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The only thing hotter than this forecast? The lineup.

The only thing hotter than this forecast? The lineup.

Art on tap, salsa in the street, and a two-day fest that turns Bushnell Park into a summer soundtrack.

Todd DiGiovanni
June 24, 2025

How we doing Hartford County!? Today is June 24th and National Take Back the Lunch Break Day - aka your official permission slip to slam your laptop shut, ignore that Slack ping, and eat something that didn’t come from a vending machine. Whether you’re team solo-sandwich-in-the-park or grabbing wings with your work wife, this is your day to reclaim the midday refuel. Because let’s be honest: “lunch at your desk” isn’t a personality. Call it productivity. Call it sanity. Call it an excuse to finally try that spot you've been walking past for months. Just don’t call it skipping lunch again.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

Capitol Groove
South Indian Flavor bombs @ Naatiya Indian Restaurant
55+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

UPA

IRL MEET UP

🚣‍♂️ Who’s down to swap inbox scrolling for paddle strokes on the sometime during an afternoon between July 6–12? I talked to Myra from Main Stream Canoe & Kayaks and she’s offering a sweet deal for Hart Co Buzz readers of only $40/per person for a 2 hour adventure. Only 20 spots available, just click yes below and I’ll follow up with details straight to your inbox!

Ready to trade Wi-Fi for a paddle adventure?

HIVE PICK

Housed in a cozy mini-mall at you may just pass by is Naatiya Indian Restaurant (8 Mountain Ave, Bloomfield) has been quietly turning heads since 2010. Think crisp dosas, tongue-tingling Chettinad curries, and first-rate butter chicken, all whipped up with killer spices and zero pretense .

Whether you're here for the weekend buffet that hits new levels of flavorful or craving chicken tikka dosa that’ll make you sigh into your plate, Naatiya delivers authenticity with approachable vibes . Friendly staff? Check. Catering and party-hall options for 100+ guests? Yep, they’ve got you covered.

Bottom line: If you want serious South Indian eats, with spice, soul, and a side of chill, Naatiya’s your new go‑to in Bloomfield.

HART CO TRIVIA🤔

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Alright, CT listen up - this is not a drill. Khruangbin, Thundercat, Steel Pulse, and a stacked lineup are descending on Bushnell Park (1 Jewell St) for two days (6/28+6/29) of funk, soul, reggae, and pure outdoor magic. They’re calling it Capitol Groove, but it might as well be “Bonnaroo with better parking.” Food trucks? Everywhere. Craft beer? Flowing. Sunshine + music + 10,000 strangers who suddenly feel like family? That’s the real headliner - and if you’ve got lawn chairs, friends, and rhythm, this might be your summer’s peak.

NEW OPENINGS

🐔 Raising Cane’s touches down today (6/24) at 1298 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, slinging its chicken-finger + Texas-toast lineup daily 10 AM–midnight (til 1 AM Fri–Sat).

🍣 Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro just turned 772 Park Ave into Bloomfield’s new AYCE paradise ($21.99 lunch/$31.99 dinner) sushi, sizzling hibachi, bento boxes, and every roll under the rising sun, so bring stretchy pants.

HIVE PROPERTY

Think Tuscan villa meets New England flex: a blush-pink, red-tile Mediterranean stunner perched on 5.7 Case Mountain acres, rocking a four-bay garage, jaw-drop staircase, chestnut-paneled library, and more fireplaces than your Tinder matches. French doors spill onto a tiled patio, hardwood floors gleam everywhere, and the pergola + lawn combo is begging for Gatsby-level parties.

After six decades with one fam, it’s finally on the market, waterfall views at Case Pond, 640 acres of trails next door, and I-384 shooting you to Hartford or Boston in a snap. Two parcels, sold as one, contents included; snag it now and turn “needs a little polish” into “look who just bought a legacy estate.”

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (6/24)

Farmington | Goddess Yoga: Kundalini Yoga | 6:30-8PM $ - Bridge Healing Arts Center (304 Main St) turns the spiritual dial to 11. Breathwork, chants, and spine-tingling energy work with Alison Carlson. No prior enlightenment required. Drop-ins welcome. More Info & Register

South Windsor | Summer Playdates | 1-2:30PM - This is not your average Tuesday playdate. Stop by The Shops at Evergreen Walk (501 Evergreen way) take playdates seriously, we’re talking balloon animals, crafts, face paint, and enough toddler energy to power a Tesla.

Southington | Pourtraits: Art & Beer Festival | 6-9PM - Kinsmen Brewing (409 Canal St) is throwing a full-blown creative bash with live mural painting, interactive art stations, local vendors, and craft beer on tap. Think street art meets brewery hangout. You can sip, sketch, shop, and soak up the live music while chatting with local artists.
Free to attend, pay as you pour and paint. High chance you’ll leave tipsy and inspired.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Rockwell Park Amphitheater | Lori & The Legends | 6:30-8PM
⬢ Windsor Locks - Veterans Memorial Park | Nelson Bello & Friends | 7PM

WEDNESDAY (6/25)

Enfield | Brews & Bingo (Vino Too) | 6PM - Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave) transforms into your favorite twist on Thursday night. Cards, dabbers, and prizes collide over cold beers. No pressure, just pints and playful competition.

Granby | Classic Car Show | 5-8PM - State Line Propane Oil (500 Salmon Brook St) gets decked out in chrome and carburetors. Classic rides, stories from proud owners, and plenty of old-school horsepower. Free to wander, donations welcome.

Hartford | Karaoke Night | 7:30-10PM - Parkville Market (1400 Park St) gets loud in the best way. Belt out Bon Jovi, butcher Beyoncé, or redeem your soul with Queen. No judgment, just liquid courage and a crowd that claps anyway.

New Britain | Spider-Man Meet & Greet | 10AM-3PM - New Britain Public Library (20 High St) kicks off its summer reading bash with everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Stories, high-fives, and photo ops for the win.

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY (6/26)

Berlin | Magic Show - Ed Popielarczyk | 6-7PM - Head to Berlin‑Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd) for a one‑hour family magic extravaganza. Comedy sleight‑of‑hand, balloon artistry, even a flea circus - you’ve gotta see it to believe it. Registration

Manchester | Comic: Kel Perez | 8-9PM - Edgy stand-up spotlight for the rising star Kel Perez at The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Tix

Manchester | Sip & Cigar Night | 6-8PM - Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St). Sample cigars + craft beers in the taproom. Outdoor seating, small fee per cigar, casual lounge vibes. Admission

Plainville | Health Happy Hour | 5:30-7PM - Plainville Strength & Wellness (13 Whiting St). is all about sound therapy, not celery. Ed Cleveland brings decades of deep training in ancient sound instruments (we’re talking stuff most folks haven’t even heard of). You’ll get a taste of 30+ classes he teaches - learn what makes sound healing legit, and leave feeling tuned up, not tuned out.

West Hartford | Blue Back Block Party | 6-8PM - Blue Back Square (65 Memorial Rd) is throwing a block party with live DJs, food vendors, family fun, street party energy. Drop by on your way home.

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY (6/27)

Hartford | Pratt St Salsa Social | 5-8PM - Downtown Hartford shuts down Pratt St. (99 Pratt St) and turns into a salsa street party! Live instructors, community energy, no cover charge.

Manchester | Stand-up Comic: Derrick Stroup | 7PM $ - You ever seen an angry auctioneer rant about Waffle House like it’s a religion? Derrick Stroup’s bringing Southern sass and Comedy Central clout to The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr), and it’s gonna hit harder than a sweet tea with Jack in it. Tix

Manchester | Playwright Festival | 7-9PM - Little Theatre of Manchester (177 Hartford Rd) - Eight new short plays - Local playwrights, sharp mind work, festival energy. Tix

New Britain | Food Truck Festival (6/27-6/29) | 5-9PM - The New Britain Bees Stadium (230 John Karbonic Way) is turning into a foodie playground with trucks, carnival rides, and live music. No cover, just pay as you eat. Pro tip: Wear sneakers, you’re gonna wander.

LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY (6/28)

Glastonbury | 2nd Annual CT Car Show | 12-4 PM $ - Shiny rides, raffles, mini-golf, food & drinks at Glastonbury Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2202 (98 Woodland St). A polished summer afternoon.

Hartford | Capitol Groove 2025 (6/28+6/29) | 11AM-10PM - Two-day fest in Bushnell Park (900 Main St). Khruangbin headlines Saturday with Thundercat, Steel Pulse and more. Food trucks and craft beer “because festivals” More Info & Tix

Hartford | The Ice Never Melts Premiere | 6-9PM $ - Local boxing doc debut at The Swift Factory (10 Love Ln). Screening + Q&A panel, merch, silent auction - all for Scully’s legacy. Passes

Southington | Meet Blippi @ Lake Compounce | 1-4PM $ - Family-friendly character meet-and-greet at Lake Compounce Amusement Park (2099 Scout Rd, Bristol) and it’s included with your park admission. Expect photo ops, high-energy dance moves, and plenty of kids in orange suspenders absolutely losing it.

LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAY (6/29)

Farmington | Artisan Market & Art Show | 11AM-2 PM - Get your craft fix at Art Gallery at Mill (29 Mill St). Local artists go head-to-head. Pop in for handmade goods crafted by artisan vendors + gallery vibes, Sunday strolls just got a cultural upgrade.

Glastonbury | Rose’s Berry Farm June Market | 11AM-3PM - Swing by Rose’s Berry Farm (298 Matson Hill Rd) for their first outdoor market of the season. Family-owned, pesticide-free - and you don't even need to pick berries to feel zen.

Windsor Locks | Songwriter Showcase III | 3-5:30PM - Hear local songwriting talent at Luppoleto Brewing Co. (20 Main St). Three artists, two sets each, plus a casual Q&A. Great spot to discover tomorrow’s hits while sipping suds

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on the Hill | The Boomers | 2-5PM

MONDAY (6/30)

Windsor Locks | Community Mural (6/30-7/03) | 1-3PM - Windsor Locks Arts Council and artist Katherine Tolve are handing the brush to you at Pesci Park (101-109 Center St). Whether you've held a paintbrush once or a thousand times, you're invited to splash color on a public mural that's all about bringing the town together

SCRAMBLE ANSWER: TRINITY COLLEGE

That’s a wrap for this week’s Hart Co Buzz. If you enjoyed Hart Co Buzz then please share with friends and family who will also benefit from staying in the loop with local happenings. See you next week!