CONNECTICUT, USA — It's the first weekend of spring! With one week to go until Easter and the new season now here, there are plenty of events and celebrations happening across the state.
If you're looking for things to do, check out some ideas below!
Waterbury's Mattatuck Museum is holding its Spring Celebration on Saturday. This celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is great for families looking for something fun this weekend. The day will include a scavenger hunt, egg decorating, puppets, and more! It's also a great way to explore the Mattatuck Museum, which showcases American art and cultural history with a focus on the history of the Naugatuck Valley. Learn more about the event and the museum here.
If you're looking for some tunes this weekend, you can head to the Madison Beach Hotel on Saturday for its highly anticipated Blues Festival Concert! This event will feature fantastic music performed by award-winning artists and bands like the Jake Kulak Band, Jeff Pevar, and Kat Wright. There will also be bourbon and beer tastings. Plus, guests can also sign up for a special Blues Guard Master Class that is happening before the concert! The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
From jams on the stage to Monster Jam -- the jaw-dropping event is returning to the XL Center in Hartford all weekend! This event features dozens of monster trucks weighing over 12 tons. They'll compete in speed and skill competitions, race in fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship, and push all limits in freestyle, skills, donuts, and other racing competitions! Learn more about the event and purchase tickets here.
While Mystic Aquarium is known for more aquatic creatures, the Easter bunny is hopping in for this weekend and next! Take part in spring-themed arts and crafts and see if you can solve the Easter egg scavenger hunt! All of the events are included with general admission. You can also get your professional photo taken with the Easter Bunny for $20. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend and next weekend. Learn more about the event here.
If you can't make it to the aquarium, head to Thomaston to celebrate the coming of spring with the Naugatuck Railroad's Easter Bunny Express! Take a train ride through the Litchfield Hills and enjoy the scenery as spring descends onto Connecticut. Each train will stop at the bunny patch where kids can have the chance to help rescue the Easter Bunny's rubber duck friends! Kids will have the chance to get a chocolate-filled egg from the Easter Bunny's very own collection as well! The railroad is also partnering with Sun Moon and Stars to offend an autism-friendly trip at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more about the event and see the dates and times here.
Once you get through your spring cleaning, the 30th Country Antiques in Connecticut's Quiet Corner show for inspiring things you can fill your home or space up with! The show will take place on Saturday at H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson, with general admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at $10. You can also buy early tickets for 9 a.m. at $20. This show features the best country antique dealers from across New England and beyond and has something for everyone to enjoy, from advanced collectors to curious newbies! Food will also be provided at the event. All proceeds benefit the projects of the Ellis Tech Parent Faculty Organization. For more information, head here.
And finally, while St. Patrick's Day was last weekend, that doesn't mean the party has to end! Put on your best green gear and celebrate at the 19th Annual Mystic Irish Parade on Sunday! Secure your spot along the parade route, which starts at Mystic Seaport Museum and extends throughout downtown Mystic to the Mystic Museum of Art! The parade will feature over 2,500 participants and the most pipe bands in New England! Muster begins at 10 a.m., and the parade begins at 1 p.m. Learn more about the parade here.
These aren't the only events to check out in Connecticut this weekend. For more ideas, visit CT Visit.
See you next weekend!
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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