| | The Community Event Calendar is a guide to family-oriented events in your area and is provided as a community service. As details may change after printing, we suggest you call ahead to verify events in order to avoid disappointment or inconvenience. We welcome your submission of family-oriented events. 
 
SEPTEMBER 2010 September 3-6 – Haddam Neck Haddam Neck Fair, Haddam Neck Fairgrounds. Fried food, farm animals and fun await you at the Haddam Neck Fair. Round up your family and fellow foodies and see what this 100-year-old fair has to offer. If live music and traditional New England games aren't enough to entice you, interesting contests for bearded wonders, twins and triplets, proud skillet throwers and sunflower growers will. $7 general admission, $6 seniors (age 60 and older); three day pass is $18. Kids under 12, free. www.haddamneckfair.com (860) 267-5922
September 4 - Guilford Taste the Shoreline! Guilford Fairgrounds, Lovers Lane at Stonehouse Lane. A great family event. The day will be filled with the food of many excellent restaurants and food establishments from Guilford and the Shoreline. There will be family entertainment, including both live and recorded music by a number of talented performers, contests and children activities. The culmination of the day will be an evening of music accompanied by food served by some of the best restaurants on the Shoreline. www.GuilfordCT.com (203) 453-9677 September 4-5 - Hartford "Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Healthy Heroes", XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. When Super Grover loses his superness, Sesame Street needs a hero. Never fear, Elmo and his team of Healthy Heroes are here. Teaching lessons of healthy habits through song and dance, your favorite Sesame Street friends explore exercise, nutrition, sleep/energy and hygiene - all in a quest to put the "super" back in Super Grover. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 4:30 p.m. Cost: $12 - $35. or visit www.xlcenter.com (860) 727-8010
September 4 – October 31 - Middlefield Corn Maze! Lyman Orchards, Rte. 147 & Rte. 157 - Thousands of people had fun getting lost in our 2009 Corn Maze! Our newest maze design is now being planned. We're looking forward to carving out a brand new design for the fall! Come get lost -- you'll have a lot of fun, we promise! Trivia questions, and our corny Corn Cops help guide your way. Portion of proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. www.lymanorchards.com (860) 349-1793
September 4, 11, 18, 25 - New Haven Grove Street Cemetery Historical Tour. 227 Grove St. 1hr Historical and Art Walking Tour. 11 AM. Free www.grovestreetcemetery.org (203) 389-5403
September 5, 12, 19, 26 - New Haven Grove Street Cemetery Historical Tour. 227 Grove St. 1hr Historical and Art Walking Tour. Noon. Free www.grovestreetcemetery.org (203) 389-5403
September 7 - New Haven First Tuesday Talk. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St."The Summer Science Program: How High School Students May Save Us from Killer Asteroids, or At Least Have Fun Trying", by Dr. Michael Faison. Free and open to the public. 7-8 PM. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840 September 7, 14, 21, 28 - New Haven Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Planetarium show begins with a brief, live show about tonight's sky, followed by a special family-friendly show based on astrology. Visit the website for details on the shows for each week. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. Two shows available. 7-8 PM and 8-9 PM. Telescopes are available for public observation at 9 PM weather permitting. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840
September 9 - Madison Holistic Moms Network. Depot Meeting Center, 9 Old Route 79. Open discussion on the Food Industry. We will cover the alternatives to mainstream grocery shopping and share tips on preparing healthy meals. National non-profit organization connecting parents interested in holistic health and green living. Free. 7-9 PM www.holisticmoms.org (203) 415-5343
September 9 – 12 - North Haven North Haven Fair. North Haven Fairground, Rte 5, 300 Washington Ave. Large agricultural fair featuring animal and agricultural exhibits, entertainment, vendors, rides and food. Arts and crafts, petting zoo, pony rides. Enjoy live music and special attractions. Check the website for entertainment line-up, times and admission prices. www.northhaven-fair.com (203) 239-3700
September 11 - Middletown Friends, Family, and Unity Day, 13 Wall Street. Friends, Family, and Unity Day offers events and activities that are created with a focus on community, family, and children's well-being and offers positive entertainment, food, raffles, and information for all ages and backgrounds. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: free. www.healthyhomehealthychild.org (860) 834-1220
September 11 - West Hartford Trike-A-Thon, Town Hall, 50 South Main St. Come trike with us in support of St. Jude. This week-long event kicks-off on Sept 6th and ends with a FREE Trike Party on Sept 11th! Learn riding toy safety, decorate and ride your trikes! 10am to 3pm FREE www.gomom.me/m/events/view/Trike-A-Thon (860) 335-9177
September 11-12 – Guilford Faulkner’s Island Lighthouse Display at the Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street. The exhibit traces the history of the island from its geological formation, to the construction of the lighthouse, through the lives of the light keepers, to the modern day wildlife refuge and efforts to preserve both the natural habitat and the lighthouse. Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and college students, $5 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for those 5 and under. www.cultureandtourism.org (203) 453-2457 September 12 - Hamden Geology-of-the-Giant Hike. The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us on our Geology-of-the-Giant Hike. Located on Mt. Carmel Avenue in north Hamden (off Whitney Avenue). The park entrance is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University.) Hike along with us and learn about the geological origin of the Sleeping Giant Mountain and its rock formations. The hike is expected to last about three hours. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, with good traction. Bring snacks and water if you like (preferably in a day pack). Free and open to the public. Advanced registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have signed permission of a parent or legal guardian. Out of consideration for the other hikers, please leave pets at home. 1:30 PM www.sgpa.org
September 14 - New Haven “Astronaut” - Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Planetarium show begins with a 10 minute live show about tonight's sky, followed by "Astronaut". Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject 'Chad', our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him, from zero gravity to gamma radiation. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. Two shows available. 7-8 PM and 8-9 PM. Telescopes are available for public observation at 9 PM weather permitting. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840 September 17-19 –Guilford Guilford Fair, Guilford Fairgrounds, Lovers Lane. The 2nd oldest agricultural fair in CT. Competitive exhibits for livestock, baking, canned goods, fruits & vegetables, flowers, needlework, arts and crafts, photography, educational exhibits and demonstrations, a farm museum, stage entertainment, novelty contests, commercial exhibits, carnival midway, petting zoo, high-quality food concessions. Find admission prices, hours, and entertainment schedule at www.guilfordfair.org (203) 453-3543
September 18-19 – Orange Orange Country Fair at the Orange Country Fairgrounds. Come join us at our Bicentennial Celebration. Agricultural fair featuring exhibits, entertainment, carnival midway, live bands, fabulous food and more. Kids love Amazing Andy and Pickles Da Clown. Visit for times and prices: www.orangectfair.com September 18 - Milford Irish Festival. Fowler Field Pavilion, New Haven Avenue. Come enjoy some Irish music, step dancers, cultural exhibit, food, drink and great Irish wares for sale. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. adults, $8; children under 12, free. www.milfordirish.org (203) 874-7275
September 18 - Hartford Incredible India Festival. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Columbus Boulevard. This day long festival about Indian culture, music, food, handcrafts and colorful entertainment will be enlightening and enjoyable for all. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: free. www.riverfront.org (860) 713-3131
September 19 - New Haven Sunday in the Park. Edgerton Park, Whitney Avenue at Cliff Street. This event is for the entire family, with children's games, pony and wagon rides, music, a book sale, silent auction, white elephant sale, food and more. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: free. www.edgertonpark.com 203-624-9377
September 21 - New Haven “Astronaut” - Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Planetarium show begins with a 10 minute live show about tonight's sky, followed by "Astronaut". Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject 'Chad', our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him, from zero gravity to gamma radiation. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. Two shows available. 7-8 PM and 8-9 PM. Telescopes are available for public observation at 9 PM weather permitting. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840 September 23-26 - Durham Durham Fair. The state’s largest agricultural fair with nationally-known country music performers, thousands of exhibits, midway, lots of food. An old-time country fair in a typical New England village. Visit the website for tickets and hours. www.durhamfair.com (860) 349-9495
September 25 - Old Saybrook Apple Festival & Craft Show. Old Saybrook Middle School, Sheffield Street. Home baked apple goods, hot dogs with famous homemade sauerkraut, homemade food, and craft activities for children--a great way to kick off the season. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: free. (860) 395-0804 September 25 - Hartford Pipes in the Valley Celtic Festival. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Columbus Boulevard. Celtic/Scottish festival includes bagpipes, Celtic fiddling, and drummers from Scotland; food, fine beer, and highland games. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Free. www.riverfront.org (860) 713-3131
September 25 - Redding Fall Fair. First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Cross Highway. Traditional country fair with fine arts and crafts exhibitors, a giant tag sale, raffles, homemade food, children's games, and live music. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. free. (203) 938-4112
September 25 - Danbury Candlewood Harvest Fest. Candlewood Lake Beach, Hayestown Road. Enjoy great food, music, seasonal fun, browse the artwork of artisans and crafters, shop local antiques dealers and businesses, and pick up some local produce. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $1.50. (203) 733-6560
September 25-26 – Bristol Chrysanthemum Festival, Veterans Memorial Boulevard. This weekend will feature a craft fair, food, and entertainment; including a truck and tractor show, car show, Touch-A-Truck, and a parade on Sunday. 9:30 AM – 6 PM Free. www.bristolmumfestival.org
September 25-26 – Guilford Connecticut’s Oldest House Celebrates Connecticut’s 375th Anniversary. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street. In honor of Connecticut’s 375th anniversary, the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism invites the public to visit the Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. Anniversary activities and displays will take place each day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A special anniversary admission price of $3.75 for all ages will be in effect and children age five and under will be admitted free. www.cultureandtourism.org (203) 453-2457
September 25-26 - Hebron King Arthur's Fall Harvest Festival. Hebron Lions Fairgrounds, 347 Gilead Road. Experience an enchanted re-creation of a 400 year-old agricultural festival. Step back to the age of King Arthur and watch the knights joust on the field of honor and enjoy more than 40 hours of themed entertainment. Explore New England's largest Medieval Marketplace and taste a king's feast. Location: Time: Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: Adults, $15; children 5 - 12, $8; under 5, free. (860) 478-5954 or visit www.ctfaire.com September 25-26 - Middlebury 19th Annual Oktoberfest at Quassy Amusement Park, Route 64. German music, food, dancing in the Oktoberfest Pavilion both days starting at noon. www.quassy.com (203) 758-2913
September 25-26 - Milford Meet the Artists & Artisans Fall Show, Milford Green, Broad St. Juried show with 200 artists and artisans displaying, demonstrating and discussing their original works. Classical music entertainment, food court. 10 AM-5 PM. Free. www.meettheartistsandartisans.com (203) 874-5672
September 26 - Hamden Fall Wildflower Hike. Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us on our Fall Wildflower Hike. Located on Mt. Carmel Avenue in north Hamden (off Whitney Avenue). The park entrance is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University.) Hike along with us and learn about the many wildflowers that bloom in the Park each autumn. Meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 1:30 P.M. The hike is expected to last about three hours. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, with good traction. Bring snacks and water if you like (preferably in a day pack). Free and open to the public. Advanced registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have signed permission of a parent or legal guardian. Out of consideration for the other hikers, please leave pets at home. 1:30 PM www.sgpa.org
September 28 - Chester Holistic Moms Network. United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main St. Food Sociologist Dina Rose, PhD, presents "How to Introduce New Foods So Your Kids Will Actually Eat Them." National non-profit organization connecting parents interested in holistic health and green living. Free. 7-9 PM www.holisticmoms.org (860) 526-9260
September 28 - New Haven “Astronaut” - Family Planetarium Show. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, 355 Prospect St. Planetarium show begins with a 10 minute live show about tonight's sky, followed by "Astronaut". Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject 'Chad', our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him, from zero gravity to gamma radiation. There are only 50 seats in the planetarium theater, which are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. All shows on Tuesday nights are free. Two shows available. 7-8 PM and 8-9 PM. Telescopes are available for public observation at 9 PM weather permitting. http://lfop.astro.yale.edu (203) 285-8840
ONGOING EVENTS Ongoing - Ansonia Creature Features: Every Saturday at Noon. The Ansonia Nature Center. Come to meet the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors. Some are cuddly and some are not! Get introduced to a mammal, a reptile, a bird or even an anthropoid! call (203) 736-1053 or visit their web site for more information. Free. Ongoing - Ansonia Hike every Sunday at 1:00. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Rd. Guided hike. Children welcome. Free. www.AnsoniaNatureCenter.org. 203 736-1053 Ongoing - Fairfield Family Builders for Single Parents & Kids First Baptist Church of Fairfield, 65 Church Hill Rd First Friday of each month. Come out for a night of games, fun and refreshments 7:00 pm Free. 203-374-9702 Ongoing - Guilford - Wednesdays Tween/Teen Yoga Classes. Women and Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street. 3:00-4:00 PM $40; scholarships available. All levels welcome. Four weekly sessions. Begins August 4th. Ages 10-14. www.womenandfamilylifecenter.org 203-458-6699 Ongoing - Guilford Mommy & Me Support Groups. Women & Family Life Center Carriage House 96 Fair Street Friday classes for mommies and children to enjoy support and playtime together. Waddlers: 9:30 am-10:15 am, Toddler Time: 10:15 am-11:00 am, Baby & Me: 11:00 am-11:45 am. Facilitated by Laura Charbonneau. www.womenandfailylifecenter.org 203-458-6699 Ongoing - Madison Shoreline Parent Chat-a parent support group with free childcare KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center, 51 Boston Post Road Unit 9. Parent Chat meets weekly to discuss parenting children focusing on needs of families concerned about their child's social, emotional, physical development and educational success. Parents share ideas, concerns and gain new information on varied parenting topics. Children are provided with free supervised play during discussions. Wednesdays 9:15-10:15AM free. www.sarah-inc.org 203-318-3692 Ongoing - Madison The KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center - a Division of SARAH. 51 Boston Post Road, Madison. The KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center provides therapeutic and integrated learning experiences for differently abled children, ages birth to 12, and their families. Our mission is to meet the needs of families who are concerned about their child's social, emotional, physical development and educational success. We provide programs for children and families. The goal of the programs is to provide fun activities, supportive groups and family events that enhance the lives of parents/caregivers and their children. www.sarah-inc.org Click here to see our full calendar of ongoing events. KIDSTEPS - A Division of SARAH For information call Marian Roy, Family Support Coordinator at 203-318-3692 Ongoing - Mondays - New Haven Chess Instruction & Games at New Haven Free Public Library. 133 Elm Street. Chess Instruction & Games at New Haven Free Public Library (Ives- Main Library) Community Room. 4:00- 5:00 PM, Mondays. Come to the library and learn to play chess. For children ages 5-12. 203-946-8130 Ongoing – Niantic First Friday Nights Free! Children’s Museum of Southeastern CT, 409 Main St., Niantic. The first Friday nights of each month are free, 5-8 pm, including the “Families & More: Stories Galore” program for families at 7 pm. www.childrensmuseumsect.org 860-691-1111 Ongoing – Saturdays Yale Bookstore Children's Story Hour. The Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway. Every Saturday there are stories and activities for young children. Special events include visits from storybook characters (e.g., Clifford, Curious George) and local authors and illustrators. 3-4 PM http://yalebookstore.com (203) 777-8440
Ongoing – Saturdays - Norwalk Marine Life Study Cruises. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Close encounters with crabs, fish and more aboard the Oceanic. Ages 8 and up. 1 p.m. $18.50-$20.50. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206. Sat. through 6/26 and daily during July and Aug. www.maritimeaquarium.org/plan_cruises.html 203-852-0700, ext. 2206 |