All Weekend 

23rd Annual Great Hartford Festival of Jazz (Hartford County) 
The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz has grown to be the largest FREE jazz event in New England, featuring great artists from around the world and the USA, as well as young and up-and-coming local performers. Bring chairs and blankets and the entire family!  Visit the arts and crafts vendors and there will also be food and drink available for sale. Friday-Sunday. Free. 

Summer Carnival in Newington (Hartford County) 
There's something for everyone at this three-day carnival. Mill Pond Park will be transformed with carnival games, exciting rides, food, and more! Individual ride tickets may be purchased, or purchase a ride wristband and enjoy unlimited rides that day! Wristbands are $15 on Thursday and $20 on Friday and Saturday. Saturday is also the 33rd Annual Newington Extravaganza, which features food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, games and many other family-oriented activities. The event will conclude with a spectacular evening fireworks display over the park. Thursday-Saturday. 

Valley Railroad Circus Train and Big Top Show (Middlesex County) 
The Ringmaster welcomes you aboard an authentic Circus Train ride from off-site parking to the event grounds at Essex Steam Train where you will experience the thrills of an Acrobat Show in the Big Top Tent. Enjoy the circus midway including amusement rides, clowns, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and circus food. Saturday and Sunday, this weekend and next. 

Ridgefield Summerfest (Fairfield County) 
At this year’s Summerfest, Ridgefield time-travels to 1964. On Friday. the weekend opens with Ridgefield á Go-Go, a huge blast in Ballard Park that will include live music, dancing, a Twist and Hula-Hoop contest, vintage cars and motorcycles, celebrity appearances and more. Restaurants will offer food for takeout (burgers and shakes, anyone?). And when the sun sets, it’s time for the Lawn Blanket Drive-In. On Saturday, the town will be decorated to re-create Ridgefield in 1964. In addition to their “Sale Days” offerings and special discounts, pop-up shops will offer vintage-style art and photo exhibits. Friday and Saturday. Free.

Saturday, July 19

Summer Gathering at Winvian (Litchfield County) 
Summer Gathering will feature interactive children's activities, educational workshops for young adults on new food related career opportunities. Guests will be able to enjoy food from their favorite food trucks, browse local vendors and exhibitors and enjoy the grounds at Winvian. Family activities will include visits with Winvian's chickens, sheep, and pigs; a baby goat petting zoo, hula hoop dancing, and children's crafts and nature activities with the Audubon Center at Bent of the River. Family 4 pack: $35; 12 yrs – adult: $12; 6-11 yrs: $5; 5 yrs & under: free.

Flanders' Forest Fairies and Woodland Wizards Festival (Litchfield County) 
Flanders will become inhabited by the “wee folk” this July! Join us for a magical day of viewing faerie houses, music, vendors, crafts show, kid’s activities and faerie and wizard storytelling. The magic continues with a Costume Contest and Faerie & Wizard Parade, performances by Main Street Ballet and a presentation by Zoo on the Go. $5. 

40th Annual Clinton Bluefish Festival (Middlesex County) 
A fun-filled, family-oriented festival by the shore with great games, music and food! A carnival and kid-friendly events such as a petting zoo, bouncy house and obstacle course, dunk tank and much more! Several contests including Chowder cook off, rubber duck race, Blueberry pie eating, cutest baby and pet, Miss Bluefish pageant and more. Free. 

Night of 1000 Fireflies (Fairfield County) 
Enjoy the magic of the midsummer night at the New Canaan Nature Center. With the frog chorus singing softly and the warm balmy breezes of July, this night hike will inspire all ages!! Join the naturalists as they search for woodland creatures (wiggly worms & aquatic amphibians) and other enchanted mysteries of the evening. $6 for members; $10 for non-members.

Sunday July 20

Ice Cream, Blueberry, & Bluegrass Bash (Windham County) 
Fort Hill Farm in Thompson is home to this summer event that features complimentary samplings of the latest flavors of The Farmer’s Cow ice cream topped with fresh blueberries from Fort Hill Farm and The Farmer’s Cow fresh whipped cream. Listen to live bluegrass music, tour the award winning gardens, enjoy a wagon ride around the fields, and meet the calves that will be providing future milk for the ice cream! Free. 

Westport Fine Arts Fest (Fairfield County) 
The 41st Annual Westport Fine Arts Festival is set along the lovely Saugatuck River and features original works from approximately 135 artists. Families looking for a special summertime event join art collectors for exceptional works of art, live music, unique performances, and delicious refreshments from local eateries. The Westport Arts Center will be providing beach-inspired collaborative and individual hands-on projects at the Beach Bonanza Children’s Zone tent. Free. 

Summer Music Sunday at Mystic Seaport (New London County) 
Ever Sunday until the end of August, Mystic Seaport is extending the summer weekend experience by offering free after-hours admission. Stroll through Museum grounds and along the waterfront. Listen to live music performed by local musicians from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Relax with friends while dining outdoors at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern. Free.

Be sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updated information throughout the week.  You can also check out our Pinterest boards to get some great summer ideas.  And as always, visit our events calendar for even more fun events to enjoy with your family. If you enjoy Mommy Poppins CT, please tell your friends and local businesses about us!