowns, street performers, tattoos and more. You'll want to decorate your strollers and wagons and dress in costume for the big parade as well. This event includes free zoo admission until noon. 
Free. 

Go Skate Festival in Greenwich (Fairfield County) 
Come celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Greenwich Skate Park that includes free admission, beginner lessons, a skating competition and awards. The lessons are for children ages 6-10, and four time slots are available. The contest is open to ages 8-18 and you must register ahead of time. There will also be music and food on hand. 
Free. 

Heritage Day in Manchester (Hartford County) 
This day-long, multi-venue celebration showcases Manchester's history, arts and education. There is something for everyone including live music, children's games, walking and museum tours, and Touch a Truck and free admission to the Lutz Children's Museum. Food and ice cream will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own picnic. Plan to make a day of it and experience everything Manchester has to offer. 
Free. 

Juneteenth Family Day at The Wadsworth Atheneum (Hartford County)
Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Throughout the years, this has been a day to honor achievements and heritage. The Wadsworth invites you to come savor African American art, create your own, and learn about abolitionist history. There will be a free shuttle between this and the Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center where you can enjoy the free Tom Sawyer Day and Stowe's Birthday Celebration.
Free. 

Cheshire Strawberry Festival (New Haven County) 
The First Congregational Church of Cheshire is hosting the 77th installment of this berry wonderful celebration. Strawberry shortcake is the featured item here, and all responders in uniform receive a free one. There will be other festival food on hand including grilled specialties, popcorn, ice cream and more. Games, face painting and bounce houses will be there for kids, and live music and a craft fair round out the entertainment. 
Free.

Merrilee Mannerly A Magnificent New Musical (Fairfield County)
You’re all invited to a magical birthday party under the tent at Wavenly Park in New Canaan! Merrilee Mannerly, a Magnificent New Musical will make its debut June 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan and run weekends through July 19. Imagine Merrilee's surprise when a princess from a land of no manners moves in next door and invites her to a birthday party. Merrilee is ready to help her new friend, Princess Posy, host the best party ever! Along the way, silliness ensues, friendships are formed, and the two girls discover the real secret behind good manners.
$20 per ticket.
 

Sunday, June 15

Coventry Regional Farmer's Market (Eastern CT)
This popular market has been named "Best in New England" so why not take dad there and check it out? It is like a country fair at the Nathan Hale Homestead where you can see live entertainment while perusing local produce, meat, baked goods and other treats. 
Free. Runs through October 26. 

West Hartford Wheel Fun Day and Festival (Hartford County) 
Come try a family day of cycling while supporting the push to make West Hartford more bicycle friendly. Meet at Bishops Corner on the north side of town and bike down Main Street to Town Hall, where you'll find live music, children's entertainment, bike maintenance and helmet fitting sessions, stunt demonstrations and more. Then the day ends with another group ride. Bring your own bikes and helmets, and ride at your own risk. 
Free. 

Rose Sunday at Elizabeth Park (Hartford County)
You can't go wrong with over 15,000 blooming roses at this CT gem. This is a celebration of the 110th anniversary of the rose garden and they'll have a farmers market, live music and children's activities to mark the occasion. Find a place to have a picnic, explore the ponds, bridges, trails and playgrounds in this park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
Free.

Father's Day at the Shore Line Trolley Museum (New Haven County)
Dads ride free with a paying family member on these historic, restored trolleys that will take you back in time! The museum has a collection of nearly 100 vintage trolleys, some of which you can ride on. You'll enjoy a 1.5 mile trip through beautiful woods and marshes and see what transportation was like before everyone owned 2-3 cars.
fathers free with paid family member; adults - $10; children (ages 2-15) - $6.

Have a fantastic weekend and don't forget to check our events calendar often, as we update it constantly.