DISCLAIMERS
This information is accurate as of publication to the best of my knowledge. Events are sometimes cancelled or postponed. 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 September 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, kinda expensive, sketchy, or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.
September 1
- Enjoy free live music on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba classes on Fridays from 4-5 pm. This is free, but a $5 donation is welcome.
- A one-hour Tai Chi class follows at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) at 5:30 pm. Suggested $5 donation.
- The Beguiled screens at Cinestudio. They say: “Sofia Coppola’s new film brilliantly flips the 1971 film about an injured Union Army deserter (Clint Eastwood in the original) who hides out in a Southern girls school. Originally a tale of male titillation, it is turned to one exploring the ‘female gaze,’ still rare on the big screen. In non-film-school talk, this time it’s all about the female students (Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence), teachers (including Kirsten Dunst) and headmistress (a magnificent Nicole Kidman), and their barely concealed erotic fascination with the charmer in their midst.” This begins at 7:30 pm. General admission: $10. Some discounts available.
- The Penniless Wild plays Arch Street Tavern at 10 pm. This show is 21+. $7 advance/$10 door.
September 2
- Free First Saturday at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street), 9 am – 5 pm. Free admission to the museum galleries all day.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather.
- Full Moon Meditation: The Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor) is hosting this free event from 3-4 pm.
- Tee Tee Soul performs at Night Owl Pub (130 Ann Street), 8-10 pm. Free.
September 3
- Take a free yoga class in Colt Park, 10-11 am. Bring your own mat or towel. Free.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather.
September 4
- Labor Day of Action: SEIU 1199 has organized several events for the day. There will be an “action” at McDonald’s (1303 Albany Avenue) at 7 am. This is followed by a march down Albany Avenue at 8 am. A program begins at Christ Church Cathedral (45 Church Street) or Center Church (60 Gold Street) at 9 am. They say: “On Labor Day, workers will join community leaders and allies in a nationwide uprising to confront the politicians and corporations who have rigged the system against workers and put the demand for unions at the center of the national conversation. Locally, we will unite clergy, non-union workers in the fast food industry, and call for amoral resurgence of the labor movement. Together we will take back Labor Day as a day to highlight the important role unions play for workers and the progress we can only make by joining together!“
- There’s no charge to view what’s in Real Art Ways‘ galleries. Right now you can see Hong Hong’s All the Light in a Vivid Dream and Stewart Crone’s Pinned to the Wall. Real Art Ways is open from 2-9 pm daily.
- Trivia at Wood-n-Tap (99 Sisson Avenue) — free admission to trivia night. Time is posted as 8:45-10:45 pm.
September 5
- The new cafe in the Spectra (5 Constitution Plaza) officially opens today.
- Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) offers affordable yoga from 10-11 am. They say: “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.” There is a suggested $5 donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds.
- Get fresh, locally grown veggies and more at the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 4-7 pm. This is rain or shine.
September 6
- Morning Yoga and Meditation: Free all-levels class to start the day in Elizabeth Park. Meet by the stage near the Rose Garden lawn. Bring your own mat/towel and water. Class cancels if weather is bad. This begins at 7 am.
- Stop by a public DEEP meeting to weigh in on the Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy. This will be inside the Gina McCarthy Auditorium at DEEP’s Hartford office (79 Elm Street), 4 pm. Free, but please register.
- Get HYPEd: the networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs meets at CityPlace (185 Asylum Street) from 5:30-8:30 pm. They will also be hosting a School Supply Drive to benefit Bulkeley High School. Check out their wish list here. There’s no admission charge or need to register. Bring your business cards.
- Poetry open mic hosted by Zulynette Morales in the atrium of Hartford Public Library, 6-7:30 pm. Free.
- Take a tour of MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), Hartford’s makerspace. 6:30-9 pm.
September 7
- Lawyers have the opportunity to earn CLE credits at a networking breakfast that explores the concept of ownership. 7:45-10:45 a.m. at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street). The $36 registration fee includes breakfast.
- Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, 12-1:30 pm. It’ll probably only take you 15-20 minutes.
- WNPR Health Equity and Access Forum: They say: “Are Bias and Stereotyping Factors in the Health Care System? We’ll ask the questions ‘Is structural bias and stereotyping in the health care system a factor in disparate outcomes? If so, how does it manifest and how can we address it?’ Special guests include: Crystal Emery, New Haven-based filmmaker, writer, and activist; Dr. Forrester Lee, Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs at the Yale School of Medicine; Dr. Dowin Boatright, Assistant Professor at the Yale School of Medicine and Emergency Medicine physician; and Yolanda Caldera-Durant, Director of Programs at Fund the People. Hosted by John Dankosky, Host of NEXT and The Wheelhouse on WNPR and Executive Editor of the New England News Collaborative.” Free to attend, but register. Event begins at 5:30 pm in the Hartford Public Library.
- Design Night Out: Networking begins at 5:30 pm. Panel discussion on beer starts at 6 pm. This is at Hog River Brewing Co (1429 Park Street). There is no cover charge.
- Twang Thursdays: Live music by Wise Old Moon at Hog River Brewing Co (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. No cover charge.
- Wonder Woman screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio. General admission: $10.
- Stop in at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) to catch Ashley Hamel’s performance, which will include something called “wizard rock.” This begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $12.
- POSSM plays some sweet, sweet music at Republic (10 Capitol Avenue), 8:30-11 pm. No cover charge.
September 8
- Balkun Brothers give a free lunchtime performance at the Old State House, 12-1 pm.
- Enjoy free live music on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba classes on Fridays from 4-5 pm. This is free, but a $5 donation is welcome.
- Pratt Street Salsa Social: It’s happening again! Free dancing in the street from 5-7 pm. This is on Pratt Street. This street is covered in bricks. Don’t wear stupid shoes that will get caught in the cracks. Nobody needs to get Internet famous for a face-plant.
- Opening reception for Felice Caivano’s paintings at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street), 6-8:30 pm. Free
- The MOuTH: an evening of storytelling begins at 7:30 pm at the Mark Twain House & Museum. $10.
- Typo performs at Night Owl Pub (130 Ann Street), 8-11 pm. Contact venue for more info.
- Improvised Oscar Wilde: A four-act play will be improvised based on audience suggestions. This begins at 9 pm and tickets are around $10. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street).
September 9
- Go on a Mystery Scavenger Hunt in Cedar Hill Cemetery from 10 am – 12 pm. They say: “Explore Cedar Hill Cemetery while deciphering creative clues that direct you around the historic sections of the cemetery. Teams of up to four people each compete in the hunt. Once teams have collected all the clues, it’s time to solve the mystery. It’s a race to the finish, as prizes (and bragging rights) will be awarded to teams who solve the mystery the fastest.” Admission is $5. Registration is required; call 860-956-3311
- Second Saturdays: free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum from 10 am – 1 pm today. Once you’re in the door, you can stay until the museum closes — you don’t need to clear out at 1. Take free family tours and enjoy Sea Tea Improv.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather.
- Peek in at six residences in downtown Hartford from 10 am – 4 pm. The open house includes: Spectra Boutique Apartments, 777 Main, The Metropolitan (266 Pearl), Penthouse at 55 On The Park (55 Trumbull), Linden Place and Capitol Avenue. General admission for the self-guided tour is $25. Pick up tickets at the Old State House.
- Learn about urban beekeeping from Jack Hale at his home in Hartford where he does this. 10:30 am – 12 pm at 25 Carmel Street. Register for this free event by contacting: (860) 951-7694 ext 28 or elijahh@knoxhartford.org
- Brothers United will be standing on the corner of Vine Street and Albany Avenue from 12-1 pm to stand against violence and drugs.
- PrideFest: 12-6 pm on Pratt Street. Free.
- One World Market – Family Day: from 12-8 pm at the Parkville CTfastrak station. There will be free face painting, bubbles, and crafts. Food for purchase available from international vendors.
- Opening reception for untitled at ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum Street), 6-9 pm. Free.
- Enjoy a night of queer improv comedy at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 7 pm. Tickets are $10.
- Watch Sing for free at the stadium. No outside food/drink permitted. 7-10 pm.
- RAW Jazz: Mark Dresser 7 — Free performance at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street), 7:30 pm.
- Arahmis performs at Night Owl Pub (130 Ann Street), 9-11 pm. Contact venue for more info.
- Post-Punk & Pierogies: Island of Doubt plays at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue), 8:30 pm. Not sure what the admission price is.
September 10
- Kundalini Yoga: from 9-10:30 am at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue). They say: “Kundalini Yoga is called the Yoga of Awareness. It is a dynamic, powerful tool that is designed to give you an experience of your soul. Through a blend of postures, mantras, mudras, pranayama, and meditation that are combined to created sets known as kriyas, energy is generated to access higher consciousness and inner radiance.” There is a suggested $5 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
- If you want better access to fresh, nutritional food in Hartford, put your money where your mouth is. There is a fundraiser for the West End Farmers’ Market today at Sarah’s Coffee House (257 Asylum Street). $10 or $20 depending on how much you want to eat and drink. 10 am – 2 pm.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather.
- Connecticut Robotics Society Meeting: Begins at 1 pm in the MakeHartford space (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor). Free.
- Untold Stories Project: This entire event is from 1-6 pm. Doors open at 12:30 and people are asked to arrive before 1 as this begins on time with cacao, then guided meditation and sound healing, followed by “authentic games.” The storytelling is from 2:45-4:45 pm. This closes with a potluck, drumming, and yoga. They say: “Seven storytellers will sit in a great circle with the audience to share their experiences of pain, trauma, addiction, and so forth in a supportive and loving atmosphere. Through connecting with the audience, it’s hoped that our storytellers will find their own paths towards growth and healing.” There is a suggested donation of $5-$25, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Contact Kristen at 860-455-3384 or krisnls12345@gmail.com or Laura at 860 296-2338 ext. 104 for more information and if you’re interested in sharing your story. This is at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue).
- Syllable: experience this reading series at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm. Free.
- Improvised Oscar Wilde: A four-act play will be improvised based on audience suggestions. This begins at 7 pm and tickets are around $10. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street).
September 11
- Literacy & Libations: a happy hour to support Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford. This is at Salute (100 Trumbull Street), 5:30-7 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door; this covers the appetizer buffet and one drink.
- Take a free online class to learn Inkscape for the Laser Cutter, 6-7:30 pm. They say: “Students will be introduced to the vast program of inkscape, a free vector program, similar to Illustrator. They will learn the versatility of the program in conjunction with many of the machines common at a makerspace, with a focus on the laser cutter.” This class is limited to ten people, so sign up now if you’re interested. You will need a laptop with Internet connection for this class.
- Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays a free show at the Arch Street Tavern every Monday at 8 pm.
September 12
- Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) offers affordable yoga from 10-11 am. They say: “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.” There is a suggested $5 donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds.
- Get fresh, locally grown veggies and more at the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 4-7 pm. This is rain or shine.
- Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong — Chris Grosso will explore “working with short phrases (called ‘slogans’) as a way of generating bodhichitta, the heart and mind of enlightened compassion. Though the practice is more than a millennium old, it has become popular in the West only in the last twenty years or so. It has become very popular because it’s a practice that one can fit very well into an ordinary life, and because it works.” The first session (tonight) is an introduction and resolve to begin. This is 6-7:30 pm at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue). There is a suggested $5 donation per session, but nobody will be turned away for lack of payment.
September 13
- Morning Yoga and Meditation: Free all-levels class to start the day in Elizabeth Park. Meet by the stage near the Rose Garden lawn. Bring your own mat/towel and water. Class cancels if weather is bad. This begins at 7 am.
- Take a free webinar to learn how to create visuals for your business. This is from 9-10:30 am. Register online.
- Green Drinks: Shubhada Kambli, the new Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Hartford, will give a brief talk at 7 pm. Show up at Republic (10 Capitol Avenue) to start networking and drinking at 6 pm. Free admission.
- Take a tour of MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), Hartford’s makerspace. 6:30-9 pm.
- Trivia night at Chango Rosa Tacos (1 Union Place) begins every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Free to play.
- Greenhouse, a reggae/alt-rock band, performs at Night Owl Pub (130 Ann Street), 8-10 pm. No cover.
September 14
- Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, 12-1:30 pm. It’ll probably only take you 15-20 minutes.
- Know Good Market: from 5-8 pm there will be food trucks and vendors at 30-50 Bartholomew Avenue. Free admission.
- Join in the discussion of March: Book One at the Stowe Center (77 Forest Street), 6-7:30 pm. Free, but registration is requested.
- Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) will be hosting Professor Christopher Vials for his talk “Deep Roots: Fascism, Antifa, and Free Speech in the United States.” This will review trends in fascism and anti-fascism from the 1920s to present. 7-8:30 pm. Free.
- Experience sound healing at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue), 7-8:30 pm. They say: “Marie Menut, RN and Angela Martino will return to HMC with their Tibetan singing bowls from 7 – 8:30 p.m. As you lie on yoga mats and blankets you will be surrounded by the vibrational sound of Tibetan singing bowls, which will enable you to drift to a place where you will clear your body, mind and spirit of the stress and tension of the day enabling you to regain your buoyant energy.” Tickets are $20.
September 15
- The Sweetest Key gives a free lunchtime performance at the Old State House, 12-1 pm.
- Bomba y Plena with Roberto Cepeda and Gloria Lopez-Cepeda at the Hartford Public Library, 12-1 pm. Free.
- Enjoy free live music on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba classes on Fridays from 4-5 pm. This is free, but a $5 donation is welcome.
- Read It and Sleep: This is for kids and their parents/guardians. Wear pajamas, enjoy snacks, and listen to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs read aloud. The first 20 families get to take home a free copy of the book. This is at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 7-8:30 pm.
- Calling other Gen Xers: The Breakfast Club screens at Cinestudio at 10:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for the general public. Trinity College students get free admission to this one by showing their student ID.
September 16
- Historical Tour of Bushnell Park: This free tour begins at the carousel at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour.
- Peace, Love & Music Together: This year the festival will be moving from the West End to Downtown! From 10 am – 1 pm, catch the fun in Bushnell Park. Yoga, drumming, meditation, kids’ activities, Music Together concert, and more. Free admission.
- Encountering the Voting Rights Act: Take part in a free dialogue on this subject in the galleries of The Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s special exhibition 30 for 30: Art, Agency, Legacy. This is from 10 am – 1 pm, with lunch included. Free, but RSVP.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather.
- Peace in the Garden: come to the Earle Street Community Garden (130 Earle Street), starting at 11 am. They say: “Spread the light of peace in the neighborhood! Promote nourishment and unity through positive community building at the Mt. Moriah/Earle Street Community Garden. We join you to celebrate the community with KNOX.” There will be a drum circle and dance performance, along with entertainment from DJ Hakim and Self Suffice. Activities will include dominoes, face painting, storytelling, and raffles. This is a potluck — bring something to share. Free.
September 17
- Autorcross: You can watch autocross from 8 am – 4 pm at 1 Pequot Street.
- Coltsville Walking Tour: Free walking tours begins at 10 am and 2 pm by the Colt monument inside the Wethersfield Avenue entrance to Colt Park. No tours are given during bad weather. Today is the last chance to take one of these tours for the year!
- Exposure: People in creative fields will get that title without explanation. For everyone else: “After a lifetime of being poked, prodded, misunderstood, and asked to pour her heart out on stage for free, poet and author Mind.Evolution. created her one woman show Exposure to explore all facets of the word.” I know this one too well, having had people ask me to work for free in exchange for this thing called exposure, which does not pay the bills. This will be at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) from 7-8:30 pm. Tickets are $15.
September 18
- Ever feel like you want to do more than just drink at a bar? Come to Sully’s (2071 Park Street) to help make Night Fall lanterns. This is a free workshop. If you have clean clear or milky-colored plastic bottles, bring them. 6-8:30 pm.
- An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio. Admission: $10.
- Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays a free show at the Arch Street Tavern every Monday at 8 pm.
September 19
- Take a free workshop to learn how to create your business plan. This takes place in the Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue). 9:30-11:30 am. Register.
- Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) offers affordable yoga from 10-11 am. They say: “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.” There is a suggested $5 donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds.
- HYPE Blood Drive with American Red Cross: Give blood at Infinity (32 Front Street). They say: “register through HYPE, then follow the instructions in your confirmation email on how to schedule and register through the American Red Cross. You’ll also receive information like tip & tricks, dos & don’t, and an FAQ on the process of donating from start to finish.” 11:30 am – 5 pm
- Get fresh, locally grown veggies and more at the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 4-7 pm. This is rain or shine.
September 20
- Morning Yoga and Meditation: Free all-levels class to start the day in Elizabeth Park. Meet by the stage near the Rose Garden lawn. Bring your own mat/towel and water. Class cancels if weather is bad. This begins at 7 am.
- Take a Discover Cedar Hill Highlight Tour 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 free for CHCF members; $5 for the general public.
- Herb Garden Walk & Talk at Elizabeth Park. Meet in the Herb Garden at 10:30 am for this free one-hour event.
- Take a free workshop to learn how to create your business plan. This takes place in the Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue). 6-8 pm. Register.
- Take a tour of MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), Hartford’s makerspace. 6:30-9 pm.
- Free screening of Wonder Woman at the stadium. Movie begins at 8 pm. No outside food/beverages allowed.
September 21
- Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, 12-1:30 pm. It’ll probably only take you 15-20 minutes.
- Hartford Public Library is hosting a program, Talk to Your Children, Talk to Us. They say: “When parents talk to their children about drug and alcohol use, the likelihood of use is reduced by an astonishing 50%. In Hartford, drug use and abuse among Hispanic youth is higher than their peers. How can we prevent them from using illicit drugs? Let’s begin by talking to each other. Through generous funding from the United Health Foundation, the Governor’s Prevention Partnership is connecting to community-based services and providers to create a framework that seeks to prevent early substance abuse. Join us to discuss the trends in substance abuse in Hartford including marijuana and opioids. Find opportunities for parental and community engagement. Learn how the Partnership is developing a unique, culturally relevant approach to prevention in the Latino community. Mayor Luke Bronin and experts from across the city and country will also discuss ways to keep Hartford’s kids on the right track and o drugs and alcohol.” The reception begins at 4:30 pm; discussion starts at 5 pm. This event is free.
- Take a happy hour cruise on the Hartford Belle, 5:30-7 pm. Tickets are $22.
- Opening reception for Andy Hart’s Hartford at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street), 6-8 pm. This takes place during Creative Cocktail Hour (6-10 pm), for which there is a $10 admission.
- Opening reception for The Art of Protest at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 6-8 pm. Free.
- Twang Thursdays: Live music by Brian Dolzani at Hog River Brewing Co (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. No cover charge.
September 22
- Band of Steady Habits gives a free lunchtime performance at the Old State House, 12-1 pm.
- Enjoy free live music on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba classes on Fridays from 4-5 pm. This is free, but a $5 donation is welcome.
- One World Market – Free Concert Series: Enjoy music from pianist David Garrido at the Parkville CTfastrak station from 5-8 pm.
- HARD Trivia Night: Join skaters and officials from Hartford Area Roller Derby in a night of trivia at Black Bear Saloon (187 Allyn Street), 6:30-9 pm. Trivia sign-up begins at 6:45. Free admission.
September 23
- Museum Day Live! — Free admission to Connecticut Historical Society’s museum galleries, 9 am – 5 pm; Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, 9:30 am – 5 pm. To get the free admission, register for a ticket and print or show on smartphone.
- Fall Community Day at Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 am – 5 pm. Free admission all day. Hands-on art activities, tours, and more.
- Lady Macbeth screens at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Cinestudio. They say: “Inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy and by Nikolai Leskov’s subversive 1839 novella (Lady Macbeth in Siberia), the new film by William Oldroyd mixes race and class into one woman’s journey towards liberation at any cost. Katherine (an amazing Florence Pugh!) is married off by her father, to the impotent son of a wealthy miner in the moors of 19th century England. Ignored and belittled, she takes up with a black estate worker (singer Cosmo Jarvis), first for pleasure, and then as partners in revolt. The diverse casting, rarely seen in British estate costume dramas, is not only opening the door for more actors, but is more historically accurate than all-white productions would have us believe.” Admission: $10.
- Paper Arts Gathering: at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), 3-5 pm. They say: “This is an opportunity for anyone interested in making, building or doing something with paper to get together to share ideas, projects and dreams. This is an informal session for paper artists who are doing or want to be doing anything to or with paper. ” Free.
September 24
- Barre at the Brewery: Take a barre class at Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street) and follow it with beer, wine, hard cider, or coffee. Class runs from 11 am – 12 pm. You should wear grippy socks, which will be available for purchase if needed. The $35 registration includes the class and one beverage.
- Incredible India Fair: Indian food, music, dance, and more. This free event in Bushnell Park is 11 am – 5 pm.
- Cinestudio will be screening Whose Streets? at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm. They say: “Cinestudio invites the Greater Hartford and Trinity communities to an important week of cinema exposing violent white racism – and the varying reactions to it – in two films, Detroit and Whose Streets? In what critics are calling the best documentary of the year, black filmmakers Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis capture the aftermath of the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a police officer on Aug. 9, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Empowered parents, artists, and teachers from around the country join embattled residents, standing together on the front lines to demand justice. As the National Guard descends on suburban St. Louis with military grade weaponry, the filmmakers capture an important moment in our time, as a new generation of political activism is born.” Admission is $10.
September 25
- Visit the Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market — new this season — in the dirt lot at 75 Laurel Street, 3-6 pm.
- Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays a free show at the Arch Street Tavern every Monday at 8 pm.
September 26
- Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue) offers affordable yoga from 10-11 am. They say: “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.” There is a suggested $5 donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds.
- Get fresh, locally grown veggies and more at the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 4-7 pm. This is rain or shine.
- Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong — Chris Grosso will explore “working with short phrases (called ‘slogans’) as a way of generating bodhichitta, the heart and mind of enlightened compassion. Though the practice is more than a millennium old, it has become popular in the West only in the last twenty years or so. It has become very popular because it’s a practice that one can fit very well into an ordinary life, and because it works.” This session focuses on “Training in Empathy and Compassion.” This is 6-7:30 pm at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue). There is a suggested $5 donation per session, but nobody will be turned away for lack of payment.
- The focus of tonight’s String Thing is crochet. They say: “Whether you would like to learn, or are having trouble with a pattern, or just want to socialize and work on something in progress, you’re welcome to participate. If you want to learn the basics, please bring yarn and a hook – generally a size H-J (4.5-7mm) hook is most comfortable, and the yarn should be smooth and lighter colour. We have some supplies available for freewill donations. Not into crocheting? That’s OK – each month we’ll sample something new, but feel free to bring any project you like and enjoy the camaraderie. Bring your knitting, spinning, weaving, knotting, sewing, embroidery, braiding, kumihimo – whatever you are doing with (or to create) string! You’re also welcome to peruse the donated supplies and library – if you want to take something home, we ask for a donation.” This is free and at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor). 7-9 pm.
September 27
- Morning Yoga and Meditation: Free all-levels class to start the day in Elizabeth Park. Meet by the stage near the Rose Garden lawn. Bring your own mat/towel and water. Class cancels if weather is bad. This begins at 7 am.
- Yoga of 12-Step Recovery: Show up at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) for this 90-minute event beginning at 5:30 pm. They say: “Celebrate National Recovery Month and National Yoga Month with a Y12SR class at Toivo! Modeled from the meeting of 12-step programs, the Yoga of 12-Step Recovery is a group sharing circle followed by an intentional, themed yoga class. Guided by the concept that ‘The Issues Live In the Tissues,’ Y12SR provides a rich and powerful framework for integrating the wisdom of yoga and the practical tools of 12-step programs.” Free, but there is a suggested $5 donation.
- Take a tour of MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), Hartford’s makerspace. 6:30-9 pm.
- Trivia night at Chango Rosa Tacos (1 Union Place) begins every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Free to play.
September 28
- Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, 12-1:30 pm. It’ll probably only take you 15-20 minutes.
- Sukkah Decorating Party: Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) will host this family-focused event starting at 4:30 pm. There will be arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, and a few more surprises. A free community meal begins at 5:30 pm. This entire event is free.
- Art Talk: An Evening with Kellie Jones – Free reception at and admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum begins at 5 pm. The lecture starts at 6. They say: “Kellie Jones, MacArthur Fellow and professor of art history at Columbia University, has been rewriting the history of art to include artists traditionally excluded. Join a discussion of her research and curatorial work about contemporary African-American and African Diaspora artists and racial justice.”
- Salsa Social: Learn Merengue, Salsa, and Bachata in the atrium of the Hartford Public Library. This free event begins at 6 pm.
- Twang Thursdays: Live music by Chris Ross and the North at Hog River Brewing Co (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. No cover charge.
September 29
- Seth Adam will perform on Pratt Street, 12-1:30 pm. Free.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba classes on Fridays from 4-5 pm. This is free, but a $5 donation is welcome.
- Serial Monogamist: This is “Daniel Davidson’s monthly quest to find the perfect improv partner.” 9 pm at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). Tickets are $10.
September 30
- The Prosecution Rests: This event begins at Cedar Hill Cemetery at 10 am. They say: “From the assassination of President Garfield to the crimes that inspired the movie Arsenic and Old Lace, Patrick Haggerty shares intriguing stories of sensational trials, tragic crimes and even one unsolved mystery, all of which gripped the imagination of Connecticut residents.” This is $5 for general public; free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members.
- Compete in a scavenger hunt starting in Bushnell Park. Registration is free and begins at 1:30 pm. The hunt begins at 2:30. This is expected to take three hours to complete.
- Detroit screens at 2:30 and 7:30 pm at Cinestudio. They say: “Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, the writer and director of the Academy Award® winning Zero Dark Thirty, have made a fierce recreation of the 1967 Detroit riots, avoiding the easy liberal trap of assuming an eventual harmony. Set off by the harassment of a group of men in an illegal shop by police (and countless other incidents over the years), the city explodes with fire, violence, and, for a group of friends in the Algiers Motel, an inexcusable act of police brutality. But it’s not simply the police the film condemns; it’s a society that uses their force to maintain oppression.” Tickets are $10.
- Last chance to see the Hartford Times: The Newspaper & The City exhibit in ArtWalk Gallery, located on the top floor of the Hartford Public Library
Jane Gallagher
What a wonderful service to the community. Thank you.
Kerri Provost
Thanks — please pass the info along to anyone who is looking for things to do.