Hartford Film Showcase on Saturday 2/7 from 12-8PM is the move If you’ve ever wanted that “indie film festival” feeling without having to fly to Sundance or pretend you totally got the ending. Real Art Ways is partnering up on an all-day showcase at Cinestudio (300 Summit St) featuring short films + feature-length projects made in Hartford (or by Hartford-area filmmakers), plus a panel + talkback so you can actually meet the people behind the screen.

It’s free, but you’ll want to reserve tickets ahead of time so you’re not doing the sad “standby line shuffle” at noon.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Viola, a 3-year-old chinchilla with gorgeous dark gray fur who lives for wheel sprints and lap hangs, and she’s looking for a cat-free home where she can finally free-roam in peace.

🏡House of the week: A circa-1865 Victorian with 2,410 sq ft, hardwood floors, a fireplace, a finished walk-up attic bonus space, a patio, perennial gardens, and an insulated three-car garage, basically a big cozy history book you can live in. Check it out!

📻 Indoor gem of the week: Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut is a nerdy little time portal for radios, TVs, and old-school tech, and they’ve got a Swap Meet on Saturday, Feb 7 (8am-12pm) where you never know what treasure is going to show up. Learn more.

🔭Sky report: Look for Jupiter right after it gets dark. It’s the super bright “star” in the sky, and if you have a small telescope, you can even see its four biggest moons. One more cool thing: late Sat night (Feb 7) into Sun (Feb 8), the Moon will rise near a bright star called Spica, so they’ll look like a little pair in the sky.

Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club is back on Feb 19 at 6pm in Glastonbury, and we’ve already got 30 people in the mix, so this one’s shaping up to be a good one. If your winter social life has been a little too “me, my couch, and a group chat,” come get matched with a table that fits your vibe and hop in on the fun. Grab your spot now.

We’ve had enough snow lately that my driveway officially qualifies as a winter sport, so I figured I’d put together a list of good sledding spots around Connecticut. Take your kids, take your buddies, take yourself and pretend it’s “for content” if you need an excuse. Whether you bring children or just your inner 12-year-old is entirely between you and gravity. Let me know if I missed your favorite spot!

From Hartford to Wilmington N.C for 56 bucks* non-stop roundtrip, early April for a week stay. See the deal!

From Hartford to Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands for 453 bucks* 1-stop roundtrip, end of Feb. for a 10 day stay. See the deal!

From Hartford to Copenhagen, Denmark for 771 bucks* 1-stop roundtrip, end of May for a week stay. See the deal!

*Prices at the time of writing subject to change

🎉 Smash & Shake is officially open in East Hartford at 1084 Main St (the old Russell spot), serving up smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken, fries, lemonades, soft serve, sundaes, banana pudding, and more.

🌯 San Francisco Tacos and More is now open in Enfield at 117 Hazard Ave (the old Aurora’s Pizza spot), serving up authentic tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and agua frescas plus wings, burgers and more.

🍣 Kingdom Buffet is now open in Newington at 196 Kitts Lane (Newington Commons), bringing hibachi, sushi, seafood, meats, desserts, and a buffet spread that runs Japanese, Chinese, and American all in one stop.

🥖 The Cozy Oven drops on Feb 7th with small-batch sourdough, cookies, and fresh-baked goodies made with high-quality ingredients, big cozy energy, and the kind of “one more bite” warmth that feels like a hug for your community.

Last week’s word scramble was Old New-Gate Prison, and it’s got the kind of backstory that makes you double-check Connecticut is real: it started as America’s first chartered copper mine in 1707, then in 1773 the Connecticut General Assembly turned the abandoned mine into the first state prison in early America. The “New-Gate” name was picked to echo London’s Newgate Prison, leaning into that notorious vibe on purpose, and at its peak it could hold 100+ prisoners underground. The details are wild: inspectors noted two shafts (one about 25 feet deep with a ladder, another 67 feet deep for ore), the first prisoner John Hinson escaped after 18 days, and later they added a yard roughly 187×160 feet plus a 12-foot stone wall to keep people from pulling a sequel.

By the 1870s, tourists were already calling it “Old New-Gate,” and today it’s a state-run museum site in East Granby administered by the CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development, with the prison grounds and mine tours open seasonally.

Hartford County just dropped the ultimate Galentine’s choose-your-own-adventure. Friday (2/6) Berlin kicks it off with Galentine’s Vendor Night (6-9PM) at American Legion Post 68 (154 Porters Pass), where you’ll “just browse” and somehow leave with a candle, a tote bag, and a new emotional support pair of earrings. Plus Scot Haney is swinging by 6-7:30PM, which means your impulse purchase might come with a bonus “wait… is that the Channel 3 guy?” sighting.

Then Saturday (2/7) you’ve got two easy wins: East Granby’s Galentine’s Day Market (12-5PM) at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave) for wine + vendors + a guaranteed “we’re totally coming back next year” moment, and Hartford’s Galentine’s Day Downtown (11AM-5PM) on Pratt Street for a walk-around friendship hang with pop-ins like cookie decorating or flower arranging at Bloom Bake Shop, matching flash tattoos at Refuge, a quick tasting at Hartford Flavor, and plenty of spots to grab bites and toast the crew. No big plan required, just show up and let the day unfold. More Info

Bloomfield | Valentine’s Day Cocktail Class | 6-7:30PM $ - If your Valentine’s plan is currently “uhhh dinner?” TJ’s Burritos just gave you a better option. Learn how to mix a couple legit cocktails, get a little buzzed, and leave with at least one drink you’ll force your friends to try at home. Secure a Spot

Hartford | UConn Men vs. Xavier | 7PM $ - This is one of those XL Center nights where the crowd shows up loud, the game gets chippy, and you suddenly care way too much about a rebound. Wear your Husky gear, lose your voice, live your best sports fan life.

South Windsor | Trivia: Rom Coms | 6:30PM $ - Bring the one friend who quotes every rom-com like it’s a personality trait and win prizes. Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave) is turning into a test of who’s watched the most questionable love stories and remembers the most iconic lines.

Farmington | Phoenix Ink Flash Event (Rescheduled) | 6-9PM $ - This is the kind of night where you show up “just to look” and leave with a fresh tattoo and a story. Phoenix Ink is popping up at Transcend Beer Crafters (45 Northwest Dr, Unit A), so expect flash designs, cold drinks, and impulsive decisions you’ll actually love.

West Hartford | Trivia Night: Game of Thrones / House of the Dragon | 7PM $ - Time to figure out who actually knows the lore and who just says “Winter is coming” and hopes nobody follows up. World of Beer Bar & Kitchen (73 Isham Rd) is hosting, and yes, bragging rights will be taken way too seriously.

Avon | Blues 101: History of the Blues | 2-3PM - A mid-day deep dive into the genre that basically invented heartbreak with rhythm. Avon Free Public Library (281 Country Club Rd) is hosting, so it’s chill, interesting, and a solid “I did something cultural today” win. Register

East Granby | SugarScrub Workshop | 6-7:30PM $ - You’re making a sugar scrub from scratch, which feels like the adult version of arts & crafts, except now it’s self-care. It’s happening at Everlasting Nutrition (33 Turkey Hills Rd), so you can leave exfoliated and feeling like you have your life together. Sign Up

Hartford | Gymnastics Revolution (Feb 6-8) | All Day $ - Three days of flips, sticking landings, and parents holding their breath in unison. Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd) is hosting the whole thing, so it’s big, loud, and genuinely impressive to watch. Details

Manchester | Neil Simon’s Rumors | 7:30PM $ - Classic comedy, nonstop misunderstandings, and the kind of storyline that spirals in a fun way. Cheney Hall (177 Hartford Rd) is the move if you want a real night out without needing a nightclub recovery day. Running Friday’s-Sunday’s from 2/6-2/22. Deets

Manchester | Surrender 2026: A Retreat for Women in Wellness | 9AM-2PM $ - A full reset day for your nervous system. The Pearl Aura (642 Hilliard St) is hosting, so it’s equal parts grounding, uplifting, and the best excuse to prioritize yourself. More Info

Tolland | Solo Agers Coffee Social | Feb 6 | 10:30am – (I know it’s not in Hartford County but I thought some might enjoy this one). Grab your coffee and meet other solo agers for light conversation and connections at this casual morning social. Register.

Windsor | 2026 Classical Chess Tournament (Feb 6-8) | Times Vary $ - Friday night is round one, and yes, it gets intense fast. Hilton Garden Inn Hartford North (555 Corporate Dr) turns into a full-on chess battleground with serious players and serious focus faces. More Info

Berlin | Romance Themed Book Fair | 12-6PM - Books, authors, vendors, and a brewery in the mix. Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave) is hosting, so you can shop for your next read while sipping something cold and pretending you’re “only buying one book.”

Hartford | 40th CT Bridal Expo (2/7 & 2/8) | 11AM-4PM $ - Whether you’re planning a wedding or just love a good vendor crawl, this is a full afternoon of ideas, samples, and yes, Dresses’. Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd) is hosting. More Info

Hartford | Banff Mountain Film Festival | 7PM $ - Stunning mountain films that make you want to buy hiking boots even if you’ve never hiked a day in your life. The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave) is the setting, and it’s a legit bucket-list vibe night. Tix

Hartford | Hartford Wolfpack vs. Providence Bruins | 7PM $ - If you want loud, fast, and fun without thinking too hard, this is your ticket. PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza) gets rowdy for hockey in the best way.

Hartford | UConn Women vs. Butler | 12PM $ - Midday basketball with big crowd energy and plenty of reasons to get loud. PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza) is hosting, so it’s an easy Saturday plan that feels like a real event.

Southington | Fizz Fest 2026 | 2-6PM - Witchdoctor Brewing Company (168 Center St) is hosting a Valentine’s-themed fizzy party with 25+ vendors, dirty sodas, and the kind of energy that feels like a daytime date night.

Avon | Thai Cooking Class | 10AM-1PM $ - A hands-on class where you’ll cook real Thai dishes (and eat very well after). The Elephant Trail (85 E Main St) hosts, and you’ll leave with recipes plus a new level of confidence in the kitchen. Register by Calling Kunthea at (860) 677 0065.

Southington | Paint Your Partner | 6:30-8:30PM $ - Kinsmen Brewing Co. (409 Canal St) is throwing the funniest Valentine’s Week activity: paint your partner while sipping brews and talking mild trash. Stick figures welcome, chaos and bruised ego’s guaranteed. Passes

2/5
Hartford | Children’s Theater Series: George Washington Carver | 10AM & 12PM $ - A smart, kid-friendly show that doesn’t feel like a punishment for parents. The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave) brings history to life in a way kids actually pay attention to (miracles do happen). More Info

2/7
Berlin | WinterFest 2026 Nature Center | 10AM-12PM & 1-3PM $ - Outdoor winter fun with bonfires, animals, and the kind of cozy programming that makes February feel slightly less rude. Hungerford Nature Center (191 Farmington Ave) is running it in two sessions, so you can pick your time slot. Passes

Hartford | Family Program: Valentine’s For Kids (2/7 & 2/8) | 11AM-2PM - Crafts, activities, and wholesome family fun that doesn’t cost a dime. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (1 Elizabeth St) is doing it as part of Free First Weekend, so it’s an easy win.

Hartford | MarioKart Day (Kids) | 10:30AM-2:30PM $ - The Science Center is going full Mario mode with games, demos, and racing-themed activities that kids will talk about all week. Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Blvd) is the move. More Info

2/4
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Will Goble | 7-10PM

2/5
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Eric Lindell | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | FJ (Foreigner & Journey Tribute) | 2PM $
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey | Mike Childs Soul Jazz | 6-10PM

2/6
⬢ Berlin - The Truck Bar | Sister Funk | 8-11PM $
⬢ Bristol - Rockwell Theater | Harvest & Rust (Neil Young Tribute) | 7-8:30PM $
⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Tom Hamilton | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | EELI w/ So Good Looking, Colin Kind, Irrelevant | 9PM-2AM $
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Matt Swanton Band | 8-11PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Umphrey’s McGee | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - The Hungry Tiger | Shakedown (Grateful Dead Tribute) | 9PM
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Shout: A Yacht Rock Winter Escape | 8PM $
⬢ Southington - Kinsman Brewing Co. | Soul Sound Revue | 7:30-10:30PM $

2/7
⬢ Bristol - Bleacher’s Bar | Gryme Presents: A Grunge Tribute | 9PM $
⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Crystal Ship (The Doors Tribute) | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Greg Sherrod Band | 8-11PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Big Eyed Phish (Dave Mathews Tribute) | 8PM $

2/8
⬢ Hartford - Public Library | Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble | 3PM