By Rebecca Melley
Are you looking for a family friendly treat to celebrate the kids going back to school? CTLatinonews.com has found five events that are geared for family time your kids will never forget. Enjoy an afternoon of jousting and jugglers, a Disney classic brought to the stage, or some traditional Celtic music and food down by the riverfront. Helpful suggestion for those without little ones; offer to babysit and check out these events because you do not want to miss out on the fun!
1. Mary Poppins
Check out the Disney classic made into a hit Broadway play!
Location: The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Price: Tickets starting at $20
Dates: Playing Sept. 14 to 23 various times
2. Live Green Connecticut
This amazing family friendly community festival encourages green living with expos on solar energy and electric cars. Kids can enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a creatures from the sea exhibit. Take this opportunity to learn about the ways you and your kids can help the environment and live a healthy green life!
Location: Taylor Farm Park, 45 Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk
Price: Free admission, $5 for parking (100% is donated to the non-profit Live Green Connecticut)
Date: Sept. 15 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Sept. 16 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
3. Third Thursday Street Festival
Enjoy an evening of jugglers, street performers, and live music varying from traditional Irish to neo soul. There will be an array of authentic international food vendors. Try everything from Mexican, Syrian, and Indian to traditional fair food like ice cream floats and cotton candy. No worries adults – the Willimantic Brewing Company will be there as well so you can have a treat, but only if you behave.
Location: Main Street, Willimantic
Price; $5 admission, free parking
Date: Sept. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.
4. Pipes into the Valley Celtic Festival
Transport the whole family to Ireland for the day! Munch on traditional Celtic food and jam out to Celtic rock and bagpipe bands. Kids can enjoy crafts, puppetry, and storytelling.
Location: Riverfront Plaza, Hartford
Price: Free admission
Date: Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Connecticut Renaissance Faire
Hear ye! Hear ye! Spend the day chomping on a turkey leg while cheering for your favorite knight in a traditional jousting competition. Browse the 100 different artisans, crafters, and merchant booths. Get to know the fair maidens and jesters.
Location: Lions Fairgrounds, 347 Gilead Street, Hebron
Price: General Admission $16; children 7-15 $10; Children 6 and under are free
Dates: Sept. 28 to 30, Oct. 6 to 8, 13 to 17, 20 to 21, 27 to 28.