Jazz, Jam, and July Fun: Here’s What’s Happening in Connecticut This Weekend

CONNECTICUT — From jazz legends to blueberry pie, Connecticut is turning up the summer vibes with a jam-packed weekend of festivals, concerts, food, and family fun. Whether you’re craving live music, hunting for handcrafted treasures, or just in it for the food trucks, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the final weekend of July. Here's your guide to where to go and what to do July 25–27 across the Nutmeg State.

One of the state’s most beloved music traditions hits a milestone this weekend as the Litchfield Jazz Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. From July 25–27, the festival takes over the Thomas Perakos Performing Arts Center in Washington with a world-class lineup of jazz greats, rising stars, and student ensembles. There’s food, fine art, and a true community vibe that makes this fest feel like a family reunion—with a killer soundtrack.

The shoreline comes alive Saturday, July 26, for the Old Lyme Arts District Midsummer Festival. Centered around the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Association, the festival includes artist demonstrations, gallery shows, craft vendors, live music, and a dog parade (booyah!). With more than 25 participating cultural organizations, this is New England summer charm at its artsy best.

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Bridgeport’s Klein Memorial Auditorium hosts the inaugural Klein Fest: Rhythm & Brews on Saturday. It’s an indoor and outdoor beer bash filled with music, food trucks, local brews, and summer fun. Tickets are available here.

In Shelton, Downtown Sounds returns Friday evening, July 25, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and all day Saturday starting at 11 a.m., with a summer concert in Veterans Memorial Park. Bring a blanket, grab something tasty from a food truck, and enjoy a full slate of funked-up live performances.

The Hey Stamford! Food Festival takes over Mill River Park this Saturday and Sunday with dozens of vendors dishing out everything from lobster rolls to empanadas to ice cream tacos. Add in celebrity chef demos, live music, and a beer garden, and it’s a must-stop for hungry festivalgoers.

What's more Connecticut-y than a food truck festival? Probably nothing. The New London Food Truck Festival sets up at Waterfront Park on Saturday. Expect local food trucks, kids’ activities, music, and sandy beach vibes all day long.

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Candles at the window, carols at the spinet? Yes, please. Torrington is injecting some holiday cheer into the heart of summer with its Christmas in July event on Friday, July 25 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Christmas Village. It's a holly-jolly twist on warm-weather fun.

The SoNo Saturday Market is back in Norwalk on July 26 with a fresh mix of artisans, vintage vendors, and gourmet goods. Located in the heart of South Norwalk, it’s a great place to shop small and snack big.

In Ridgefield, Summerfest also unfolds on Saturday with sidewalk sales, kids’ entertainment, music, and a festival atmosphere that takes over Main Street. It’s a picture-perfect slice of small-town summer.

Whether you're chasing jazz notes in Litchfield, sampling tacos in Stamford, or catching Santa in flip-flops, this weekend in Connecticut promises something for every taste and tempo. See you out there!