Outdoor Food & Beer Festivals This Weekend

Connecticut’s official tourism site has lined up a weekend calendar heavy on outdoor food and beer events for Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17. CTvisit’s “This Weekend” page lists a statewide BEER IT FORWARD DAY on May 16, the CT Food Truck Battles Festival in Wolcott from May 15 to May 17, and the Thread City Hop Fest in Windham on May 17. The listings add to a broader slate of spring events across the state, with several pitched as family-friendly outings and many pairing food or drinks with live entertainment. CTvisit directs readers to individual event pages for times, locations and ticket details. ### Which food and beer events are on the calendar this weekend? May 15-17 includes the CT Food Truck Battles Festival at Woodtick Recreation Area, 201 Nichols Road in Wolcott, according to CTvisit’s event page. The site describes it as a three-day event with food vendors, crafters, carnival rides, a petting zoo, live music and eating contests. Hours are listed as 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (ctvisit.com) May 16 includes BEER IT FORWARD DAY, which CTvisit lists as a statewide event tied to American Craft Beer Week. The tourism site says the event is designed as an inaugural promotion centered on Connecticut breweries and beer drinkers visiting participating locations. May 17 includes Thread City Hop Fest at Jillson Square in Windham, according to CTvisit’s weekend listings and events page. CTvisit places the event in its “This Weekend” roundup and in its broader statewide events calendar. (ctvisit.com) ### What stands out at the CT Food Truck Battles Festival? CTvisit says the Wolcott festival will bring together 50 mobile food vendors and more than 100 crafters across more than three acres. The same listing says the event includes a giant carnival with more than 15 rides and games, two live music stages and music spanning rock, country, reggae and Top 40. (ctvisit.com) Saturday, May 16, is also billed as the night for HUGO The Ultimate Journey Tribute, according to the event page. (ctvisit.com) CTvisit says comedian Dave Reilly will host the festival’s food-eating battles. ### Where are the family-friendly options? Middlefield’s Lyman Orchards is holding its 285th Anniversary Festival on May 16 and 17, according to CTvisit. The listing describes family-friendly activities, live entertainment, local food and classic farm attractions as part of the two-day event. (ctvisit.com) CTvisit’s broader events coverage also frames Connecticut’s seasonal festivals and fairs as outings that mix entertainment and food for a wide audience. (ctvisit.com) Its 2026 events guide says the state’s major gatherings range from food competitions to cultural festivals, while its fairs roundup highlights live music, food and activities for families. ### How broad is the weekend lineup beyond beer and food trucks? CTvisit’s May 15-17 roundup stretches well beyond brewery and food events. (ctvisit.com) The page also lists the Shad Derby Festival and Parade in downtown Windsor on May 16, Civil War Drills at Wickham Park on May 15 and 16, and several concerts, museum programs and town celebrations. The same roundup places the food and beer events inside a statewide spring travel push. CTvisit’s May guide says Connecticut’s monthly calendar includes outdoor, cultural and seasonal attractions across multiple regions. (ctvisit.com) ### Where can readers check tickets, times and last-minute changes? CTvisit’s “This Weekend” page is the central listing for May 15-17 events, and the site links out to dedicated pages with venue details and booking information. (ctvisit.com) The tourism site also maintains a general events calendar and an upcoming-events page that can be filtered by category, including foodie events and festivals. May 17 is the latest date on several of the featured listings, including Thread City Hop Fest and the closing day of CT Food Truck Battles Festival. (ctvisit.com) CTvisit’s weekend and event pages remain the place to check locations, admission details and any updates before heading out. (ctvisit.com)