But it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun in Connecticut!
Here’s what’s happening around the state this week to usher in Autumn 2012, according to visitCT.com!
September 28-30, 2012
Relax and Enjoy the Scenery
With the last weekend of September upon us, the cool fall weather has made its way into Connecticut. Warm days and cool nights is the perfect combination to enjoy all the weekend festivities. You are assured to be thoroughly entertained.. The Last Green Festival in Brooklyn is a three day (Friday through Sunday) music/arts festival promoting greener living. The family friendly festival includes a musical petting zoo and more than 80 bands, including Third Eye Blind. The Durham Fair, in Durham, returns for its 93rd year. The state’s largest agricultural fair and largest volunteer operated fair in North America runs from Thursday through Sunday so you have plenty of time to take leisurely strolls throughout the fairgrounds. Relax in the evenings with performances by Kenny Rogers and Kellie Pickler. Venture over to the northwest corner of the state to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville for the Grand-Am Road Racing Championship Finale held Friday and Saturday. Bring a picnic or enjoy the park’s concessions and watch as cars from Corvettes to Camaros battle to the finish line. What better way to enjoy a fall evening than to sit and relax at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra “Picnic in the Park” performance on Saturday evening at the Bandstand at Bushnell Park in Hartford. Pack a blanket, chairs, and a picnic for a free evening of outdoor music before the cold weather settles in.
When your day is done, spend your night at Rock Hall Luxe Lodging in Colebrook and enjoy the Scenic Carriage Ride Getaway Package. Take a romantic horse drawn carriage ride through historic Norfolk or the beautiful Litchfield Hills. For this weekend only the package includes a discounted ticket to the Sunset Meadow Vineyard’s Fall Harvest Festival (see event details below). The rates are $450 per nights on a weekday and $850 for two nights on weekends.
More weekend fun:
EnvisionFest Hartford, various locations, Hartford – (860) 728-2265
Experience a festival for all ages with performances on three stages, open museums, landmark building tours, lawn games, hands-on activities, puppetry and dancing. Celebrate Connecticut’s artists and innovators, explore biking and walking along the GreenWalk, connecting the State Capitol, Bushnell Park, downtown streets, Constitution Plaza and the Riverfront. (Pre Party in Bushnell Park on Friday 5-8 p.m., Full Festival Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)
Connecticut Renaissance Faire, Lions Fairgrounds, Hebron – (860) 478-5954
Go back to a time when things were simple and internet wasn’t invented yet at the 14th annual faire. Jousting knights, jesters, fair maids, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and others will interact with you as you walk along the faire grounds browsing the wares of than 100 artisans, crafters, and merchants. Be sure to come hungry, there’s plenty of delicious food to feast on from steamy bread bowls of stews to giant turkey legs. (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., continues weekends through October 28).
Oktoberfest, Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury – (203) 758-2913
Enjoy great food, live musical entertainment and dancing at the 21st annual Oktoberfest. Activities will be held on the park grounds at the Fieldside Pavillion. (Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.).
Windsor Freedom Walking Tour, Archer AME Zion Church, Windsor – (860) 688-2479
Walk at your leisure along the 3.9 mile trail and learn about Connecticut’s Freedom Trail. Visit the sites that are associated with African American heritage and movements towards freedom. Those taking part will receive a Freedom Trail visor and continental breakfast following the walk. (Saturday, 7:30 a.m.).
These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, use the Events Quick Search on the right side of the page.
This Weekend in Connecticut
September 28-30, 2012
KENT
September 28-30 – Fall Festival – Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum, 31 Kent-Cornwall Road (Rte. 7), Kent, 06757. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 28th annual fall festival features demonstrations of industrial, agriculture and residential machinery including gas and steam engines, hand tools and crafts. Multiple food vendors will be available and of course, CAMA’s famous “engineer’s vegetable beef soup.” General admission: $10, children (6-12) $5, free for children 5 and under and CAMA members. (860) 927-0050.
EAST HARTFORD
September 29 – University of Connecticut Football Game – Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, 06108. Time: Noon. UConn’s football team will welcome the Buffalo Bulls to the Rent for this showdown. The Huskies are led by running back Lyle McCombs and wide receiver Geremy Davis and will look to improve their home record to 2-1. Tickets range from $50-$60. (888) 288-2666.
MANCHESTER
September 29-30 – “Connecticut to Arms: 1862 – Battle of Antietam” – Wickham Park, 1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, 06040. Time: Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Citizens of Connecticut to Arms!! The turning point of the war has arrived – the Battle of Antietam. Join Connecticut in commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The living history event is a great experience for the entire family. Over five hundred re-enactors will take part in the Civil War Encampment with daily battle reenactments, load and fire competition, guest speakers and more. Admission: Parking $6.
GOSHEN
September 29-30 – Fall Harvest Festival – Sunset Meadow Vineyards, 599 Old Middle St., Goshen, 06756. Time: Noon – 5 p.m. Enjoy the fall harvest at this beautiful vineyard in the Litchfield Hills. Wine tastings, hayrides, grape stomps, contests, live music, food, vendors and much more will be available. Admission: $25 for adults. $10 for non-drinkers and those under 21. (860) 201-4654.
MYSTIC
September 30 – Wild Mushroom Festival – Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic, 06355. Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The outdoor festival celebrates wild mushrooms through use in tasty dishes prepared on-site. Listen to live bluegrass music, mushroom talks and identify mushrooms on a walk. While you’re at the Center ask them about the Ride Free on A Mystic Community Bike program. Admission: $15 (includes four tickets to sample mushroom related dishes). (860) 536-1216.
