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Columbus Day Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Parades, Festivals, and Pumpkin Patch Trains
There are loads of fairs, festivals, and other fun events happening all over Connecticut this Columbus Day Weekend. Quite a few weekend-only events such as the Pumpkin Patch Train in Naugatuck or the Build-a-Scarecrow Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery will be open for business on Monday, and if you're interested in celebrating Columbus, you have the option of attending parades on Sunday in New Haven or Stamford (for counterpoint, check out the "Who Discovered Whom" program at the Institute for American Indian Studies on Monday).
To start a Halloween tradition that's not candy-based (or to have an excuse to justify all that candy), check out our round up of Family Fun Runs Around Fairfield County. And, of course, we have plenty of candy, pumpkins, and haunted houses in our carefully curated list of Halloween Happenings and Parades in Fairfield County and Halloween and Fall Fun Guide.
Make sure that you subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest so that you won't miss any of the Halloween fun! Read on for our highlights of events happening this Columbus Day weekend. For even more fun make sure to check out our daily listing of events on the calendar.
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All Weekend
Danbury Pumpkin Patch Train (Fairfield County)
Ride a vintage train to the pumpkin patch, where each child is given a pumpkin and everyone enjoys cider and cookies. Costumes encouraged! Trains to the pumpkin patch run hourly. No reservations are required. Saturday-Sunday
Global Energy: The Musical (Fairfield County)
This limited run musical production at Stepping Stones addresses complex scientific issues on energy and conservation in a compelling and accessible way for young audiences. Showtime is 11:00 am on Friday and Monday and 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and is included with museum admission. Friday-Monday
Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce (Hartford County)
The entire park is transformed to frighten and delight guests. Park rides operate starting at 5pm and the Haunted Graveyard opens at dusk. Friday-Sunday.
Bethlehem Garlic Festival (Litchfield County)
Have you ever tried garlic ice cream? Give it a shot at this festival featuring fresh produce, cooking demonstrations, live music, and kids activities ranging from rides to face painting. Saturday-Sunday.
Salisbury Fall Festival (Litchfield County)
This annual fair takes over the neighboring towns of Salisbury and Lakeville and includes a children's street fair with face painting, hay rides and games, as well as a crafts fair, entertainment, and all kinds of delicious baked goods. There is something for all ages. Friday-Sunday. Free.
Warren Fall Festival (Litchfield County)
Ride a 500 foot zip line over a pond and enjoy the pumpkin launcher at this fun family fall fair that includes an antique tractor pull, a magic show, fire truck rides, and a petting zoo. Saturday and Sunday.
CT Renaissance Faire (New Haven County)
The Renaissance comes alive in this interactive fair complete with fire eaters, sword swallowers, jousting and other merriment. Shows, food, shopping and something for all ages.
Monty's Fall Fest (New London County)
The Dinosaur Place hosts a three-day event featuring scavenger hunts, a petting zoo, face painting, and more. Saturday-Monday.
Chowder Days at the Mystic Seaport (New London County)
Stroll this recreated 19th century village while enjoying a menu of chowders and bisques, as well as clam fritters and child-friendly options. Food tickets are available for purchase in addition to regular admission fees.
Saturday, October 10
Kidzfest (Fairfield County)
This fundraiser for Children's Connection, a program that provides support services, is a touch a truck event that also includes face painting, train rides, mascots, characters, dancing, music, games, food, and more.
Knit-a-Thon at New Canaan Library (Fairfield County)
Remember when the Gilmore girls got together with the whole town of Stars Hollow for an all day knit-a-thon? New Canaan Library will be recreating this event and will provide basic yarn, needles, and hooks for older kids who want to donate their stitching skills to create simple scarves to benefit a local charity! Free.
Star Wars Reads Day at Milford Library (New Haven County)
Fans will come from galaxies far, far away to celebrate books, Jedis, Wookies and all things Star Wars. A special guest or two from the Dark Side may make an appearance. Free.
Nightfall (Hartford County)
Celebrate fall with Hartford's magical free community celebration of seasonal change in historic Keney Park. Grounds open at 2 and there will be crafts, sideshows, vendors, and food trucks before the performance featuring art, music, dance, and Anne Cubberly's legendary giant puppets! Free.
Sunday, October 11
Fall Festival to Benefit Animals (Fairfield County)
Join over 90 vendors on Paradise Green in downtown Stratford for a one-mile dog walk, food, pet adoptions, microchip clinic, silent auction, canine demonstrations, games, music, local celebrities, and entertainment. Free.
Fall Festival and Scarecrow Competition (Fairfield County)
This community event celebrates Greenwich's 375th birthday. It features crafts and re-enactors from the Fifth Connecticut Regiment who will demonstrate camp life at the time of the American Revolution. For an additional fee, you can join the annual scarecrow making contest: the Greenwich Historical Society will supply the armature (the bones), hay, twine and a burlap sack for the head. You customize your scarecrow’s look with clothing and “accessories” you bring from home.
28th Annual Highland Games (Windham County)
Celebrate bagpiping, drumming, dancing, and all things Scottish! There will be athletic competitions, a clan village, vendors with Scottish food and wares, sheep herding, and animals of Scottish heritage.
East Haven Columbus Day Parade and Celebration (New Haven County)
This year's New Haven-area Columbus Day celebration will take place in East Haven. The parade steps off at the intersection of Coe Avenue and Short Beach Road at 1 pm.
Monday, October 12
Break Out Day: Cycles and Circles (Fairfield County)
Join Stamford Museum and Nature Center to learn how animals to get ready for winter and how they'll be ready to greet the spring. Then explore how designer Nancy Judd uses recycled materials to create fashion, and make your own great recycled jewelry and crafts to take home. Free with gate admission.
Who Discovered Whom? (Litchfield County)
Join the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies to learn about life in the Eastern Woodlands before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Free, but donations are welcome.
Leaf Art at the Godwin Conservation Center (Windham County)
Using glue, paper, and leaves you will collect, you will make a stunning collage of animals, scenes, or even just abstract colors to take home and frame! Materials will be provided, just don’t forget your imagination! Free, but preregistration is recommended.
Photo: Courtesy of Nightfall
