Negrura Peruana performs at Connecticut Historical Society on July 20th

DISCLAIMERS

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of our knowledge. Keep in mind that events are sometimes cancelled or postponed, and that incorrect details are at times given to us. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises or want to know what the plan is for inclement weather.

To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by July 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published.

This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford, wicked expensive, sketchy, or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.

July 1

  • Free First Saturday at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street), 9 am – 5 pm. Free admission to museum galleries.
  • Last chance to see Pablo Delano’s Hartford Views exhibit at ArtWalk in the Hartford Public Library.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Want to practice your French? Come to Mozzicato‘s (329 Franklin Avenue) from 10:30 am – 12 pm for French conversation with folks from Alliance Française. All levels of fluency welcome. Free to participate, but bring own money for all the delicious things you could possibly want.
  • Watch a free ballgame! See a fast pitch softball game in Goodwin Park, approximately 1 pm. Bring a picnic lunch.
  • Opening of Charles Schuster‘s Exobotany: Plants from Other Planets, at The Dirt Salon (50 Bartholomew Avenue), 5-9 pm. There will be food, a Latin jazz performance, and an unveiling of Chinnyere McPherson‘s newest ready-to-wear fashions. The dress code is all white. Tickets are $25.
  • Dog Star Rescue will have adoptable dogs at the stadium from 6:30 pm on. Tickets to the game are $10 and a portion of the proceeds go toward Dog Star Rescue. Contact wendy@dogstarrescue.org for more information.
  • Riverfront Swing Night: Come to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza for free music by Simply Swing, 6:30-8:15 pm.

July 2

  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Bushnell Park Qi Gong: Christian Sean Yong will be leading Qi Gong classes in Bushnell Park on Sundays, 1-2 pm. Meet in front of the carousel. Requested $5-10 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Hartford residents get free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum every day!
  • Sea Tea Improv’s All-Ages Show: All-ages comedy for kids, teens, and adults. This is interactive. $5 for kids 12 and under; $10 if you’re older. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 5-6:30 pm.

July 3

  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern, 8 pm. Free.

July 4

  • 4th of July Zumba Party: The 75-minute class begins at 9:30 am at The Creative Source Dance & Fitness Center (56 Arbor Street, Suite 103). $6 via Paypal; $8 at the door, if space available.
  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • West End Farmers’ Market: fresh produce from Connecticut farms, local vendors, and more. Every Tuesday in season, 4-7 pm. This is on Clemens Green near the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • WIP Into Shape: a free, all-levels boot camp-style workout class at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm.

July 5

  • Potter on the Plaza: Every Wednesday through the end of August, come listen to a read-aloud of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This free event is on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 12:30-1:30 pm.
  • Yoga Flow on the River: Free, “accessible to all bodies” yoga class led by an instructor from Hartford Sweat. This is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own yoga mat/towel.
  • Get HYPEd will be at The Flying Monkey (20 Lindbergh Drive) today, 5:30-8:30 pm. This is a casual networking event for young professionals. There is no fee to attend and there are usually free snacks; bring money to buy your own drinks. Don’t forget business cards!
  • Free concert by Simply Swing at the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Lawn, 6:30-8 pm. Picnics are welcome. Rain date: Thursday.
  • MakeHartford Open House: meet makers and tour the space from 6:30-9 pm. MakeHartford is at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Support Hartford’s maker space. Free.

July 6

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • Riverfront Food Truck Festival: 11 am – 8 pm at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
  • Take a free tour of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time between 12-1:30 pm. This involves walking up quite a few steep steps.
  • Catch a free, outdoor screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark around 8 pm on the East Lawn of Elizabeth Park. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

July 7

  • Riverfront Food Truck Festival: 11 am – 8 pm at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
  • ConnectiCon returns to the Connecticut Convention Center for its 15th anniversary. Ticket prices vary.
  • Enjoy free music from Balkun Brothers on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
  • Food Issues Community Meetings: presented by the Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy, this is an opportunity to share your experiences with school food, community gardens, grocery stores, food waste, SNAP/WIC, summer meals, school gardens, and transportation. This will be held at Grace Lutheran Church (46 Woodland Street), 4:30-6:30 pm. Free.
  • Summer Sizzle Under the Stars: Dinner, live music, and a film outdoors in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s courtyard. If it rains, everything will just go inside. They provide seating and food for purchase. Dinner is served a la carte beginning at 5 pm. Metro Jazz performs. La La Land screens at sundown. Free for museum members.

July 8

Bushnell Park
  • Aerial Acrobatics: All are welcome, but the class will be more enjoyable if you have previous experience with aerial yoga or aerial silks/hammock. Email jayne@ctaerialyoga.com if you are uncertain if this class style is appropriate for your level of experience. They say that “this class utilizes intelligent sequencing to build strength, stamina and competence in the foundational skills underlying aerial tricks. Learn to safely and gracefully execute tricks, flips, rolls and drops. Each class builds to a playful and accessible aerial “trick.” Improve flexibility and aerial technique in this dynamic and challenging class. A great class for those who want to supplement their aerial training or wish to purse aerial training in the future.” This will be at The 224 (224 Farmington Avenue), 9:15-10:15 am. Contact Jayne for pricing and to reserve your spot: jayne@ctaerialyoga.com
  • More ConnectiCon today! Don’t miss the Voltron photoshoot. Ticket prices vary.
  • Mark Twain’s Civil War: This is at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 10 am. They say: “While Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, is laid to rest in Elmira, New York, his legacy remains alive and well in Hartford. Join Steve Courtney of the Mark Twain House as he explores the Civil War through the eyes of the famous author, tells the story of his own brief, but complicated, wartime experience, and tours the resting places of Twain’s friends and acquaintances who played significant roles in the war.” $5 general; free to those who are members of CHCF, Let’s Go Arts, or the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • Gather by the carousel in Bushnell Park at 10 am for an hour-long history tour of the park. Free.
  • Second Saturdays at the Wadsworth Atheneum: Free admission from 10-1 (free all day for Hartford residents), family tours, and hands-on crafts.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Riverfront Food Truck Festival: 11 am – 8 pm at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
  • Riverfront Fireworks: The fireworks return in a much scaled-down format, with music beginning at 7 pm and fireworks at 9 pm. This is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and across the river at Great River Park. Free.

July 9

  • Final day for this year’s ConnectiCon! Ticket prices vary.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Hartford residents get free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum every day!
  • Bushnell Park Qi Gong: Christian Sean Yong will be leading Qi Gong classes in Bushnell Park on Sundays, 1-2 pm. Meet in front of the carousel. Requested $5-10 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Connecticut Robotics Society Meeting: 1-3 pm. This is open to all all. MakeHartford is at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Support Hartford’s maker space. Free.

July 10

  • Monday Night Jazz: The free series returns to Bushnell Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic, find yourself a seat near the pavilion, and enjoy. The Paul Brown Tribute Ensemble takes the stage at 6 pm; Paul Brown Legacy Band headlines at 7:30 pm. In the event of rain, the concert moves to Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Inkscape for the Laser Cutter: This free class will be presented online. Pre-registration is required. 6-7:30 pm.
  • Basic Laser Operations class: learn about engraving and cutting metals, plastics, and wood with MakeHartford’s Legacy Laser 450 series, 60 watt engraver/cutter. No prior experience necessary. There is a $20 fee for this class at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7). 6:30-8:30 pm.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern, 8 pm. Free.

July 11

  • Work for Yourself @ 50+: This free workshop is at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue), 9:30 am – 12 pm. They say: “Are you over 50, and have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Work for Yourself@50+ can help you get the information you need to succeed.” Register.
  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • West End Farmers’ Market: fresh produce from Connecticut farms, local vendors, and more. Every Tuesday in season, 4-7 pm. This is on Clemens Green near the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • WIP Into Shape: a free, all-levels boot camp-style workout class at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm.

July 12

  • Facebook Pages for Business: Where Do I Start? — free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue), 9-10:30 am. Register.
  • Financing Your Business Part 1: Preparing for Financing and the Role of Credit — this free, two-hour workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue) begins at 9:30 am. Register.
  • The Street on Which I Live: Take a free walking tour in Asylum Hill, led by Frank Hagaman of the Hartford Preservation Alliance. Meet at the YWCA at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Broad Street. The walk leaves at noon. Rain or shine!
  • Potter on the Plaza: Every Wednesday through the end of August, come listen to a read-aloud of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This free event is on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 12:30-1:30 pm.
  • Yoga Flow on the River: Free, “accessible to all bodies” yoga class led by an instructor from Hartford Sweat. This is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own yoga mat/towel.
  • How to Start Your Own Small Business: Basic information for aspiring entrepreneurs, 6-8:30 pm. Free, but register. This takes place at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue).
  • Free concert by Locomotion at the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Lawn, 6:30-8 pm. Picnics are welcome. Rain date: Thursday.
  • MakeHartford Open House: meet makers and tour the space from 6:30-9 pm. MakeHartford is at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Support Hartford’s maker space. Free.

July 13

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • World of Sounds: free music by Smokin’ Mirrors on the Hartford Public Library patio, 12-1 pm.
  • Take a free tour of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time between 12-1:30 pm. This involves walking up quite a few steep steps.
  • Thursday Nights on the Plaza: from 4-8 pm listen to music by POSSM, have a beer, and get food from the Brasato truck on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
  • PLAY: A free, live music jam at Caral Lounge (10 Bartholomew Avenue). Expect to see artisan and craft vendors. Vending begins at 4 pm, music starts at 6. This goes until late.
  • Know Good Market: Visit food trucks outside of 30-50 Bartholomew Avenue, 5-8 pm. Free admission.
  • Angels Among Us: at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 6:30 pm. Admission is $5; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members. They say: “Get to know the angels and allegorical figures that grace the landscape of Cedar Hill Cemetery. From the angel Gabriel to representations of Faith, Hope and Memory, Foundation Director Beverly Lucas will acquaint you with the figural monuments in the historic cemetery.”

July 14

  • Black Dirt Bourbon tasting at Capital Spirits (73 Pratt Street), 11 am – 2 pm.
  • Listen to Goza give a free lunchtime concert, 12-1 pm, outside of Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main Street).
  • Catch a free concert from Canyon on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
  • Pop Up Improv: Sea Tea Improv will be performing a free show at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 12:30-1:30 pm.
  • Summer Sizzle Under the Stars: Dinner, live music, and a film outdoors in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s courtyard. If it rains, everything will just go inside. They provide seating and food for purchase. Dinner is served a la carte beginning at 5 pm. Green Jazz Band performs. Niagara screens at sundown. Free for museum members.
  • Peace Walk Tour: They say “if you have lost a loved one to violence, have been a victim of it, or you want to stand for peace!” Gather at Park Street and New Park Avenue for a walk that begins at 6:30 pm. Contact (860) 245-1657 or 4UNITYCT@gmail.com for more info.
  • Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz: The free festival returns to Bushnell Park with gates opening at 5 tonight. The opening ceremony is at 6:30. Nelson Garcia takes the stage at 7. Aziza Miller follows at 9. You can bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, food, dogs on leash, cameras…basically anything that is not a gas grill or illegal.
  • CLUE Mystery Murder Tours: at the Mark Twain House & Museum, tours leave every 15 minutes from 7-7:45 pm. They say this tour will “take participants through the various rooms (secret passageway, conservatory, billiards room, and more) of the Twain house — and some of the author’s favorite literary characters — as part of the game.Who killed that varmint Pap Finn? Was it Tom Sawyer in the Library with the Wrench? Merlin in the Billiard Room with the Knife? The Pauper in the Kitchen with the Rope? Play our live-action version of the classic board game CLUE in an hour-long tour featuring the famed comedy troupe Sea Tea Improv as Twain’s beloved characters/suspects. CLUE Tours provide all the murder, mayhem, and merriment you expect in a whodunit. Our Clue Tours were featured on an episode of the Travel Channel show ‘Wackiest Tours!'” Reservations are required; ticket prices range $17-25.

July 15

Elizabeth Park
  • Organized Dog Walk: Free dog walk organized and led by Bob Marshall, owner of Naturally Dogs and Cats. 9-11 am in Elizabeth Park. Meet in the picnic area across from the Pond House.
  • Take a free park and history tour in Elizabeth Park at 9 am. The tour begins at the Cottage.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • One World Market: a family-centered event at the Parkville Station (Park St. and Francis Ave) that starts at noon. Free.
  • Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz: The free festival returns to Bushnell Park for another year. You can bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, food, dogs on leash, cameras…basically anything that is not a gas grill or illegal. Music starts at 3 pm with Dexter’s Lab. Today’s lineup also includes: Sez Zion Jazz Band, Fo/Mo/Deep, Groove Project, Side Street, and Decades by Dezyne. This wraps up late.
  • West End Block Party: Looks like this starts at 7 pm at a location yet to be disclosed. Check the Facebook event page to see where this ends up taking place.

July 16

  • Ross Tucker’s Hot Cat Dixieland Jazz Band performs at the Christ Church Cathedral (45 Church Street) mass at 10 am. Free.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Barre at the Brewery: doors open at 10:30 am, the “foot-loose and fancy-free class” starts at 11 and goes for an hour, and then everyone gets a glass of Hog River beer, cider, cold brew coffee or wine. This is an all-levels class. Wear grippy socks (available for purchase if you don’t have a pair). $35. This is at Hog River Brewery (1429 Park Street).
  • Bushnell Park Qi Gong: Christian Sean Yong will be leading Qi Gong classes in Bushnell Park on Sundays, 1-2 pm. Meet in front of the carousel. Requested $5-10 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Vegan on a Budget: learn tips for saving time and money in the kitchen, including how to safely forage for food. This is at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 3-4:30 pm. $5 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds.
  • Today is the last day of the 2017 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. Gates in Bushnell Park open at 1 pm. Music begins at 3. The lineup includes: Funky Dawgz Brass Band, Toscha Comeaux featuring Rene Toledo, Donald Harrison, and Jazz & Strings celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday.

July 17

  • Getting Started with Twitter: a free, basic workshop to help you create a Twitter profile, learn how to tweet effectively, and manage your time on the platform. This is available through University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue), 9:30-11:30 am. Register.
  • Food Issues Community Meetings: presented by the Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy, this is an opportunity to share your experiences with school food, community gardens, grocery stores, food waste, SNAP/WIC, summer meals, school gardens, and transportation. This will be held at 75 Laurel Street, 6:30-8 pm. Free.
  • Monday Night Jazz: The free series returns to Bushnell Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic, find yourself a seat near the pavilion, and enjoy. Heshima Moja and Ofrecimiento takes the stage at 6 pm; Little Johnny Rivero headlines at 7:30 pm. In the event of rain, the concert moves to Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern, 8 pm. Free.

July 18

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • West End Farmers’ Market: fresh produce from Connecticut farms, local vendors, and more. Every Tuesday in season, 4-7 pm. This is on Clemens Green near the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • WIP Into Shape: a free, all-levels boot camp-style workout class at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm.

July 19

  • Financing Your Business Part 2: Financing Options — register for this free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Avenue), 9:30-11:30 am.
  • Discover Cedar Hill: Tour Cedar Hill Cemetery at 10 am. They say: “Bob Chudy leads this introductory tour about Cedar Hill’s most prominent residents. Hear about the discoverer of anesthesia and his tragic life, the woman behind the management of Colt Manufacturing, and the man who saved the country from bankruptcy twice.” This is $5 general; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members.
  • Take a free tour of the Herb Garden in Elizabeth Park at 10:30 am. Meet at the Herb Garden.
  • Potter on the Plaza: Every Wednesday through the end of August, come listen to a read-aloud of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This free event is on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 12:30-1:30 pm.
  • Yoga Flow on the River: Free, “accessible to all bodies” yoga class led by an instructor from Hartford Sweat. This is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own yoga mat/towel.
  • Free concert by Latanya Farrell at the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Lawn, 6:30-8 pm. Picnics are welcome. Rain date: Thursday.
  • MakeHartford Open House: meet makers and tour the space from 6:30-9 pm. MakeHartford is at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Support Hartford’s maker space. Free.

July 20

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • Take a free tour of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time between 12-1:30 pm. This involves walking up quite a few steep steps.
  • Thursday Nights on the Plaza: Have a beer, listen to music, and get food from The Family Brick Oven Pizza Truck, 4-8 pm on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
  • Free outdoor concert from Negrura Peruana at CHS (1 Elizabeth Street), 6-7:30 pm. They say the group will: “perform the music and dance of African Peru, a dynamic blend of several percussion instruments, vocals, guitar, and dance.  Growing up in Lima, members of the group heard and played these styles all their lives, with music as a central part of community celebrations, gatherings, and informal competitions.” Grounds open at 5 pm. Bring your own chairs/blankets and picnics.
  • Party for the Planet: IREJN (The Interreligious Eco-Justice Network) is having a potluck/fundraising party featuring a mini-concert by Connecticut’s state troubadour, Kate Callahan. Bring food to share. No plastic unless it’s going to be reused. Lynn Johnson and Mike McGarry are the hosts of this at Woodland House (31 Woodland Street). This starts at 6 pm; music at 7. Donations welcome.
  • Upward Hartford App Launch Party: Music by Funky Dawgz Brass Band, food, cash bar. Free to attend, but rsvp. This is 7-10 pm at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, Mezzanine).
  • Free outdoor screening of Zootopia around 8 pm at 45 Evergreen Street. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

July 21

  • Sixpoint tasting at Capital Spirits (73 Pratt Street), 11 am – 2 pm.
  • Head to Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main Street) from 12-1 pm for a free concert by Mass-Conn-Fusion.
  • Lys Guillorn gives a free lunchtime concert on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
  • Summer Sizzle Under the Stars: Dinner, live music, and a film outdoors in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s courtyard. If it rains, everything will just go inside. They provide seating and food for purchase. Dinner is served a la carte beginning at 5 pm. Novolette performs. Forsaking All Others screens at sundown. Free for museum members.
  • Catch a free screening of The Princess Bride at sunset at Mortensen Riverfront Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

July 22

  • Food Summit and Network Launch, hosted by Connecticut Food System Alliance, 9 am – 3 pm at The 224 (224 Farmington Avenue). They say: “Come network with others who are interested or involved in the food system. Learn and talk about advocacy and current topics in the food world. Free lunch and free admission.“
  • Sam & Elizabeth’s World: from 10-11:30 am in Cedar Hill Cemetery, they say: “Elizabeth Colt erected the first major monument at Cedar Hill, one of her many efforts to commemorate her husband Samuel’s legacy in Connecticut’s capital city. Foundation Director Beverly Lucas will introduce you to Colt family members now residing at Cedar Hill as well as friends and associates of this influential couple. The tour will begin at the Colt Monument on Section 2 – follow the signs once you enter the cemetery.” General admission: $5. Free to CHCF & Let’s Go Arts members.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Elizabeth Colt’s Tributes: Jack Hale will lead a tour of Church of the Good Shepherd and Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House (155 Wyllys Street), 1-2:30 pm. They say: “This will be a different kind of tour, focused less on architecture and more on the ‘friends and family’ who played roles in the early years of Mrs. Colt’s church. This tour complements a morning tour at Cedar Hill Cemetery.” $5
  • Urban Roots Workshop Series: Urban Hydroponics — Chelsea Morrison will lead this free workshop at 75 Laurel Street, 10:30 am – 12 pm. Call 860-951-7694 to get more info or reserve your space.
  • See a free ballet performance in Elizabeth Park at 6:30 pm. This will be at the Rose Garden Lawn. Rain date is Sunday.
  • Wine and Whiskey Tasting at the Tavern at Keney Park: The $30 ticket includes tastings of summer wines, aged whiskeys, and Chef Eric’s bites. This is open to the public, but make a reservation by calling (860) 757-0658 or emailing info@tavernkp.com This begins at 6:30 pm.

July 23

  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Hartford residents get free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum every day!
  • Bushnell Park Qi Gong: Christian Sean Yong will be leading Qi Gong classes in Bushnell Park on Sundays, 1-2 pm. Meet in front of the carousel. Requested $5-10 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • String Thing: Come by MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7) to weave using Hula-Hoop Looms. 3-6 pm. Free. If you don’t know how, someone will show you.

July 24

  • Monday Night Jazz: The free series returns to Bushnell Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic, find yourself a seat near the pavilion, and enjoy. The Kris Allen Quartet takes the stage at 6 pm; Joanne Brackeen Trio headlines at 7:30 pm. In the event of rain, the concert moves to Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern, 8 pm. Free.

July 25

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • West End Farmers’ Market: fresh produce from Connecticut farms, local vendors, and more. Every Tuesday in season, 4-7 pm. This is on Clemens Green near the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • WIP Into Shape: a free, all-levels boot camp-style workout class at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm.

July 26

  • Gospels in Stone: The Churches on the Hill — take a free walking tour led by Mary Falvey of the Hartford Preservation Alliance. The walk begins at noon from Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue). Rain or shine.
  • Potter on the Plaza: Every Wednesday through the end of August, come listen to a read-aloud of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This free event is on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 12:30-1:30 pm.
  • Yoga Flow on the River: Free, “accessible to all bodies” yoga class led by an instructor from Hartford Sweat. This is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own yoga mat/towel.
  • Free concert by Rock Solid Alibi at the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Lawn, 6:30-8 pm. Picnics are welcome. Rain date: Thursday.
  • MakeHartford Open House: meet makers and tour the space from 6:30-9 pm. MakeHartford is at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Support Hartford’s maker space. Free.

July 27

  • Yoga at Toivo: Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) has yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no official charge, but a $5 suggested donation. They say that these are: “Heartfelt and explorative classes. Students will experience fluid vinyasas combined with longer holdings to build strength, flexibility and improve balance. These Hatha style classes also incorporate meditation, centering and breath work. Every student is encouraged to find their own expression of each pose.” 10-11 am.
  • Hartford Career Fair: 11 am – 2 pm at Hilton Hartford (315 Trumbull Street). Free, but register.
  • Take a free tour of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time between 12-1:30 pm. This involves walking up quite a few steep steps.
  • Construction will begin soon and building tenants will include food manufacturing and indoor agriculture businesses, a food business incubator, shared office, laundry, and health center. Tour the Swift Factory (50 Love Lane) to see what it looks like now. The one-hour tour begins at 5:30 pm. Meet by the loading dock.

July 28

  • Enjoy Klezmer music from Nu Haven Kapelye at the Old State House, 12-1 pm. Free.
  • To The Power brings live music to Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm. Free.
  • One World Market: Brazilian jazz by Joe Carter and Laura Volpintesto. This free event begins at the Parkville Station at 5 pm.
  • Summer Sizzle Under the Stars: Dinner, live music, and a film outdoors in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s courtyard. If it rains, everything will just go inside. They provide seating and food for purchase. Dinner is served a la carte beginning at 5 pm. Hiroya Tsukamoto performs. Undercurrent screens at sundown. Free for museum members.
  • Music Among the Memorials: Free music from Five in the Chamber at Cedar Hill Cemetery (453 Fairfield Avenue), 6-7 pm. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic.
  • Peace Walk Tour: They say “if you have lost a loved one to violence, have been a victim of it, or you want to stand for peace!” Gather at Sigourney Square Park for a walk that begins at 6:30 pm. Contact (860) 245-1657 or 4UNITYCT@gmail.com for more info.
  • Free screening of Beauty and the Beast in Bushnell Park near the Pump House. Movie starts 8-8:30 pm. If you arrive early, you can take free tours of the Arch and rides on the carousel from 7-8 pm. Bring a blanket/chair and picnic.

July 29

  • Family Yoga & Picnic: In Elizabeth Park, this is a children’s yoga class that they say will be “filled with lessons that incorporate playful and creative ways for children to exercise and explore their mind, body, and spirit with themes that are both educational and fun. The focus of this class is to create a nurturing and positive environment for young bodies and minds. Children will explore new ways to problem solve and develop self control. The class theme will involve nature, cognitive thinking and emotional behavior. We believe in providing a positive environment for children to express themselves toward a peaceful life within themselves and the world around them. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a yoga practice, breathing techniques, yoga games, songs and craft.Our class will be followed by a community picnic. Feel free to bring blankets, food and anything else you feel will add to the fun!” There is a $25 fee per family, with 10% of proceeds going to Horizons at Ethel Walker School. This is 10 am – 12 pm.
  • Civil War POWs: This is 10 am at Cedar Hill Cemetery. They say: “More than 175 Civil War soldiers, some of whom endured horrific conditions as prisoners of war, are buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Evelyn Bollert leads visitors on a tour of the final resting places of prisoners of the Civil War and tells their stories of bravery, resilience and heartbreak.” $5 general; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members.
  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Take part in the Milk Picnic at the Ana Grace Love Wins playground in Elizabeth Park, 12-2 pm. This is a celebration of CT Breastfeeding USA and its members. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch. There will be a silent auction and raffle to raise money for Breastfeeding USA. The rain date is July 30.
  • Summer Courtyard Concerts: The Hartford Steel Symphony will give a free concert from 2-3 pm at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue). Bring a chair/blanket and picnic.
  • Salsa Meets Jazz Festival: an afternoon of free music in Elizabeth Park featuring trumpet maestro Ray Vega, pianist Zaccai Curtis with Orquesta Espada. Also, Jose Paulo and his Brazilian Jazz Band. This is 2-7 pm.  The rain date is July 30th 2-7 pm.
  • Paper Arts Gathering: Planning for fall classes and presentation of current work from 3-5 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7). Free.

July 30

  • Free Coltsville Walking Tour: Meet the park ranger at the Colt monument in Colt Park (near Wethersfield Avenue entrance) for a tour at 10 am or 2 pm. No tours are given in bad weather. Call (717) 856-9629 for more information.
  • Hartford residents get free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum every day!
  • Bushnell Park Qi Gong: Christian Sean Yong will be leading Qi Gong classes in Bushnell Park on Sundays, 1-2 pm. Meet in front of the carousel. Requested $5-10 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.

July 31

  • Monday Night Jazz: The free series returns to Bushnell Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic, find yourself a seat near the pavilion, and enjoy. Maxine Martin Quartet takes the stage at 6 pm; Silvia Cuenca Organ Quintet featuring Dave Stryker headlines at 7:30 pm. In the event of rain, the concert moves to Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern, 8 pm. Free.

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