Purim is a festive celebration that typically includes costumes, games, music, and (of course) hamantaschen, the triangular cookies filled with jam or poppy seeds. This year's celebrations in Connecticut include outer space, the red carpet, the 1980s, and the Caribbean among other themes. Unless otherwise noted, celebrations are open to the community and do not require membership to attend. Save some hamantaschen for me!

Chabad of Greenwich—Greenwich
Thursday, March 24, 2016
This community event held at at the Greenwich YMCA will include a Megillah reading followed by a space-themed carnival that will include a hot buffet dinner, a Mad Science show, and a special appearance by Buzz Lightyear. Free, but RSVPs requested.

50 East Putnam Ave, 203-629-9059

Temple Sholom—Greenwich
Sunday, March 20, 2016 and Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Temple Sholom offers several opportunities to celebrate Purim, including the Carnival that features games, food, and fun, and a Tot Purim musical celebration for younger children and Family Megillah reading, both on Wednesday.

300 East Putnam Avenue, 203-869-7191

JCC of Greater New Haven—Woodbridge
Sunday, March 20, 2016
The Purim Costume Carnival will feature carnival games, food, face painting, a DJ dance party, and more.

360 Amity Road, 203-387-2522

Congregation Beth El—Norwalk
Sunday, March 20, 2016 and Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Congregation Beth El is hosting two Purim celebrations: a carnival including games, food, rides, and an obstacle course on Sunday and on Wednesday, a Megillah reading and 1980s-themed costume parade, followed by children's activities, hamantaschen, and more.

109 East Avenue, 203-838-2710

Chabad of Orange—Orange
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Take a trip to the islands with this Caribbean-themed Purim celebration that begins with the Megillah reading and continues with a festive buffet and magic show.

261 Derby Avenue, 203-795-7095

Temple Beth El—Stamford
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
The Temple Beth El family Purim celebration begins with the Megillah reading and a costume parade, followed by the carnival which includes a bounce house, a giant slide, games, prizes, photo booth, cookie decorating, hamantaschen and more.

350 Roxbury Road, 203-322-6901

Hebrew High School of New England—West Hartford
Thursday, March 24, 2016
This red carpet themed celebration will include the Megillah reading, as well as a buffet feast and fun photo opportunities. RSVPs requested.

Temple Israel—Westport
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Temple Israel celebrates Purim with a Star Wars themed carnival that will include a Wii arena, a bounce castle, face painting, and an arcade-style prize booth.

14 Coleytown, 203-227-1293

Photo courtesy of Temple Sholom in Greenwich.