38 Things to Do in Connecticut This September Last Updated: September 2023

Active Adventure

1. Take a scenic hike. Catch a glimpse of the first signs of fall foliage on one of Connecticut’s many hiking trails.

2. Glamp under the stars. Ditch the hustle and bustle of the city for a rustic retreat at Tamarack Lodge in Voluntown or try these camping spots.

3. Get out on the water. Experience nature’s beauty by kayak or paddleboard with rentals from Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme or Westbrook.

4. Soar through the trees. Get a birds-eye view of the leaves beginning to change during zipline tours at the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, or these spots for extreme ziplining.

5. Pedal around. Grab a bike and get out on any of Connecticut’s biking trails to take in the early signs of fall or plan your own scenic biking trip to see a few of the state’s covered bridges.

6. Set sail. Embark on an adventure! Try a daysail, sunset cruise, or captained charter through the Fisher's Island sound with Poet's Lounge Charters in Noank.

7. Go ax throwing. Test your aim and try to hit the bull's-eye with this exciting outdoor ax-throwing activity!

8. Cheer on every touchdown. Kick off football season and head to a UConn football game — the perfect way to start some fall vibes.

Arts & Culture

9. Live like a Gilmore Girl. Plan a quick road trip to explore the towns that inspired the hit television show and snap a few photos at these Instagrammable Gilmore Girls spots.

10. Enjoy art, outdoors. While the weather is still warmer, plan a visit to any of the state’s outdoor art exhibits including Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme, the Knowlton in Bridgeport, the New London Mural Walk, or the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk in Hartford. Or take to the Trumbull Town Hall Green and enjoy the Trumbull Arts Festival!

11. Immerse yourself in history. No matter the topic, Connecticut is filled with a rich history. Go back in time to the American Colonial era at the Keeler Tavern Museum, get lost in some old school tunes at the Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut, or discover the historic life of Mark Twain at the Mark Twain House & Museum.

12. Go to the faire. Immerse yourself in medieval times at at Connecticut Renaissance Faire’s 25th anniversary celebration! Enjoy juicy turkey legs and craft beers, hilarious comedy and thrilling acrobatics — plus, you even get to dress in traditional costumes. Expect fun for the whole family.

Food and Drink Adventures

13. Bet on barbecue. Devour savory favorites from pulled pork and ribs to mac 'n cheese and loaded baked potatoes at these barbecue destinations.

14. Grab one more lobster roll. Before Connecticut’s seafood shacks close for the season, grab one more hot buttery lobster roll to last you through next spring  — you can even follow this lobster lovers' guide!

15. Scream for ice cream. Savor the last warm days of the season with a cold treat! Stop by Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown, UConn Dairy Bar in Storrs, Rich Farm Ice Cream in Oxford, or perhaps discover these Instagrammable ice cream experiences.

16. Dine outside. Before it gets too cold, take all the opportunities you can get to enjoy outdoor dining at any of these restaurants around the state. Want an amazing view? Try these waterfront restaurants!

17. Sip wine and brews. Enjoy the fresh air and great flavors at Connecticut's vineyards and breweries!

18. Attend a major oyster festival. The 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival is a big deal. Enjoy unique entertainment, notable live music acts, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village. 

19. Take a walking food tour. Experience the flavor and history of Connecticut's coastal towns when you take CT Shore Walking Food Tour.

Family Fun

20. Go apple picking. Connecticut is filled with locally-owned farms and orchards that let you fill up your baskets with fresh apples and other baked goods.

21. See some wild animals. Come face to face with zebras, elk, bison and more at the Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen or Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.

22. Watch a drive-in movie. Spend a Friday or Saturday night cozied up in the car watching movies for the whole family at Mansfield Drive-in and Southington Drive-in.

23. Ride horses. Bring the kids for a pony ride or even take horseback riding lessons at Lee's Riding Stables in Litchfield. You'll enjoy the 100 beautiful acres of land!

24. Go mini golfing. Take advantage of the last summer month and try for a hole-in-one at spots like Safari Golf in Berlin or Saybrook Point Miniature Golf in Old Saybrook.

25. Play in the sand. Have a beach day! Make sandcastles, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the open air at one of Connecticut's public beaches.

26. Explore state parks. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors as a family at these parks kids will love!

27. Enjoy a second summer. The season isn't over until September 22! Soak up the last of summer with favorites from ice cream and seafood to waterfront fun.

28. Meet mermaids. Encounter wonder like never before when you see mermaids at Mystic Aquarium! Dress in your favorite aquatic-themed costume and experience the magic.

Rest/Relaxation

29. Treat yourself to the spa. Visit any of Connecticut’s spas for a fall treatment to help ease your way into the new season.

30. Stay in a B&B. West Lane Inn in Ridgefield, Stonecroft Country Inn in Ledyard, Connecticut River Valley Inn in Glastonbury, or these inns & B&Bs to find hospitality so warm it’ll keep you cozy as the temperature drops.

31. Find some small-town charm. Stroll, shop, or dine in one of the state’s picturesque towns.

32. Stroll through a few fall gardens. Stop and smell the flowers and watch the natural colors of fall take over at some of Connecticut’s great fall garden destinations.

33. Reel in some trout. Trout is one of Connecticut’s most sought-after freshwater game fish and September is a great time to plan a fishing trip to the Salmon River State Forest! Whether it's trout you're looking for or just want the fishing experience, there are so many reasons to get hooked on fishing.

Romantic Escapes

34. Sip sunset drinks. Enjoy a romantic dinner and drinks outside at Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook, whose sunsets are famed and stunning.

35. Plan a romantic weekend. As crowds disperse, plan a last-minute getaway to one of Connecticut’s romantic inns by the sea.

36. Take romance to new heights. Take in breathtaking views aboard a hot air balloon with your special someone. Book a romantic ride with Berkshire Balloons in New Hartford or Connecticut Voyager Balloons in Woodstock.

37. Go for a cruise. Before temperatures drop too much, set sail on the historic Argia in Mystic or Onrust in Essex; or, book a sunset cruise on the R/V Spirit of the Sound from Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

38. Enjoy wine country and the art trail. Take in the scenic views at any of these Instagrammable vineyards and wineries and of course, snap a few cute photos of you and your significant other. Stop at the more than 20 museums and galleries along the Connecticut Art Trail and experience the world-class art and outdoor sculptures.