Welcome to the first edition of The CT Beacon. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get out this weekend, here it is. More than thirty events are happening across the southern New England area—and it’s only the start of the season. This is a preview of what summer around here really feels like. It kicks off the way it should… with food. Two local favorites are opening for the season, from ice cream at The Sea Swirl in Mystic to the well-known all-you-can-eat experience at The Nordic in Charlestown. From there, the weekend opens up. National acts are in town, including John Legend, along with comedians Jim Breuer, Hasan Minhaj, and Joe Gatto. There’s also a massive craft fair and plenty more happening across the area. Take a look through, find something that catches your eye, and make a plan. If you have an event you’d like to see included, send it to: [hello@thectbeacon.com]. Have a good weekend. |
 SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM The 26th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race 20,000 rubber ducks will be racing down the river as part of a full day of food, music, and family-friendly activities, and a chance to win a free trip for four to Disney World. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. at Donahue Park, with the Corporate Race at 1 p.m. and the main race at 1:30 p.m. Learn More |
 SUNDAY, APRIL 26 @ 11 AM – 4 PM Harkness Memorial State Park Kite Festival After a weekend highlight like the Pawcatuck River duck race, keep things going on Sunday by watching the sky fill with colorful kites, from giant shapes to playful characters like dragons, bears, and more. It’s a free, easygoing outdoor event that works just as well for families as it does for anyone looking to spend a spring afternoon by the water. Learn More |
| Events Calendar Not sure what to do this week? The events calendar’s got you covered with what’s happening around southern New England. See Events Calendar |
| FRIDAY, APRIL 24 @ 7:30 PM Jim Breuer: Find The Funny At Foxwoods, comedian Jim Breuer brings his high-energy stand-up to the stage, mixing sharp impressions, rock-inspired humor, and stories about everyday life. Known for Saturday Night Live and films like Half Baked, his fast-paced live show blends over-the-top characters, music, and relatable moments into a crowd-driven performance. Learn More. |
| SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 9 AM – 5 PM Intro to Cow Work In Salem, you and your family can learn the basics of ranch sorting in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting, with guidance on the rules and hands-on practice working cattle with your horse. Porter Family Farm provides cattle, clinicians, and three hours of instruction in a small-group clinic designed to build confidence for both rider and horse. Learn More |
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 10 AM – 4 PM Outdoor Craft Fair Over in Kingston, RI, you can shop from a wide variety of local craft vendors set up on the scenic grounds of Fayerweather House, offering handmade goods and unique finds. Inside, browse even more items from over 40 vendors in the gift shop, featuring a diverse mix of locally made products and specialty gifts. Learn More |
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 10 AM – 5 PM CT Spring Boat Show Celebrate the 10th Connecticut Spring Boat Show, April 24–26, 2026, along the Connecticut River in historic Essex, Connecticut as the town marks its 250th anniversary. This rain-or-shine event features boats, exhibitors, and live entertainment supporting Sails Up 4 Cancer. Learn More |
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 1 PM – 4 PM Fairytale Scavenger Hunt & Open House In Plainfield, meet rescued horses and donkeys up close at this open house, where visitors can spend time with the animals and explore the grounds. Then follow a half-mile woodland trail filled with riddles, hidden fairies, and storybook creatures for a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor adventure. Learn More |
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 6 PM – 12 AM Joe Gatto At the Mohegan Sun, comedian Joe Gatto, known for Impractical Jokers, brings his stand-up tour to the stage with a mix of storytelling, crowd interaction, and offbeat humor. Expect a lively, fast-paced show built on personal stories and the same comedic style that made him a fan favorite. Learn More |
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 7:30 PM – 9 PM Sounds of America In New London, The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra performs an all-American program featuring music by Bernstein, Copland, and more, blending choral works with orchestral favorites. The evening builds to Copland’s Symphony No. 3, closing out a concert that highlights the scope and spirit of American classical music. Learn More |
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 @ 7 PM – 9 PM John Legend – An Evening of Songs & Stories Up in Providence, John Legend brings his “A Night of Songs & Stories” tour to the stage with an intimate, piano-driven performance featuring hits like “All of Me” and “Ordinary People.” This stripped-down show blends music and personal storytelling for a rare, up-close concert experience. Learn More |
Last modified: May 12, 2026
