August 1

  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House. When that’s over. . .
  • Monday Night Jazz continues on Bushnell Park for three Mondays in August, starting with the Joshua Bruneau Quintet at 6 p.m. The Yosvany Terry Quartet headlines at 7:30. This is free. You can bring picnics, blankets, chairs, and well-behaved, leashed dogs into the park. Listen to WWUH 91.3 FM for the live broadcast or to learn if rain has moved the event indoors.
  • Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Becoming the Woman I Am Meant To Be: Today’s facilitated event at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.) is being called an “In-Door ‘Drive-in Movie.” Showing: Fried Green Tomatoes. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own comfy chairs and healthy snacks. This is from 6:30-8 p.m. and admission is a suggested donation of $5. Email Linda llentini@advocacyunlimited.org to register.

August 2

  • Throughout August, stop by the youth-run pop up neighborhood market at 5 Corners (Garden, Westland, etc.), 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
  • The West End Farmers’ Market offers produce, prepared foods, and other locally-produced goods every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on Clemens Green. This is near the Twain House on Farmington Avenue.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • World of Sounds: Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band. Free performance at the Hartford Public Library’s Albany Branch (1250 Albany Ave.) from 6-7 p.m.
  • Real Art Ways hosts its “Real Board Games” night in the lounge starting at 6. This is free and they supply the games, but you can also bring your own.

August 3

  • Stowe Salons at Lunch meets at noon. Discuss the social justice issues currently in the news. This is free. Bring your own lunch. The Stowe Center loves reservations: 860.522.9258, ext. 317.
  • The Mercado food truck is going to be at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue) starting at 3 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • GET HYPEd, a casual networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs, will be at the Rocking Horse Saloon (181 Ann Street), 5:30-8:30. Check out a bar you might not normally visit, meet new people, and have some snacks. Free to attend, but bring cash/card for beverages. Don’t forget your business cards.
  • Experience the final Carillon concert of the season at Trinity College, today at 7 p.m. Andy Zhang of Oregon will be supplying the music. You supply a lawn chair or blanket, and your picnic. If you arrive early, you can take a tour of the Trinity College Chapel at 6 p.m. The event is free. Seating is on the lawn by the Chapel. . . look for all the other people.
  • Beatles Forever concert on the Rose Garden Lawn of Elizabeth Park, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic. Get there early! The easiest way to access the park during the Summer Concert Series is via bicycle or foot. If it rains, this will be rescheduled to August 4.
  • MakeHartford Open House with Show & Tell: see what’s new at the makerspace in Parkville. You won’t get a hard sell to become a member if you really are just someone who is curious about the space. Wander in from 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor. The space(s) are on the basement level. Free to attend.

August 4

  • Every Thursday there is a farmers’ market at Billings Forge, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. This is on the green space on Broad Street between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch any time between 12-1:30 p.m. Free. This is in Bushnell Park.
  • Thursday Nights on the Plaza: wine, beer, and water at the Riverfront from 4-8 p.m. Pay for what you order, obviously.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Learn how to reverse an opioid overdose by attending a Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition class at 7 p.m. Participants will receive a Naloxone kit. Register in advance so they have enough supplies. GHHRC is located on the lower level of 1229 Albany Avenue.
  • Jazz jam at Black-eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8-10 p.m. Free.
  • The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music will play originals and covers at Peppercorn’s Grill (357 Main Street), 8:30-10 p.m. No cover charge.

August 5

  • Demolition Party: The Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Ave.) is saying goodbye to its old kitchen by throwing one final party. There will be music, appetizers, and drink specials. Admission is $10 at the door. Don’t panic — the PNH is not shutting its doors; there will be a new kitchen.
  • Take an online public workshop/survey about transit (bus) use. Yes, it’s totally flawed in that it forces you to select one option when often the answer is multiple things. The final day to take this is August 5, 2016.

August 6

  • Free admission to Connecticut Historical Society galleries, 9-5 today. The museum is located at 100 Elizabeth Street.
  • Annual Garden Tour at Elizabeth Park, as in, tour of the annuals. Meet at the annuals garden at 10 a.m. Free.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • The Riverfront Plaza is hosting the annual Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival, 1-11 p.m. Taste food from Scotts’ Jamaican Bakery and other vendors. Take part in the Salsa Zumba Experience, watch the Caribbean American Dance Group, and listen to hours of music. See the Riverfront website for full schedule. Free.
  • Art for Haiti opening reception at ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum Street), 6-8 p.m. This is free, but any donations given will go toward “Connecticut Walks For Haiti.”

August 7

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Take a ride on the Bushnell Park Carousel, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $1.

August 8

  • The Jeff Fuller Trio performs at Monday Night Jazz in Bushnell Park at 6 p.m. At 7:30, stick around for the Noah Preminger Quartet. Free. Listen to WWUH 91.3 FM for the live broadcast or to learn if rain has moved the event indoors.
  • Toivo is hosting another Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Becoming the Woman I Am Meant To Be. Today’s event is an open mic workshop for song, poetry, or spoken word. This is intended to help those who have a fear of sharing their work. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. Email Linda llentini@advocacyunlimited.org  to save a space.6:30-8 p.m.

August 9

  • The People of Goodwill Band will perform on the Hartford Public Library terrace from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free.
  • Throughout August, stop by the youth-run pop up neighborhood market at 5 Corners (Garden, Westland, etc.), 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
  • The West End Farmers’ Market offers produce, prepared foods, and other locally-produced goods every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on Clemens Green. This is near the Twain House on Farmington Avenue.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Acoustic Open Mic: the Hartford Public Library says “Bring your guitar and join us on the second Tuesday of the month for our acoustic open mic. Sign-up starts at 5:45 pm in the Hartford History Center on the third floor.” The music begins at 6 and wraps up around 7:30. Free.

August 10

  • Stowe Salons at Lunch meets at noon. Discuss the social justice issues currently in the news. This is free. Bring your own lunch. The Stowe Center loves reservations: 860.522.9258, ext. 317
  • Zumba Gold for Young and Old: free, 30-minute Zumba session at the Hartford Public Library’s Dwight Branch (7 New Park Avenue), starting at 2 p.m. Dress comfortably.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Green Drinks Hartford: this is a monthly social event for people who care about environmental issues. The topic of discussion for tonight: “Who’s Getting Rich Off Our Public Water and How Can We Stop Them?” They say “Activists in CT, the nation, and the world are fighting corporate water bottling companies for control of our water. Right here in CT, Niagara Bottling, a competitor of better known Nestlé, has used classic devious tactics of back room deals for lucrative agreements with politicians and a cabal of water authority power brokers. All done with virtually no citizen knowledge or input. Donna Landerman of Save Our Water CT will discuss the local fight to keep our water in local hands, prevent corporate rip offs, and protect our future water supply. Donna is a retired sociology professor who joined with her neighbors to fight a Niagara Bottling plant in Bloomfield. The group is fighting for state legislation to protect our water from predatory water bottlers.” This is from 6-8 p.m. at City Stream Brewery (942 Main Street), with the discussion beginning at 7. No admission fee.
  • Locomotion concert on the Rose Garden Lawn of Elizabeth Park, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic. Get there early! The easiest way to access the park during the Summer Concert Series is via bicycle or foot. If it rains, this will be rescheduled to August 11.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, speak to the makers, or show what you’re working on. 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Free.
  • Adults are invited to audition as “movers and dancers” for this year’s Night Fall. You need to be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work with others, and of course, follow choreography. They say “Night Fall’s mission is to fairly pay artists for their work and hire people who live in and around Hartford. All body sizes and dance styles are welcome!  Modern, hip hop, self taught, Break etc” The audition is 7-8:30 p.m. at The Dirt Salon (50 Bartholomew Ave).

August 11

  • Every Thursday there is a farmers’ market at Billings Forge, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. This is on the green space on Broad Street between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch any time between 12-1:30 p.m. Free. This is in Bushnell Park.
  • Want some calypso music in your life? The White-Eyed Lizard Band will perform at the Hartford Public Library’s Albany Branch (1250 Albany Ave), 3-4 p.m. Free.
  • Opening reception for Connecticut Traditional Artists and Their Communities at The Gallery at Constitution Plaza (One Constitution Plaza, second floor). They say: “Connecticut Traditional Artists and Their Communities highlights the work of Connecticut folk artists whose creativity expresses the history, cultures, values, and beliefs essential to their heritage. Their skills are learned from family and community members over years of observation, practice, and artistic participation. Artists include Peruvian woodcarver and furniture restoration expert Romulo Chanduvi, Polish iconographer and community folklorist Marek Czarnecki, Ukrainian pysanky (decorated eggs) master Paul Luniw, and Q Delpeche, creator of brilliant Trinidad-style Carnival costumes. Several skilled textile artists from newcomer groups including Bosnian, Burmese Karen, and Assyrian will display their weavings, embroideries, and lace. The Finnish community from eastern Connecticut will show their woodcarvings, weavings, and sauna decorations, and the Tibetan community will display thangka paintings, woven rugs, and a sand mandala. Occupational artists from maritime, ironwork, decoy carving, and shoe-making traditions will illustrate the crafts of working communities.” The reception will include food prepared by Laotian chef Manola Sidarathe. Admission is free and validated parking is available if you use the Constitution Plaza South Garage (entrance on State and Kinsley). The reception is from 5-7 p.m., but the exhibit will be on display through November 4, 2016. An RSVP by August 1 (860) 236-5621 x 238 or rsvp@chs.org is requested.  
  • KNOW GOOD Market: live music and a handful of food trucks in a small parking lot on Bartholomew Avenue. 5-8 p.m. No admission fee.
  • The Dirt Salon presents the Live Lovely Lounge, “a curated evening of cosmetic and holistic formulations, medicinal herb plants and artisan goods.” This is a homeopathic market. 5-8:30 p.m. No admission fee.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Drinking About Museums: this monthly networking event for museum professionals (and those who love museums?) will be at the Riverfront Plaza, 5:30-8 p.m. Beer, wine, and water will be available and there will be food trucks. Bring your cash and cards to purchase refreshments.
  • Sunset Sounds Garden Concert Series at Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street. Pack a picnic and listen to Amy Gallatin & the Stillwaters play in the garden. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Photo of Watkinson Garden, obviously taken in a different season
  • Garden Party at Twilight– 50 Green Years: This fundraiser for KNOX will take place at the Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Ave.), which conveniently allows for tours of the ginormous Watkinson Garden. How big is that community garden? Go to Google Maps and check out the Earth view.  They say: “Immerse yourself in the local food scene. Enjoy a night under KNOX’s signature tent. Relax with live music, beer, and wine. Local celebrity chefs showcase their Hartford flare. Tasting-size dishes served from the griddle to your plate. Ingredients sourced from Connecticut (and KNOX) farms. A silent and live auction highlights Hartford’s culinary, environmental, and entrepreneurial scene.” Featured restaurants will include Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ Hartford, Grants Restaurant & Bar, Hartford Baking Co., Lets Start From Scratch, Plan B West Hartford,  and Vito’s By The Park. Ticket prices vary, starting at $75. This party is from 6-10 p.m.
  • Go on a Sunset Notables Tour at Cedar Hill Cemetery. They say: “Join us for a tour through the historic memorial grounds featuring some of Cedar Hill Cemetery’s most notable residents and monuments. Highlights include the monuments of General Griffin Stedman, Katharine Hepburn and Mark Howard. Participants will enjoy watching the sun set over Cedar Mountain during the walk.” This begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members; $5 everyone else.
  • Learn how to reverse an opioid overdose by attending a Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition class at 7 p.m. Participants will receive a Naloxone kit. Register in advance so they have enough supplies. GHHRC is located on the lower level of 1229 Albany Avenue.
  • Book/Mark event at the Mark Twain House & Museum features Victoria E. Bynum, author of The Free State of Jones: Mississippi’s Longest Civil War. Free, but reservations suggested: (860) 247-0998.
  • One of our absolute favorite things about Hartford has returned to Hartford this year. Today is the first of three opportunities to see Breakdancing Shakespeare. This year, the youth will be performing Romeo & Juliet in celebration of Breakdancing Shakespeare’s 10th anniversary. The last time they performed this one was in 2006. If you have never seen it before, these are performances of Shakespeare’s plays, told via breakdancing. A prior knowledge of the play is helpful, but definitely not necessary. The actors are all youth from the area. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. Today’s performance is at 7 p.m. at Hartford Stage (50 Church Street).

August 12

  • Summer Sizzle Under the Stars: Come to the Wadsworth Atheneum for the final night of this season’s series. Live music and dinner begin at 5 p.m. The movie — Holiday — will screen at sundown. This is free for Hartford residents; otherwise, general admission is $9, which does not cover the cost of dinner. Portable chairs and coolers are not permitted; they supply the seating. This takes place in the courtyard.
  • Join MakeHartford at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) for a viewing of YARN, which the film’s site describes this way: “Meet the artists who are redefining the tradition of knit and crochet, bringing yarn out of the house and into the world. Reinventing our relationship with this colorful tradition, YARN weaves together wool graffiti artists, circus performers, and structural designers into a visually-striking look at the women who are making a creative stance while building one of modern art’s hottest trends.” The film screens at 7 p.m. General admission: $11. It looks like Real Art Ways will not be showing YARN.
  • So, there are competing free movie options tonight. Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) is screening Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs as part of its “Dinner and a Movie” series. This event includes a free book, meal, and viewing of the movie. 6-8 p.m.
  • See The Bee Movie for free in Riverside Park at sunset. Bear’s BBQ food truck, “Bear Force One”, will be on the grounds for those who show up a little early and want to order dinner. You can also just bring your own picnic, but no alcohol is permitted. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair.

August 13

  • Go on a Streets of Hartford tour at Cedar Hill Cemetery. They say: “Ever wondered how Hartford streets got their names? Patrick Haggerty will lead this fascinating tour highlighting Cedar Hill residents for whom the capitol city streets were named. From Brainard Road to Jewell Street and Fairfield Avenue, learn about the people who have been immortalized on the streets of Hartford.” This begins at 10 a.m. $5 general; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • Greater Hartford West Indian Celebrations. Because the City of Hartford finally began to show some tough love and cut the safety net, forcing organizations to have to fund their own events, this parade and celebration has been reconfigured and it looks like this will be for the better, even if social media comments sound unfavorable right now. Instead of hours of drawn out parading down Main Street to the park, this promises to be a more contained, tighter production. There will be a parade, but not in the form we have been used to. At noon, the “parade” will take place within Bushnell Park, continuing until 3 p.m. This still seems longer than necessary, but it does eliminate the oversized vehicles that were more in the parade for advertisement than to promote culture anyway. This parade will be followed by musical acts in the park. Expect the food and craft vendors, as always. People fear change, but we can see this one being a positive for the livelihood of the event. This is outdoors and free to attend. Another advantage of being in the park? There are plenty of trees to stand under to stay cool.
  • FIESTASANA: celebrate Hartford Sweat’s Grand Opening at 777 Main. Food, juice, henna, chair massages, fitness challenges, and “SWEAT-N-ROULETTE,” which is 30-minute classes starting every 15 minutes. This is a fine chance to try out Zumba, Barre, or Yoga in an environment with less commitment. You will want to pre-register for those classes. 1-5 p.m. Free.

August 14

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Take a ride on the Bushnell Park Carousel, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $1.
  • De 4 Ah Wee & Co, a steel pan band, will bring calypso, soca, reggae, and more to Barry Square. Crucial Massive Reggae Band will also be performing. This will be in the Webster Theater’s parking lot (31 Webster Street), 12-1 and 2-3 p.m. Free.

August 15

  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Tonight is the final Monday Night Jazz installment of the season. At 6 p.m. catch MX=Trio Data; the Doug Wimbish Quintet closes it out at 7:30 p.m. Listen to WWUH 91.3 FM for the live broadcast or to learn if rain has moved the event indoors.
  • Toivo‘s Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Becoming the Woman I Am Meant To Be is from 6:30-8 p.m. today. They say: “Ele-Mental Cleansing: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Clear mind, clear mind, clear mind – Learn and practice meditation and grounding techniques.” Email Linda llentini@advocacyunlimited.org if you plan to attend.

August 16

  • Throughout August, stop by the youth-run pop up neighborhood market at 5 Corners (Garden, Westland, etc.), 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
  • The West End Farmers’ Market offers produce, prepared foods, and other locally-produced goods every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on Clemens Green. This is near the Twain House on Farmington Avenue. SNAP/EBT accepted.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

August 17

  • Stowe Salons at Lunch meets at noon. Discuss the social justice issues currently in the news. This is free. Bring your own lunch. The Stowe Center loves reservations: 860.522.9258, ext. 317.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Thinking of starting your own small holistic business? Susan Chen, who is the Business Development Project Manager with the State of CT, Department of Economic and Community Development, will be giving a talk about free and low cost programs available for this. The types of people who might be into this include Acupuncturist Massage Therapists, APRN’s, Physician Assistants, Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Fitness professionals. This is free to Toivo members and to those who are first time visitors; otherwise $15 to attend. This will be at 399 Franklin Avenue, 6-8 p.m.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, speak to the makers, or show what you’re working on. 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Free.
  • Get Paid to Talk/Making Money with Your Voice at MakeHartford (30 Arbor). They say: “Whether you’ve been told you have a great voice, had compliments on your speaking style, or use effective communication in a current profession, this workshop will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how people make money every day with their voices. From audio books and training material, cartoons, documentaries, commercials and more, this workshop will introduce you to the growing field of voice-over. Today, opportunities for voice professionals have increased dramatically and unlike a decade ago, the range of voices cast for these opportunities continue to grow. Skilled voice professionals are more in demand than ever before.” Adults and older children are welcome to participate in this seminar. This begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

August 18

Photo from the 2014 West Indian Independence Day Parade // There will not be a parade in this style this year, but there are many other events this month to celebrate West Indian independence and cultures.
  • Every Thursday there is a farmers’ market at Billings Forge, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. This is on the green space on Broad Street between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch any time between 12-1:30 p.m. Free. This is in Bushnell Park.
  • Thursday Nights on the Plaza is a new thing this year at the Riverfront. From 4-8 p.m., enjoy some wine, beer, or water, get some food, and hang out with others who have wisely chosen not to contribute to rush hour traffic. Today is HYPE Night on the Plaza. What this means is that HYPE members, from 5:30-7, have a Buy One, Get One drink free special and the first 25 HYPE members to check in with Jackie will get a free drink token.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Opening reception at CHS (1 Elizabeth Street) for Mas: Costumes from Hartford’s West Indian Community. They say “The exhibit will showcase Trinidad-style carnival costumes (Mas) made by Hartford teens during the summer 2016 Mas Camp, the sixth 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.” Enjoy an outdoor performance by the Hartford Steel Symphony, sample some Caribbean cuisine, and see performances by Mas Camp participants. This is free to attend and takes place from 5:30-7:30. If it rains, this will take place on August 19, 2016. An RSVP is requested (860) 236-5621 x238 or email rsvp@chs.org
  • Spark! Ignite the Arts: have dinner and vote on your favorite art project at 5 Corners (Westland, Garden, etc.), 6 p.m. Suggested donation of $20 upon arrival. The winning art project will receive a $1000 stipend plus what is raised at the dinner. The site-specific project will later be installed in front of the Swift Factory. Check out the details here.
  • Learn how to reverse an opioid overdose by attending a Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition class at 7 p.m. Participants will receive a Naloxone kit. Register in advance so they have enough supplies. GHHRC is located on the lower level of 1229 Albany Avenue.
  • Watch My Fair Lady outdoors in Elizabeth Park at 8 p.m. This free film will show on the East Lawn of the park. Bring your own blankets and picnics.
  • Jazz jam at Black-eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8-10 p.m. Free.

August 19

  • Last chance to see Katherine Tolve’s Reclaimed Rubbish exhibit at 100 Pearl Street Gallery!
  • Watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the Bushnell Park lawn by the Pump House. Film starts at 8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket. Free.

August 20

  • The Dragon Boat & Asian Festival is conveniently all on one day this year! It is free to attend and watch the dragon boat races, along with the dancing and musical events. You can purchase food and beverages on premises, or just bring your own (but no alcohol or cooking). 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Take at Hartford Landmarks & Legacy Tour at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 10 a.m. They say: “From the Goodwins to Colts, Keneys and Popes, Cedar Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the namesakes of Hartford’s landmarks. Explore the connections between these prominent residents and the cemetery with former Cedar Hill staff member Mellissa Craig.” This is $5 general; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • Stop by the 224 EcoSpace (224 Farmington Avenue) to take a dance master class followed by Sonia Plumb Dance Company‘s “Dance Off.” If you’d rather just watch, you can do that too. The dance class is 1-2 p.m.; dance battle is 2:30-4 p.m. $5.
  • Listen to a Summer Courtyard Concert at Charter Oak Cultural Center, 2-3:30 p.m. The Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble will be performing. Free.

August 21

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Take a ride on the Bushnell Park Carousel, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $1.

August 22

  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Toivo‘s Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Becoming the Woman I Am Meant To Be is from 6:30-8 p.m. today. They say: “Move a muscle, change a thought. Body, Mind and Spirit . . . Mindfulness through movement. Dress comfortably to participate in the art of movement. ” Email Linda llentini@advocacyunlimited.org if you plan to attend.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday at Arch Street Tavern starting at 8 p.m. This is a free show.
  • Jazz jam at Black-eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8-11 p.m. Free.

August 23

  • Stop by the youth-run pop up neighborhood market at 5 Corners (Garden, Westland, etc.), 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Today is its last day for the season.
  • The West End Farmers’ Market offers produce, prepared foods, and other locally-produced goods every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on Clemens Green. This is near the Twain House on Farmington Avenue. SNAP/EBT accepted.
  • Stop by the Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Avenue) at 5:30 to participate in a Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) meeting. See their Facebook page to stay in the loop about future actions.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

August 24

  • Stowe Salons at Lunch meets at noon. Discuss the social justice issues currently in the news. This is free. Bring your own lunch. The Stowe Center loves reservations: 860.522.9258, ext. 317.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hand Drawn Hartford, Colt Park: This event begins with a brief talk on the history of the area, and then everyone disperses to sketch the area. Bring a chair, supplies, snacks, and whatever you need. You can get a sketchbook for $5 at the event. This is from 5:30-8 p.m. Please register.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, speak to the makers, or show what you’re working on. 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Free.

August 25

  • Every Thursday there is a farmers’ market at Billings Forge, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. This is on the green space on Broad Street between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch any time between 12-1:30 p.m. Free. This is in Bushnell Park.
  • Take a tour of the historic Swift Factory and farm. Learn about the plans to establish a community food center, provide jobs, and improve health in the neighborhood. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. The Swift Factory is at 60 Love Lane. Free.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Stop by The 224 EcoSpace to see Fierce Whimsy: Inspired Creativity and attend the reception for The Art of Miguel José Matos. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 224 Farmington Avenue.
  • Learn how to reverse an opioid overdose by attending a Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition class at 7 p.m. Participants will receive a Naloxone kit. Register in advance so they have enough supplies. GHHRC is located on the lower level of 1229 Albany Avenue.
  • If you missed Holiday when it was screening a few weeks ago at the Wadsworth, here’s another chance. Today, Cedar Hill Cemetery will be hosting the film outdoors at 7:30. Bring a blanket and snack. This is $5; free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts members.

August 26

  • Sea Tea Ensemble & Friends: catch a set by Sea Tea Improv, and then another by a different improv team. This is at the fancy schmany new Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). Tickets are $10.

August 27

  • Take a mushroom walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery. 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 identification resources while identifying any fungi collected.” This begins at 10 a.m. Free for CHCF and Let’s Go Arts Members; free for everyone else.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • In July, Hong Hong taught a two-day paper-making workshop through KNOX. Hong Hong will demonstrate frame-building, similar to the ones used during the KNOX workshop. Paper-making will follow. They say “Participants in the Knox, Inc. workshop and the MakeHartford Paper Arts Gathering will be given first opportunity to sign up for slots” and that there will be a materials fee. This is from 1-5 p.m. at MakeHartford (30 Arbor). Check back to the event page as some of the details have yet to be ironed out.
  • Lindsey Fyfe — painter, musician, and all-around awesome person — has been creating paintings on canvases over the span of several weeks at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street), with work starting back in July. Today, come celebrate her work at the reception, 6-8:30 p.m. Free.

August 28

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.

August 29

  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Toivo‘s Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Becoming the Woman I Am Meant To Be is from 6:30-8 p.m. today. They say: “Scissors, Paper, Rock. Start with a clean slate . . . A collage/creative art activity.” All materials will be provided. Email Linda llentini@advocacyunlimited.org if you plan to attend.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday at Arch Street Tavern starting at 8 p.m. This is a free show.
  • Jazz jam at Black-eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8-11 p.m. Free.

August 30

  • The West End Farmers’ Market offers produce, prepared foods, and other locally-produced goods every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on Clemens Green. This is near the Twain House on Farmington Avenue. SNAP/EBT accepted.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

August 31

  • Stowe Salons at Lunch meets at noon. Discuss the social justice issues currently in the news. This is free. Bring your own lunch. The Stowe Center loves reservations: 860.522.9258, ext. 317.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • For something more sedentary, Cars 2 will be screening at the Hartford Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Free.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, speak to the makers, or show what you’re working on. 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street #B7. Free.

 

This monthly event listing includes arts and entertainment, civic engagement, academic, cultural, wellness, and other types of activities happening in Hartford during August. There is no intent to include all events — it’s curated, with preference given to what the widest range of Hartford residents can afford (free or low cost) and what sounds most interesting to us.

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.

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