Worthwhile Fairs and Festivals Coming to Connecticut in August

The Summer of 2024 has been a hot, dry one for us here in Connecticut, but the fair and festival season is truly about to hit it's stride. August and September is when the main events start happening around here. Here's a few of the ones with going to that are coming to Connecticut over the next 4-6 weeks.

The 71st Bridgewater Country Fair takes place this year from August 16-18 at the Bridgewater Fair Grounds, 100 Main Street South. This is a wonderful, old-time country fair with carnival rides, plenty of concession stands, an antique tractor pull and fireman's parade, baking contests, livestock competitions, and plenty of vendors to keep you interested while you stroll the grounds. While the kids ride the amusements, my suggestion is to enjoy Bridgewater Fair's signature food item - coal-roasted roast beef sandwiches. Now that I'm on Ozempic, I can probably get one down instead of the usual three. General admission tickets are $10, and children 12 and under are free.

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What I think is one of Connecticut's most unique festivals happens August 23-24, it's the 2024 Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival. It's quite a sight to see dozens of hot air balloons anywhere in Connecticut, and there are a few places in Plainville set up for you to park and enjoy in 2024.

Robertson Airport at 62 Johnson Ave in Plainville is the largest lot to park and take a shuttle, but handicapped motorists and motorcycles can find parking at Norton Park. This is a free event, and you should be able to see the participants over I-84 on the way in, it's quite a sight.

One other great fair starts up the following weekend on August 31, the Goshen Fair runs August 31-September 2 through Labor Day weekend. Get ready, The Big E is coming in September.