8 Things to Do This Weekend: Big Cheese Festival and More

This weekend in Connecticut offers a variety of local events, including the Big Cheese Festival in Lebanon, Chocolate to the Rescue in Middletown, a Greenway 5K charity run, and a free family concert in Shelton.

April brings a lively weekend lineup across Connecticut with a mix of food events, performances and outdoor activities. Local organizers are staging festivals, fundraisers and family programs in several towns. The listings include both indoor and outdoor options and events aimed at different ages and interests. This roundup highlights several of the gatherings scheduled for the coming days. Weekend highlights: - The Big Cheese Festival at the Lebanon Fairgrounds features a wide variety of cheeses along with food trucks, live music and eating contests. - Chocolate to the Rescue at the Middletown Crystal Ballroom is presented as a chocolate tasting event raising funds for Columbus House. - The Knights of Columbus Greenway 5K Charity Walk & Run in Derby is the 19th annual event, with proceeds announced as supporting local charities in the valley. - Southbury Land Trust's Platt Farm Vernal Pool Party on Flood Bridge Road focuses on vernal pool life such as wood frogs, fairy shrimp and salamanders. - Colorblends House & Spring Garden on Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport is open for the season and features spring blooms across its historic property. - A free family concert in Shelton pairs the New Haven Symphony Orchestra with the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo for an interactive, family-friendly program. Summary: These events bring food, fundraising, performances and outdoor activities to communities across Connecticut this weekend. Specific schedules and further details are provided by the event organizers.