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Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in Connecticut: Fairs, Farms, and More Things to Do

Science salutes service this weekend, with Memorial Day FREE Admission for Vets at CT Science Center! Science Fiction, Science Future exhibition photo courtesy of the Museum.
Science salutes service this weekend, with Memorial Day FREE Admission for Vets at CT Science Center! Science Fiction, Science Future exhibition photo courtesy of the Museum.
5/22/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Memorial Day Weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The weatherman tells us that it's going to be hot this coming Memorial Weekend, so make your plans to be outside at one of the fairs, carnivals or special events going on in Connecticut. If you love fun rides and exotic animals, the Safari Carniva at Action Wildlife will be taking place in Goshen all weekend. Enjoy free admission for Vets at the CT Science Center. And the kids can don their renaissance garb and head over to the annual Robin Hood Faire. 

And of course, there are dozens of FREE parades going on through the state to honor Memorial Day and we have listed many of them in our calendar for you to find one near you.

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The quack is back at the Simsbury Duck Race this Memorial Day Weekend in CT. Photo courtesy of Simsbury Duck Race, Facebook
The quack is back at the Simsbury Duck Race this Memorial Day Weekend in CT. Photo courtesy of Simsbury Duck Race, Facebook

Things To Do in Connecticut Memorial Day Weekend with Kids

Safari Carnival at Action Wildlife

Goshen
Friday, May 24
Celebrate with Action Wildlife at the 2nd annual Safari Carnival, Memorial Day Weekend.  Visit Humphry, the baby camel, Wilma the wildebeest, Aaron the aoudad, and many more animal friends. READ MORE

Ripka's Memorial Weekend at Calf Pasture Beach

Norwalk
Friday, May 24
May 24 and 26,enjoy music, wood-fired pizzas, friends, family, and neighbors at this summertime tradition. Sit under the tent or spread out over the great lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound.  READ MORE

Simsbury Duck Race

Simsbury - FREE
Friday, May 24
Quack the Duck is excited to see you at this year's Simsbury Duck Race. This is a FREE community event that takes place on the Farmington River in Simsbury, CT the Friday before Memorial Day. Due to construction at the Simsbury Flower Bridge, this year's event will be held at the Paine's Simsbury Boathouse. READ MORE

TransAm Memorial Day Classic in Salisbury

Lakeville
May 24 - May 26
Trans Am returns to Lime Rock Park. Experience the thunder of 850-horsepower American V8s in the TA and TA2 classes while top production-based GT cars battle it out in XGT, SGT and GT.   READ MORE

Heritage Weekend: History Day for Families

Wethersfield - FREE
Saturday, May 25
Watch the Memorial Day Parade from the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center and stick around to see the Second Continental Light Dragoons, Sheldon’s Horse return for demonstrations of horsemanship and 18th century military training. READ MORE

A Day on the Farm at Our Kids Farm

Canterbury - FREE
Saturday, May 25
This is a FREE, fun filled day for the entire family. Stroll the old fashioned General Store, check out all the incredible items from local crafters/vendors who will be setup outside, grab a bite to eat from the food truck, play games, and horse drawn carriage rides all day.  READ MORE

Wethersfield Memorial Day Parade

Wethersfield - FREE
Saturday, May 25
The Wethersfield Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9am downtown from the DMV on State Street. The parade will proceed past the reviewing stand on Broad Street before ending at the Village Cemetery, where there will be a ceremony. READ MORE

Chris Rowlands Live at Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport
May 24 - May 26
Award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer Chris Rowlands will return to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. ​Famous for getting everyone involved, Rowlands brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats. READ MORE

Mr. Rogers Turtle-ly Awesome Birthday at Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Saturday, May 25
Join Niantic Children's Museum for a World Turtle Day birthday bash for their resident Russian tortoise. This year, Mr. Rogers demanded a weekend party so that all his friends could join. The birthday turtle will be doing meet and greets throughout the day for our Museum friends. READ MORE

Memorial Day FREE Admission for Vets at CT Science Center

Hartford - FREE
Saturday, May 25
Celebrate and honor our everyday heroes.  The Museum is extending a heartfelt “thank you” to all service members and first responders for their unwavering dedication and service. As a token of appreciation, we’re thrilled to offer free general admission to this elite group of service members, active or retired, all weekend long.  READ MORE

Robin Hood's Faire 2024

Harwinton
May 25 and May 26
The Robin Hood's Faire features a craft marketplace and entertainment set in the magic of Sherwood Forest. Guests are encouraged to dress in a favorite costume. Throughout the Faire are more than six continuous entertainment stages, plus interactive street performances that take place among the craft shops. READ MORE

Milford Food Truck Fest & Open Air Market

Milford - FREE
May 25 - May 27
Come Celebrate 10 years with us at the annual Milford Food Truck Fest and Open Air Market at The Connecticut Post Mall.   READ MORE

Paleontology Week at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
Monday, May 27
Embark on a prehistoric adventure during Stepping Stones Museum for Children’s Paleontology Week. Young explorers will unearth the wonders of the past through fossil excavations, an interactive dinosaur exhibit and hands-on activities. READ MORE

Memorial Day Parade in Naugatuck

Naugatuck - FREE
Monday, May 27
Please join the Borough of Naugatuck and the Naugatuck Veterans Council in honoring our nation's war dead by participating in, or attending, the 2024 Memorial Day Parade & Ceremonies. The parade steps off from North Main Street at 9:15 A.M. and ends at the Town Green. READ MORE

Memorial Day Parade in Westport

Westport - FREE
Monday, May 27
The 2024 Memorial Day Parade will begin promptly at 9:00am. The route will be the same as previous years. Following the parade, ceremonies will take place on Veterans Green (across from Town Hall) and the reviewing stand will be in front of Town Hall. READ MORE

Memorial Day: Heroes of Steel Car Show at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
Monday, May 27
Come celebrate Memorial Day at Lyman Orchards for Heroes of Steel Car Show event brought to you by RAD STALLIONS and the United Steelworkers Union. Make it a day and participate in the other activities including yard games, video games, and face painting.  READ MORE
Strawberry photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Strawberry photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

More Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids

Summer Festivals and Fairs in Connecticut for Families in 2024

Find big family fun at Connecticut's summer fairs and festivals! READ MORE

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