This Weekend

May 24-27, 2013

Celebrations are in Order

Lobster bakes, outdoor concerts, car races, parades…summer must be near! For many, Memorial Day marks the start of summer, and this weekend’s events celebrate the holiday and the approaching warm-weather season. Saturday, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield is hosting a Revolutionary War Encampment. Attend the town’s parade, and then stroll over to the Webb Deane Stevens Museum to see the 5th Connecticut Regiment in period attire stage an authentic Revolutionary War encampment. New this year is the "horsemanship with arms," demonstrations along with a surprise attack by the 54th Regiment of Foot representing a band of British redcoats. Crack your first lobster claw of the season at Mystic Seaport’s butter-dribbling, shell-sucking, quintessentially New England Lobster Days (Saturday through Monday). A tribute to fallen Civil War soldiers takes place at Mystic Seaport on Monday at the 1876 Decoration Day celebration. The Trans-Am Championships & Royal Car Show is the traditional season opener at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville (Friday through Sunday). Once again the weekend will be packed with top rank car series races in combination of Sunday’s Car Show featuring more than 200 cars from the tri-state area. The Riverfront Summer Pops - Olmsted Summer Concert Series starts on Sunday night at the Great River Park in East Hartford. The Middletown Symphonic Band will perform Americana a concert guaranteed to bring out your national pride.

With a long weekend ahead, plan to overnight and take advantage of one of the many travel deals. Check out The Downtown Hartford Family Breakfast & River View Too package at the Marriott Hartford Downtown in Hartford. Package includes overnight accommodations and breakfast for two adults and two children then spend the day discovering the nearby holiday events and attractions. Rates from $159 to $279.

More ways to enjoy the weekend:

Antique Car Show, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme (860) 434-3530
You be the judge! All cars are judged by people’s choice. So be sure to arrive early on Monday and cast your vote. Get a good seat for the Memorial Day Parade on Lyme Street.

These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, use the Events Quick Search on the right side of the page.

This Weekend in Connecticut
May 24-27, 2013

MIDDLETOWN
May 24-26 - Moonlight Zip Trips - EMPOWER Leadership Sports and Adventure Center, 2011 South Main Street, Middletown, 06457. Time: 8 p.m. Zip Line at night under the stars, using the full moon to light your canopy zip line adventures through the tree tops. Admission: $64 plus tax. (860) 638-4754

GUILFORD
May 25 - WalkCT Family Ramble: Westwoods Letterbox Search - (Guilford Land Trust) 525 Peddlers Road, Guilford, 06437. Time: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Using clues to reach letterboxes, you can then stamp, draw pictures and write messages on the day's discoveries. The hike follows the white circle trail with a beautiful marsh plank giving you a rare view into this often unreachable habitat. Admission: Free, pre-registration is recommended. (860) 346-TREE

PORTLAND
May 25 - Season Opening, Wakeboard Rail Jam Competition - Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, 161 Brownstone Ave. (866) 860-0208. Want to master that ever elusive Double S Bend to Blind? Or how about just learning to get upright? This is your day. If you’re looking for a little action on land, the Rock Climbing wall is open, as well as the dry zip lines and beach volleyball court. Admission: $19-$39. (866) 860-0208

WETHERSFIELD
May 26 - Heirloom Festival - Comstock, Ferre & Co., 263 Main Street, Wethersfield, 06109 Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Come and bring the family for a full day of music, food and entertainment. Enjoy the ambience of 19th century costumes accompanied by demonstrations, old time crafters, wood carvers, storytelling and a puppeteer for the kids. Seedlings and plants from heirloom seeds will be available for purchase. Admission: Free (860) 571-6590

MYSTIC
May 25 - Long Island Sound Day Celebration - Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT. Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Celebrate the local estuary in style on Saturday. You and your family can enjoy hands-on activities create a craft and speak with visiting environmental organizations – and together learn more about the Sound. Admission: Activities included with aquarium admission. (860) 572-5955