Betsy Paterson Square

The Ballard Institute is excited to present free, outdoor, family-friendly puppet shows on three Saturdays in July at 11 a.m. on Betsy Paterson Square in Downtown Storrs. This summer’s series includes the following exciting shows:
July 11: SpinS by Janoah the Jester - A wildly dizzying whirl of juggling, giggling magic, movement, and puppetry, with a pajama-clad unicyclist playing with clothes-pin towers, erratic toothbrushes, and piles of props in a solo circus that will create gargantuan grins.
July 18: Sing-A-Long with Nappy's Puppets - Join in the fun as famed Connecticut puppeteer Jim Napolitano of Nappy’s Puppets presents some of the silliest sing-a-long songs known to mankind.
July 25: Fairies of the Seasons by Talking Hands Theatre - Talking Hands Theatre presents this magical puppet show set on a handmade dress that twirls as the year turns. Beautiful fairy puppets and hand-felted animals invite the audience to move, sing, and help the fairies find their way back to the season where each one belongs. 
Reservations are not required. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own blankets and seating. In case of rain, the shows will take place in the Ballard Institute Theater at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs. For more information, visit <a href="https://bimp.uconn.edu/2026/06/30/2026-summer-series/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://bimp.uconn.edu/2026/06/30/2026-summer-series/</a>. 
The Summertime Puppet Show Series is co-sponsored by the <a href="https://www.mansfieldmdp.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mansfield Downtown Partnership</a> and supported by generous UConn Gives donations by Ballard Institute supporters.

Local Event: Free Outdoor Puppet Show: Sing-A-Long with Nappy's Puppets

Tolland County

Mansfield-Storrs

Connecticut

Free Outdoor Puppet Show: Sing-A-Long with...

The Ballard Institute is excited to present free, outdoor, family-friendly puppet shows on three Saturdays in July at 11 a.m....

Free Outdoor Puppet Show: Sing-A-Long with Nappy's Puppets

Edward V. Gant Science Complex

Visitors are invited to walk amongst a stunning diversity of birds from Connecticut and beyond!
The day will offer a rare opportunity to learn about bird biology and calls from carefully prepared taxidermy mounts from the turn of the 20th century. Highlights of the day include: 
<ul><li>a remarkable collection of taxidermy mounts of birds of prey</li><li>testing your knowledge of bird songs</li><li>viewing actual specimens of extinct birds such as the passenger pigeon, Carolina parakeet, and the bush moa</li><li>and a "bird scavenger hunt" for kids.</li></ul>
Community partners, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry and the Mansfield Public Library, will be on site with a puppet making station and mobile library. There will be activities and games for all ages, with opportunities to apply what you’ve learned to win custom CSMNH Big Bird Day prizes.
Gant Science Complex Light Court is at UConn Storrs, on North Eagleville Rd next to the North Parking Garage.If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Museum at 860-486-4460 or <a href="mailto:CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu">CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu</a>.

Local Event: Big Bird Day

Big Bird Day

Visitors are invited to walk amongst a stunning diversity of birds from Connecticut and beyond!
The day will offer a rare...

Jonathan Trumbull Public Library

In this workshop you'll learn the basics of the 'Ba Zi' astrology system, discover unique features in your own chart, and have hands-on materials &amp; guidance to create an image reflecting the energy in your chart!&nbsp; 
with Joe Pandolfo of JoeP Tai Chi &amp; Qigong, and Amy Ordonez of Studio 13 
There is no charge for this event, but please pre-register as space is limited:&nbsp;&nbsp;www.amy-studio13.com/book-online

Local Event: Chinese Astrology & Creative Art

Chinese Astrology & Creative Art

In this  workshop you'll learn the basics of the 'Ba Zi' astrology system, discover unique features in your own chart, and have...

Historic Brigham Tavern, 12 Hartford Turkpike, Coventry CT

Enjoy a magical midsummer evening of gentle Tai Chi and harmonic healing Sound Bath, by the brook at the historic Brigham Tavern. hosted by Amy Ordonez (Studio 13) and Joe Pandolfo (Joe P. Tai Chi &amp; Qigong). Book now for available spots at: <a href="https://www.amy-studio13.com/service-page/brookside-tai-chi-and-sound-bath" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amy-studio13.com/service-page/brookside-tai-chi-and-sound-bath</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;($35 per person)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Event: Brookside Tai Chi & Sound Bath

Brookside Tai Chi & Sound Bath

Enjoy a magical midsummer evening of gentle Tai Chi and harmonic healing Sound Bath, by the brook at the historic Brigham...

Chaplin Public Library

In this workshop you'll learn the basics of the 'Ba Zi' astrology system, discover unique features in your own chart, and have hands-on materials &amp; guidance to create an image reflecting the energy in your chart!&nbsp; 
with Joe Pandolfo of Joe P. Tai Chi &amp; Qigong, and Amy Ordonez of Studio 13 
There is no charge for this event, but please pre-register as space is limited:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amy-studio13.com/book-online" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">amy-studio13.com/book-online</a>

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

Twenty-time Grammy winner Pat Metheny returns to the stage in 2026 with his new ensemble Side-Eye III+, supporting the release of their self-titled album. Metheny's Side-Eye project is a concept he first introduced to showcase the next generation of exceptional young musicians who have come onto his radar in recent years. Joining Pat Metheny for this dynamic performance are pianist and keyboardist Chris Fishman, bassist Jermain Paul, and drummer Joe Dyson.
Pat Metheny has stood at the forefront of modern music for more than five decades. Beginning on trumpet at age eight and switching to guitar at twelve, Metheny was performing with Kansas City's top jazz musicians by fifteen, an early start that helped shape his unmistakable sound.
After joining vibraphonist Gary Burton's group in 1974, Metheny's horn-like phrasing, lyrical touch, and rhythmic fluidity quickly distinguished him. His debut album, Bright Size Life, redefined the possibilities of jazz guitar, introducing a new sonic openness and melodic clarity that inspired generations of players.

Local Event: Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny

Twenty-time Grammy winner Pat Metheny returns to the stage in 2026 with his new ensemble Side-Eye III+, supporting the release...

UConn Student Recreation Center

The Husky Run &amp; Ruck offers a 10K run, 5K run/walk and untimed 1 mile walk that all start and end in the heart of UConn Storrs campus. Taking place on Veterans Day weekend, the event will honor those who have served. Through UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs proceeds will provide scholarships for military and veteran students as well as benefit the Kyle Milliken Fund. Kyle Milliken <a target="_blank" href="https://kylemilliken.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">story</a>. Join UConn Rec in a salute to service!
The rolling courses explore campus and the rural Mansfield-Storrs area, with 10K runners tackling the infamous Bonemill loop. The challenging Bonemill course has long been a proving ground for runners and athletes at UConn. We encourage participants to run or ruck “Bonemill” in honor of Kyle Milliken, Navy SEAL and UConn track and field athlete who was killed in action.
Runners and walkers are both welcome in the 5K, which offers a taste of everything in the local area. The fitness walk is an untimed mile through the heart of campus. All courses will pass by the Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial on the Great Lawn.
Event participants will earn long sleeve technical shirts and enjoy post-race festivities taking place outside the UConn Student Recreation Center.
Kids Fun Run: Bring the whole family and enjoy the kids run with options of a ¼ mile or ½ mile (for kids ages 2-11)!
<h3>RUN FOR GOOD</h3>
This charity partner race benefits UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs and the Kyle Milliken Fund. Consider making a donation or run, walk or volunteer with their group and learn more <a href="https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/husky-run-ruck/?page_id=27121" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.

Local Event: Husky Run & Ruck

Husky Run & Ruck

The Husky Run & Ruck offers a 10K run, 5K run/walk and untimed 1 mile walk that all start and end in the heart of UConn Storrs...

Chris Dehnel

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Tolland

Stafford-Willington

Vernon

Hartford County

Manchester

Jay Kenney

Ellington-Somers

Glastonbury

New London County

Norwich

South Windsor

Windsor Locks-East Windsor

Middlesex County

East Hampton-Portland

Northern Paintless 

We provide Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) services with 100% mobile services and free estimates. If you have dings, dents, creases or hail damage give us a call!

We provide Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) services with 100% mobile services and free estimates. If you have dings, dents, creases or hail damage give...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Mansfield-Storrs, CT

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Saturday, July 18

Thursday, August 20

Sunday, August 23

Monday, August 24

Friday, September 25

Sunday, November 8

Northern Paintless