Cosmic Rides & Earth Day Vibes

What’s up Hartford County!? Today is April 22nd - National Earth Day, and it's not just some tree-hugger holiday, it's a call to respect and reconnect with the planet that keeps us alive. Spending time in in nature is good for your body and mind. Studies show that being outdoors can lower stress, boost mood, and even improve focus. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain. So, take a walk, sit under a tree, visit a park & pack a picnic or get outside and just breathe in some fresh air.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

• G’s Steaks & Grinders

• Planetarium Space Opera

• 60+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Ferry - The historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, America's oldest continuously operating ferry since 1655, launched its 2025 season on Saturday, April 19, after a brief delay due to high river levels

• Airport - Bradley International Airport is once again vying for a spot among the “Top 10 Best Airports in the U.S.” in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Having secured a top-ten position for eight consecutive years, Bradley continues to impress travelers with its convenience and amenities. Voting is open until June 30, and participants have a chance to win an eight-day European river cruise. Vote here.

• Energy Bill - ​Eversource is urging Connecticut customers to prepare for higher summer electric bills, even though supply rates are expected to decrease in July. The company notes that increased usage during hot months—averaging 35% more electricity—can offset any rate reductions. To mitigate costs, Eversource recommends implementing energy efficiency measures like installing weatherstripping, adding insulation, or switching to LED lights.

• Grant - The Hartford Public Library has received a $117,920 grant from Capital Workforce Partners to support its Opportunity Youth Employment & Learning Program. This funding will provide Hartford teens and young adults with valuable job training and educational opportunities

THE HIVE’S PICK

​If you're cruising through Hartford and your stomach's throwing a tantrum for a legit cheesesteak, G’s Steaks & Grinders (2053 Park St) is the place to hit up.

I've been there a few times, and every visit's been a flavor-packed ride. Their ribeye is sliced fresh daily, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. The South-West Steak? Absolute fire - loaded with fried jalapeños, pepper-jack cheese, chipotle mayo, and crispy onion straws. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth. And don't even get me started on the loaded fries; they're the perfect sidekick to your sandwich.

The staff is friendly, and the vibe is chill. Plus, they've got a legit parking lot in the back, so no street parking stress. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Alright, picture this: you’re in a dark room, the kind where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face, and suddenly, you’re zooming through space to Gustav Holst’s The Planets. That’s what’s going down at the Glastonbury Planetarium (95 Oak St) on April 24th.

They’re kicking off with an alien spaceship near Earth, then blasting off to hit every planet in our solar system, all while a voice narrates the cosmic tour. It's like Star Trek meets a TED Talk, but with way cooler visuals and no red shirts getting beamed up. More Info & Tix

NEW OPENINGS

🍕Barb's Pizza opened in Factory Square, Southington.

🌿🚬420 Warehouse dispensary has opened at 1 Hartford Square in New Britain.

🛒The Fresh Market will open on Wednesday (4/23) located at 1065 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield.

BEE LINE EVENTS

East Hartford | Building your credit 101 | 6-7PM - Join American Eagle Credit Union (333 E. River Dr) where they'll break down the factors impacting your credit score, share strategies to build or improve it, and debunk common credit myths.

Hartford | Trivia Night | 7-9PM - Think you know it all? Prove it at Parkville Market's (1400 Park St) trivia night with the perfect mix of friendly competition and craft beer. Gather your squad, flex those brain muscles, and maybe even snag a prize or two.

Hartford | Speed Dating | 7PM $ - Ready to ditch the apps and meet your match face-to-face? Head to Urban Lodge Brewing (88 Pratt St). Access

Manchester | After School Video Games | 3-4:30PM - Teens in grades 6-9, ditch the homework and swing by Manchester Public library (586 Main St) after school and dive into epic gaming sessions.

Manchester | Music Bingo | 6:30-8PM - Bingo meets beats at Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St) for a night where your favorite tunes help you win. It's like your childhood bingo night, but way cooler.

South Windsor | Taylor Swift Trivia | 6:30-8:30PM - CT Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave) is the place to be for Taylor Swift trivia. Enjoy a cold brew while testing your knowledge. It's trivia with a twist, and a pint in hand.

Weatogue | Free Hearing Screenings | 9AM-3PM - Got kids? Hearing is crucial for learning and communication. Bring them in for a no-cost screening by the experts at SCSU's (110 Hopmeadow St) Audiology Services. Register

Bristol | Brains & Beers | 7-9PM -Join fellow trivia enthusiasts at The New Cambridge Project(139 Center St) for a night of beer and brain-teasing fun.

Manchester | Fundamentals of AI & Applying ChatGPT | 12-12:45PM - Dive into the world of artificial intelligence and learn how to effectively use ChatGPT at Work Space (903 Main St). Register

Manchester | Comic - Matt Richards | 7PM $ - The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr) presents comic Matt Richards. Access

Newington | Sip & Paint | 7-9PM $ - Newington Art League invites you to unleash your inner artist while sipping your favorite beverage at Wooden Tap (3375 Berlin Tpke). Register

Rocky Hill | Ferry Park Mixology | 4-5:30PM - Learn the art of cocktail making with scenic views at Ferry Park Grill (60 Cold Springs Rd).

South Windsor | Story Time (Age 0-5) | 10-10:30AM - Fablers and fun story time at South Windsor Public Library (1550 Sullivan Ave).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Beatles Cover Band | 8PM $ - Tix

Bristol | Acoustic Open Mic | 6:30-9PM - The New Cambridge Project (139 Center St) opens its stage for local talent. Whether you're strumming or just vibing, it's a chill spot to enjoy some live tunes.

Broad Brook | Thirsty Thursday Retail Therapy | 5-8PM - Sip and shop at The Scandinavian Gift Shop (149 Rockville Rd). Enjoy local brews while browsing unique crafts and goods.

East Granby | Cheesecake & Wine Pairing | 6-8PM - Indulge in a sweet and savory evening at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). Pair decadent cheesecakes with fine wines for a delightful experience. 

East Granby | Trivia Night | 6-8PM - Test your knowledge at Almost Famous Brewing (17 Kripes Rd). Gather your team and compete for fun prizes in this friendly trivia competition.

Enfield | 2 Moms Bingo | 6-9PM $ - Join the fun at Knights of Columbus (371 Washington Rd) for a unique bingo night hosted by 2 Moms on a Mission. Prizes and laughs guaranteed. More Info & Register

Glastonbury | Space Opera | 7-8:30PM $ - Blast off at the Glastonbury Planetarium (95 Oak St) for a 40-minute journey through the cosmos, set to Holst’s The Planets. It's like a sci-fi movie, but with real stars and zero gravity. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Chris Newell | 4:30-7:30PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Funk Night | 9PM $ - Passes 
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | ‘68 | 8PM $ - Tix

Bloomfield | Farm-to-Table Dinner | 6PM $ - Enjoy a fresh, seasonal meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients at Auer Farm (158 Auer Farm Rd). Reserve your spot

Bristol | Designer Purse Bingo | 6PM $ - Play bingo for a chance to win designer handbags at Bristol Polish American Club (541 N. Main St). BYOB; 21+ only Tix

Glastonbury | Comedy Night | 7PM $ - Laugh the night away with stand-up comic Katie Arroyo at Crystal Ridge Winery (257 Belltown Rd). Access 

Glastonbury | Trivia Night | 6:30-8PM - Test your wits at Hops on The Hill (275 Dug Rd).

Hartford | Seussical The Musical | 7PM $ - Experience the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss in this musical performance by Southside Community Theater (277 Main St). Get Passes

Manchester | Comic - David Lucas | 7PM $ - David Lucas is out here roasting legends, headlining coast-to-coast, and even took a jab at Mr. Peanut during the Super Bowl, catch him at The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Tix

West Hartford | Emo Night | 7PM $ - Stop by New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave) for a night of nostalgia and high-energy fun. Whether you're reliving your Warped Tour days or discovering the scene for the first time. Entry

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Soundgarden Tribute | 8PM $ - Tix 
⬢ Glastonbury - Clubhouse on Main | Flannel Clad Masses | 8:30PM-12AM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Brett Dennen | 8PM $ - Tix 
⬢ Hartford - Webster Theater | The Four Horsemen -Metallica Tribute | 8PM $ - Access
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Mystic Dead | 9PM - Passes 
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Shakedown Citi | 7PM
⬢ Windsor - Dudleytown Brewing Co | Paleface | 6:30-9PM

Bristol | Fishing Derby | 7:30–10AM - Kids 13 & under, grab your poles and head to Rockwell Park Pond (4 Park Hill St) for the 74rd Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby. Registration starts at 7AM; prizes await the best catches. Register

East Windsor | Kings Day Tulip Festival | 10AM-4PM - Celebrate King’s Day the Dutch way with old-fashioned games, music, and tulips. Enjoy family-friendly activities at this annual festival at Broad Brook Blooms (76 Graham Rd).

Farmington | Fuel for the Busy Adult 40+ | 9AM-12PM - Join Thomas Fitness & Performance (353 Scott Swamp Rd) a wellness workshop designed for adults 40 and over, focusing on nutrition and fitness.

Glastonbury | Food Truck Festival | 11AM-7PM - Indulge in gourmet bites from 30 food trucks, enjoy live music, and let the kids have fun in the bounce house at the Elks Lodge (98 Woodland St).

Granby | Sip & Spa | 12:15-5:15PM $ - Lost Acres Vineyards (86 Lost Acres Rd) is partnering with Back in Touch Massage & Wellness to bring you a day of wine and with yoga, massage, reiki, readings and more!

Hartford | Earth Weekend Free Carousel | 12-5PM - Celebrate Earth Day with free rides on the carousel at Bushnell Park (231 Trumbull St).

Hartford | Sambafest | 11AM-6PM - Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture with samba music, dance, and food hosted by Trinity Samba Fest at Austin Arts Center Trinity College (300 Summit St).

Manchester | 24 Hour Game Day | 12AM (4/26) - 12AM (4/27) Join fellow gamers at The Portal (60 Hilliard St) for a 24-hour marathon of board games, video games, and more.

New Britain | Honey Fest | 11AM-3PM - Celebrate all things honey with tastings, workshops, and local vendors at Central Park (227 Main St).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Will Evans ft. Layton Meacham | 8PM $ - Entry fee 
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Tom Petty/Fleetwood Mac Cover Band | 7PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Rooftop 120 | Diva & the Playboys | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Presence- Led Zeppelin Tribute | 8-11PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Underground | Peep & $B Appreciation Night | 9PM $ - Tix 
⬢ Hartford - The Webster | Hyper Glow Party | 8PM $ - Access
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Ruby Leftstep & Modern Refuge | 9PM $ - Secure entry
⬢ Rocky Hill - Arch 2 Sports Bar | Yellow 9 Show | 9PM $
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Acoustic Marshpit | 7:30-10:30PM

Bloomfield | 5K Blue Green Run | 8AM - Lace up your sneakers for a scenic 5K run sponsored by New England Donor Services (204 W. Newberry Rd). A great way to start your Sunday and help give back and save lives for those in need of organ and tissue donation. More Info & Register

Bristol | Juke Box Bingo | 1-4PM $ - Bingo meets jukebox at the Bristol Elks Lodge (126 South St). $25 gets you in, cards, and daubers. BYO snacks, enjoy the tunes, and support dog rescue. Tix

East Hartford | UC3 Spring Show | 9AM-3PM $ - Rentschler Field (316 Silver Ln) hosts the 21st Annual UC3 Spring Car Show. $10 to spectate, $20 to show your car. Expect classics, exotics, and plenty of horsepower.

Enfield | Cars & Coffee | 9AM $ - Join fellow car enthusiasts at Pro & Local Detailing (1 Peerless Way #17). $2 entry, fresh coffee, and egg sandwiches await. It's a judgment-free zone for car lovers to socialize.

Glastonbury | April Sunday Social | 4-7PM - Relax with live music and good company for a perfect Sunday vibe at this monthly social at The Beamhouse (917 New London Tpke).

Manchester | Songwriters Round Table | 2PM - Local songwriters gather to share and discuss their latest works. A creative afternoon for music enthusiasts at Urban Lodge Brewing (49 Purnell Pl).

Milldale | Sip & Shop at the Brewery | 12-4PM - Shop local vendors while sipping on craft brews. A perfect Sunday afternoon at Kingsman Brewing (409 Canal St).

Newington | Singles Fitness Social | 10:30-11:30AM $ - Meet new people while breaking a sweat at Valhalla Fitness (33 Alumni Rd). A fun way to mingle and stay active at the same time. Register

Newington | Spring Craft Fair | 10AM-3PM - Browse handmade goods at Karma’s Closet (27 Garfield St) and enjoy local crafts at this springtime fair. Perfect for finding unique gifts.

South Windsor | Plant & Pints | 10AM-2PM - Get your hands dirty at Ct Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave) and enjoy a pint at this plant potting event. A green thumb's dream.

West Hartford | Baking Retreat | 1-5PM $ - Immerse yourself in a day of baking at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center (303 Tunxix Rd) with workshops and sweet treats. Learn new skills and indulge your sweet tooth. Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Matt Spurzel Live | 2-5PM
⬢ North Granby - Lost Acres Vineyards | Jeff Blaney | 1-4PM
⬢ Hartford - Thomas Hooker Brewing Co. | Dueling Pianos | 2-5PM Passes 
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Theater | ALO ft. Madeline Hawthorne | 8PM $ - Tix
⬢ Manchester -Unitarian Universalist Society East | A Concert for Two Pianos | 3PM $
⬢ Suffield - The Shamrock Cafe | The Storytellers | 2-5PM

Glastonbury | Wild Plant & Fungi Foraging Presentation | 6:30PM - The 3 Foragers are back at Wells-Turner Memorial Library (2407 Main St) to show you how to turn your backyard into a free, sustainable salad bar. Learn to identify, harvest, and cook with New England's wild edibles, no wilderness trek required.

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!

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