In this CVB Thursday Preview, we spotlight new May 2026 additions to the Connecticut Veterans Calendar, including Kentucky Derby parties, Memorial Day parades, and Armed Forces Day celebrations across the state.
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 and although our previous publication doesn’t include the new events listed here, it contains all other ongoing statewide listings.
See The New Listings Below The Summary
The CVB Thursday Preview returns with a forward look at newly added events shaping the upcoming Connecticut Veterans Calendar for Saturday, May 2, 2026. This edition highlights a strong mix of community-driven gatherings, patriotic observances, and veteran-focused programs taking place across the state in the weeks ahead.
New additions include opportunities for connection and support such as American Legion and VFW-hosted dinners and fundraisers, Kentucky Derby–themed social events, and live entertainment like Yacht Rock in Westport. Family-friendly activities and seasonal celebrations are also featured, including Mother’s Day brunch and BINGO, as well as nostalgic events like a 1950s-style Sock Hop.
Looking further into May, the calendar expands with larger community engagements such as Armed Forces Day at the Tolland Military Museum, a live performance by the U.S. Navy Band Northeast Pops in East Hampton, and multiple Memorial Day–related gatherings and parades. Veteran-focused programs such as the Veterans Stand Down in Danielson and the Town of Stratford Veterans Breakfast provide essential outreach and recognition opportunities.
Additional listings include motorcycle rides, bowling tournaments, baseball tryouts, golf outings, and fundraising events supporting veteran causes and local organizations—demonstrating the depth and variety of engagement available throughout Connecticut.
The CVB Thursday Preview is designed to give readers an early look at what’s new and noteworthy before the full calendar release. Be sure to check the complete Saturday publication for the full statewide listing and detailed event information.
Thursday 30 April 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 2 May 2026
Events are in order by date
Vernon American Legion Spaghetti Dinner
Vernon American Legion Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday
May 2, 2026
4-6 PM
Come enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner with Mike’s famous meat balls. Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread and a tasty treat for dessert. Help support your local Veterans. Hope to see you….
$20 Per Person
Come Support your local Veterans!
Bring your family!
Hosted by:
Dobosz-Ertel-Laboc-Hansen American Legion Post 14
(860)875-1091
Location: 114 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
American Legion Post 112 Kentucky Derby Party
American Legion Post 112 Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday
May 2, 2026
4 PM
Cheer on your favorite horses as they run for the roses.
- Hat Contest
- Pot luck
- Raffle
- Games
Hosted by: American Legion Post 112 uncasville
(860) 848-1393
Location:
89 Pink Row,
Uncasville, CT 06382
VFW 5157 Water Oak Kentucky Derby 2026 Party
VFW 5157 Water Oak Kentucky Derby 2026 Party
Saturday,
May 2, 2026
at 5:30.
Join us for the Kentucky Derby Hat Party!! Wear a Derby Hat, and get a free drink! Bring a dish to share!
(860) 274-1573
Location:
866 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795
Yacht Rock Returns to Westport VFW
Yacht Rock Returns to Westport VFW
Sat, May 9 730-10 PM
Get ready to cruise the smooth vibes as Yacht Rock returns to Westport, CT for an epic night!
Yacht Rock Returns to Westport CT! Get ready for an unforgettable night of smooth tunes and good vibes as Yacht Rock sails back into town! Join us in person to groove to those classic soft rock hits that never go out of style. Bring your friends, loosen up, and let’s make some waves together in Westport! This is the perfect chance to relive the easygoing sounds that keep everyone coming back for more.
TICKETS: $15
Hosted by: WESTPORT VFW POST 399
(203) 227-6796
Location:
465 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Vernon American Legion Sunday’s Mother’s Day BINGO – Brunch
Vernon American Legion Sunday’s Mother’s Day BINGO – Brunch
Sunday, May 10th
Doors open at 11 am
Brunch will be available from 12-2pm.
Early Bird @ 12:30/ Bingo games start at 1pm
Stop in and purchase a ticket!
AMERICAN LEGION
114 West Street, Vernon
(860) 875-1091
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special Bingo and Brunch event at American Legion Post 14.
$45.00 package with a complimentary brunch…….
Reserve your spot
Call today!
(860)875-1091
Hosted by:
Dobosz-Ertel-Laboc-Hansen American Legion Post 14
(860)875-1091
Location: 114 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
East Hampton Lions Presents US Navy Band Northeast Pops
East Hampton Lions Presents US Navy Band Northeast Pops
Tuesday May 12, 2026
5:00 pm Socialize Outside with FREE HOT DOGS & SNACKS
6:00 pm start in the Auditorium
EAST HAMPTON LIONS PRESENTS
FREE
Who We Are:
Navy Band Northeast’s Pops Ensemble is the band’s largest ensemble, comprised of 30 wind and percussion instrumentalists, specializing in musical styles that range from patriotic favorites, traditional wind band literature, and Broadway showstoppers.
Celebrate USA 250th ANNIVERSARY
Hosted by:
East Hampton Lions and our 250th Committee
(845) 249-6141
Location:
15 North Maple Street
East Hampton, CT 06424
20 Riders Annual Spring Ride
20 Riders Annual Spring Ride
Saturday May 16, 2026
Registration 8:30-10:45am, Kick stands up at 11am
Rain Date May 17
Price Includes-Ride and Chicken Dinner with Sides
Riders $25
Passengers $15
Non-Riders welcome for $15 @2pm
Music by Crowned Kaos
Raffles
Proceeds to Benefit American Legion Post 20
Hosted by: American Legion Chapter 20 Riders
(860) 584-9119
Location:
245 Main St.
Terryville, CT 06786
Armed Forces Day at the Tolland Military Museum
Armed Forces Day at the Tolland Military Museum
MAY 16, 2026
10 AM – 4 PM
- WW2 Reenactors
- Military Vehicles
- Museum open for public tours
- Food
- 1940’s Music
Honoring Those Who Serve. Yesterday, Today
Looking for re-enactors to honor all men and women currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, including Reserves and National Guard. contact 43ID 169th Co. F for more info 43rdid169th@gmail.com
Hosted by: Tolland Military Museum
(860) 803-0034
Location:
747 Tolland Stage Rd,
Tolland, CT 06084
2nd Annual SAL Squadron 113 Lasagna Dinner
2nd Annual SAL Squadron 113 Lasagna Dinner
Saturday May 16th 4-7
- Lasagna
- Garlic bread
- Salad
- dessert
$15 per person, proceeds go to Grave Markers for our Vets.
Hosted by: Sons of the American Squadron 113, Old Saybrook Connecticut
Location:
American Legion Post 113,
80 Essex Rd,
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 388-9482
Vernon American Legion Purse & Power Tool BINGO
Vernon American Legion Purse & Power Tool BINGO
SATURDAY MAY 16TH
Doors Open at 5PM Games Start at 6PM
Kitchen will open at 5PM
$35.00/10 GAMES
COME SUPPORT OUR LOCAL VETERANS!
BRING A FRIEND FOR A FUN NIGHT!
Enjoy a fun nite of BINGO and win some great prizes. Sponsored by:
The Ladies Auxiliary
Hosted by:
Dobosz-Ertel-Laboc-Hansen American Legion Post 14
(860)875-1091
Location: 114 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
Windsor Locks VFW Sock Hop
Windsor Locks VFW Sock Hop
📅 May 16, 2026
🕖 7–10 PM
Step back into the 1950s and join us for a night of music, dancing, and fun at our Windsor Locks’ America 250th Sock Hop!
🎸 Live music by Fullkrew
👗 50’s Costume Contest (with prizes!)
🍿 Bring your own snacks
🍹 Cash bar + 50/50 raffle
Grab your friends, dress the part, and get ready for a night full of nostalgia and good vibes
$20 per ticket | 21+ event
Purchase at upcoming events or email: windsorlocks250@gmail.com
Let’s celebrate 250 years of life, liberty, and freedom—Sock Hop style 🇺🇸
#WindsorLocks250 #WL250
Hosted by: Smalley Brothers VFW Post 6123
(860) 623-6856
Location:
36 Fairview St,
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
VFW Post 9460 Pasta Night
VFW Post 9460 Pasta Night
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for an evening of great food and fun! Dinner & Entertainment. Dessert & Coffee Included. Door Prizes. Bring your friends and family for a delicious night out!
$25 per person TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE BY MAY 15, 2026
Hosted By: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 (860) 584-6258
Location: 100 Veterans Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
Ukeladies Sing Along at American Legion Post 128
Ukeladies Sing Along at American Legion Post 128
THURS MAY 21, 2026
5:30-7PM
BRING A SNACK OR FOOD TO SHARE! BAR OPEN TO PURCHASE ALCOHOL/NA BEVERAGES.
PUBLIC IS WELCOME!
COME SING ALONG HAVE SOME FUN!
PLAYING SONGS
FROM 60’S & 70’S
DONATIONS OF CANNED GOODS APPRECIATED FOR EAST LYME FOOD BANKS
Hosted by: American Legion Post 128
(860) 739-9360
Location:
16 York Ave,
Niantic, CT 06357
PLAV Post 189 Memorial Day Weekend Gathering
PLAV Post 189 Memorial Day Weekend Gathering
MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY
JOIN US ON
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026
POST OPENS AT 12:00 NOON!
APPETIZERS:
STARTING AT 1:00 PM!
MAIN COURSE
SERVED AT 8:00 PM
MENU:
- LEE’S FAMOUS BBQ CHICKEN
- COLE SLAW
- MAC AND CHEESE
- DINNER ROLLS
- DESSERT!
$10.00 / PERSON
FOR THE MEAL
INCLUDES 1 RAFFLE TICKET FOR 2 RAFFLE DRAWINGS
SIGN-UP REQUIRED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE CANTEEN!
Hosted by:
(203) 237-7492
Location:
193 E Main St,
Meriden, CT 06450
Portland Memorial Day Parade 2026
Portland Memorial Day Parade 2026
This year’s parade will take place Sunday, May 24, 2026, rain or shine.
This is your Invitation to Participate!
Parade Assembly:
Victoria Road at 1:30 PM
Float/Vehicle Assembly: 12:30 PM
Step-Off: 2:00 PM
The procession will pause for a brief ceremony at the Civil War Monument on Bartlett Street, then continue down Main Street as usual. A reviewing stand will be located at Brownstone Intermediate School. The route will then proceed left onto Waverley Avenue, left onto East Main Street, and right onto Fairview Street, concluding at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
Details regarding parking restrictions and road closures will be shared in the coming weeks.
Registration Forms may be picked up at:
117 Main Street, Portland, CT
For more information:
Sara Sterry Rutter – Parade Organizer
📞 860-250-2041
✉️ ssterryrutter@yahoo.com
Want to get involved?
Volunteers are always welcome. Please reach out to Sara Sterry Rutter to join the committee.
Be sure to visit and “Like” our Facebook page: Portland Memorial Day Parade, where additional updates and information will be posted.
Hosted by: American Legion Auxiliary Post 69
(860) 250-2041
Location: Main Street to Waverly Ave to E. Main Street to Fairview Street.
Town of Stratford Veterans Breakfast 2026
Town of Stratford Veterans Breakfast 2026
NEW DATE!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026
HONOR ALL WHO SERVED
Breakfast at 9:00 am
Doors open at 8:30
Come to this year’s annual Town of Stratford Veterans Breakfast! Veterans and one guest are invited to attend free of charge.
In addition to breakfast, the Town is planning a program that will include speakers, recognition of our veterans, and a traditional performance from the Stratford High School Select Choir.
RSVP: Veterans can email emitchell@townofstratford.com or call 203-385-4029.
Hosted by:
(203) 385-4029
Location:
337 Kenyon St,
Stratford, CT 06614
American Legion 2026 Tri-Town Baseball Tryouts
American Legion 2026 Tri-Town Baseball Tryouts
🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN! 🚨
Get ready for the 2026 Tri Town American Legion Baseball season! ⚾️
📅 Tryout Dates:
June 3rd & June 4th
📍 Tourtellotte Memorial High School Baseball Field
✅ No payment is due at registration
All players must complete the required 2026 “Form 2” (Player Indemnification) using the link below:🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv9HS1evFHZ9JEaeuZjk4MkWIleICPG_gi68UaAE4M0vJvKQ/viewform
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a competitive, community-driven baseball program. Mark your calendars and sign up today
Hosted by: American Legion Tri Town Baseball
Location: Tourtellotte Memorial High School Baseball Field, 785 Riverside Drive, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255
10th Annual Department of Connecticut American Legion Family “FUN” Bowling Tournament
10th Annual Department of Connecticut American Legion Family “FUN” Bowling Tournament
Sunday June 7, 2026, 1pm Practice begins 1:15pm
The tournament is open to all American Legion Family members and guests.
We ask that each Team provide a prize for the Raffle Table.
Fundraiser for the Connecticut’s Children’s Medical Center
If you can’t bowl and would like to donate. Please send your donation on the slip on the bottom of the flyer and in the Memo on your check include “Connecticut Children’s”.
Only 20 Lanes are currently reserved.
$30.00 per person: Includes shoe rental, 3 Games of Bowling and Pizza.
Please return the bottom portion of the flyer with the Names in the order you will be bowling and send it by June 1, 2026.
Mail Checks Payable to:
“American Legion Dept. of CT”
The American Legion, Dept. of Connecticut, 864 Wethersfield Avenue
Hartford, CT 06114
Any questions please contact Paul Spedaliere at 860-537-1372
American Legion Department of Connecticut (860) 436-9986
Location: Bowl-O-Rama
2143 Berlin Tpke,
Newington, CT 06111
2026 PLAV Sons Detachment 189 Spring Fling Golf Tournament
2026 PLAV Sons Detachment 189 Spring Fling Golf Tournament
Best Ball Format!
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026
Registration 8:00 AM
First Tee Off 9:00 AM
Tee Off Times every 10 mins
PRICING: $75.00 PER PLAYER
- 9 holes with cart
- BBQ Lunch (Begins at 1:00 PM) 193 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450
- One Complimentary Drink Ticket (Ticket is good at Post 189 the day of tournament)
FUN ADDITIONS!
- All Golfer Levels Welcome!
- Closest to the Pin Contest!
- Longest Drive Contest, Men and Women!
- On-Course 50/50 Raffle!
REGISTRATION OF TEAMS AND PLAYERS
With Rich Kunze or Bill Zelinsky
Visit or call the post: 203-237-7492 to leave information.
Proceeds to benefit the PLAV Sons Detachment’s activities at
BBQ Lunch at the Post
193 East Main St, Meriden CT
begin at 1:00 pm.
Hosted by:
(203) 237-7492
Location:
123 Mack RD,
Middlefield, CT 06450
10th Annual CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley Veterans Stand Down
10th Annual CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley Veterans Stand Down
Saturday, June 13, 2026 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. FREE resource fair for Vets.
Providing services for all veterans and dependents in our community!
Hosted By: CT State Community College
& Danielson Veterans Coffee House dvchsecretary@gmail.com
Location: 742 Upper Maple ST, Danielson, CT 06239
American Legion Happy Birthday America Party & Clambake
American Legion Happy Birthday America Party & Clambake
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH
1:00 – 5:00 PM
BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR APPETITE!
JOIN US FOR A GREAT AFTERNOON SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 195 & The United States of America!
- CLAMS
- STEAMERS
- HOT DOGS
- HAMBURGERS
- CHICKEN
- SALADS
- & MORE!
PLUS
- BEER
- MUSIC
- RAFFLES
$45.00 SUGGESTED DONATION
Ticket purchases at Post 195
For More Information:
Call (860) 274-1035 and/or contact a Legion member.
(860) 274-7882
Location: 62 Bunker Hill Rd, Watertown, CT 06795