8 things to do this Labor Day in Connecticut
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With summer almost wrapped up and kids heading back to school, Labor Day is a perfect opportunity to have a bit more fun with the whole family.
Connecticut has no shortage of choices if you’re not sure where to look. You’ve got a spread of different fairs, including the return of The Connecticut Renaissance Faire with jousting, crafts and all the turkey legs you can eat.
Not feeling up for something outdoors? Check out one of the multitude of escape rooms in the state, or hit up the Mark Twain Book Fair before stopping by a local brewery for a pint or two.
We’ve got everything you need to know for your Labor Day weekend below.
Get medieval at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon
Lebanon’s Ren Faire makes its return for Labor Day weekend! A plethora of shows are in store, such as The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told, an armored combat demo, Spur of the Moment Jousting, Knightwings: Birds of Prey and more. Sink your teeth into turkey legs and other classic chow, then wash it down with some craft beer. Don’t forget the dozens of shops and stores to peruse with crafts aplenty.
General admission is $15 for most ages, with 7-15 year olds costing $10 and children 6 and under free.
Swing by a local brewery or winery
Connecticut has no shortage of wineries and breweries to choose from. Not sure where to start looking? Check out Connecticut Brewer’s Guild’s Beer Trail and the CT Wine Trail see what’s near you.
We’ve also got a weekly showcase of stellar brews called Tapped In CT. Here’s this week’s highlights if you’re feeling thirsty.
Spend the day at the Woodstock Fair
Woodstock’s annual fair makes its return tomorrow. You’ll find plenty of exhibits, shows and contests to choose from. Check out the livestock competitions or giant vegetables before enjoying a few carnival rides and concerts.
General admission is $15, with seniors 65+ and active duty military at $10. Children 10 and under are free.
All things Greek with ODYSSEY 2022: 40th Annual Greek Festival in Orange
After a two-year hiatus from the pandemic, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Fest makes it return. Chow down on some authentic Greek cuisine like gyros, souvlaki, lamb on the spit, moussaka, and more pastries than you’ll have room for. Shop at the marketplace before checking out a cooking demo, presentation, or jamming out to some music and dancing.
There’s no charge for admission or parking, and festivities start at noon on Labor Day.
Read up at the Mark Twain Book Fair in Redding
The Mark Twain Library’s annual book fair is back for Labor Day weekend with over 65,000 books on sale to choose from.
Folks who swing by Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. can grab a full box of books for just $10. They’ll also have half-price books on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, unless you plan on getting there early Friday morning for first dibs.
Rides, concessions, a petting zoo and more at Haddam Neck Fair
Can’t get enough fairs? Swing by Haddam this weekend for their annual Haddam Neck Fair and make sure to bring the whole family.
You’ll have plenty to choose from between rides, contests, concessions, shows, a petting zoo, and delicious fair food. You can check out their full schedule of events, which includes a working cattle show, corn hole tournament, cross cycle event, and more.
Admission is $10, with a weekend pass for $25 and kids under 12 free.
Get lost in a corn maze at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield
Lyman Orchards’ Ben Franklin-inspired corn maze opens up this weekend, the fourth in a series of “All-American” History maze themes.
The first 50 visitors who successfully navigate the Corn Maze on Opening Day, Sept. 3, will receive a Lyman Orchards Kite and Skeleton Key. In addition, visitors who find Corn Balls—bright yellow golf balls—in the maze will win prizes ranging from Apple Barrel Farm Market gift certificates to $100 cash. Make sure to pick some apples while you’re there, too.
Puzzle your way out of an Escape Room
A newer trend that’s picked up across the globe, Connecticut has more than a few escape rooms to choose from for you and your friends to take on. Check out the list below and book a trip.
