20+ Summer Fairs and Festivals in Connecticut You Don't Want to Miss

Soaring swings at the Goshen Fair. Photo courtesy of the Goshen Fair, Facebook
5/22/22 - By Ally Noel
Summer may be short here in Connecticut, but it sure is jammin' with festivals all season long. From food festivals to cultural festivals to country fairs, there are lots of family-friendly festivals in Connecticut this summer. Even better, many of the festivals on this list are free to enter. So grab a picnic basket and a blanket—and head out for games, rides, tastings, and more.
Be sure to check out our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide and our Guide to Free Fun for Connecticut Kids to help plan for more epic adventures.
Note: We've marked fairs that offer free entrance, but you'll of course pay extra for food, games, and rides.
Take a strawberry shortcake break at the Cheshire Strawberry Festival. Photo courtesy of the Cheshire Strawberry Festival
June Festivals in Connecticut
Celebrate cultural diversity at the NICE Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
July Festivals in Connecticut
Jam out to bluegrass music. Photo courtesy of the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival, Facebook
August Fairs & Festivals in Connecticut
Win a prize at the Yankee Doodle Fair. Photo by Ally Noel
September Fairs & Festivals in Connecticut
Places featured in this article:
Little Poland
Klingberg Family Centers
Nevers Park
Hillcrest Middle School
North Stonington Fairground
Pinkney Park
St Ann's Club
Wadawanuck Square
Downtown Milford, along Milford Harbor
Chester Fair Ground
Woodstock Fairgrounds
Goshen Fair Grounds