From Whale Tales To Jerk Chicken: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend

CONNECTICUT — As July slips into August, Connecticut isn’t easing off the throttle—it's revving up for a weekend full of flavor, culture, and music from coast to countryside. Whether you're craving Caribbean cuisine, curious about classic literature, or ready to bop to some brass in Waterbury, there’s something exciting happening in nearly every corner of the state. Here’s your guide to what’s going down August 1–3 across the Nutmeg State.

Call Me... Committed

Book lovers and literature buffs, clear your schedule for the 40th annual Moby-Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport Museum (July 31–Aug. 1), where the epic tale of the white whale will be read aloud from start to finish aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. Yes, all 143 chapters. Yes, you can come in costume. Yes, it’s free with museum admission. There’ll be rotating readers, themed activities, and a surprisingly lively crowd celebrating one of America’s most ambitious novels.

Art on the Avenue (and Then Some)

The streets of South Norwalk will transform into a sea of creativity for the SoNo Arts Festival (Aug. 2–3), bringing together over 100 juried artists, makers, and two stages of live music performers for one of Fairfield County’s most beloved art weekends. Look for whimsical street puppets, creative workshops, and art for every taste and budget. Whether you’re just browsing or building your gallery wall, SoNo is the place to be this Saturday and Sunday.

Small Town, Big Weekend

In the Litchfield Hills, Weekend in Norfolk (Aug. 1–3) offers a little bit of everything in one postcard-perfect town. The 10th annual town-wide festival offers music, art, outdoor hikes, and even an ice cream social. This is the kind of event where you can start your morning with fly-fishing and end your day with a string quartet. You can even get married or renew your vows on the Village Green! It’s New England summer distilled—and most events are free.

Brass City, Smooth Sounds

The Brass City Jazz Fest returns to Library Park in downtown Waterbury for its 6th year on Saturday, Aug. 2, with a full lineup of top-tier jazz performers and an all-day celebration of music and community. This free, family-friendly festival brings together national and local acts for a night of groove under the stars. Lawn chairs and dancing shoes strongly encouraged.

Turn Up the Heat in Hartford

Spice lovers, head to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford on Saturday for the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival, where bold flavors and high-energy rhythms come together in a celebration of Caribbean culture. Enjoy jerk chicken, curry goat, reggae and soca music, and a vibrant parade of performers that turns the waterfront into an island party.

Float Your Boat in Westbrook

Boaters and beachgoers won’t want to miss the 6th Annual Duck Island Raft Party in Westbrook, where vessels of all kinds will raft up just offshore for a floating party with music, swimming, and (fingers crossed) plenty of sunshine on Saturday. Hosted by Atlantic Outboard, this nautical bash is part tailgate party, part beach day, and all summer fun.

Puppy Love in New Haven

If you’re looking to adopt a furry friend—or just want some tail-wagging company—check out the Dog Adoption on Broadway Island event at The Shops at Yale in New Haven on Saturday. The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter, The Friends of The New Haven Animal Shelter and North Shore Animal League America will be visiting Broadway Island from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the hope of pairing adoptable pups with potential new homes, all while their new owners shop, stroll (and maybe grab some desserts and appetizers) in the area.

From floating raft parties to literary marathons and Caribbean festivals to Connecticut jazz, this weekend’s lineup proves one thing: in the Nutmeg State, August starts with a bang.