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Weekend Game
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Zip 06076 06076
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Weekend of May 22 - May 24, 2026
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WEEKEND SNAPSHOT
Sunny and mild with daytime highs reaching 74°F; ideal for the long weekend.
Active bridge rehabilitation on Route 190 is the primary traffic concern for residents traveling between Stafford and Somers.
⚡ If You Only Do One Thing
Soapstone Mountain Lookout Summit
Saturday 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
"It offers the highest vantage point in the 06076 area without the high-traffic congestion of the upcoming Monday parades."
PRO TIP: Take the ‘Soapstone Mountain Trail’ from the parking lot for a steady incline rather than the steep access road to save your knees.
📅 Add to Calendar
📍 Top Spots
Stafford Palace Theater Live
Friday Evening • Main Street, Stafford Springs
Historic theater hosting regional and national music acts in an intimate, vintage setting.
Best For: Live music fans and history buffs • Cost: Varies by show
Stafford Historical Society Special Exhibit
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM • Haymarket Common / Museum
A localized look at Stafford's military history and veterans in honor of Memorial Day.
Best For: Families and local history enthusiasts
Bigelow Hollow State Park
Sunday Morning • Route 171, Union
Deep woods hiking and quiet kayaking on Mashapaug Lake.
Best For: Nature seekers looking for peace before Monday's festivities
Choose Your Mode
Mode: Family
Picnic at Sun Valley
Day pass required
Saturday 12:00 PM • Stafford Springs
Traditional swimming and recreational area perfect for energetic kids.
Tip: Pack your own cooler; food lines can be long on holiday weekends.
Mode: Solo
Shenipsit State Forest Exploration
Free
Sunday 7:00 AM • Somers/Stafford Line
Extensive trail network allows for solitude even on a busy weekend.
Tip: Park at the Gulf Road entrance for the most direct access to the interior trails.
Mode: Date Night
Willington Pizza House Dinner
$20 - $40
Friday 7:00 PM • Willington (Rte 32)
Award-winning pizza in a cozy, rustic atmosphere just south of the 06076 border.
Tip: Ask for seating in the 'original' side of the building for a more historic vibe.
Weekend at a Glance
FRI evening
Live Show at The Palace
Cultural
SAT morning
Soapstone Mountain Summit
Active
SAT afternoon
Historical Society Exhibit
Educational
SUN morning
Bigelow Hollow Hike
Outdoors
SUN afternoon
Willington Pizza Dinner
Foodie
⚠️ Logistics Watch Outs
Route 190 Bridge Rehabilitation
West Stafford Road (Rt 190) near the Somers town line; all weekend.
Expect alternating one-lane traffic. Use Route 140 through Ellington as a bypass if traveling toward Somers/Enfield.
Main Street Parking Ban
Stafford Springs Main St, starting Sunday Night for Monday's Parade.
Avoid parking on Main St overnight Sunday. Use the town lots behind the Post Office or near the library.
State Park Capacity
Bigelow Hollow State Park; Sunday 11:00 AM.
Arrive before 10:00 AM; the park frequently closes its gates once the limited parking lots are full on holiday weekends.
🍿 Movies
Top Box Office
Avengers: Doomsday (PG-13): The latest chapter in the Marvel saga, dominating the early May box office.
Weapon (R): A high-concept thriller from the creator of 'Barbarian' that has become a sleeper hit.
Animal Farm (PG): Andy Serkis's long-awaited animated adaptation of the Orwell classic.
New This Weekend
I Love Boosters (R): Boots Riley's crime comedy about a crew of shoplifters taking on a fashion mogul.
Passenger (R): A road-trip horror story involving a demonic presence and a van-life nightmare.
📅 Plan Ahead
| Date |
Event |
Action |
| May 25, 2026 |
Stafford Memorial Day Parade |
High |
| July 1, 2026 |
Stafford SummerFest & Fireworks |
Medium |