More than 200 tourism attractions across Connecticut will offer free or reduced admission or special offers to state residents on Saturday, June 11, 2022, for the 18th annual Connecticut Open House Day.
Organized by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, the one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse mix of history, art, culture, nature and adventure experiences to the very people who call it home.
For the first time in two years, all event offerings are fully in person. They include:
- Free or reduced admission at 60+ attractions, including history, art and children’s museums, trains and trolleys, and water sport retailers.
- Free tours at 25+ attractions, including theaters and other venues rarely open to the public, as well as vineyards, breweries and distilleries.
- Special offers, events and giveaways at 85+ attractions, including farms, shops and nature centers.
“Connecticut Open House Day is the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover Connecticut’s rich history, arts & culture scene, outdoor recreation experiences, and so much more, as we kickoff an exciting summer season” said Noelle Stevenson, director, Connecticut Office of Tourism. “We encourage everyone to get out, explore and take advantage of the amazing offers throughout the state—you might just be surprised at what you find!”
Connecticut Open House Day isn’t just a special day for state residents, it’s also critical for participating tourism businesses. Many attract new visitors during the event who tend to revisit with family and friends.
Greater Danbury Area Participating organizations:
DANBURY
- Danbury Museum & History Society. Free admission all day, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Enjoy educator guided trail walks, crafts, stories and animal meet and greets. Help feed barnyard animals, explore the nature center and play on the outdoor playground.
- Danbury Cultural Commission Citywide Showcase. The Danbury Cultural Commission offers a rare public display of the 1935 Charles Federer mural adorning the walls of the 'old' Danbury Library, with images of children's stories inspiring the imagination. Open 11 A.M. until 4 P.M. with other cultural and artistic organizations on hand to showcase their upcoming projects. The excitement is in the "OLD" Library 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut. Parking in the Bardo Garage behind the building. Look for the Music Centre sign.
BETHEL
- The Trailer Box Project at Jim Felice Studios. TBX Redux is an outdoor sculpture exhibition including work by David Boyajian, Chris Durante, Jim Felice, Dave Gesualdi, Frank Kara, Bob Keating, Janice Mauro, Brian Antonio McCarley, Francis T. Patanaude, David Skora, Elizabeth White. Drawings by Megan Marden. Affordable works on paper to benefit local food banks. Live raku demonstration by Frank Kara from 6pm - 8pm.
RIDGEFIELD
- The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. Enjoy half-priced admission on the occasion of Connecticut Open House Day to see the current exhibition 52 Artists: A Feminist Milestone.
- Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center. Admission will be FREE all day. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about the museum's fascinating site history, spanning hundreds of years. Advance reservations strongly recommended.
NEWTOWN
- EverWonder Children's Museum. EverWonder is taking a field trip from the Museum to Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve (Newtown Forest Association) to become "EverWonder-Land" and host the "Mad Hatter's TREE Party". Reservations are required for this FREE event for the whole family to learn about native trees, plants, and animals. Along with presentations from expert dendrologists (tree scientists), there will be nature walks, crafts, and giant yard games for all ages. **Costumes encouraged and curiosity required!**
BROOKFIELD
- The Brookfield Museum offers a unique experience to visitors who might be curious to Brookfield's long history. An all-Brookfield exhibit with many hands-on objects will be offered to all visitors and guests at no cost.
NEW MILFORD
- Gallery 25 & Creative Arts Studio. Gallery 25 will be offering free critique to any artist or artisan who would like to have their work reviewed. Plus, an Art Scavenger Hunt for our younger visitors throughout the day. Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
KENT
- Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum. Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with free admission to their 19th Annual Rock, Mineral and Gem Show.
- Eric Sloane Museum. Enjoy free admission! See original works of art and the early Americana collection of Eric Sloane. Explore what life was like in the early 19th century at the new Noah Blake Cabin. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the picturesque Housatonic River Valley and the history of Kent Ironworks.
SHARON
- Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm. Reduced price for pick your own strawberries. Must pay for the container prior to entering the picking fields to receive the discount.
LITCHFIELD
- White Memorial Conservation Center Museum. Open 9 am to 5pm. Join Tom Saunders for free guided Museum Tours at 11am and 2pm. Spend $60 in the gift shop and receive a one-year family membership! Spend $40 and receive a one-year individual membership! Existing members can extend their current membership for a year!
The full list of participants and special offers is available at https://www.ctvisit.com/CTOpenHouseDay. Follow @CTvisit on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.
