Explore the Connecticut Building at The Big E! Last Updated: August 2023
The Big E is back and the Connecticut Building along the Avenue of States is ready to delight fairgoers with the diverse sites, smells and tastes of Connecticut.
Open daily during the fair, Sept. 16 to Oct. 2, the Connecticut Building will feature new and returning tourism attractions, restaurants, wineries, breweries, small businesses, artisans and crafters from every corner of the state. Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Taste Iconic Connecticut Dishes
Treat your tastebuds to Connecticut favorites including savory barbeque from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, famous brick-oven pizza at Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza, and delicious baked potatoes from Danny’s Smokehouse Grill.
Additional food vendors include:
Sip Wine and Beer
Try locally made beer and wine from the Connecticut Craft Beer Garden, featuring a rotating selection of beer and cider from craft breweries across the state, and the Connecticut Farm Wineries booth—offering refreshing “Frosé” wine slushies, wine by the glass and bottles for purchase. This year, the Beer Garden includes 7 new breweries and around 30 new beers, some of which boast fun flavors like peanut butter marshmellow, strawberry shortcake, dill pickle, and more!
Breweries include:
- Colorblind Artisan Ales
- Tox Brewing
- East Rock Brewery
- Hop Meadow Brewing
- Twelve Percent Beer Project
- Athletic Brewing (non-alcoholic beer only)
- Kinsmen Brewery
- Fox Farm Brewery
Wineries include:
Learn About Agriculture
Learn about Connecticut’s vast agriculture and aquaculture resources by visiting the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s booth, which will feature a variety of farmers, growers and other exhibitors.
Agriculture vendors include:
Discover and Rediscover Popular Attractions
“Visit” popular attractions, including the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Florence Griswold Museum, Mohegan Sun and Tree Trails Adventures.
Sample Delicious Treats
Get your sweet fix and try favorites including apple cider donuts from Sweet Madeline’s, artisan ice cream from J. Foster Ice Cream and baked treats from Bloom Bake Shop.
Shop for Local Products
Shop for local products, handmade goods, and services including from Papa’s CT Mountain Brew, Connecticut Valley Tobacconist, Maple Craft Foods and VinylDelights, new to the Connecticut Building.
Other vendors include:
Enjoy Live Entertainment on Connecticut Day!
Enjoy 10 hours of live entertainment on Connecticut Day, Sept. 21. The all-day celebration is historically one of the most popular days of the fair and will feature over 10 hours of live entertainment on the Connecticut Building front lawn stage. This year’s lineup includes musical offerings from rock to a cappella.
Learn More
Don't forget to stop by the Connecticut State Police booth and the Connecticut Tourism booth to learn more about our state!
To learn more about the Connecticut Building at The Big E, visit the Facebook Page.