The Sunken Garden Poetry Festival’s opening night is this Friday night. Pack a picnic dinner, grab a blanket and listen to some poetry and music by the garden at Hillstead Museum on June 1 from 2-8pm.The best part is that children under 12 are free and the museum also has free on-site parking available. Check the website for further details on the entire opening weekend and for the rest of the summer.

35 Mountain Rd. Farmington, CT 06032

On Saturday June 9 head over to Center Park in Manchester for the 38th anniversary of the New England Fiddle Contest. Fiddlers any age, from all over, will be competing at this fun event from 10-6pm. This exciting musical competition is just one part of the week long events being held in Manchester for the city's Pride & Heritage celebration. Pride in Manchester is a week full of free events for all ages. June 2 there is a concert in the downtown Center Memorial Park with face painting and many food vendors available. Thursday June 7 from 6-9pm in downtown Manchester there will be a street fair featuring music, a flash mob, a ballroom dance demo free ice cream, vintage clothing displays, pop-up art galleries and much more! Be sure to check the website for more information and find out about all of the other great events being hosted throughout the week.

Celebrate West Hartford will be marking its 26th anniversary this year. On Saturday June 9 from 10-6pm & Sunday June 10 from noon-6pm the 2 day fair will be a place for local organizations, businesses and organizations to showcase themselves to the community. Attendees will have a range of family events like games, rides, food, entertainment and more! There is no admission charge for the event and many of the activities are free. The event will take place on the grounds of West Hartford Town Hall.

50 South Main St. West Hartford, CT 06107

On June 16 enjoy a day out at the New Horizons Strawberry festival that features an arts & crafts fair, face painting, costumed super heroes, a magician, antique car show, fun carnival games, music & strawberry shortcake! This event is sponsored by the New Horizons village, a residential complex for adults with physical disabilities.

37 Bliss Rd. Unionville, CT 06085

Also on June 16 is another strawberry fair: the South Windsor Strawberry Fest and Craft Fair runs from 9-5:30pm. A fun event filled with  kid’s activities like face painting, tractor & train rides, a petting zoo, food entertainment and more. They are also said to have the World’s Best Strawberry shortcake but you’ll have to go find out for yourself!

Rotary Pavillion Nevers Road Park South Windsor, CT 06074

On June 16 check out the 20th Annual Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival from 9:30-3pm. The event features an antique car show, music, entertainment, Fred Astaire dancers, and many fun children’s activities. Spectator admission is $10.00; Seniors 65 and over $8.00; Children 12 and under free. All spectators parking is free at The Rock Cats Stadium at Willow Brook Park.

We love summer fairs! Have fun!