8 Things to Do This Weekend in Connecticut

From cheese festivals to free concerts, there's something for everyone across the state.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:22am

An abstract, dreamlike photograph in soft, warm tones depicting blurred figures engaged in various lifestyle activities like eating, listening to music, and exploring nature.A weekend filled with community events and activities offers something for every interest across Connecticut.Shelton Today

This weekend in Connecticut, there are a variety of events and activities happening, including a big cheese festival, a chocolate fundraiser, a charity run, a vernal pool party, a flower garden opening, a Caribbean-inspired musical, an industry trade show, and a free family concert with animals.

Why it matters

These events showcase the diverse cultural, culinary, and community offerings across Connecticut, providing residents and visitors alike with plenty of fun and engaging options to enjoy the spring season.

The details

The Big Cheese Festival in Lebanon features all things cheese-related, from mozzarella to Swiss, along with food trucks, live music, and eating contests. Chocolate to the Rescue in Middletown is a chocolate-tasting fundraiser for Columbus House. The Greenway 5K Charity Run in Derby raises money for local charities. The Platt Farm Vernal Pool Party in Southbury lets people explore the wildlife in seasonal pools. Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport opens for the season with beautiful spring blooms. The musical 'Once on This Island' is playing at the Little Theatre of Manchester. The NETSA Trade Show & Convention at Foxwoods focuses on the tire and automotive industry. And the New Haven Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo for a free family concert in Shelton.

  • The Big Cheese Festival is happening this weekend in Lebanon.
  • Chocolate to the Rescue takes place on Saturday in Middletown.
  • The Greenway 5K Charity Run is scheduled for this Saturday in Derby.
  • The Platt Farm Vernal Pool Party is on this weekend in Southbury.
  • Colorblends House & Spring Garden is now open for the season in Bridgeport.

The players

The Big Cheese Festival

An annual festival in Lebanon, Connecticut that celebrates all things cheese, featuring various cheese varieties, food trucks, live music, and eating contests.

Chocolate to the Rescue

A chocolate-tasting fundraiser event in Middletown, Connecticut that raises money for the Columbus House charity.

Greenway 5K Charity Run

An annual 5K charity run and walk along the Naugatuck River Greenway in Derby, Connecticut, with proceeds supporting local charities.

Platt Farm Vernal Pool Party

An event hosted by the Southbury Land Trust in Southbury, Connecticut that allows visitors to explore the wildlife in seasonal vernal pools.

Colorblends House & Spring Garden

A quarter-acre historic property in Bridgeport, Connecticut that features beautiful spring blooms and is now open for the season.

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The takeaway

This diverse lineup of events across Connecticut offers something for everyone, from food and nature lovers to music and theater enthusiasts, providing a vibrant and engaging weekend for residents and visitors alike.