In this week’s Thursday Preview, we spotlight 20 of the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 3 May 2025. These events and programs are thoughtfully curated to support and engage Connecticut’s veteran community.
For a complete list of events and more details, please refer to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar in our upcoming publication or though our previous publication doesn’t include the events here, it has the all others.
Thursday 1 May 2025 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar on ctvetsbulletin.org for Saturday, 3 May, 2025
Events are in order by date
Port 5 Kentucky Derby Party
Port 5 Kentucky Derby Party
SATURDAY MAY 3rd
Galley Opens at Noon.
Party Begins at 2:00pm.
Run For the Roses at our Kentucky Derby Party with the rockin’ American 27’s! All kinds of Derby drink & food specials.
GRAB YOUR DERBY ATTIRE AND JOIN US AT PORT 5
LIVE Music Performed by American 27’s.
- Kentucky Derby Inspired Drink Specials.
- Kitchen Specials
- Fun Wagering Games.
- Watch the Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports on the Big Screen at 6:00pm
Hosted by:
Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans
(203) 576-9366
Location:
69 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 Kentucky Derby
Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 Kentucky Derby
Come on down May 3, 2025 for the Kentucky Derby.
Don a beautiful hat and sip on a mint julep.
Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken Sandwiches by Mission BBQ
5 PM -7:30 PM
LIVE Horse Auctions/Raffles
Hosted By: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 (203) 377-0214
Location:
100 Veterans Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
Free Suits For Veterans
� Veterans, we’ve got you covered! Join us on May 9th for a FREE suit, professional attire, career resources, and networking with local organizations. Look sharp, feel great, and set yourself up for success! �
� Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell
� 11AM-5PM
Register today at: https://www.saveasuit.org/mayevent/
Tag a veteran & spread the word! #VeteransSuccess
Hosted by:
(203) 456-6801
Location:
Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell
4 Sebethe Dr,
Cromwell, CT 06416
Elks Riders #771 Middletown Blessing Of The Bikes Poker Run For Veterans With PTSD
Elks Riders #771 Middletown Blessing Of The Bikes Poker Run For Veterans With PTSD
MAY 10, 2025 RAIN OR SHINE
REGISTRATION: 9:00 AM
KICKSTANDS UP: 10:30 AM
MOTORCYCLE OR CAR
BIKE/CAR $25-PASSENGERS $15
JOINING FOR THE FUN: $25 EACH
KIDS 10 AND UNDER EAT FOR FREE
- BEST HAND $100
- WORST HAND $35
- FOOD AND DESERT AT END OF RIDE
- 50/50 AND RAFFLE DRAWINGS
- LIVE MUSIC
1st Stop: Middletown Elks Lodge 771
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT
2nd Stop: The Country Tavern Café,
704 Long Hill Rd, Guilford
3rd Stop: Elm Café,
445 Main St, Branford 06405
4th Stop: Central Café,
280 Branford Rd, North Branford
Last Stop: Middletown Elks Lodge 771
44 Maynard St, Middletown, CT
Sponsored By: Middletown Elks Riders Lodge 771 (860) 346-9771
Location:
44 Maynard St, Middletown, CT 06457
Surfside Veterans Monthly Meeting
Surfside Veterans Monthly Meeting
2nd Saturday
May 10th 12pm
Hosted by:
(860) 710-1833
Location:
West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center
30 Hood Terrace,
West Haven, CT 06516
Chaplin Veterans Lions Club Charter Celebration
Chaplin Veterans Lions Club Charter Celebration
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
BBQ Lunch 12:30-1:30PM Service Project 1:30-2:00PM
Charter Ceremony 2PM
Attire is business casual
$20 per person for Lunch BBQ Lunch Raffle Baskets
- BFL Service Project
Attached list for BFL items to donate if able!
Please pay Cash or Check to Chaplin Veterans Lions Club
Rsvp May 5th
Lion Michele Wyatt
(860) 237-2744
Hosted by:
(860) 828-9102
Location:
108 England Rd,
Chaplin, CT 06235
Sons of the American Legion Milford Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast
Sons of the American Legion Milford Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast
May 11, 2025
9:00 to Noon
- Pancakes
- Regular
- Blueberry
- Sausage
- Bacon
- OJ and coffee
$10.00
Mothers and Children Under 10 FREE!
Sponsored By: Sons of the American Legion Milford CT (203) 874-9822
Location:
25 Merwin Ave,
Milford, CT 06460
Port 5 Mother’s Day Brunch
Port 5 Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 11th
11:00AM – 2:00PM
- Assorted fresh fruit
- Assorted muffins & danish
- Scramble eggs or Eggs du jour
- Home fries
- Bacon/Sausage
- Toast
- Waffles
- Chicken francese
- Roast beef with gravy
- Glazed baked ham
- Mediterranean shrimp salad (chilled)
Adults $30.00
Children under 12 $12.00
Advance sign-up by May 8th EOD See Bartender for details Non-Refundable
Hosted by:
Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans
(203) 576-9366
Location:
69 Brewster Street,
Bridgeport, CT 06605
21st Annual Homes For The Brave Golf Classic
21st Annual Homes For The Brave Golf Classic
Homes for the Brave’s 21st Annual Golf Classic will be held on Monday, May 12th, at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, CT, to support Veterans facing homelessness. The event starts at 11 am with lunch, followed by a shotgun start at 12 pm and concludes with a cocktail party and awards dinner at 5 pm. Entry includes lunch, golf, beverages, cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, and dinner. Participate as an individual player, foursome, dinner-only guest, Admiral Package purchaser, or through corporate ad partnerships. Sponsorships start at $250. Proceeds benefit Connecticut Veterans in need.
Register at homesforthebrave.org/golf or call Mea Allbert at 203-338-0669.
Hosted by: Homes For The Brave (203) 338-0669
Location: Rolling Hills Country Club, 333 Hurlbutt St, Wilton, CT 06897
South Windsor Armed Forces Day
South Windsor Armed Forces Day
FREE Admission. Event is put on by the South Windsor Patriotic Commission
Celebrate Armed Forces Day at Nevers Park with plenty of fun and excitement.
Enjoy free fun family entertainment, live music, great food trucks, awesome crafters and of course our military groups and displays! Fireworks will be shot off at dusk.
Presented by: South Windsor Patriotic Commission
& Petrillos Fairs and Festivals (860) 573-6780
Location: 124 Nevers Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074
Annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony 2025
Annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This annual ceremony honors the service and sacrifice of all Norwalkers who died during wartime service.
In addition, the life and service of Norwalk’s two Medal of Honor recipients, are remembered –John D. Magrath (WWII) and Daniel J. Shea (Vietnam).
Shea-Magrath Memorial “Come And Sit With Us And We Shall Speak Of Freedom
They Were Separated In Death By Time And Distance, They Are United Here By Bravery And Honor.Rededicated
in Grateful Memory Of Private First Class Daniel J. Shea United States Army 3rd Battalion 196th Infantry Brigade, 215t Infantry Americal Division 1947-1969
In Grateful Memory Of Private First Class John D. Magrath, United States Army Company G. 85th Mountain Infantry 10th Mountain Division 1924-1945
Hosted by:
Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee
(203) 952-0560
Location:
Shea-Magrath Memorial & Wall of Remembrance
50 Calf Pasture Beach Rd,
Norwalk, CT 06855
Blood Drive @ Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post
DONATE BLOOD. HELP SAVE LIVES.
Blood Drive @ Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post
Thursday, May 22, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Held in the Hall 100 Veterans Boulevard Stratford, CT 06615
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: VFWStratford to schedule an appointment.
Give May 19 to 31 for Red Cross solar lantern Itd qty & chance USA trip of choice! rcblood.org/may
1-800-RED CROSS |
Download the Blood Donor App
Hosted by: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460
(203)377-9112
Location:
100 Veterans Boulevard Stratford, CT 06615
MAGICAL SHOW @ VFW POST 9460
MAGICAL SHOW @ VFW POST 9460
STRATFORD
SATURDAY MAY 24, 2025
OPENS AT 5:30 PM – DINNER AT 6:00 PM – $25.00
MAGICAL SHOW BY DAVE DEROSA
DINNER BY LASSES
GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY DISAPPEAR
CASH BAR – LIMITED TICKETS 10 TABLES OF 6
Hosted by:
(203) 377-0214
Location:
100 Veterans Blvd,
Stratford, CT 06615
Free Veterans Breakfast @ Fireside
Free Veterans Breakfast @ Fireside
Joshua’s Worldwide Limousines is partnering with Fireside/Sunnyside to sponsor The Veterans coffee house in Ledyard. This event will be held every month on the 4th Tuesday at 9 am at Fireside.
The First one will be on May 27. Come out and meet fellow veterans in the area, there will be speakers ranging from the DAV, to local social services. There will be great info getting put out as well as great sea stories!!!
Hosted by:
(866) 217-5674
& Fireside (860) 381-5575
Location:
Fireside, 1661 CT-12,
Gales Ferry, CT 06335
Jonathan’s Myth @ AMERICAN LEGION POST 68
Jonathan’s Myth @ AMERICAN LEGION POST 68
MAY 30TH 2025
7:00-9:00PM
Featuring
- *LIVE MUSIC
- *OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- *NO COVER CHARGE
- *FREE POOL
COME ON OUT FOR A NIGHT OF FUN!
Hosted by:
(860) 828-9102
Location:
American Legion Post 68 Canteen, 154 Porters Pass, Kensington, CT 06037
Somers Veterans Coffee House With BG Lesbia Nieves
Somers Veterans Coffee House With BG Lesbia Nieves
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025
8:30-11:00 AM
JOIN US AS
BRIGADIER GENERAL LESBIA NIEVES pays tribute to our fallen heroes and shares her perspective as a trailblazing woman veteran and dedicated advocate
The Somers Veterans Coffeehouse offers veterans a place to gather, connect, and support one another. All veterans are welcome to aftend and bring one guest.
Hosted By: Somers Department of Veterans Affairs (860)272-4207
Location:
Somers Town Hall
600 Main St,
Somers, CT 06071
HOOKS FOR HEROES 14th Annual Fundraiser And Celebration
HOOKS FOR HEROES 14th Annual Fundraiser And Celebration
June 21, 2025
12:45pm – 4:00pm
Honoring Our Active Military, Veterans, And First Responders, With A Special Tribute To Our Women Combat Military Veterans
Entertainment: Tony Ferrigno Band feat. Milo Fuscaldo
- Large Buffet And Barbecue
- Raffle And Auction
- Kids Activities: Arcade Games, ‘Touch A Truck, Military Vehicles
Entrance Fee (Donation)
$20.00 Veterans And First Responders (With Valid Service ID) $40.00 General Public
Children Under 12 Free
PayPal | Zelle Donations
Hosted by: Hooks For Heroes
(203) 559-5205
Location:
10 Seaview Ave,
Stamford, CT 06902
Fundraiser To Benefit The August F Cruz Fund
Fundraiser To Benefit The August F Cruz Fund
Supporting East Hampton children with scholarships for events and activities)
Sat. 6/28, 2025
3pm – 8pm
- Italian Dinner
- Cash Bar
- Raffles
Mick Louis Band will be playing the tunes!!!
August F. Cruz 11/24/1963-6/12/2022
The August F Cruz Fund helps East Hampton children with scholarships for events and activities. Support the fund by attending the June 28th event. Dinner, raffles and the amazing Mick Louis Band!
Tickets $45 Available from VFW bartenders, At the Door or by contacting Thomas Cruz
203-600-9635
For more information:
contact Thomas Cruz at 203-600-9635
Hosted By: VFW Post 5095 (860) 267-8837
Location:
20 N Maple St, East Hampton, CT 06424
THE 6TH ANNUAL Sokol Lodge 30 & VFW Golf Outing
THE 6TH ANNUAL Sokol Lodge 30 & VFW Golf Outing
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
11:00 AM: Registration/Lunch/Range
1:00 PM: Shotgun Start 6:00 PM: Dinner & Awards
To benefit the Sokol Lodge 30 & Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 Community Outreach
Honoring SOC (SEAL) Jason D. Lewis United States Navy 2/29/96-7/6/07
$200 Entry Fee per Golfer (Payment in advance to Reserve your team, we sell out fast!)
For more information, please contact: sokolusa30@gmail.com
Registration/Sponsor Form (CLICK HERE)
Hosted by: Sokol Lodge 30
(973) 265-8724
& Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201
Location:
100 Aunt Hack Rd,
Danbury, CT 06811
Red, White & Blues:MUSIC AND DINNER WITH ERAN TROY DANNER
Red, White & Blues:MUSIC AND DINNER WITH ERAN TROY DANNER to benefit: VETERANS
Friday August 1st, 2025 @6PM
Featuring:
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
$50 per Person
Includes: Food & Entertainment Cash Bar Available
For tickets and information call or text Jane (203) 650-0623 or email alactunit209@gmail.com
Limited seating, get your tickets now while supplies last
Hosted by: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 209
Sponsored by:
American Legion Post 209 Forestville, CT,
Reidville Dentistry & Implants,
Operation HYHR Hold Your Horses Rescue
Location:
1636 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville, CT 06479
Watertown VFW Auxiliary Post 5157 Quarter Auction
Watertown VFW Auxiliary Post 5157 Quarter Auction
9/27/2025
DOORS OPEN AT 1pm.
AUCTION STARTS AT 2pm
- DOOR PRIZE
- 50/50 RAFFLE
- BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS
- CASH BAR
TICKETS $10 pp
TABLE RESERVATIONS CALL
203-274-1035
Hosted by: Watertown VFW Auxiliary Post 5157
(860) 274-1573
Location:
866 Thomaston Rd,
Watertown, CT 06795