Litchfield County’s Summer 2022 Get-Out-And-Go Guide
Litchfield County in the summertime is marked by languid outdoor living, barbequing lakeside, hikes with stunning views, farmers markets aplenty, gatherings with friends and spectacular sunsets. Here's a roundup of some of the events that make the Litchfield Hills such a wonderful place to live and visit.
Movie night at Judy Black Park and Gardens, Washington Depot
Ongoing Events
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot is hosting their annual summer movie night series, beginning on June 3. Plan on screening movies on the first Friday of each month: June 3—"Singing in the Rain;" July 1—"In the Heat of the Night;" August 5—"The Secret Life of Pets;" and September 2—T"he Proposal." Movies roll at dusk. BYO chairs, blankets, food and beverages. Free and open to the public.
Second Saturdays at the Kent Barns in Kent are always a treat. This May through October event runs on the second Saturday of each month starting at 10 a.m. and features a cut flower market, Rock Cobble Farmers Market, live music, gardening demonstrations, art making and other activities.
The South Farm Social in Morris runs every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. June through September. This outdoor, family-friendly event features live music, local beer, food trucks and more. Bring your own blanket, chair, umbrella and lawn games and chill out on the sprawling, mowed field. A yoga session and henna body art have even been known to pop up at the social on occasion. Free, but food, beer and other activities have a cost.
The Sharon Playhouse puts on phenomenal live theatrical performances featuring local and national actors. The 2022 season lineup includes "Guys and Dolls," "Shear Madness," and "A Raisin in the Sun."
Music Mountain in Falls Village is the place to be for live music every weekend of the summer June 5 through September 18. Founded as a chamber music festival, the lineup now includes jazz and big band music. These events are ticketed.
Community Favorites
May 30—Memorial Day Parade and Picnic in Kent. This town sure knows how to celebrate Memorial Day in style with a parade down Main Street featuring veterans, the Kent Center School marching band and even a military flyover. Afterwards, the Kent Land Trust hosts a picnic at 11 a.m. at the land trust fields just south of town, complete with barbeque fare, live music and games for kids. Food is free for Kent residents with proof of address.
June 5—The Great County Mutt Show at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville is a Westminster style dog show celebrating all breeds, with multiple opportunities for your beloved dogs to take to the ring with categories like ‘Best Lap Dog Over 40 lbs." and "Most Unidentifiable Mix." This event, hosted by Little Guild, is free and open to the public.
July 3—Join the Litchfield County community for an Independence Day celebration with fireworks over Lake Waramaug at 9:30 p.m. This annual tradition is made possible by the Lake Waramaug Association. Free and open to the public.
August 4-7—Sidewalk Sale Days in Kent never disappoint! During this free, town-wide event, Main Street shops and boutiques offer their wares at deep discounts. Be sure to also check out the treasures you can find at the St. Andrew’s tag sale. And remember to stop by the Kent Memorial Library used book sale to dig up some good reads.
Festivals & Fairs
The Goshen Fair
June 10-12—The Goshen Stampede features live performances, rodeo activities, a demolition derby, carnival rides, food and more. This is a ticketed event.
June 16-19—The Spring Hill Arts Gathering (SHAG) in New Preston is a cultural festival featuring live music, dance performances, art, wine, delicious food and community programs This is a ticketed event.
July 29-31—Fan of jazz music? At the Litchfield Jazz Festival you’ll find performances by Samara Joy, the Mark Whitfield Band and other artists; art exhibits, vendors, and food. This is a ticketed event.
August 19-21—The Bridgewater County Fair is a much-anticipated annual event in Litchfield County. This fantastic fair includes a parade, a baking contest, a car raffle, livestock exhibits and a large variety of food tents featuring famous roast beef sandwiches, slowed cooked chicken, fresh buttery corn, tacos, ice cream, fried dough, BBQ, fried Oreos and more. All proceeds go to benefit the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department. This is a ticketed event.
September 3-5—The Goshen Fair is a Labor Day weekend favorite featuring live entertainment, food of all kinds, livestock exhibits, amusement rides, a relay race, tractor pulls and more. This is a ticketed event.
Farmers Markets
Kent Farmers Market—every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. through October in the Kent Land Trust field just south of town.
Washington Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens.
Cornwall Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October at 413 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall CT.
New Milford Farmers Market—every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through November, on the Green.
Torrington Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. June through October in the parking lot of St Paul's Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St.
Brookfield Farmers Market—every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. June through October behind Town Hall.
New Milford Farmers Market
Norfolk Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June through September on the front lawn of Town Hall.
Goshen Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July through October in the Town Hall parking lot.
Litchfield Farmers Market—every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round. Indoor location (November through May) is at the Litchfield Community Center. Outdoor location (June through October) is in the Center School parking lot.
Southbury Farmers Market—every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. June through October at the Town Hall Green.
Just for Kids
Looking for a fun experience for your kids this summer? Scribble Art Workshop in Kent hosts weekly art-themed camps for kids in kindergarten through fifth grades with themes like Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Painting, and Printmaking. The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield hosts weekly half-day camps for kids in third through eighth grades that includes interaction with their amazing flock of 400 birds from around the world. Kenmont Kenwood sleepaway camp in Kent offers kids ages 8 to 15 the opportunity to play sports, enjoy water activities and play in the great outdoors.
Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury offers kids ages 3 to 13 a summer camp experience filled with nature, art, agriculture, ecology, cooking and other activities. Eagle Rock Day Camp in Washington offers kids ages 4 to 13 a variety of athletic and non-athletic activities to enjoy.
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