Shakespeare, Helicopters, and Music Light Up Connecticut’s Event Calendar

CONNECTICUT — If you're looking to fill your weekend with something fun, funky, and maybe even a little literary, Connecticut has a lineup worth celebrating. From gypsy-punk concerts to helicopters and open-air theater, there's no shortage of entertainment across the state this weekend, July 12–13. Here’s a roundup of some of the biggest happenings:

New London is throwing a party, and everyone’s invited. Celebrate New London takes over the downtown waterfront on Saturday, offering a full day of live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, and a fireworks show to top it all off. Located at 1 Waterfront Park Street, this free event delivers family-friendly fun with plenty of opportunities to eat, dance, and shop your way through the city. Saturday, July 12, noon to 9:30 p.m.

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It’s a banner weekend for fans of the Bard, with not one, but two Shakespeare festivals in full swing:

The Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival continues through August 3 at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. The Capital Classics Theatre Company is presenting two full-length productions of "King Lear" and "Twelfth Night," in a scenic outdoor setting. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and a taste for clever wordplay. Tickets are available online here.

The Valley Shakespeare Festival is staging "As You Like It" at Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton, with performances running July 10–13 at 7 p.m. The event is free, making it a great pick for families, first-timers, and picnic-packing theatergoers alike.

Prefer bonnets to breeches? Head to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield for a charming open-air performance of "Pride and Prejudice" from Escapism Productions. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., set against the orchard’s historic homestead. It’s romance, wit, and British manners—all served with a slice of summer. Tickets are available online here.

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And who doesn't like helicopters? The Connecticut Air & Space Center in Stratford is hosting its annual Helicopter Day on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's a chance for visitors to explore real helicopters, meet pilots, and learn about rotorcraft history. Whether you’re a flight nerd or just curious about what it’s like inside a chopper, it’s a high-flying family-friendly event.

Two Roads Brewing in Stratford is once again blending beats and brews at its Road Less Traveled Music Fest on Saturday. This all-day, 2-10 p.m. concert features a lineup of regional acts capped off by gypsy-punk headliners Bella’s Bartok, known for their wild blend of Eastern European folk and theatrical rock. Add in local food trucks and plenty of craft beer, and you’ve got one of the weekend’s best parties. Tickets are available online here.

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Whether you're watching Shakespeare under the stars, taking in a fireworks show, rocking out with a craft brew in hand, or geeking out over helicopters, Connecticut is serving up something for everyone this weekend. So grab your sunscreen, lawn chair, and sense of adventure—the Nutmeg State’s got your plans covered.