CT Spring Festivals, Flowers & Family Fun

Hooray! Spring in Connecticut has arrived!

Welcome springtime and the warmer weather by getting out at one of many spring festivals throughout the state. Plan an outing with that special someone, the kids, friends, or take some time for yourself to soak it all in – what a joyous way to transition into the new season!

Here's what awaits for you this spring in Connecticut:

A sure sign of spring are prolific bright, yellow daffodils. See 600,00 of them at the Daffodil Festival, Meriden, April 26 -27, where you can also enjoy a craft fair, live music, carnival rides and a daffodil parade. Be sure to bring an appetite: food vendors will feature hamburgers and hot dogs, clam fritters, fried dough, grinders, pizza and much more! On your way out, stop at the Daffodil Festival boutique for a souvenir of the event.

Join the celebration in New Haven's historic Wooster Square on April 27 for the Cherry Blossom Festival where you can see more than 70 Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossom trees that were planted in 1973 by the New Haven Historic Commission in collaboration with the New Haven Parks Department and residents of the neighborhood. The festival features exhibits, artists, authors, live music and food including Italian ice, bakery items, cheese, seafood, Indian cuisine, Mexican food and more.

Kids will love the Donkey and Mule Festival at Bishop's Orchards, Guilford on May 3! There's fun for all throughout the day including a donkey and mule show, wagon rides and guided tours of the orchard with close-up views of the apple trees in blossom. The youngsters will delight in face painting, a moon bounce, kids' crafts and story times. For adults, there are wine tastings. And remember to shop at the farm market so you can bring home orchard pies and other treats!

Cheer for spring at the Dogwood Festival in Fairfield, May 2 – 4, a community celebration of food, flowers and fun. Participate in the Dogwood Dash, a 2-mile fun run, and for kids ages 2 – 7, there's the Dogwood Mini Dash. Included in the festivities are a Saturday evening barbecue and dance, children's crafts and games, an art show, a plant and garden boutique, and concerts!

For a super fun outing, plan on the Festival of the Arts at Quassy Amusement Park, May 10 in Middlebury. Listen to jazz music by area school bands and partake in the annual walkway chalk art competition. Enjoy amusement park rides, attractions and tasty treats.

At the Spring Festival & Sale in Middletown on May 10, you can browse handcrafted works including ceramics, jewelry, woven goods and more, and buy direct from the artists. Refresh your home or accessories collection with a new artisan piece. Or two or three!

Have a family day of fun at the farm at Spring on the Farm Festival, Stamford, May 17 – 18. Watch a flock of sheep get its annual shearing and see what happens with their wooly coats! You'll learn how wool is turned into yarn. There'll also be storytelling, face painting, crafts, a plant and herb sale, local food trucks and hayrides.

For medieval-themed outdoor family fun, check out Robin Hood Springtime Festival at the Guilford Fairgrounds, May 25 – June 8 (open weekends and on Memorial Day). You'll be entertained at the Faire with shows featuring acrobats, musicians, magicians, belly dancers, fire-eaters, jesters and other characters! Shop in an olde world marketplace for clothing, jewelry, toys and collectibles. Come as you are – or dress in costume – for this fun, family faire!

Sing for spring! You'll know it's spring at the Bluegrass Music Festival, Preston, May 29 – June 1 – a four-day festival of Bluegrass music featuring concerts, music workshops, food and craft vendors and more.

With spring comes flowers in bloom – to learn more about the state's celebrated flowers, go to "Connecticut in Bloom," http://www.ctvisit.com/connections/rest-and-relaxation#44.

For more spring ideas and activities, go to www.CTvisit.com and visit our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/visitconnecticut, Twitter page at www.twitter.com/ctvisit and Pinterest page athttp://pinterest.com/visitct/.

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Submitted by Darien, CT

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