Here’s your curated Hartford event calendar for November 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

  •  SWING DANCE: Go swing dancing at Hartford Ballroom (56 Arbor Street, 4th floor) on November 2, 2022 from 8-10 PM. Actually, they do this (almost) every Wednesday. Admission is $5 cash. Proof of COVID vaccination and booster required at entry and face masks (surgical, N95, KN95) must be worn.
  • NAME & GENDER ID CLINIC: MCC of Hartford (parish house of the Church of the Good Shepherd at 155 Wyllys Street) is hosting a free name and gender ID change legal clinic on November 5, 2022, 12-4 PM. They say “stop by with questions, for legal advice, and/or to complete the ID name/gender change application.”
  • KARAOKE NIGHT: November 9th (and every Wednesday) from 8:30-10:30 PM in Parkville Market (1400 Park Street, across from the CTfastrak station). Show up ready to slaughter some tunes!
  • PROTECT THE ARCTIC: Meet by the Stegosaurus (Stegosaurus = dinosaur = fossil fuels = keep ’em in the ground), then walk one block to rally for protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. November 10, 2022 at noon.
  • TEACHING RACE HISTORY: This virtual talk hosted by the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center “invites thoughtful conversation from a range of viewpoints about the right of intellectual freedom, the question of whose words and voices are included in public education, and how, when, and by whom such determinations are made. What books are banned? What is Critical Race Theory? What history and whose experiences are deemed unacceptable to learn about? What role do government, law, and activists play in such decisions?” This free event takes place online, November 10th from 7-8:30 PM. Register to get program details.
  • COMMUNITY WALKING TOUR: Take a guided walk around the incoming park at 100 Meadow Road. The address is Windsor but the park is in Hartford. This is November 12, 2022 from 9-11 AM. This involves walking. Be prepared to do that.
  • WEAVING CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Hartford Artisans Weaving Center (42 Woodland Street) offers space and equipment for weavers who are blind, visually impaired, and/or 55+ to make things. . . and now everyone can show up to view (and buy) those crafts: scarves, rugs, linens, and more. November 12-13, 2022 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Masks required.
  • THE BICYCLE GAME: Play a bunch of games and learn about Connecticut’s bicycle history in this new exhibit at the Connecticut Historical Society. The opening reception is on November 17, 2022, 6-7:30 PM. Free admission and light refreshments at this event. There is bicycle parking near the accessible building entrance.
  • CREATIVE COCKTAIL HOUR: Celebrate 20 years of Creative Cocktail Hour at Real Art Ways on November 17, 2022, 6-10 PM. Musical performance by QWANQWA. Several galleries of art to view. Admission is $15; $10 if you arrive by bicycle — the bike parking is near the loading dock/main entrance. And look at that, you could bike from CHS to Real Art Ways in under ten minutes.
  • THE DOLLY DISCO: Dolly Parton-inspired C&W dance party. Who’s comin’ with? This is at the Webster (31 Webster Street), 8 PM on November 18, 2022. Ticket’s about $20 after service fee.
  • HARVEST MARKET: Food and craft vendors will be inside the KNOX greenhouse (75 Laurel Street) on November 19, 2022 from 10 AM until 2 PM. In past years there have been musical performances, food trucks, and alpaca friends. Get your ingredients for Thanksgiving, or if you’re like me, Thursday.

  • ANYBODY: IMPROVISED HISTORICAL HIP-HOPERA: I can’t do any better than their description or graphic, so: “North Coast, New York City’s premier hip-hop improv team, has long been known for their seamless melding of freestyle rapping and long form improv comedy. But in the heat of Lin Manuel’s smash Broadway hit Hamilton, people have been going bonkers for historical raps. We hear you loud and clear. Join North Coast as the team takes your favorite historical figure and performs a full, factually-accurate improv set to satisfy your hunger for hip-hop history. Nikola Tesla? Bawse. Ida B. Wells? Flawless. Louisa May Alcott? Mic drop.” This is November 19, 2022 at 9 PM at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). Admission: $20. Proof of vaccination required.
  • CRAFTED: Craft fair in and around Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor Street) on November 20, from 11-3 PM.
  • WINTERFEST: Winterfest opens on November 25th. See their website for details (none available currently).
  • WINTERFAIR: Holiday market inside Union Station. Something to do while you wait for your train. Saturday, November 26th and Sunday, November 27 from 12-5 PM.
  • LIVE RADIO PLAY: Hartford Stage is doing It’s A Wonderful Life as a live radio play again this year, and not to throw shade, but if we have to compare Christmas plays that have been at this venue, this one wins. Maybe it’s a better story, or maybe I’m just a sucker for live sound effects where you can watch how those sounds are created. This run begins on November 30th. Ticket prices vary, and if you’re a Hartford resident you should check the library website to see if free passes are offered to the show.

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 October.