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Weekend Fun: Sheep Shearing, a Duck Race, and Pokémon; May 4-5

Race some little ducks...and meet some big ones! Photo courtesy of Pequabuck River Duck Race
Race some little ducks...and meet some big ones! Photo courtesy of Pequabuck River Duck Race
5/1/19 - By Donald Eng

To paraphrase The Shawshank Redemption (one of the finest movies set in New England), May is a darn fine month to be outdoors. Take advantage of the increasingly fair weather by watching a (rubber) duck race in Bristol or a turtle derby in Canton. Eco-enthusiasts should point their way to New Haven to attend the annual Wake up the Green festival, or to Woodbury for an Earth Day celebration. Or, vamanos to southwestern Connecticut, where you can get an early jump on Cinco de Mayo in Norwalk. 

If rain showers force you indoors, head to Hartford for the Northeast Pokémon Championships or to Danbury for the annual Kids Expo. The music of Tchiakovsky makes a timeless story come alive in the Hartford production of Sleeping Beauty. Pencil in some late spring plans by checking out our May Go List and Spring Fun Guide, and wrap up summer planning with our handy Connecticut Camp Guide. Before you know it, shorts weather will be here!

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

Sleeping Beauty in Hartford

Hartford
This classic story ballet has stood the test of time. A romantic storyline paired with Tchaikovsky's music comes to life on stage. READ MORE

Sharks!

Greenwich
Dive in with Sharks! at the Bruce Museum and watch live sharks develop in eggs, see life-sized models of sharks, and compare and contrast jaws and teeth from almost 20 different species! READ MORE

The Music Man

East Haddam
You got trouble in River City! Professor Harold Hill and Marian the Librarian march into the Goodspeed in this rousing performance of the classic American musical.  READ MORE

Hartford hosting 2019 Pokémon Regional Championships!

Hartford
Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and video game players, supporters, and Pokémon fans from around the country are invited to the 2019 Pokémon Regional Championships the weekend of May 4. READ MORE

DOGS: More Than Pets

Norwalk
Bone up on man’s best friend with an inside look at the science, history, DNA, folklore and pop culture of dogs. DOGS: More Than Pets is interactive, hands-on and filled with photo opportunities and hundreds of fascinating facts. READ MORE
Check out Dogs! all weekend at the Stepping Stones Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Check out Dogs! all weekend at the Stepping Stones Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Saturday

Spring Discovery Fair (for children ages 3-7)

New Canaan
Children ages 3-7 and their parents are invited to the Spring Discovery Fair for a morning of fun and guided exploration.  READ MORE

Wake Up the Green Spring Festival

New Haven
Dozens of activities are planned for New Haven Green, including a re-enactment of the Powder House Day of 1775. READ MORE

Annual Co-Op Touch-A-Truck

Westport
Fairfield County’s biggest trucks are rolling into Westport for the  Annual Co-op Touch-A-Truck p ALL ages will have the opportunity to get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy a fun day of family-friendly activities, face painting, food trucks, and live music! READ MORE

Fair Haven Family Stroll & Festival

New Haven
Start your morning by walking with families along a 1.5-mile loop around the Quinnipiac River — over two bridges and through the historic riverfront district of Fair Haven. After the stroll, the festival activities begin. READ MORE

Woodbury Earth Day

Woodbury
The 25th annual Woodbury Earth Day Festival will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Hollow Park in beautiful Woodbury. READ MORE

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Norwalk
Cinco De Mayo Saturday 11 am -2 pm Kids can decorate their own ponchos, snack on some treats, and enjoy a special performance by Elba Llantin. No registration required. READ MORE

Roaring Brook Turtle Derby

Canton
An afternoon of turtle races and turtle-related crafts at the Roaring Brook Nature Center. Who will be the champion? READ MORE

Pancake Breakfast and Sheep Shearing

Wilton
Celebrate Spring at the Farm! Drop in for pancakes with Ambler Farm maple syrup and then visit with the resident sheep, goats, and chickens, and stay to observe the sheep's wool shearing in preparation for warmer weather. READ MORE
Learn origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. Photo courtesy of Japan Society of Fairfield County
Learn origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. Photo courtesy of Japan Society of Fairfield County

Sunday

The Pequabuck River Duck Race in Bristol

Bristol
This year will mark the 14th year that 5,000 rubber ducks have been launched into the Pequbuck River for the annual race. READ MORE

Israel's 71st Birthday Party

West Hartford
Join other families to celebrate Israel turning 71 years old with crafts, songs, games, cake and stories.  READ MORE

9th Annual Danbury Kids Expo

Danbury
Kids and adults are entertained and informed throughout the day with a diverse schedule of stage performances, entertainment, hands on activities and educational display, interactive demonstrations, and much, much more. READ MORE

Sakura Matsuri/ Cherry Blossom Festival

New Canaan
“Sakura Matsuri,” is a century-old Japanese tradition to celebrate spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Welcome spring with taiko drumming, martial arts, ikebana, origami, cartoon balloon characters, bonsai, origami, samurai armor, and a Japanese food truck selling real yakisoba. READ MORE

Pond Study

Bristol
Use dip-nets to discover what is living in the pond at the Harry C Barnes Environmental Learning Center. Identify and examine the critters that come up in the net. READ MORE

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