Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences Events

Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences Events

CT Outdoor Recreation Day at the State Capitol

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Connecticut State Capitol, North Lobby, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford

Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day on Thursday, April 30, 2026, seeks to raise awareness of Connecticut’s growing outdoor recreation industry and the many opportunities for residents and visitors to recreate in the outdoors. The event will showcase a mix of outdoor industries (retailers, manufacturers, corporate brands, etc.), experiences (guides, instructors, coaches, etc.), and recreationists (associations, nonprofits, community groups, etc.).

The outdoor industry in Connecticut is bigger than many people realize – valued at $6 billion. (That is larger than in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont.) It employs more than 50,000 people in Connecticut, contributing $2.8 billion in salary and wages to the state economy.

Further, according to the recently released federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace the national average for the second consecutive year. Continued growth has resulted in gains in access, visitation, participation, new tourism opportunities, new outdoor recreation workforce pipeline possibilities, and the potential for more partnerships.

Details:

A public announcement was issued on March 24, 2026, via Press Release
Exhibit space is limited, only exhibitors must register
The event is open to the public. (The public does not have to register.) We encourage you to attend to connect with policymakers, network with the outdoor recreation community and help promote the growing outdoor recreation economy in Connecticut
View the event flyer here

Past Events

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day

When: Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Where: Mohawk Mountain Ski Area – 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall, CT

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day seeks to introduce more youth, families and adults to winter recreation. To encourage everyone to get on the slopes, discounted lift tickets, rentals, and lessons will be available on Thursday, February 19 at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall, CT. DEEP, CORA, Summit Adaptive and Leisuretime of Southbury will be available in the base lodge from 2:00-6:00pm. If you require adaptive equipment, please contact Summit Adaptive before registering for the event. Also, refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA).

Crowded tables ski day CTEE Ski Day Wheel . Mohawk Mountain Outside Mohawk Trail Sign Night Ski

Visit the Mohawk Mountain website to register for this event! After you register/log-in: enter the Group Password (WDpG23nUjlyi) when "Join Password Protected Group" appears. Participants must register by Thursday, February 12. We cannot accept walk-ins!