Here’s your curated Hartford event calendar for October 2022.
What makes this list? Events that I would either attend or recommend to a good friend.
Check with each venue for information about Covid protection procedures and to verify that an event is still happening.

ADD TO CALENDAR

  •  SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES: Want to make something better out of a gun? A portable forge will be at Church of the Good Shepherd (155 Wyllys Street) from 11 AM to 2 PM on October 1st, and participants can help turn gun barrels into garden tools or jewelry. This is a free, all ages event.
  • HARTFORD BIKE PARTY: Bring non-perishables to drop off in food pantries while exploring parts of Hartford’s northern neighborhoods. Bike ride begins at 2:30 PM on October 1st at the food truck park at Farmington and Girard; it ends in Elizabeth Park. This is a free, all ages event.

  •  NIGHT FALL: Gather in Elizabeth Park (east lawn. . . it’s all the Hartford side, y’all) for the annual community celebration of seasonal change on October 1st. Performance begins at 6 PM. Show up early if you want a good seat. There will be bicycle parking near the playground. This is a free, all ages event.
  •  HOT SHOP: Observe a glass-blowing studio at the Wadsworth Atheneum on October 1-2 and October 13-14, 12-4:30 PM, with demonstrations from 1-2:30 PM. Hartford residents get free admission to the museum.
  • CRYPTIDS: Listen to a virtual conversation with J.W. Ocker, author of The United States of Cryptids on October 4th at 7 PM. Register here for this free event.
  • LANTERN TOURS: The cover photo is of Curioporium (1429 Park Street), which is always fun to browse. They regularly have events, but because this is spooky season, I’m making sure the lantern tours have made it onto the calendar. These are one-hour guided tours inside the best and creepiest place in Hartford. Every Thursday in October. $10. You can get tickets online or at the door. Tours begin at 6 and 7:30 PM.
  • PANTIES: This program and tour will teach you about Victorian women’s undergarments, which may or may not include panties. I haven’t gone on the tour. No idea. Go forth and learn! This will be at the Isham-Terry House (211 High Street) on October 9th from 2-4 PM. Admission: $10.
  •  JUSTICE & FAITH WALKING TOUR: Steve Thornton will lead a walking tour in downtown, starting at the Old State House, on October 15th, from 10-11:30 AM. This is an opportunity to learn about the African Americans involved with Talcott Street Congregational. There is no fee to attend, but registration is requested.
  •  HALLOWED HISTORY LANTERN TOUR: Wander through Cedar Hill Cemetery at night, learning from character actors the stories of those buried there. This event is rain or shine and is outdoors. Outdoors in late October. Dress for comfort. Each tour lasts about 60-75 minutes and involves about one mile of walking. Tickets are $20, and if you are at all considering going, reserve your space sooner than later. Tours begin every 15 minutes on October 28th, 6-9 PM. Again, I repeat, don’t wait until the last minute to register. Learn from my mistakes.
  •  ENTANGLED & INGESTED: Katharine A. Owens’ exhibit at Charter Oak Cultural Center is on view throughout October and into November.

ONGOING: There are free yoga classes in Hartford parks seven days a week through late October. See the schedule to know where to direct yourself and your mat. Free.

CULTURAL ASSETS
For ongoing free education, entertainment, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in and click on the icons for more information. More sites have been added since September.