America is turning 250, which means every town in Connecticut is about to start treating fireworks like a competitive sport. I put together a simple local parades & fireworks calendar so you don’t miss the good shows, and I’m also working on a full Hartford County event calendar that should be live next week as Version 1. I’d love your feedback once it’s up so we can make it actually useful.

HOW IT WORKS:

✦︎ You take a quick quiz so we can figure out your vibe, food preferences, and the kind of people you actually want to sit across from for dinner.

✦︎ We match you with five other Connecticut Buzz readers who hopefully make you say, “Okay, this was worth leaving the house for.”

✦︎ The day before dinner, we send you the restaurant reveal so you know exactly where your group is meeting.

✦︎ During dinner, we’ll text everyone the secret after-dinner spot if you want to keep the night going. Totally optional. If dinner wins and you need to go home and become furniture, we respect that.

Sign ups close today, so this is the last call to grab your seat.

Since today is National Porridge Day, we’re taking the most Connecticut possible angle: Indian Pudding, a warm, molasses-y cornmeal dish that’s basically porridge with colonial swagger. Amelia Simmons included a version in her 1796 Hartford-published cookbook, you can follow the recipe here.

June 28 | 10 AM - 7 PM

Festa Italiana is taking over New Britain on Sunday, June 28 from 10 AM to 7 PM, and this one is doing the absolute most in the best way. We’re talking food and memorabilia vendors, bocce, wine tasting, free caricature portraits, a watermelon and spaghetti eating contest, an inflatable sports zone, a car show, mass procession, scholarship presentation, and live music from John Micalizzi & Lisa Messina, Vittorio Di Carlo, and Francesco Castiglione. Free entry at Generale Ameglio Civic Association, 13 Beaver Street.

Every week, thousands of HartCo Buzz readers open this thing looking for their next meal, weekend plan, hidden gem or a trusted local service they can actually rely on. Get your business in front of a highly engaged audience that’s already paying attention and ready to take action.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Nougat, a calm little mini rex with ridiculously soft fur, a sunshine-lounging habit, and the kind of quiet sweetness that makes “just one bunny photo” a dangerous lie.

🏡House of the week: This Tudor has the good old-house stuff: arched doorways, built-ins, hardwood floors, a fireplace, and nearly 2,000 sq ft of actual room to spread out. Add in a screened porch, a patio, and a super walkable setting near shops, restaurants, coffee, and historic charm. Check it out!

🥾Sighting of the week: Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

🔭Sky report: The week builds toward Monday night’s Strawberry Moon, which peaks around dinner time and rises shortly after sunset for a classic summer moonrise. Earlier in the weekend, look for the nearly full Moon hanging near reddish Antares, the “heart” of Scorpius, while the June Bootids quietly try their best against some very bossy moonlight.

Hartford | Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs | 7:10 PM | ($) - The Yard Goats are home for a six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs. Play Ball (Daily 6/23-6/29)

Plan your local Farmers Markets stops

Berlin | Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | 6 PM - Learn elegant lettering techniques in this hands-on workshop at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave). Write

Glastonbury | Riverfront Music Series - Town Band | 6:30 PM - Free outdoor concert at Riverfront Community Center (300 Welles St).

Hartford | Summer Music Series | 6 PM - Free evening concert on the Trinity College campus.

Manchester | Glass Fusing Open Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Create your own fused glass art at The Firestone (1115 Main St). Make It

Southington | Sushi Making and Karaoke Night | 6:30 PM | ($) - Roll your own sushi then sing your heart out at SOLA Karaoke (168 Center St). Dig In

West Hartford | Marvel Trivia | 7 PM - Test your superhero knowledge—prizes for top teams at World of Beer(73 Isham Rd).

West Hartford | Tree Tour with Arborist John Kehoe | 10 AM - Guided walk through Elizabeth Park's historic trees.

Windsor | DJ Bingo at Bear's | 7 PM - Music-themed bingo with BBQ at Bear's Smokehouse (2152 Poquonock Ave).

Windsor Locks | Henna Night | 6-9 PM - Get beautiful henna designs at the Polish American Club.

East Hartford | Chris Marra and The Founding Fathers | 6 PM - Free patriotic rock concert at Great River Park (301 E River Dr).

Hartford | Ana Popovic | 8 PM | ($) - Serbian blues-rock guitarist live at Infinity Music Hall. Catch the Show

Marlborough | Windham Concert Band | 6 PM - Free summer concert series continues at Blish Park (32 Park Rd).

Newington | Cruising Newington Car Show | 5-8 PM | ($) - Classic cars on display at Market Square. Rev Up

Newington | What It Is Summer Concert | 6:30 PM - Free outdoor music at Mill Pond Park (119 Garfield St).

Plainville | Summer Concert - Eight to the Bar | 6:30 PM - Swing and jump blues at Norton Park.

South Windsor | California Jack | 5 PM - Live music at CT Valley Brewing.

West Hartford | Blue Back Block Party | 6-8 PM - Summer street party with music, food, and fun at Blue Black Square.

Avon | CT 250 Celebration | 4-9:30 PM - Avon & Farmington celebrate Connecticut's 250th anniversary (99 Thompson Rd). Celebrate

Enfield | Out The Boxx | 8 PM - Live band at the Yarde Tavern (1658 King St).

Hartford | R&B Under the Stars | 7-10 PM - Outdoor R&B concert at Parkville Market (1400 Park St).

Hartford | Salsa Social | 5-8 PM - Dance the evening away at Pratt Street Historic District (99 Pratt St).

Hartford | Prince/Bowie Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Members of PTF, lespecial, Deep Banana Blackout play the hits at Infinity Hall. Rock Out

Marlborough | Spirit Shaker Live at the Farm | 6-9 PM - Evening music session with local performers the Farm at Carter Hill (86 East Hampton Rd).

New Britain | Best of Times | 7:30 PM | ($) - Live concert at Trinity on Main (69 Main St). Curtain Up

Berlin | Bash-4-Cash | 2 PM - Cash prize competition at the Berlin Fair. Be There

Berlin | Groove Grove | 8 PM - Live music at the Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd).

Burlington | Burlingtonia Music Festival | 12-6 PM - All-day music festival at Library Field.

East Granby | Mineral & Gem Show | 10 AM - 4 PM - Browse gems, minerals, and fossils at Old New-Gate Prison (115 Newgate Rd).

Farmington | The Score | 6:30 PM | ($) - Classic rock at the outdoor gazebo at Winding Trails.

Granby | Sunflower Yoga Chapel Barn Series | 9 AM | ($) - Peaceful yoga in a historic barn setting (19 Bushy Hill Rd). Find Your Center

Hartford | American AF 4th of July BBQ | 1-10 PM - Early Independence Day party at Dead Language Beer Project (1429 Park St).

Manchester | 1st Annual Block Party | 3-9 PM - Block party with music, food, and community fun at Eastside Community Plaza (153 Spruce St).

New Britain | Red, White and Bloom Picnic Competition | 5 PM - Compete for best picnic spread at Walnut Hill Park (27 W Main St). Dig In

Simsbury | Shadowcasters | 8 PM - Live music at Old Well Tavern (20 Tariffville Rd).

South Windsor | Evergreen Wellness Series | 8 AM - Morning wellness activities at 501 Evergreen Way. Find Balance

Southington | Sip and Craft on the Farm | 5 PM | ($) - Crafting with wine at Knapp Farm. Create Away

West Hartford | Pride Festival | 12 PM - Celebrate Pride at West Hartford Town Hall (50 S Main St). Celebrate

Windsor | Sun Wheel Pendant Class | 10 AM | ($) - Create a sun wheel pendant at Mondazzi Books (570 Hayden Station Rd). Craft On

Avon | Write Your Name Like John Hancock | 3 PM - Practice colonial-style signatures at Avon free Public Library (281 Country Club Rd). Get Crafty

East Granby | Paint and Sip Picnic | 2 PM | ($) - Outdoor painting with wine at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). Create Away

Granby | Introduction to Spoon Carving | 1 PM - Learn traditional spoon carving with Rick Liegl (17 Trout Dr). Make It

Hartford | CTFlea Vintage Market | 12-5 PM | ($) - Vintage finds and antiques on Pratt Street.

New Britain | Festa Italiana | 10 AM - 7 PM - Italian food, music, and culture at Generale Ameglio (13 Beaver St). Savor It

New Britain | Page Turner Book Fair | 12-5 PM - Browse books, meet authors, enjoy food at VFW 511 (41 Veterans Dr).

Wethersfield | Maker's Exchange Market | 11 AM - 4 PM - Local makers and artisans at Mill Street Marketplace (36 Mill St).

Windsor | Black Bears in Connecticut | 6:30 PM - Learn about local black bear populations at Windsor Public Library (323 Broad St).

6/24

Canton | Firefly Frolic | 1 PM - Catch lightning bugs and explore nature at Roaring Brook Nature Center (70 Gracey Rd).

6/25

Manchester | Princesses in the Park | 11 AM - Meet your favorite princesses at this free outdoor performance (1329 Middle Tpke W). Jump In

6/27

Bloomfield | Strawberry Festival | 12-7 PM - Pick berries and enjoy family activities (297 School St).

Bristol | 4th Annual Bristol Family Fun Day | 10 AM - 1 PM - Games, rides, and fun for all ages at Memorial Blvd (70 Memorial Blvd).

Windsor Locks | Aerospace Academy Teen Workshop | 9 AM | ($) - Teens explore aviation at the New England Air Museum (36 Perimeter Rd). Discover