30 Fun Things To Do November in Connecticut

Friday nights at the Hartford Wolf Pack are family value nights. Ticket packages start at $36 for a 3-pack, $48 for a 4-Pack, packages include: tickets, hot dog, or pizza slices, and sodas, and a Wolf Pack souvenir. Providence Bruins @ the Wolf Pack, Friday, November 3, 7 pm face off.

2006 CT Veterans Day Parade "Honoring Those Who Serve" Connecticut Veterans Day Parade. Last year Connecticut Veterans Day Parade featured several thrilling events and record breaking attendance of 50,000 people! 40 Veterans groups, 25 bands, and over 3,200 marchers from 96 units represented 49 towns. Downtown Hartford, Trinity - Asylum - Main Streets, Sunday, November 5 at 1:00 pm http://www.ctveteransdayparade.org/

All Aboard! Thomas The Tank Engine returns his engine to Essex. Enjoy storytelling, live music, visit with Sir Topham Hat (known as the Fat Controller in the UK - at least while I was watching) and of course, take a 25 minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Essex Steam Train, Essex, CT November 4-5 & 11-12, 2006, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Buy your tickets in advance. http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/dowt2006/dowt_main.html

Who Are You? The dynamic forces behind The Who, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey will excite fans in their first world tour in over 20 years. Fans and critics alike have hailed the show as being “Just like the good old days,” with the same unbridled power and emotion that exemplifies a Who show. The Who, famous for their powerful music and energy on stage, will perform songs from their new mini rock opera, Wire & Glass and material from their upcoming studio album, along with their greatest hits and rarities. Their new album entitled Endless Wire, the band’s first since 1982’s It’s Hard, is scheduled for an October 31 release. Townshend and Daltrey will be joined by John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick on keyboard, Pino Palladino on bass, Zak Starkey on drums, and Simon Townshend on guitar and vocals. Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, with special guests The Pretenders, Thursday, November 28th at 7:30 pm Buy tickets here. Mohegan Sun Arena, also with special guests The Pretenders, Friday, December 1, 7:30 pm Tickets can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office or online.

“Legends” A comedy starring Joan Collins and Linda Evans, centers on two somewhat desperate and waning movie stars. Both actresses are courted by an unscrupulous young producer to star together in a Broadway show, despite the fact that they hated each other for decades. Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, November 7-12, call for times. http://www.bushnell.org

SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL This juried show features the collective creativity of 250 professional craft designers and fine artists displaying and selling a wonderful mix of quality contemporary crafts as well as sculptures, paintings, prints and other fine art. You'll find exciting new accessories for the home, artistic accents for the garden, and custom clothing and jewelry, both fun and sophisticated. It's the perfect place to start and finish your holiday shopping! Enjoy craft demonstrations like metal spinning, wood sculpting and wheel-thrown pottery, plus children's entertainment and music. Then sample a selection of gourmet specialty foods pre-packaged to take home with you! Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford, CT, Friday, November 10th - Sunday, November 12th. Admission $7 good all 3 days; under 12 and parking free. http://www.SugarloafCrafts.com

America Recycles Day. Enjoy the "Recycle Relay Game," learn fun and fascinating environmental facts about recycling, and make crafts from recycled materials. Sign a pledge to recycle and be automatically entered into the America Recycles Day national contest to win a trip to Alaska or a 24-speed Trex bicycle at Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. Sunday, November 12th noon to 3:00 pm http://www.beardsleyzoo.com/

Find other events for America Recycles Day: http://www.americarecyclesday.org/

The Rat Pack Is Back! Created by David Cassidy and Emmy winner Don Reo as a tribute to a group of ultra-cool guys who ruled Vegas in the 60s. The show re-creates a very special time and place as “The Rat Pack” - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop - gather to celebrate Sinatra’s birthday with a blend of great music and outrageous comedy. Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 pm, Thursday, November 9, 7:30 pm, Friday, November 10, 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 11, 8:00 pm, Sunday, November 12, 3:00 pm @ the Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office or online.

Let's talk turkeys! Does a turkey make a nest? What do turkeys eat? Learn about turkeys and make a turkey to take home. Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, 409 Main Street, Niantic, November 14th 10:00 am, Admission $5 per person, under 1 year old is free. http://www.childrensmuseumsect.org/

“Little Shop of Horrors” A musical comedy about a loser, the girl he loves, an the man-eating plant that changes their lives forever. Laughter, romance and horticulture combine in a spectacular new production. Shubert Theater, New Haven, November 14, 2006 to November 19, 2006 Admission $38-$68. 800-228-6622. http://www.capa.com/newhaven/

LECTURE "Shoreline Hurricanes Then & Now", presented by Harbor Books LLC and Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce. Author Dr. William Minsinger will discuss his book, The 1938 Hurricane, and O.S.P.D. will give a brief talk on hurricane preparedness. Old Saybrook Middle School Auditorium, 60 Sheffield Street, Old Saybrook, CT Wednesday, November 15th, 7:00 pm. Admission Free with a donation of a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen.

Aldrich Undercover: Art Sale An art sale featuring anonymous work by artists, who have exhibited at The Aldrich.
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Friday, November 17th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm http://www.aldrichart.org

6th Annual Festival of Christmas Trees Beautifully and imaginatively decorated table-top trees and other holiday crafted items on displayed and sold at silent auction. Fri. opening reception will feature wine and cheese. Old Tolland County Courthouse, 53 Tolland Green, Tolland. Friday, November 17th- Sunday, November 19th, (Fri. 7-9 p.m., Sat. 10-3, Sun. 11-3.) Admission Free.

Fall Home Show Talk to the experts and find just the right designs at just the right price for your home improvement budget. Companies exhibiting at the show include remodelers, homebuilders, custom cabinets, kitchens & baths, chimneys, wood stoves, sunrooms, awnings & decks, duct & vent maintenance, storage buildings, heating & cooling services, windows, doors & siding, water treatment systems, banks & mortgage companies, home theatre systems, security systems, financial planners, building supplies, insulation, energy management companies and so much more plus.Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford, CT, Friday, November 17th, 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturday, November 18th, 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday, November 19th, 10 am to 6 pm. Admission $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, 12 and under FREE.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTHOUSES brightens the Maritime Aquarium. Now in its fifth year, beautiful, illuminated lighthouses built by talented regional artists and crafters will greet Aquarium visitors around every turn. Ticket holders can enjoy their favorite Aquarium animals—like the seals, otters, sharks and sea turtles—then join in the Holiday celebration by casting their votes to determine this year's Festival winners. Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, from November 18, 2006 through January 16, 2007 www.maritimeaquarium.org

Greenwich Symphony Orchestra Classical orchestra concert by 85-member professional orchestra. Music by Nicolai, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky. Greenwich High School, Hillside Rd. Greenwich, Saturday, November 18, 8 :00 pm - Sunday, November 19th 4:00 pm. Admission $10-$25. http://www.greenwichsym.org/

Pumpkin Patch Harvest What can you do with a pumpkin? You can eat it, decorate it and save the seeds for planting next year. Join CAS Center at Fairfield and make your very own pumpkin treats just in time for Thanksgiving. We'll also visit our "Wigwam" to learn about foods the Native Americans planted and ate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration required; space is limited. Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street Fairfield Saturday, November 18th, 10:30am - 1:30 pm, Admission: $7/person for CAS members (family maximum $21); $11/person for non-members (family maximum $33). http://www.ctaudubon.org/visit/fairfield.htm

Thanksgiving Weekend at the Old Stone House Early 17th century life discussed by costumed interpreters. Sample foods typical of the time, holiday exhibition, holiday shopping in the gift shop. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St. Guilford, CT 06437 November 24-26, 10:00 - 4:30 pm Admission Adults $4, seniors and student $3, children (6-17) $2.50, 5 and under free. http://www.whitfieldmuseum.org

16th Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions Galleries are filled with elaborately decorated trees, wreaths and displays representing holiday traditions themed areas. Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St. Waterbury, Friday, November 24th - Saturday, December 2nd (Mon.-Sat. 10-4:45; Sun. 12-4:45.) Admission Adults $8, children (under 12) $5. http://www.mattatuckmuseum.org


Open Studios Weekend Holiday shoppers and art enthusiasts are invited to browse and shop in the two galleries and 20 artists studios.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, Friday, November 24th Saturday, November 25th, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, Admission Free.
http://www.fvac.net

“A Christmas Carol” Recapture the childlike wonder of the season with this joyful musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Featuring period sets and costumes, magical special effects, and a host of angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols. Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven, Friday, November 24th, 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 25th, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 26th, 2:00 pm, Admission $16 - $36. http://www.shubert.com

4th Annual Holiday Boat Parade Lighted and decorated boat parade on the Mystic River. Ending at the Mystic River Park. Downtown, Mystic, Saturday, November 25th, 6:20 pm, Admission Free.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra debuted nearly a decade ago and have since sold over five million records, and performed before millions of passionate fans. They combine classic Christmas songs with a rock and roll vibe that produces a holiday rock opera that is unlike any other. This year’s show includes even more sensory visuals to delight the audience, with a full orchestral string section, an entire rock band, extensive pyrotechnics and laser lights, and possibly the first snowfall of the year. This is a Christmas show that has something for everyone, bridging the generational divide and putting everyone in the holiday spirit. Mohegan Sun Arena, Saturday, November 25, 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm Tickets can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office or online.

Holiday Light Fantasia For me, the official start of the holiday season begins with a trip through this lovely winter wonderland of lights. Opens Thursday November 23rd, through Monday, January 1st, 2007 Sundays through Thursdays 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm Goodwin Park, Hartford. Admission $12 - 15 for cars/vans. http://www.holidaylightfantasia.com

Also, see the 12th Annual Fantasy of Lights. Drive through an enchanting land of sparkling lights and spectacular holiday light displays. Delights children and adults of all ages. Lighthouse Park, New Haven, November 17 - Dec. 31, Sun.-Thu. 5-9, Fri. and Sat. 5-10. Admission vehicles $10; mini-bus $25, bus $50.

In Hartford's annual Festival of Light on Constitution Plaza there are more than 250,000 white lights turn the Plaza into an enchanting winter wonderland with sparking fountains, sculptures, trees and more. Santa arrives by helicopter at 5:30 pm on November 24th to turn on the lights on opening night. Constitution Plaza, Hartford Friday, November 24 - Jan. 6 2007, 4:00 pm - midnight.

14th Annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party Join in the preparation for the Parade Spectacular by inflating giant helium balloons, a backstage look at the parade with food and entertainment. Summer & Hoyt Streets, Stamford, Saturday, November 18th, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Free. Then on Sunday, check out the 13th Annual Stamford Parade Spectacular! One of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, it features everyone’s favorite giant balloon characters, award-winning marching bands and fabulous floats. Fun for the entire family. Summer & Hoyt Streets, Stamford, Sunday, November 19th 12 noon. Free. http://www.stamford-downtown.com

70th Annual Manchester Road Race An exciting 4.75 mile race with over 14,000 runners. Second oldest road race in the East, attracting world-class runners along with some who dress in colorful costumes. Bands every half mile, and prizes. Main Street, Manchester, Thursday, November 23rd, race commences at 10:00 am http://www.manchesterroadrace.com/

COMEDY Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people's lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and woman. Fox Theatre, Foxwoods, Saturday, November 25th, 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm, http://www.foxwoods.com.