If you feel a little overwhelmed by the number of activities in October, you are not alone. Here are the Real Hartford picks for next month.
October 1st
Steampunk Bizarre Exhibit: The Mark Twain House is housing the work of eighteen artists through January 15, 2012. If you do not know what steampunk is, check out a photo from a previous exhibit in Hartford. The opening is free from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
In 2 Tempos— Antonio Caban Vale and Fernandito Ferrer: This evening performance will be at the Learning Corridor Theater (359 Washington Street). Call (860) 757-6388 for tickets.
October 3rd
The Philadelphia Story: matinee screening at 1:30pm at Real Art Ways. Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart.
Madres Unidas — Researching for Change: this is an opportunity to view the documentary and to meet Andrea Dyrness, its author and producer. This event runs from 5:30-7:30pm at the Park Street Branch of the Hartford Public Library (Babcock and Park). Free.
Conozcan a Andrea Dyrness, autora y directora de Madres Unidas: Parents Researching for Change, y vean este documental que cuenta la experiencia de 5 madres inmigrantes que se envolvieron en la lucha de comenzar una nueva escuela pequeña para sus hijos y en el proceso, se convirtieron en videografas e investigadoras para documentar su camino.
October 4th
Real Board (Games): from 5:30-8:30 in the evening you can gather with friends at Real Art Ways and play games, for free, of course. Why? Because bar trivia has jumped the shark.
October 5th:
Hartford City Council Candidates Forum: All candidates on the November ballot have been invited to participate in this question-and-answer session at the Hartford Public Library. Refreshments will be available at 5:30 p.m.; the forum begins at 6 p.m. If you have suggestions for questions to ask the candidates, email them to HartfordVotes@gmail.com.
October 6th:
Opening reception for the Art of John Murphy: The Pump House Gallery in Bushnell Park has been getting some great use as an art space. The opening reception for John Murphy’s art goes from 5-8 in the evening, but the exhibit will remain on display through October 27th.
First Thursday — 80’s Night: OPM will be providing covers of songs from the decade many of us wish to forget. There will be breakdancing! Prizes will be awarded for best 80’s costume. And, this time, there will be not one, but two films– Midnight in Paris and Annie Hall. This is at the Wadsworth Atheneum.
October 7th
Bicycle Thief: the 1948 film is playing at Real Art Ways through October 13th.
October 14th
The Motherfucker with the Hat: The Stephen Adly Guirgis play, which has been nominated for a number of awards, will be performed through December 4th at TheaterWorks. Finally, a legitimate excuse to curse when some busybody asks about how you spent your weekend!
October 15th
The Hartford Marathon: If you are participating in this, you probably knew all the details months ago, but for those who would rather just watch, here goes. It starts at 8 in the morning. Besides being wicked early, this is also going to create traffic diversions during the day. Plan accordingly. The best bet for locals is to just walk or bike. Head to Bushnell Park to see people start and finish.
Real Ride: The point of the ride is fun. It’s not a race. But that doesn’t mean the group rides on sidewalks, blocks the entire street, or blows through red lights. (Well, some might define “fun” as what lands them in the emergency room). There has been a mobile dj in the past, hauled by Chris of Daily Rider. The event begins and ends at Real Art Ways; children are welcome to ride with the group. This time, there will be a number of surprises along the route, all of which I know about, and none of which I am willing to reveal in advance. It’s free, so just go!
Shag Frenzy: the monthly dance party at Arch Street Tavern will award prizes to the top three best Halloween costumes. Dancing starts at 9pm and ends late.
October 20th
Patti Smith to honor Arthur Rimbaud: Performance begins at 7:30 and will be preceded by a reception that starts at 6pm. This is at the Wadsworth Atheneum.
October 21st
More Patti Smith: Again, at the Wadsworth Atheneum, you can find the artist, musician, and author signing books from 11 am until 12:30 pm.Why? Her exhibit — Patti Smith: Camera Solo — opens on this day and runs through February 19, 2012.
October 22nd
Discover Hartford Parks Tour: This event is in its fourth year, and like the Real Ride, is not a race, though some cyclists seem to treat it that way. Ignore them. Bike Walk CT and the City of Hartford are the co-presenters of this event. Cyclists start at 8:20 in the morning; walkers begin at 9:10. Everyone should be back to Bushnell Park by 2pm because…
Hooker Day Parade: begins at 2 pm and lasts for about 90 minutes. It’s zany and fast-moving, so don’t be late! If for no other reason, it gives you the chance to collect candy to hand out on Halloween.
October 29th
Nosferatu with Alloy Orchestra: the musical ensemble will perform while Nosferatu plays at Real Art Ways.