Connecticut farm businesses invited to exhibit in state building at The Big E

Farms, specialty food producers, and agricultural organizations across Connecticut are invited to apply for exhibit space in the Connecticut Building at The Big E, with applications due by 4 p.m. on March 23, 2026.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Connecticut Office of Tourism, organizes the Connecticut Building each year to showcase CT Grown businesses and promote agricultural products and services during the 17-day fair. In 2026, The Big E will run from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Participation in the Connecticut Building at The Big E provides Connecticut farms and related businesses tremendous opportunity to engage with new customers, sample CT Grown farm products, and encourage visitors to travel to their farm for unique experiences,” Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a statement. He added that exhibitors have reported increased sales and valuable exposure that support long-term growth.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top events in February — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to shows at Fairfield Theatre Company — and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Connecticut way with our locally inspired merch.

Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, nonprofit agricultural organizations, and other entities with an agricultural mission that highlight the diversity of farming in the state. More than 1 million fairgoers are estimated to visit the Connecticut Building each year.

Connecticut Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, and Harvest New England Day will take place Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

In 2025, the Connecticut Building featured 34 agricultural exhibitors offering farm products, specialty foods made with at least 51% Connecticut-grown ingredients, educational programming, and hands-on experiences.

Additional information and application materials are available on the department’s website.

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February events at Fairfield Theatre Company

2/18 – James Canning
2/19 – Mad Dogs & Englishmen
2/20 – Phoebe Katis
2/20 – Pink Talking Fish Ensemble
2/21 – Masters of the Telecaster
2/24 – Oscar Shorts – Live Action
2/26 – Matilda The Musical
2/26 – Oscar Shorts – Animation
2/27 – Matailda The Musical
2/27 – Zebra
2/28 – Matailda The Musical

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February events at PeoplesBank Arena

2/20 – Utica Comets vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Boston College vs UConn Men’s Hockey, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Belleville Senators vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/25 – St. John’s vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
2/26 – Georgetown vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets

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Connecticut farm businesses invited to exhibit in state building at The Big E