Summer Fairs, Festivals, and Carnivals in the New Haven Area

4/6/18 - By Clementina Verge

Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are just about here, and some of the most memorable moments are spent at festivals where the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of cotton candy, and the twinkling lights of carnival games.

Summer always seems to go by way too fast, so be sure to fill yours with adventure and fun before the chilly days descend upon us once more. Many towns across the New Haven area will bring your weekends to life with live music, exciting entertainment, traditional cuisine, thrilling rides, and plenty of fried dough.

Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Eastern CT and Hartford County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.

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Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire  
Weekends, June 23- July 8, 2018
Enter a world of history, imagination, magic, and fun for all ages. Here the fairies are real and the food really delicious. Shoot arrows, throw axes, meet a princess or a sword fighter. No matter what, this will be an epic day for the whole family. 

Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway, Ansonia

Connecticut Irish Festival 
Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24, 2018
Enjoy the sounds of Irish music, savor traditional food, and partake in entertainment for adults and children, including a petting zoo. Nick Fradiani headlines on the mainstage Saturday night. Free admission for kids 12 and under.

North Haven Fairgrounds, Route 5, North Haven

Guilford Art Center Craft Expo 2018
Friday, July 13-Sunday, July 15, 2018
The Guilford town green will be home to the 59th Annual Guilford Art Center Craft Expo. The Craft Expo is considered to be one of the top craft shows in New England, featuring American crafters, children’s crafts, a silent auction, and a food court. Children under 12, active military, and members receive free admission.

Guilford Green, Whitfield Street, Guilford

Orange Volunteer Firemen's Carnival 
Thursday, August 2-Sunday, August 5, 2018
Have an evening of family fun at the Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival. Enjoy rides, entertainment, food, games, and raffles. A spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky on Friday and Saturday night. Admission and parking are free.

Orange Fairgrounds, Orange Center Road, Orange

Festa Italian Festival
Thursday, August 9-Saturday, August 11, 2018
Holy Rosary Parish will be hosting its 51st Annual Italian Festival. Sample freshly prepared Italian foods and pastries. Festivities also include live entertainment, games, rides, and a cash raffle. Free admission.

10 Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia

Potato & Corn Festival 
Friday, August 3-Sunday, August 5, 2018
An event for the entire family, the North Branford Potato and Corn Festival features live music, food, games, contests, hay rides, a car show, and much more. Enjoy fireworks on Saturday. Admission: Free. On-site parking for a fee. Free Shuttles from Stanley T. Williams School and North Branford Intermediate School. 

290 Forest Road, North Branford

Milford Oyster Festival 
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Rain or shine, the 44th Annual Milford Oyster Festival will be a hit. Enjoy live entertainment, arts & craft vendors, amusement rides, a schooner boat cruise, plus canoe and kayak races. Don’t forget about the more than 30,000 oysters! Free admission and parking, and shuttle service from Jonathan Law High School and CT Post Mall.

2 Broad Street, Milford 

 

 

Originally published June 2013.

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