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Early April Adventures

Early April Adventures

Day camps, Art exhibits, Theater productions, 60+ events

Todd DiGiovanni
April 08, 2025

What’s good Hartford County!? Today is April 8th and National “All is Ours Day”, a day to hit pause and appreciate all the goodness life has to offer. Whether it's the little moments we often overlook or the bigger things that connect us all, this day is a reminder to stop, reflect, and be thankful for what we’ve got. It’s a great chance to spread some good vibes, share a smile, enjoy some quality time with your favorite people, or get outside and breathe in that fresh air.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

Parkville Market
Donut Crazy
60+ things to do

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

Underrated - WorldAtlas ranked the most underrated towns in CT and Simsbury made the list! You can find the others here.
Grant - Enfield is set to receive a $10 million grant from the state's Community Investment Fund 2030 to revitalize the Enfield Square Mall. The redevelopment plan includes 300,000 square feet of anchor retail space alongside the existing Target store, plus nine acres dedicated to restaurants and shops.
Demolition - St. Peter Church in New Britain, a 125-year-old landmark, is set to be demolished due to structural damage from a 2024 earthquake, leaving parishioners heartbroken
Flight - Pack your bags - Bradley International Airport just launched nonstop flights to Bermuda! The new route runs twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, making island getaways easier than ever.

THE HIVE’S PICK

Image credit: Donut Crazy

If you're a donut lover, Donut Crazy (983 Farmington Ave) in West Hartford is a must visit. I’m reminded of Willy Wonka, if he made donuts. This quirky, local gem serves up some of the most creative and mouth-watering donuts around.

I really enjoyed the maple bacon, Boston cream, and powdered jelly donuts. They make both yeast and cake donuts, each donut is made fresh daily. Plus, the rotating seasonal specials and inventive donut designs mean there’s always something new to try. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat and brighten your day.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

If you haven’t been to Parkville Market(1400 Park St) in Hartford yet, you’re seriously missing out- it’s a foodie paradise. The laid-back vibe, industrial chic design and beautiful colorful murals make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon trying food from different cultures.

With 22 restaurants and 3 bars, it’s easy to find something for everyone, and in my opinion; makes it the best of Hartford’s food scene. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, keto or gluten-free they’ve got you covered with plenty of options too. From mouth watering tacos and empanadas to flavorful BBQ or ceviche, the market offers a vibrant mix of local and international flavors that always hit the spot. More Info

NEW OPENINGS

🌭Carol’s Lunchbox, a beloved hot dog spot off Route 4, is leveling up — now opening as a full sit-down restaurant with dinner, drinks, and Sunday breakfast at Westwoods Golf Course

🗝️Two Chefs Art & Antiques is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, April 8 in Enfield, offering 5,000 square feet of curated art, antiques, and vintage treasures at 481 Enfield Street.

🏝️Ventanas Bar & Restaurant, a new Caribbean hotspot, is now open at 59 North Main Street, Bristol in the former Better Half Brewing space!

🏬Big Things at Factory Square in Southington! 🍕 Barb’s Pizza opens next week, 🕹 GameCraft Arcade just leveled up with a whole new second floor and bar, and 🕯 Curioporium is now open for all your wonderfully weird and curious finds

🥪Jersey Mike’s Subs to open a new location at 186 W. Main St. in Avon on Wednesday, April 9.

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (4/8)

Avon | Crime Mystery Writers Panel | 6:30PM - Avon Free Public library(281 Country Club Rd) is hosting a panel of Connecticut crime writers that will discuss how they write their books. Register

Enfield | Pottery Wheel Workshop | 6-8PM $ - Learn to create various pottery pieces like a bowl, vase, cup, or planter at Kil’n It Pottery Studio.(610 Enfield St) Admission

South Windsor | Disney Themed Trivia | 6:30-8:30PM - Put your knowledge of Disney to the test at Connecticut Valley Brewing Company.(765 Sullivan Ave)

LIVE MUSIC

WEDNESDAY (4/9)

Bristol | Brains & Beers | 7-8:30 - Trivia night at The New Cambridge project.(139 Center St) Have a craft beer while you test your trivia knowledge, winners get prizes.

East Granby | Open Mic & Open Jam | 6-9PM - Have you ever been told you should be a comedian or a musician, here’s your chance at the open mic/jam at Almost Famous Brewing.(17 Kripes Rd) Sign-Up

East Granby | Tagliatelle Pasta Making Class | 6PM $ - Learn how to make Tagliatelle pasta from scratch with egg dough and have a glass of wine at Brignole Vineyards(103 Hartford Ave) Register

Hartford | Music Bingo | 7PM - Rather than calling out numbers, clips of songs are played at Bears Smokehouse BBQ(25 Front St). Free Registration

West Hartford | 90’s Pop Culture Trivia | 7PM - Still have the lyrics from Wonderwall in your head? Can’t go wrong with 90’s trivia at WOB Bar & Kitchen.(73 Isham Rd #B-30)

Windsor Locks | Bocce Night | 4-9PM - The night where Luppoleto Brewing Co(20 Main St) has the Indoor Bocce court is set up. More Info

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY (4/10)

Berlin | Children Sensory Play & Learn (Ages 0-5) | 10:30-11:15AM - Berlin-Peck Memorial Library(234 Kensington Rd) gives children the opportunity to experience sensory based play. Register

Bristol | Torries, Spies, Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary CT | 7-9PM $ - This presentation at Bristol Historical Library(98 Summer St) from Rachel Beauchemin reveals stories of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side.

Enfield | Music Bingo Night | 7PM - The Yarde Tavern(1658 King St) is hosting Music Bingo where they play song clips rather than numbers. Winners get the prizes, losers get salty tears.

Manchester | Karaoke w/ DJ Jacki | 9PM-12AM - Belt out your go-to karaoke song at Ganymead.(360 Middle W. Tpke)

Manchester | Christopher Titus | 7:30 $ - Veteran comedian Christopher Titus is coming to rip down a set at The Funny Bone.(194 Buckland Hills Dr) Tix

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY (4/11)

Bristol | Greenhouse Finds Market | 11AM-2PM - The Garden at Pinehurst Farm(50 Pinehurst Rd) will have a variety of goods from multiple vendors. More Info

Glastonbury | Comedy night | 7PM $ - Stand up comic Keith Alberstadt is coming to Crystal Ridge Winery & Vineyard.(257 Belltown Rd) Passes

Glastonbury | Trivia Night | 6:30-8PM - Brain teasers and prizes for the winners at Hops On The Hill.(275 Dug Rd)

Hartford | Tabletop Utopia 3 | 8AM $ - If tabletop, strategy or role playing games are your thing then head to the CT Convention Center this weekend.(100 Columbus Blvd) More Info & Passes

Hartford | Wolf Pack Game | 7PM $ - The Wolf Pack takes on the Providence Bruins at the XL Center.(1 Civic Center Plaza) Tix

Manchester | Open Mic Night | 9:30PM $- The Funny Bone(194 Buckland Hills Dr) hosts an open mic featuring 25 comics doing 4-5 min sets. More info & Passes

New Britain | The Ferryman | 7:30-11PM $ - Hole in the Wall Theater(116 Main St) presents the U.S Amateur Debut of Jez Butterworth's The Ferryman. Info & Secure your spot

LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY (4/12)

Bristol | Theatrical Play of Charlottes Web | 3-4:15PM $ - Downtown Live at Rockwell Theater(120 Memorial Dr) presents the classic E.B Webb story as a theatre production. Recommended ages: Grades K-5. Reserve your spot

Enfield | Mixer & Mini Date (Ages 35-45) | 7-8PM $ - If you’re single and in the correct age range check out Powder Hollow Brewery,(504 Hazard Ave) unless you prefer swiping to real life connections. Entry Fee

Farmington | Free Antique Appraisals | 11AM-4PM - Bring in your antiques to Antiq’s (Hyde Rd at New Britain Ave) and get an appraisal, you could be sitting on a gold mine.

Glastonbury | Adaptive Climbing Clinic | 2-5PM $ - Learn how to scale a rock wall at Central Rock Climbing Club.(259 Eastern Blvd) Call 203-284-2772 or sports@gaylord.org for registration.

Hartford | Step Off Classic | 10AM-4PM $ - A showcase of talent, rhythm, unity, and competition at The Hartford Step-Off Classic and Health Expo held at The Bushnell.(168 Capitol Ave) Secure your spot

Manchester | Michele Urban: Pete the Cat & the Music Room | 10:30-11:15AM - Manchester Public Library(586 Main St) brings you an out-of-sight music adventure with Michele Urban and her snazzy friend Pete.

Manchester | Music On Main & Work Space Open House | 10AM-2PM - Join musicians from Imagine Manchester and the Manchester CT Songwriter's Association at WORK_SPACE(901 Main St) to see multiple art exhibits & music.

LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAY (4/13)

Enfield | Book & Brews | 2-5PM - Bring a book (or several!) to Powder Hollow Brewery(504 Hazard Ave) that you’re ready to part with and have a pint or glass of wine while you browse.

Plainville | Digging in the Crates- Vinyl sale | 9:30AM-3:30PM $ - It’s always fun looking for a rare or special record and finding treasure. Record Riots is having a huge vinyl sales event at Plainville VFW Post 754(7 Northwest Dr) Entry fee

Southington | 1st Annual Brewer Bash | 12-6PM - The Witchdoctor Brewing Co.(168 Center St) is having it’s first annual brewer bash to celebrate one of owners, Josh Norris.

LIVE MUSIC

MONDAY (4/14)

Berlin | Crafternoon: Earth Day | 2:30-3:30PM - Create beautiful artwork out of recycled materials just in time for Earth Day at The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.(234 Kensington Rd)

Bristol | Climbing Camp | 9AM $ - Pine Lake Adventure Park(129 Birch St) is hosting a climbing camp for grades 5-8 from 4/14-4/17. More Info

Canton | Spring Fever: Day Camp | 9AM-12PM $ - Let your kids(Gr. K-5) connect with nature at Roaring Brook Nature Center.(70 Gracey Rd) The camp runs 4/14-4/18 Info & Register

Southington | Plant Protectors Storytime & Craft | 1-4PM -Children ages 4+ and their favorite adult are invited to The Southington Public Library(255 Main St) to celebrate Earth Day. After storytime, make seed balls, color, and make a recycled item craft. Register

Windsor | Gardening for Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators | 6:30PM $ - At the L.P Wilson Community Center(599 Matianuck Ave) you will hear from Margery Winters from Roaring Brook Nature Center to learn about our many native pollinators.

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!