To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by August 20th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published, no exceptions.
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.
This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford or kinda expensive or sketchy or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.
August 1
Audio Feed: Listen to 1974 perform for an hour on Constitution Plaza. 12 pm. Free.
Get HYPEd: the casual networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs is meeting at Republic (10 Capitol Avenue), 5:30-8:30 pm. No fee to attend, but bring cash for your drinks. Don’t forget the business cards.
Take a free yoga class at Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own mat and water.
Mass-Conn-Fusion give a free concert in Elizabeth Park‘s Rose Garden. Bring a blanket and picnic. 6:30-8 pm.
View James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket at Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue), 7 pm. They say this is a documentary that “allows Baldwin to tell his own story, exploring what it means to be born black, impoverished, gay, and gifted, in a world that had yet to understand that ‘all men are brothers.'” A facilitated group discussion follows the film.
Does paying for water fill you with resentment? Want to make smarter use of rain water while cutting down on bills? If you are a Hartford resident, you can sign up for a free rain barrel, while supplies last.
August 2
Pratt Street Patio: Sit in the middle of the street and listen to music by The Lucky Dogs at noon. Free.
Take a quick tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, anytime from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
Art After Dark: Wadsworth Atheneum holds its annual Caribbean celebration with performances and body art, 5-8 pm. Head indoors for a screening of Black Panther at 8 pm. Admission is $10 general; $5 members.
Nails and Wagging Tails: once each month, Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull Street) offers nail trims (for the animals) for $5. Jessica will be at the store doing this from 6-8 pm. Bring cash.
Twang Thursday: Stefanie Austin & The Palomino Club play at Hog River (1429 Park St.), 7-9 pm. No cover.
Take a free beginner or $5 intermediate swing dance lesson from 8 – 8:30 pm, then join in for social dancing ($10), 8:30 – 11 pm at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue).
POSSM performs at Republic (10 Capitol Avenue), 8:30-10:30 pm. They’ll be joined by guests, No Refunds! This is a free show.
August 3
Multimodal Meetup: More inclusive than a bike-to-work event, this is for people who may also walk, take the bus or train, skateboard, or pretty much do something other than rely on the single-occupant car method for commuting. Meet at Ashley’s (221 Main Street), 7-9 am. This is rain or shine.
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
Breakdancing Shakespeare: Hartford Stage hosts this hip-hop interpretation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Teens from Greater Hartford participate in a six-week program of classes and rehearsals before giving three high energy performances. Tonight’s show is at 7 pm. Tickets are $10.
Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
Interested in the history of Bushnell Park? Take a free tour at 10 am. Meet by the carousel. Tour lasts 60-90 minutes.
Jack Hale will give tours of Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House (155 Wyllys Street) at 11 am and 1 pm. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival: 1-11 pm at Riverfront Plaza. Music, dance, crafts, and food. No admission fee.
Breakdancing Shakespeare: Hartford Stage hosts this hip-hop interpretation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Teens from Greater Hartford participate in a six-week program of classes and rehearsals before giving three high energy performances. Today’s shows are at 2 and 7 pm. Tickets are $10.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Magician screens at 2:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) is hosting a free dinner and movie. Food is served at 6 pm; Paddington 2 begins at 7 pm. The first 20 families in attendance go home with a free copy of the book.
Mumble Prov: The Indie Movie Dub — at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 7 pm. They say: “There are film festival darlings like Lady Bird and Sorry To Bother You, and then there are the rest. Join the Movie Dub crew (Josh Marcus, Laura Manasewich, Drew Bligh, Jack Hughes, Daniel Davidson, Brenna Harvey, Emma James Burke, Melanie Raubeson) for a special screening of a buried indie flick, fully dubbed over with improvised dialogue! Special guests Kevin O’Toole and Sam Hatch from WWUH’s Culture Dogs will host a discussion following the film.” Tickets are $10.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
August 5
Ingmar Bergman’s Through a Glass Darkly screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10. Contact venue for time. The Virgin Spring screens at 2:30 pm.
All-ages comedy for kids, teens, and adults at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.), 4 pm. This is $5 for kids under twelve; $10 for everyone else.
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
RiverBarre: take a free class that fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga. Bring a mat, water, and sneakers. 5:45 – 7 pm at Riverfront Plaza.
West End Blend and the Theo Croker Quintet perform in Bushnell Park, 6-9 pm. Free.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Silence screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
The Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Avenue) is hosting the annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 6 pm. The program ends at 8 pm with a candle lighting.
Interested in starting your own business? Take a free introductory workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (260 Girard Ave.), 9:30 am – 12 pm.
African American Literature Book Club: Read The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and show up to the Hartford Public Library to talk about it with others. 6-7:30 pm. RSVP to Carolyn: cjkorber@gmail.com
Ingmar Bergman’s Winter Light screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
August 8
Come to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street) to take part in a conversation about white supremacy and the Charlottesville rally in 2017. This salon is 12-1 pm. Bring your lunch. Free event.
River Reads: Bring your lunch to Riverfront Plaza and listen to A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle read aloud. 12 pm.
Or, listen to Farewood perform on Constitution Plaza, 12-1 pm. Free.
Upward Hartford (20 Church Street) is hosting a free workshop about handling generational issues in the modern workplace. 5:30-6:30 pm. Free.
Take a free yoga class at Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own mat and water.
Green Drinks will be at Arch Street Tavern, 6-8 pm. Instead of focusing on an environmental issue, this month the conversation will be about musicians in Hartford with Tang Sauce, Joey Batts, and Orice Jenkins as special guests. No cover charge.
Maxxtone gives a free concert in Elizabeth Park‘s Rose Garden. Bring a blanket and picnic. 6:30-8 pm.
Ingmar Bergman’s Persona screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
Take a quick tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, anytime from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
Hartford Public Library hosts a panel discussion on Oh What A Move: Profiles of Hartford Basketball Players 1954-1984by Mike Copeland and Howie Greenblatt. This free event is 5:30-7:30 pm.
Sunset Sounds Concert Series at Butler-McCook House & Garden (396 Main Street) features music by Hartford Steel Symphony, 5:30-7:30 pm. Paintings by Edith Skiba LaMonica will be on view. Bring dinner and a blanket or lawn chair. No cover.
Sunset Notables Tour: Go to Cedar Hill Cemetery on Fairfield Avenue for a tour at 6:30 pm. They say: “Discover the history and beauty of Cedar Hill Cemetery on this tour showcasing some of our most celebrated residents and renowned monuments. Stops include General Griffin Stedman, Gilbert Heublein, John Pierpont Morgan and Mark Howard. Participants will enjoy watching the sun set over Cedar Mountain during the walk.” $5
Take a free beginner or $5 intermediate swing dance lesson from 8 – 8:30 pm, then join in for social dancing ($10), 8:30 – 11 pm at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue).
Bring a blanket or chair to Keney Park (Woodland Street entrance) to watch a screening of Black Panther at sunset. Free.
August 10
Last Fair Deal performs American roots music at the Old State House, 12-1 pm. Free.
Sea Tea Improv will give a quick performance at 12:30 on Riverfront Plaza. Free
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
Under the Stars Film Series at Wadsworth Atheneum presents Lawrence of Arabia (part one) in the museum’s courtyard. In the event of rain, the movie is simply moved indoors. Live music begins at 5 pm, with dinner available for purchase. Movie starts at 8:15 pm. Free admission for Wadsworth Welcome and museum members; $9 regular admission. Portable chairs and coolers are not allowed.
Get A Clue Murder Mystery Tours: participate in a live-action version of Clue at the Mark Twain House. Members of Sea Tea Improv will feature in this as participants go through ” 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.” This is $25. Tours leave every 15 minutes beginning at 7 pm. Make reservations!
August 11
Bike the Park: The City of Hartford is leading monthly bike rides in city parks. Today, meet in Keney Park, using the Windsor Avenue entrance. 10-11:15 am. Free.
Learn about Emily Parmely Collins, Katharine Seymour Day and Annie Warburton Goodrich, along with other women buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, by taking a tour of where they rest. 10 am. $5 for non-members.
Kids Book Discussion: Read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and talk about it at the Stowe Center (77 Forest Street), 11 am – 12 pm. They recommend this for ages 9-13, but all youth are welcome.
West Indian Independence Celebration: Parade begins at 11 am on Main Street near Battles Street. This ends in Bushnell Park where there will be food and music until 8 pm. Free to attend.
Giacomo Gates performs in the courtyard of Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue). Food and drink are available at 1:30 pm. The free performance is 2-3.
August 12
Ingmar Bergman’s The Magic Flute (2:30 pm) and Autumn Sonata (7:30 pm) will be shown at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). $10 each.
All-ages comedy for kids, teens, and adults at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.), 4 pm. This is $5 for kids under twelve; $10 for everyone else.
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
RiverBarre: take a free class that fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga. Bring a mat, water, and sneakers. 5:45 – 7 pm at Riverfront Plaza.
Want elected officials to know what’s on your mind? Comment from 6-7 pm in City Hall, and stay for the City Council meeting at 7 pm.
It’s Monday, so that means free jazz in Bushnell Park. Tonight’s performance: Sarah Hanahan Quintet – Helen Sung Quintet: the (re)Conception Project. 6-9 pm.
Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
Bomba Ashé performs at CHS on 8/16 // Photo courtesy of CHS
August 14
If you do nothing else today, go vote in the primary election. Polls are open 6 am – 8 pm, as with every election.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Magician screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
August 15
Discover Cedar Hill — Highlight Tour: Go to Cedar Hill Cemetery for this 10 am tour. 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.” $5.
River Reads: Bring your lunch to Riverfront Plaza and listen to Girls of a Tender Age by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith read aloud. 12 pm.
Will Bike For Beer: Ride a Lime bike to Spectra’s Bar5 (entrance on Columbus Boulevard) and receive a free wine or beer. The patio will be open and they have games for the playing. 5-8 pm.
Take a free yoga class at Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own mat and water.
Fiber-In: Hartford’s first makerspace — Make Hartford — is hosting this free gathering, 5:30-7:30 pm. They say: “Come in with your curiosity to try a new technique: Braiding! Crocheting! Knitting! Knotting! Macrame! Spinning! Weaving! Or something completely different. We’ll also discuss the Secret Project we’re implementing in September.” Make Hartford is located at 30 Arbor Street, #B7.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal screens at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10.
There is a free movie in the stadium at 8 pm. Some sources say it’ll be Jumanji. Others say Thor Ragnarok.
August 16
Pratt Street Patio: Sit in the middle of the street and listen to music by Tekowa Lakica at noon. Free.
Do something different on your lunch break and take a quick tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, anytime from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
Get outside for a picnic and evening of music and dance at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street). They say: “Bomba Ashé performs Puerto Rican bomba and plena music and dance. Part of the renowned musical dynasty La Familia Cepeda, legendary dancer Roberto Cepeda has carried on the family’s bomba y plena traditions since he was five years old. Dedicated to the teaching and preservation of African-based music from Cuba and Puerto Rico, Roberto leads the group and also sings, dances, and plays drums including the panderos of plena and the barriles of bomba. Bomba Ashé includes Roberto’s wife Gloria Lopez, an accomplished bomba dancer herself, and many of the most experienced bomba y plena musicians in the Northeast.” Bring your blanket or lawn chair at 5 pm; music begins at 6 pm. This is free and serves as a nice alternative to some of the see-and-be-seen events.
There is a free sidewalk tour of the Swift Factory (60 Love Lane), 5:30 pm. They say: “Construction is underway at the Swift Factory, to transform this historic factory into a neighborhood jobs hub. The revitalized factory will feature food manufacturing, an indoor farm, shared office space, and an incubator for entrepreneurs to grow their food businesses. Learn the history of the building and how the project will create more than 200 construction jobs and 150 long-term jobs in the North Hartford Promise Zone”
Twang Thursday: River Run play at Hog River (1429 Park St.), 7-9 pm. No cover.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Virgin Spring screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
Take a free beginner or $5 intermediate swing dance lesson from 8 – 8:30 pm, then join in for social dancing ($10), 8:30 – 11 pm at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue).
There is a free screening of A League of Their Own on the East Lawn of Elizabeth Park around sunset. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics.
August 17
The Old State House is hosting a free performance by The Shiny Lapel Trio, 12-1 pm.
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
Pratt Street Salsa Social: People will literally be dancing in the street. 5-7 pm. Free
Ingmar Bergman’s Through a Glass Darkly screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). General admission: $10. Contact venue for time.
August 18
The Dragon Boat & Asian Festival returns to the Riverfront for a full day of racing and cultural events. 8 am – 4 pm. Free.
Ingmar Bergman’s Persona screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
The Penniless Wild and The Royals & Roy perform at Arch Street Tavern, 10 pm. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. This is a 21+ show.
August 19
All-ages comedy for kids, teens, and adults at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.), 4 pm. This is $5 for kids under twelve; $10 for everyone else.
Ingmar Bergman’s The Silence screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. $10
August 20
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
RiverBarre: take a free class that fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga. Bring a mat, water, and sneakers. 5:45 – 7 pm at Riverfront Plaza.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: Sign up at 7 pm; show begins as soon as list fills. There’s a $5 cover charge, but performers get one free drink. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.).
Ingmar Bergman’s Passion of Anna screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). $10. Check with venue for time.
August 22
River Reads: Bring your lunch to Riverfront Plaza and listen to Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain read aloud. 12 pm.
Audio Feed: Add some free music to your lunch break. Seth Adam performs on Constitution Plaza, 12-1 pm.
Take a free yoga class at Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own mat and water.
Songs of the Silver Screen: Over The Moon Theatre Company performs songs from movies, 1930s-through-today. This free event is at Riverfront Plaza, 8-10 pm.
August 23
Pratt Street Patio: Sit in the middle of the street and listen to music by The Shoutbacks at noon. Free.
Take a quick tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, anytime from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
Opening reception for Mas: Carnival Costumes from Hartford’s West Indian Community at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street), 5:30-7 pm. They say that this exhibit “showcases Trinidad-style carnival costumes (Mas) made by Hartford teens during the summer 2018 Mas Camp, the eighth year of a collaboration of the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP) and the Connecticut International Cultural Carnival Association (CICCA) under the direction of Linford ‘Junior’ Miller.” This is free, but rsvp.
Twang Thursday: Ian Fitzgerald plays at Hog River (1429 Park St.), 7-9 pm. No cover.
Go to Cedar Hill Cemetery for an outdoor screening of Without Love. They say: “To aid the war effort, a lonely widow enters into a marriage of convenience with a military scientist so he can secretly conduct research in her basement. Will love blossom or will their arrangement remain strictly business? Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy star in this World War II-era romantic comedy. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite candy for a movie under the stars.” Oh, and for anyone who didn’t know, Cedar Hill is where Katharine Hepburn is buried. Admission is $5. This begins at 7:30 pm. If it rains, the event moves to August 24th.
Somewhere in Keney Park (go ask the City of Hartford) there will be a free screening of Ready Player One at 8 pm.
Take a free beginner or $5 intermediate swing dance lesson from 8 – 8:30 pm, then join in for social dancing ($10), 8:30 – 11 pm at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue).
August 24
Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble performs at the Old State House, 12-1 pm. Free
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
The Hartford Steel Drum Symphony will liven up Pratt Street, 6-7 pm. This is an outdoors performance. Free.
A Wrinkle in Time will be shown at Charter Oak Landing at sunset. Bring your picnic to this free event.
August 25
Want to learn about fungi? Take a mushroom walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 10 am. They say: “Join Joe Lenoce of Connecticut Valley Mycological Society in search of mushrooms at Cedar Hill. During this educational hunt, Joe will discuss the basic types of fungi, where to find them and proper methods of collecting. After the walk, he will review documentation resources while identifying any fungi collected.” $5.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will be shown in Colt Park after sunset. Free.
August 27
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
RiverBarre: take a free class that fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga. Bring a mat, water, and sneakers. 5:45 – 7 pm at Riverfront Plaza.
Sam & Elizabeth’s World: The Colts at Cedar Hill: Go to Cedar Hill Cemetery for a 10 am tour to learn more about the Colt family. They say: “Elizabeth Colt erected the first major monument at Cedar Hill, one of her many efforts to commemorate her husband Sam’s legacy in Connecticut’s capitol city. Foundation Director Beverly Lucas will introduce you to Colt family members now residing at Cedar Hill as well as friends and associates of the influential couple.” $5.
River Reads: Bring your lunch to Riverfront Plaza and listen to As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds read aloud. 12 pm.
Audio Feed: Add some free music to your lunch break. Jason Ingriselli performs on Constitution Plaza, 12-1 pm.
Take a free yoga class at Riverfront Plaza, 6-7 pm. Bring your own mat and water.
Show Lab: If you have not been to Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) yet, you really owe it to yourself to go. They say: “Show Lab is where comedians experiment just for you. Hosts Patrick McGuire and Nate Gagnon present comedians and troupes as they create something you’ve never seen before. Whether it’s the next big thing, too strange for another stage, or a happy accident, each project is entertaining and unique.” This begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $5. One of the best things about Sea Tea, besides their ability to make you laugh, is that they offer Pay-It-Forward tickets in the box office area, so if you are between jobs and broke as hell, you can still have some quality of life.
August 30
Pratt Street Patio: Sit in the middle of the street and listen to music by Brian Dolzani at noon. Free.
Weather-permitting, take a quick tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, anytime from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
Take a free beginner or $5 intermediate swing dance lesson from 8 – 8:30 pm, then join in for social dancing ($10), 8:30 – 11 pm at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue).
August 31
This is about as local as it gets! The Frog Hollow Farmers’ Market (75 Laurel Street) sells fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. 3-6 pm. They also double SNAP/EBT.
August 2018 Events in Hartford
DISCLAIMERS
To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by August 20th.
Nothing is added after the calendar is published, no exceptions.
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.
This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford or kinda expensive or sketchy or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.
August 1
August 2
August 3
August 4
August 5
August 6
August 7
August 8
August 9
August 10
August 11
August 12
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
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