HartCo Buzz
Posts
Memorial Day weekend goes full send!

Memorial Day weekend goes full send!

Salsa Social, Beer Yoga, Space & Art Adventures

Todd DiGiovanni
May 20, 2025

What’s the word Hartford County!? Alright, so today is May 20th and technically National Streaming Day... which I guess means we’re supposed to celebrate binge-watching and buffering? Hard pass. Then there’s Be a Millionaire Day, which feels like it was invented by a finance bro with three Tesla’s and zero friends.

So instead, I’m rolling with the positive and uplifting stuff: National Pick Strawberries Day and National Rescue Dog Day. One gets you outside and full of antioxidants, the other fills your heart and covers your couch in fur. Health > hustle. Let’s pick the sweet stuff this week, yes both literally and figuratively.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

East Hartford Memorial Day Parade
Exclusive Cuts Barber Shop
70+ Events including 30 live music acts

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

Maps - Bradley International Airport has partnered with GoodMaps to launch a free indoor navigation app, enhancing accessibility for travelers with disabilities, non-English speakers, and first-time visitors. The app provides real-time, step-by-step directions throughout the terminal, including to gates, restrooms, dining areas, and baggage claim

Exhibit - The Connecticut Science Center's new exhibit, Innovation: A Driving Force, invites visitors to navigate a virtual electric vehicle through a digital Hartford, making eco-conscious choices to earn a digital driver's license.

THE HIVE’S PICK

Tucked between a dollar store and a smoke shop, you’d be forgiven for walking past Exclusive Cuts (182 Main St) barber shop without a second glance. From the outside, it looks like the kind of place you might buy knockoff cologne or a burner phone. But step inside? Different story.

This spot is pure East Hartford gold. The vibe takes me back to the hood barbershop’s I used to hit growing up, minus the hour wait for a cut…shout-out to Booksy! Every chair in there? Certified. Doesn’t matter who you get, they all know how to get your line-up crispy and your fade smoother than a TED Talk.

No frills, no fake hype. Just barbers who care about their craft and won’t let you leave looking anything less than photo-ready. Exclusive Cuts is the kind of place you don’t find on Yelp’s top 10, it’s the place locals gatekeep because they don’t want their chair booked out. Bonus: they’ll remember your cut and your last convo. Loyalty runs deep here.

If you know, you know. If you don’t know, now you know…..get familiar.

HART CO TRIVIA🤔

What small Hartford County town is known for having one of the oldest continuously operating ferry services in the U.S.?

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

East Hartford's Memorial Day Parade on May 26th is the kind of local tradition that sneaks up on you and then punches you right in the feels. Starting at 10 AM sharp at 9 Riverside Drive, the parade rolls through town like a well-oiled machine, honoring our heroes with precision and pride.

From marching bands to veterans, it's a moving tribute that doesn't skimp on the spectacle. The route ends at the Fallen Star Memorial at Goodwin University, where a ceremony at 11:30 AM pays solemn respects to those who served.

But it's not all somber. From 12-3PM, the community celebration kicks in with food trucks, vendors, and live music. It's a chance to mingle, chow down, and soak in the local flavor. Whether you're there to honor, celebrate, or just enjoy a good hot dog, East Hartford's Memorial Day Parade will deliver. It's a hometown event that reminds you why traditions matter.

NEW OPENINGS

🥤Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens May 21st at 123 Farmington Ave in the old Family Haircut spot at Bristol Commons!

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (5/20)

Bristol | Game Night | 5-9PM - Grab the gang and meet at The New Cambridge Project (139 Center St) for trivia! Battle for bragging rights and gift card prizes while you have a few pints from the Pub.

Manchester | Glass Fusion Light | 6-7:30PM $ - Craft your own glowing masterpiece at Firestone Art Studio & Cafe (1115 Main St). Perfect for adding some sparkle to your space. Passes

Rocky Hill | CT Mariners of Old | 6:30PM - Step back in time and discover Connecticut's maritime history at Rocky Hill Library (33 Church St).

Simsbury | Guided Imagery Meditation | 7:15-8:15PM $ - Wisdom of the Ages (1618 Hopmeadow St) will help you find your zen and recharge your spirit. A peaceful hour for the soul.

South Windsor | Early 00's Trivia | 6:30-8:30PM - Dust off your flip phones and test your early 2000s knowledge at CT Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave). Bonus points for low-rise jeans.

West Hartford | WEHA Wellness 2025 | 12-3PM - Your one-stop shop for health, wellness, and self-care at Blue Back Square (65 Memorial Rd) Over 30 vendors to explore.

WEDNESDAY (5/21)

Canton | Collinsville Jamboree | 6-10PM - Swing by Memorial Field (91 Powder Mill Rd) for carnival rides, games, food, and a beer & wine garden. Fireworks on Friday night!

Glastonbury | Birth of Earth / Oasis in Space | 5:30PM / 7PM $ - Glastonbury Planetarium (95 Oak St) presents 2 different stories - Origins of Earth or a journey through galaxies and solar systems. More Info & Tix

Glastonbury | Wine Tasting | 6-7PM $ - The Best Wine Shop in Town (2283 Main St) invites you to sample a selection of wines from around the world. Impress your friends with your new found knowledge. RSVP 860.633.332

Manchester | Nature Connection at Wickham Park | 5:30PM - Come to Wickham Park (1329 Middle Turnpike W) for a weekly hour of guided nature walk and mindfulness exercises. Runs 5/21-6/25. Info & Passes

Southington | Bike Night | 6-9PM - Get to tha choppa! No, not that one - I’m talking about the loud 2 wheeled variety. You can find all the bikes at The Cadillac Ranch (45 Jude Ln) Live music by Branded - Country That Rocks. Food, vendors, and more.

Windsor | Classic Car Show | 4-8PM - Showcase of vintage and classic cars make their presence felt at The Beer Garden at Bart’s (55 Palisado Ave).

Windsor Locks | Bocce Night | 4-9PM - Everyone is welcome to play 4-6PM and hone your skills for all the BBQ’s this summer, from 6-9PM watch the pro’s show you how it’s done.

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY (5/22)

Bloomfield | Staggered Cruise Night | 5-8PM - Muscle cars, neon lights, and the smell of burning rubber at Dudley Town Brewing (1001 Day Hill Rd).

Bristol | Acoustic Open Mic | 6:30-9:30PM - Grab your guitar and your guts; it’s your turn to shine at The New Cambridge Project (139 Center St).

Bristol | Splatter Paint (5/22-5/25) | 6-9PM - Channel your inner Jackson Pollock and your outer mess at The New Cambridge Project (139 Center St). Register

East Windsor | Witchcraft 101 | 6-8PM - Be a good witch and learn to brew potions, cast spells, and maybe summon a familiar at at G.W Boutique & Craft Studio (35 S. Main St). Gain entry

Hartford | Drummer vs. DJ | 8:30PM - Who wins in a battle of the beats - DJ vs. Drummer, find out at Arch St Tavern (85 Arch St). Tix

Manchester | Puff & Paint | 6-8PM - Paint, puff and repeat at Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St). Register

South Windsor | M-Fest: Hops & Bimmers | 6-8:30PM - Craft beer and luxury cars at CT Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave).

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY (5/23)

East Granby | Comedy Night: Ray Harrington | 7:30-9PM - Unwind with a glass of wine and a belly full of laughs at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). Entry

Hartford | Beats & Brews at Dead Language Beer Project | 5-8PM - It's like a happy hour, but with more beats and less small talk. Groove to DJ MoonVolf and DJ Reaper at Dead Language Beer Project (1429 Park St).

Hartford | Pratt Street Salsa Social | 5-8PM - Sway your hips and sweat your worries away at Pratt Street Historic District (99 Pratt St). It's free, it's fun, and it's the best way to kick off your Friday night.

Manchester | Evening of One Acts at Cheney Hall | 7PM $ - Enjoy a night of short plays at Cheney Hall (177 Hartford Rd). It's like Netflix, but live and with better snacks. Passes

Manchester | Comic: Faizon Love | 7PM & 9:45PM - Laugh your socks off with Faizon Love at Funny Bone Comedy Club (194 Buckland Hills Dr) - but don’t play with his money smokey, it’s like playing with his emotions. Tix

Plantsville | Proms for Mom | 7PM - Celebrate mom with a prom-themed dinner at The Aqua Turf Club (556 Mulberry St). It's like prom, but with better food and less teen angst. Prom Tix

Rocky Hill | Music Bingo: Drinking Songs | 7PM - Play bingo with a musical twist at Still Hill Brewery (1275 Cromwell Ave - Building C, Unit 8). It's like bingo, but with more tunes and less shouting.

Wethersfield | Comic: Joe Bartnick | 8PM $ - Laugh your heart out with Brew Ha Ha at River: A Waterfront Restaurant and Bar (100 Great Meadow Rd). It's like a comedy show, but with more waterfront views and less awkward silences. Get in

LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY (5/24)

Bristol | Paint & Sip | 5-8PM $ - Unleash your inner artist and enjoy a glass of wine or whatever(BYOB) at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race St). It's a creative way to spend your evening. Access

Enfield | 90's Nostalgia Night Trivia | 6PM - Test your knowledge of 90's pop culture at Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave). It's a trip down memory lane with a competitive twist.

Farmington | Robin Hood's Medieval Faire | 10AM-6PM $ - Step back in time at Robin Hood's Medieval Faire at Harwinton Fairgrounds. Enjoy jousting, artisan crafts, and hearty feasts in a medieval setting.

Hartford | Van Gogh/Monet Exhibit | 10AM-7PM $ - Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Van Gogh/Monet Exhibit. Experience all the masterpieces at Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd).

Hartford | VegFest | 12-8PM -Head over to Parkville Market (1400 Park St) to celebrate plant-based living at VegFest.

Southington | Car Show: Heavy Hitter Mafia 5yr Anniversary | 12-4PM - Admire classic cars at the Southington Drive-in (995 Meriden Waterbury Tpke) with Heavy Hitters. It's a showcase of automotive beauty.

Wethersfield | Heirloom Spring Festival | 10AM-4PM - Celebrate spring with Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre (263 Main St). Enjoy local vendors, food, and entertainment in Wethersfield.

LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAY (5/25)

Bristol | Pro Wrestling | 2:30-6PM - Get ready for body slams, suplexes, and all the drama you can handle at The Lincoln Room (38 Barlow St) . It's like a soap opera, but with more sweat and less acting. Get Passes

Hartford | Backyard Boogie | 6:30-12AM - Kick off Memorial Day weekend at Piggy's Café (69 Hawthorn St) with DJ Craig G spinning tunes at Piggy's Café. It's the backyard bash you didn't know you needed.

Manchester | Open Mic Comedy Night | 5PM $ - Laugh your way through Sunday evening at The Funny Bone's (194 Buckland Hills Rd) Open Mic Comedy Night. Watch up-and-coming comics take the stage and maybe even discover your new favorite comedian. Tix

Southington | Yoga & a Pint | 10:30-11:30AM - Start your day with a relaxing yoga session at Witchdoctor Brewing Co. (168 Center St) Stretch, breathe, and then reward yourself with a craft beer.

Wethersfield | Voices Unbound | 4-7PM - Join the American Justice Project for "Voices Unbound," an evening where music inspires us to stand up for justice. Featuring performances by renowned soloists and choirs. Held at The First Church of Christ in Wethersfield (250 Main St). Tix

LIVE MUSIC

MONDAY (5/26)

East Hartford | Memorial Day Parade | 10AM - East Hartford’s Memorial Day Parade (9 Riverside Drive to Fallen Star Memorial) is the real deal. Marching bands, veterans, and a community celebration with food trucks and vendors. It’s on drizzle or shine.

South Windsor | Hot Rods & Rat Rods Cruise Night | 3-9PM - Get your engines revving at Connecticut Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave) for Hot Rods & Rat Rods Cruise Night. Classic cars, craft beer, and good vibes.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Manchester - Murphy’s Pub | Chris Marolda | 4:30-8PM

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!