🏅 Connecticut just snagged the #5 slot for quality of life in CNBC’s 2025 state rankings - apparently good pizza, clean air, and low crime do wonders for your vibe.

🌳 Gov. Lamont just green‑lit $14.3 M to lock 2,270 acres of Connecticut land into forever‑wild status and seed six brand‑new community parks. Check out the full list of properties!

🦋 East Hartford’s DePietro Park just leveled up, hundreds of fresh blooms, stone walkways, and a bee‑and‑bird buffet were planted by the We Love You crew and a swarm of community volunteers, turning the place into a pollinator paradise overnight.

The Caribbean Rum & Food Festival (12-7PM) at The Grand Alure Banquet Hall (1375 East St) isn’t just an event - it’s a mini-vacation disguised as a day party that brings the island heat to New Britain. Expect bottomless flavor and top-tier vibes. Picture this: a lineup of premium rum tastings, plates stacked with jerk chicken, fried plantains, curry goat (if you know, you know), and beats so good the dance floor basically forms itself.

This is a full-on celebration of Caribbean culture - with live music, vendors, cultural performances, and enough tropical energy to make you question whether you actually need to renew that passport. It’s 21+ only, so leave the kids and responsibilities behind. Show up hungry, stay dancing, and toast to summer with a little rum-fueled joy.

🛍️ Westfarms just leveled up its lineup - Zumiez rolled in with decks, kicks, and streetwear; Just Cozy popped back up in Center Court with legging heaven; and American Eagle rebooted its digs in slick new prototype style. Grab a latte, roam the refreshed aisles, and let your wallet do some cardio.

🍝 Pesto’s just flipped the OPEN sign at 98 Main in Southington, slinging everything from pesto‑kissed pasta to pizza and steak—plus private rooms for 35 or 100 of your carb‑loving crew.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Cash a 70-lb Anatolian Shepherd mix with chill sidekick energy; house & crate trained, good with dogs (no cats), prefers teens+ & low-key hangs

🏡House of the week: A 1907 Tudor‑Craftsman jewel, once architect Harry Hilliard Smith’s own digs. It packs 14 rooms, a brick‑floored summer porch, a Bacchus‑fountain solarium, and a pool‑plus‑carriage house combo that screams “historic flex.” Check it out!

🥾Trail of the week: Need a breezy leg-stretcher, stroller-friendly and pup-approved? Hit this 1.2-mile rail-trail loop inside Stratton Brook State Park. The path is pancake-flat, partly paved/crushed stone, and cruises past a photogenic covered bridge, piney shade, and a swim-worthy pond. Bonus: it’s fully ADA-accessible, so the whole crew can tag along. Park at the main lot off Route 309, cross the bridge, and follow the old railroad bed - back at the car in 30–40 minutes, tops.

🔭Sky report: Delta Aquariid meteors rev up (peaks Jul 30). Expect 10‑20 faint “shooters” per hour from the southeast once the Moon is gone. Bring a lawn chair and let the streaks compete with the fireflies.

Avon | Baby Storytime | 10:30AM - Tiny humans and their grownups are invited to a cozy lapsit session at Avon Public Library (281 Country Club Rd). It’s songs, stories, and adorable babbling, all while secretly boosting those early literacy skills. Free, wholesome, and ridiculously cute.

East Hartford | Farmers Market | 2-4PM - Shop local like it’s your job at East Hartford town green (99 Chapman Pl). Mix of fresh, local produce; honey made from East Hartford hives; hot food and cottage food goodies; jams, baked goods, and the sweet satisfaction of supporting the folks who grow your food.

Manchester | Music Bingo | 6:30PM - Music clips meets Bingo. Prizes, drinks, and musical mayhem at Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St).

Milldale | Horsepower & Hops | 6-9PM - Hit up Kinsmen Brewing Co. (409 Canal St) for classic cars + cold beer = Tuesday night bliss. Shine your chrome, grab a pint, and kick it with fellow gearheads.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Rockwell Theater | Badfoot | 6:30PM
⬢ Enfield - The Town Green | Pop Rocks | 7PM
⬢ Hartford - Xfinity Theatre | Creed - Summer of ’99 Tour | 7PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Underground | Hot Water Music w/ Walter Schreifels & Rodeo Boys | 7:30PM $
⬢ Manchester - MARC Inc | Changes in Latitudes (Jimmy Buffett Tribute) | 6:30PM
⬢ Wethersfield - Historical Society | Jeffry John Band | 6:30PM

Enfield | Principles of Organic Gardening | 6PM - No chemicals, no nonsense. Learn how to grow the good stuff straight from the dirt. Whether you're a backyard newbie or tomato whisperer, this free workshop from Enfield Garden Club (124 N. Maple St) has your green thumb covered.

Manchester | Dead Serious: Live Mediumship with Travis Holp | 6:30PM $ - Talk to the other side (seriously). Psychic medium Travis Holp brings energy, emotion, and eerie accuracy to The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Expect tears, chills, and a few “how did he know that?!” moments. More Info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Riverfront Park | Billy Joel Tribute | 6:30PM
⬢ New Britain - Walnut Hill Park | Rhythm City | 7PM
⬢ Southington - Town Green | Sam Vinci Orchestra | 7PM
⬢ West Hartford - Elizabeth Park | Gene Bozzi: Jazz & Strings | 6:30PM

Enfield | Pottery Wheel Workshop | 6-8PM $ - Get hands-on with a pro: throw 2 lbs of clay, shape your bowl, vase, or planter, then paint it two weeks later at Kil’n It Pottery Studio (610 Enfield St, just off I‑91). BYOB for 21+ Secure your spot

Hartford | True Crime at the Museum | 6-7PM $ - Murder, forgery, and arson? Peek behind the curtain at CT’s creepiest crimes via rarely-seen artifacts at Connecticut Museum of Culture & History (1 Elizabeth St). Tix

Manchester | Comic: Anthony Robustiano | 7PM $ - Swing through The Funny Bone Comedy Club (194 Buckland Hills Dr) where Anthony lights up the mic. Count on NY-style roasting meets crowd work madness. Snag Passes

West Hartford | Blue Back Block Party | 6-8PM - Blue Back Square (65 Memorial Rd) is bringing it with DJ sets, bounce houses, beer garden, games, and food trucks. It’s like a downtown summer fair exploded with style.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ East Granby - Town Green | Small Time Stereo | 6PM
⬢ Farmington - Town Hall | The Brat Pack (’80s Cover Band) | 6:30PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Bar Hollow | Kayla Ray | 6-9PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Chirp with Out Of Orbit | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Webster | NO CAP | 8PM $
⬢ Marlborough - Town Green | Stevie Nicks Tribute | 7PM
⬢ Simsbury - Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge | The Swing Syndicate | 6:30PM
⬢ South Windsor -The Shops at Evergreen Walk | Loveland Hill | 7PM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | 7 Below (Phish Tribute) | 5:30-8:30PM

Avon | Movie Night: Moana 2 | 8:15PM - Sycamore Hills Recreation Area (635 W Avon Rd) hosts this outdoor family flick under the stars. Bring blankets, snacks, and that warm fuzzy Moana-2 energy.

East Hartford | Splash Pool Party | 5:30-7PM - Dive into summer at Martin Park (64 Oakwood St) with poolside beats, splash fights, and chilled vibes. Bring suits, bring towels. Free entry.

Hartford | Salsa St. Social | 5-8PM - Pratt St. Historic District (99 Pratt St) shuts down the block with this huge outdoor salsa session open to all dancers & beginner-friendly. Show up and soak it in.

Manchester | Comic: Godfrey | 7PM & 9:30PM $ - Clean, sharp, and nationally touring - Godfrey brings polished jokes that hit fast and keep coming at Funny Bone Comedy Club (194 Buckland Hills Dr). More Info

Southington | Italian-American Festival (7/25-7/27) | 5-11PM - Three-day Italian feast-fest *Chefs Kiss*: cannoli, pasta, Italian bands, artisans, and rides - a full weekend of family + food hosted by Sons of Italy, Sorelle d’ Italia in America & Southington UNICO. More Info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Southern Accents: Tom Petty Experience | 8PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Riverfront Park | Blind Drive | 7PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Garden Grove: Sublime Tribute | 9PM-12AM $
⬢ Simsbury - Performing Arts Center | Ben Folds & Hartford Symphony | 7:30PM $
⬢ West Hartford - New Park Brewing | Shakedown | 8-10:30PM $

Hartford | DAYSHIFT “World’s Biggest 30+ Day Party” | 5-9PM $ - Club energy for the 30+ crowd at The Webster (31 Webster St). DJs, dancers, disco balls, confetti, and all before bedtime. Tix

Hartford | Perú Fest | 1-9PM - Celebrate Peruvian culture at Parkville Market (1400 Park St) with live music, folkloric dance, cultural bingo, Mercado 27 eats & vendors.

West Hartford | NC17 Dirty Comedy Show Starring Maurice Green | 7PM  $ -Warning: adult jokes ahead. Prepare for uncensored, laugh-out-loud material at The Elbow Room (986 Farmington Ave) Not for the faint-hearted, if you’re over 18+, you won’t forget this. Info & Access

Simsbury | Summer Fungi Foraging Class | 10AM $ - Learn to ID wild mushrooms (the tasty and the toxic) with CT Foraging Club’s (150 Farms Village Rd) Amy Demers and mycologist Amanda Dye. A 45-min talk + guided forage = one fungi-filled morning. Email [email protected] to register.

South Windsor | Sunflower Market (7/26 & 7/27)| 10AM-2PM - Patio market vibes with local vendors, sunshine, and cold brews. Happening rain or shine at CT Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave). Free to stroll, shop, sip.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Bleachers Bar | Tantric | 8PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Rooftop 120 | The 860 | 9PM-12AM 
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Six Pack of Blues | 8-11PM
⬢ Manchester - Murphy’s Pub | Kings of Karma | 8PM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | Shout - Talking Heads Tribute | 8PM $

East Granby | Gem & Mineral Show | 10AM-4PM - Crystals, fossils, geodes, oh my. Rock collectors and curious kids alike can explore dazzling natural finds at Old New Gate Prison & Copper Mine (115 Newgate Rd).

Manchester | Comic & Toy Convention | 10AM-4PM $ - Cosplay, collectibles, and comics take over the Army & Navy Club (1090 Main St). Panels, vendors, and old-school merch. Kids 10 and under free. Admission

New Britain | Caribbean Rum & Food Festival | 12-7PM $ - Island vibes at Grand Alure Banquet Hall (1375 Eat St). Rum tastings, Caribbean eats, live music, and a tropical dance floor. 21+ only. Tix

Southington | Kinsman Summer Farmers Market | 11AM-2PM - Local produce, homemade pastries, wildflower bouquets and more at Kinsmen Brewing Co. (409 Canal St). Family and dog friendly.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | John Lodge of The Moody Blues | 8PM $
⬢ Newington -The Flying Monkey | Stoltz & Co | 5:30-8PM
⬢ Suffield - Shamrock Cafe | Shovelhead | 2-6PM

Hartford | Movie Night - The Lion King @ Parkville Market | 5PM - Gather your pride (and popcorn) at Parkville Market (1400 Park St) for a free indoor screening of Disney’s The Lion King on the giant media wall - aka The Parkville Marketron.

South Windsor | Jeep Cruise Night | 4-9PM - Jeeps take center stage - Bring your ride or just admire others while sipping a cold one at Connecticut Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | Davey Blues Trio | 9:30PM