4 Marquee Litchfield Events for 4 Weekends in August
Four of Litchfield’s signature summer events take place in August, timed so you can experience one gem each weekend or pair two, even three, on some weekends.
Aug 5th & 6th: Bantam Lake Ski Club Show
The Bantam Lake Ski Club holds its 65th annual show at 2 p.m. on both Aug. 5th and 6th at Sandy Beach (407 East Shore Road in Morris).
The @bantamlakeskiclub show lasts about 2 hours. There’s swimming before and afterward, as well as a food truck and ice cream at the beach for the show.
The cost is $25 for a carload of guests. Cash or Venmo are accepted.
Double or triple your enjoyment of the first weekend in August by adding a Litchfield Historical Society walking tour and a visit to the town’s farmers markets (continue reading for details).
Aug. 12: Litchfield Historical Society Walking Tours
Saturday of the second weekend features two Litchfield Historical Society walking tours, the regular weekly tour at 1 p.m. and a special tour focusing on the famous Beecher family at 10 a.m.
“Take a stroll to sites related to the famous Beecher family, who lived in town from 1810 to 1826, and discover what growing up in Litchfield was like for the Beecher children,” reads the invite for the 10 a.m. tour. That Beecher family includes Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
The tour begins at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) and lasts approximately one hour. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.
The tour is free for historical society members and $10 for non-members. Those planning to attend are asked to register online.
The regular weekly walking tour begins at 1 p.m., also at the Litchfield History Museum, and lasts about an hour.
It’s a perfect way to explore the town’s celebrated Historic District and discover Litchfield’s vibrant history, including the stories behind famous landmarks, anecdotes about past residents, and an appreciation of prominent buildings.
The tour is free for historical society members and $10 for non-members . Those planning to attend are asked to register online.
Double or triple your enjoyment of the second weekend in August by adding a Topsmead cottage tour and visiting the town’s farmers markets (continue reading for details).
Aug. 18 & 19: Farmers Markets
The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, launched in 2007, takes place from June through October each Saturday in a Center School parking lot on Woodruff Lane, just below Litchfield center and the Green, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
After that, it moves to its off-season indoor location at Litchfield Community Center, also on Saturday from 10-1.
The new Bantam Community Farmers Market made its debut in early June at the Alain White Field on Route 209 (the lake road) and continues every Friday through October from 4 to 7 p.m.
Also on Fridays, Chabad Litchfield holds a Shabbat Market from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 69 West St. in Litchfield center.
Double up by shopping at the in-town farmers market before a historical society walking tour or make it a triple play by attending two markets and a walking tour.
Aug. 26 & 27: Cottage Tours at Topsmead State Forest
Free tours of the English Tudor-style cottage at the 510-acre Topsmead State Forest are offered seasonally on the second and fourth weekends of each month from June through Columbus Day.
The charming cottage is decorated with Miss Edith Morton Chase’s collection of art and antiques, and the 45-minute docent-led tours are provided by @friendsoftopsmead beginning at noon and running on the hour and half hour.
The last tour is offered at 4:30 p.m. Guests should meet a docent at the front door of the house. Each group is limited to eight people, first-come first-served.
Here are the remaining tour dates for 2023:
• August 12, 13, and 26, 27
• Sept. 9, 10, and 23, 24
• Oct. 14, 15
Double or triple your enjoyment of the last weekend in August by adding a Litchfield Historical Society Walking Tour and a visit to the town’s farmers markets (see previous listings for details).