Day Out with Thomas 2024 Bubble Tour

May 4-5/ESSEX – 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat station. Thomas and Friends will be present with departure ride times every 45 minutes. Passengers select a departure time when purchasing a ticket (ride is approx. 25 minutes), but can enjoy fun-filled family activities all day long! After meeting Thomas, guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor, and Percy the Small Green Engine! Included in your ticket price, you and your little ones have access to unlimited carnival rides, music & magic show, and Thomas the Tank Engine play areas! Arrive early to enjoy all the included activities! Tickets are $34.95 for all ages and can be purchased online at https://essexsteamtrain.com/experiences-2/day-out-with-thomas/

Art Exhibit

Through May 11/CENTERBROOK – “Reach for the Sky” at Spectrum Art Gallery. Open Wednesday – Sunday noon – 6 p.m. (5 p.m. Sun.) Explore original and exciting artwork by established and emerging artists who explore the wonder and vastness of “the sky” at Spectrum Gallery’s newest exhibit. For many cultures, the sky offers important meaning through telling time, showing changes in seasons, and offering clues to predict and navigate the weather. It has spawned myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. https://spectrumartgallery.org/current-exhibition/

Greatest Show on Earth

May 3-5/HARTFORD – XL Center. Encounter never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts along the way. A globally diverse cast that includes 75 performers hailing from 18 countries including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Ethiopia, Italy, Mongolia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United States will inspire audiences through a variety of unbelievable circus acts, including: never-before-seen stunts, comedic performances, a criss-cross trapeze and record-breaking heights  More at https://ctvisit.com/events/ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey%C2%AE-greatest-show-earth%C2%AE

Frog Frolic Festival

May 4/REDDING – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Redding Community Center.  A special day for everyone to come together to play, craft, spend time with friends, and enjoy live music and food trucks – plus coffee, beer & a sensational Silent Auction! All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library, which was founded by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain, himself — who moved to Redding, CT, in 1907. The Frog Frolic takes its name from Twain’s infamous short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and takes place outside the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Road in Redding. Free admission. Tickets for games/activities have charges. https://mtlfrogfrolic.org/

Glow In The Dark

May 4-June 8/STORRS – 5-9 p.m. Saturdays only at the Adventure Park at Storrs. Climb and zipline through the trees, literally aglow, with colored lights, laser lights, music, and more. Get ready to experience the exciting courses in a cool and alternative way. Brightly-shining lights illuminate your way while you zipline, work the ropes, and traverse through the treetops. And you have toe-tapping music to keep your adrenaline flowing. It takes your rope climbing and zip lining fun to the next level.  Admission is $49. https://myadventurepark.com/location/storrs-ct/plan-your-visit/glow-in-the-park-storrs/