1. Movies with friends
Movies @the Park are back again for 2022. Watch your favorite classics while enjoying the outdoors and the company of friends. Bring your own chairs, blankets – and picnics encouraged!
25 Fabulous Things to Do in Washington this Summer
Photo credit: @keishagrantnewsie @travelbootphotography @richitadz @raechelguestphotos The season we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Summer in Washington is full of fun and exciting adventures, cultural enrichment and entertainment, and lots of ways to unwind and relax. Whether you are visiting for summer vacation, planning a day trip, or are lucky enough to call Washington home, we hope you will enjoy this summer bucket list.
Movies @the Park are back for summer 2022! @m3mediapro 
Music on the Green summer concert series @thepocafe 2. Music al fresco
This summer, Washington’s Music on the Green summer series continues on Friday nights in June and July @ 6:30pm, kicking off June 10th! Bring a blanket and chairs and treat yourself to some fabulous food from The Po Café while enjoying a variety of music performances.
Spend a summer day at Lake Waramaug @travelbootphotography 3. A day on the lake
The essence of summer is a day out on the water at Lake Waramaug. Go kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding while enjoying the scenic views and summer breeze. Rentals are available on weekends at Lake Waramaug State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day from Clarke Outdoors.
Community Block Party in the Depot. Photo by Michelle Gorra 4. Celebrate community
Come out for a town celebration and family fun in the Depot at the Community Block Party on Friday, June 3rd. Enjoy live music, circus juggling, interactive games for the kids, wine tasting for the adults, an outdoor movie, and so much more. Kick-off summer Washington-style!
Farmers Market at Judy Black Park @byalexandrabarnes 5. Farm fresh market
Join us at the Farmers Market @ Judy Black Park! The Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 10am to 1pm and features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, and more, along with live music and family activities on select weekends.
Pride in the Hills @springhillartsgathering 6. Celebrate Pride
June is Pride Month and there are great events happening all month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community including The Owl Pride Party (June 5th), Pride in the Hills (June 18th), and Pride on the Green (June 26th).
Family fun at Hollister House Garden @beetpuffsandglue 7. Family fun in the garden
Visit Hollister House Garden for their first Family Day on Sunday, June 5th for a day of learning and fun! The day will include refreshments, scavenger hunt, special programming for children, family-friendly yoga, face painting, and more. The Garden will also host First Fridays throughout the summer.
View all Hollister House Garden events happening this summer
Washington Art Association celebrates 70 years in art 8. Party with WAA
This year, the Washington Art Association (WAA) is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with an exhibition by renowned local sculptor Philip Grausman, opening on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, and will celebrate its 13th Annual Summer Solstice Party on Saturday, June 25th, 2022.
Learn more about the Washington Art Association’s 70 Years in Art
Pick-your-own in Washington 9. Pick-Your-Own
Enjoy the “pick-your-own” experience at Starberry Farm where you can find fresh raspberries, cherries, and blueberries in June and peaches, apricots, and plums in July! And stop by the farm stands around town for fresh flowers and a variety of produce.
Live performances at Spring Hill Arts Gathering @springhillartsgathering 10. Time to SHAG
Join us for a weekend filled with arts, culture, and creativity at the Spring Hill Arts Gathering (SHAG) which will take place from June 16th- June 19th at Spring Hill Vineyards. This four day event will feature live performances, special guests, art displays, and incredible music and food. View the schedule of events
Fourth of July Fireworks @lakewaramaug 11. Celebrate the 4th
Celebrate the 4th of July with the annual fireworks show at Lake Waramaug on Sunday, July 3rd (rain date: Saturday, September 4th). Come early to get your spot at Lake Waramaug State Park and enjoy a day barbecuing and picnicking at the lake, or try the new OutPOst eatery for seasonal specials!
Live music at Hopkins Vineyard in the summer @fairfieldhamlethub 12. Wine Flights & Music
Head over to Hopkins Vineyard for a laid back afternoon of wine flights, cheese platters, live music, and stunning views overlooking Lake Waramaug as you watch the sun go down. The vineyard hosts live music on Saturdays from 3pm-6pm and Sundays from 2pm-5pm!
Susan by sculptor Philip Grausman 13. Art in the Depot
Washington Depot is colored with inspiring art and exhibits. Between the Washington Art Association, Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, the Gunn Stairwell Gallery, KMR Arts, and the Byrde + the b, there’s always always a new exhibit to look forward to!
Explore the best of this summer’s exhibits, with spectacular works by sculptor Phil Grausman, abstract artist Steve Miller, watercolor painter Susan Harris, and many more.
The Green Fair is a summer tradition in Washington 14. Old fashioned Green Fair
See what unique treasures you’ll find at Washington’s Green Fair on Saturday, July 9th! This year, the fair will feature artwork, books, household goods, decor, furniture, and more along with live music, silent auction items, and children’s crafts.
Litchfield Jazz Festival @lindseyvictoriaphotography 15. Hot jazz
Join us for the beloved 2022 Litchfield Jazz Festival on July 29th through July 31st at The Frederick Gunn School for a weekend featuring talented jazz artists! Or tune in for the Jazz After Work, a free concert series on weeknights in July.
Get takeout for a summer picnic @thesmithymarket 16. A picnic idyll
Enjoy a picnic with a view at Lake Waramaug State Park, by the waterfall at New Preston Falls, or among the blooming flowers at Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens. Pack your own lunch or pick up a delicious meal from The Po Cafe or The Smithy Cafe at 9 Main!
Shopping at the one-of-a-kind shops in New Preston Village and Washington @privethouse 17. Shopping spree
Washington’s unique shops and boutiques are worth a day trip in themselves! Beautifully curated with one-of-a-kind world class items, you can spend the day browsing clothing, home decor, and unique accessories at the shops of New Preston village and Washington Depot.
Shakesperience Productions 18. Celebrate the Bard
Take a step back in time at a live performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with Shakespeare in the Litchfield Hills on Wednesday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 7th at the River Walk Pavilion. This immersive family-friendly outdoor presentation features professional Equity actors. Bring your own food and drink to enjoy a picnic and a show!
Washington Friends of the Music Summer Concerts begin in August 2022 19. Music to soothe the soul
Music makes summer complete! Join the Washington Friends of the Music for their Summer Concert Festival with The New Baroque Soloists on Fridays in August starting at 5:30pm in the Historic Meeting House at the Green.
Yoga for Good in the orchard 20. Summer is for yoga outside
Enjoy outdoor yoga classes with Yoga for Good’s Goat Yoga at Got Your Goat Farm and try a class among the apple orchards at Averill Farm. Or enjoy a Yoga for Gardeners class with Julie Haesche at Hollister House Garden, and Barn Yoga at Waldingfield Farm classes all summer!
Gunn Historical Museum’s award-winning “Washington, Connecticut: An American Story” 21. For a rainy day
Looking for a rainy day activity? Explore the Gunn Historical Museum’s award-winning “Washington, Connecticut: An American Story” exhibit and visit the Institute for American Indian Studies to see if you can make your way out of the Wigwam Escape Room and view the latest exhibits and artifacts on display.
Plein Air Painting at Hollister House @aawnuk 22. Nature and art
Exploring Hollister House Garden is a favorite Washington activity in the summer! The classic English garden is a beautiful property open to the public with blooming roses, peonies, and daylilies throughout the summer. Hollister House Garden also welcomes plein-air painters and photographers to come and be inspired by the beauty of the garden on Wednesday mornings.
Theatre for Good will be performing "The Revolutionists" this summer 23. Enjoy theatre and do good
Join Theatre for Good’s The Revolutionists for its funniest and biggest production yet on August 27th and August 28th! This new comedy by playwright Lauren Gunderson is about legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. All proceeds from Theatre for Good go to local charities.
Hike to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge @dasha 24. Take a hike – or 3
Challenge yourself to the Steep Rock Association’s 3 Peaks Challenge by ascending all three peaks: Hidden Valley’s Pinnacle, Macricostas’ Waramaug Rock, and the Steep Rock Summit. The breathtaking views will be well worth it!
Relax and unwind in Washington this summer 25. Books for a lazy afternoon
Get lost in the world of books and stock up on your summer reading at the Hickory Stick Bookshop! Washington’s beloved independent bookstore has been a part of Washington Depot for over 70 years and it’s a treasured gem in town, so make sure to view all the latest best-sellers and staff favorites this summer.
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View all the things to do in Washington during this wonderful summer season!
For all upcoming events, view our Events Calendar.
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