Milford has a multitude of opportunities for entertainment and recreation all year round, and many of those opportunities are free! If you’re looking for a few ideas on how families and individuals can find fun activities without spending a penny, look no further.
Beaches
The great outdoors calls to many of us, and Milford has a variety of beaches and parks to visit and enjoy some fresh air, free of charge. From Anchor Beach and Woodmont Beach on the eastern side of Milford, Gulf Beach at the eastern mouth of the harbor, west to Fort Trumbull and Walnut Beaches, give visitors the chance to experience the salt water, the sand, and the sea life exposed at low tide. Parking is free for Milford residents. Silver Sands State Park offers a similar experience, along with picnic areas and walking trails.
Craft Fairs on The Green
The Milford Green, being the second longest in New England, is a perfect setting for craft fairs. There are several scheduled each year through spring, summer, and fall. The Milford Artisan market, boasting fine art and craft exhibitors, as well as food and music, will take place the weekend of May 7-8. About a month later, on June 3-4, plan on stopping by the annual Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church’s Fair on the Green.
Fishing
For saltwater enthusiasts, there are several popular locations along Milford Harbor, the Housatonic River, and the rest of the shore where anglers can attempt to indulge their passion. Check out spots such as the Gulf Beach and Fort Trumbull breakwaters, Anchor Beach, Silver Sands State Park, and Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point.
Those preferring freshwater can cast a line as well. Both duck ponds are popular locations, and each May the annual Milford Fishing Derby is held by the Milford Striped Bass club for kids aged 15 and under. Mondo Ponds, the pond at Eisenhower Park, and Beaver Brook ponds are also great places to fish. Children can fish without a license in Connecticut, however those 16 and older do need to obtain one before they fish.
Library Events
Milford Public Library has a broad range of free activities and resources for adults and children. Programs range from story hour for youngsters to book discussion groups for adults, educational programming (both in-person and virtual) “take and make” craft kits, and more. Downloadable e-books, magazines, and audiobooks, as well as a streaming video service are available to those with a library card. Visit milfordlibrary.org for a calendar of events.
MAC Summer Pop Ups
All summer long, the Milford Arts Council holds their Summer Pop Ups on Saturdays at 11:00 am. Each week features a different venue and a different theme, from theater to music, spoken word to fine art. All are free to attend. https://milfordarts.org/popups
Milford Oyster Festival
The Milford Oyster Festival is the largest event in the city, bringing tens of thousands to our Small City with a Big Heart on the third Saturday of August (this year August 21) each summer. Live entertainment can be found in multiple locations, including the main stage on Fowler Field. A large craft fair is held on the Green as well.
Music
Residents and visitors can take in a variety of outdoor musical entertainment during the summer in Milford, beginning with the Fridays After 5 free downtown summer concerts being held at Fowler Pavilion from 5:00 – 8:00 pm beginning Memorial Day through July 1st.
After that, the Walnut Beach Summer Concert Series kicks in, held under the Rotary Pavilion at Walnut Beach on Sundays from 4:00 – 7:00 pm beginning July 3 and running through September 4.
Parks
There are numerous parks to visit for free in Milford and each has a different feel. Some, like Mondo Ponds, Beaverbrook, Wilcox Park, and Solomon Woods are geared toward folks looking for a light hike. Others, like Fowler Field and Eisenhower Park, have many different activities to offer including a playground and basketball and tennis courts. At Eisenhower Park there are trails, Bodie’s Place (a playground for children of all abilities), a summertime splash pad, pickleball and tennis courts, and a fenced-in dog park for those looking for some off-leash fun with their pup. Neighborhood parks with playgrounds are scattered around Milford as well.
PorchFest
This eclectic event takes place all over Milford, with a large variety of music offered for free by bands and individual musicians. Porches and front yards across the city are the venues, and past talent has included Milford’s own Jay Rowe, the Rum Runners, Emily Mager, and more. This year will be the third annual Milford PorchFest. More info can be found at discovermilford.com.
Tennis/Pickleball
For tennis and pickleball enthusiasts Eisenhower Park, Fowler Field, and the Anderson Avenue park provide locations for residents to enjoy their favorite sport. Playing on these courts is free to Milford residents, but a season pass must be obtained from the City’s Recreation Department to reserve a court. There is no cost for this pass, and it can be obtained by visiting milfordrecreation.com.
There are so many free and fun things to do all year round in our Small City with a Big Heart; head on out and enjoy as many as you can!
