Mahjong: Our first Let’s Learn Mahjong night was a hit, with 40 people showing up to learn, laugh, and slowly realize the tiles were not, in fact, decorative candy. We’re thinking about running a Part Two in the next couple weeks, and just a heads up, the next one would likely be in the $50–$60 range so we can properly cover the space, instruction, supplies, and keep these community events rolling.

Event Feedback: You answered, we snooped through the results like local event gremlins, and the big takeaway is clear: you want low-pressure nights out with food, drinks, games, walks, and zero awkward “networking event” energy. Be on the lookout because we’re already cooking up a few HartCo Buzz events to get people out of the house and into something fun. Take Survey if you missed it.

Strawberry season is basically Connecticut’s two-week red-carpet event, so I made a quick Hartford County guide for where to pick your own, grab farm-stand berries, and avoid driving around like a lost shortcake.

Check the guide here before the berries disappear

Sick of saying “we should meet people” and then immediately rewatching the same show on the couch? Join this month’s Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club in Glastonbury on June 25 at 6:30pm for dinner with a few mystery locals, a restaurant reveal the day before, and a secret afterparty spot sent during dinner.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Scout, a 2–3-year-old Pit Bull mix with serious good-boy credentials: part trail explorer, part people-watching professional, part couch-certified cuddle monster.

🏡House of the week: This 1915 Bungalow/Cape has the good old-house stuff without making you sign up for a full-time renovation hobby. You get hardwood floors, a living room fireplace, dining room built-ins, and a remodeled kitchen with granite and stainless steel, plus a front porch made for coffee and casual neighborhood spying. Check it out!

👀Sighting of the week: Fireflies (Photinus pyralis)

🔭Sky report: The week starts with a big one: Venus and Jupiter will sit close together after sunset on June 9, with Mercury joining the planet party later in the week. Meteor hunters can try for a few Arietids before dawn around June 10, but the better backyard win is the new moon on June 14, which gives us darker skies for spotting the Big Dipper, Arcturus, and the first real summer stars.

SCIENCE ON SCREEN

Cultural Pick of the Week: Real Art Ways is heading to the Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Blvd) on Saturday, June 13 at 3pm for a presentation by Trinity College Professor Elizabeth Casserly, followed by a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher. Dr. Casserly will dive into the fascinating world of cephalopods and explore sentience, interspecies communication, and how trying to understand a completely different kind of intelligence can teach us something surprisingly human. You might walk in expecting a beautiful nature film and walk out wondering whether an octopus has ever silently judged your life choices.

Last week’s trivia was a Manchester layup for most of you: 85.71%, correctly picked Manchester as the Hartford County town known as “Silk City.” The nickname comes from Cheney Brothers, the silk empire that helped build South Manchester into a full-blown company village, complete with mills, worker housing, schools, churches, firehouses, utilities, reservoirs, and Cheney family mansions. By the early 1920s, the mills employed about 4,700 workers, roughly 25% of Manchester’s population, and the old Cheney district still feels like one of those “how is this just sitting here?” pieces of Connecticut history. Tiny bonus plot twist: the Spencer repeating rifle, later tested by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, has roots in the Cheney machine shop because apparently Manchester history needed a side quest. Learn More!

Saturday is Connecticut Open House Day, which means a bunch of Hartford County museums, historic sites, and local attractions are cracking the doors open with free admission, deals, tours, and a few “wait, that’s been here this whole time?” moments. Think Old New-Gate Prison tours, free museum stops in Hartford, the Governor’s Residence, Lake Compounce perks, canoe rentals, art splatter rooms, and more little adventures hiding in plain sight.

🍽️ Southington: Rumi Kebab House is now open at 172 Queen Street, bringing Persian kebabs, saffron rice dishes, house-made saffron ice cream, and tea.

☕ Rocky Hill: Brew Lab Café soft opens this week at 1949 Silas Deane Highway with Vietnamese coffee, fruit teas, milk teas, ube lattes, mochi donuts, croffles, and more.

Berlin | CT Social Babes does Game Night in Berlin | 6-9  PM - Ladies bring your favorite board games for a casual hangout at the Truck Bar.

Farmington | Winding Trails Offroad Sprint Triathlon Series | 5 PM - Off-road sprint triathlon series through scenic trails. Lace Up

Hartford | Yard Goats vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats | 7:10 PM | ($) - The Yard Goats are back at Dunkin’ Park. Play Ball (Playing daily through 6/14)

Hartford | Sweeney Todd | 7:30 PM | ($) - Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford team up for a dark, razor-sharp chamber production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning musical thriller. Enjoy (Runs daily)

Manchester | Sea Glass Windows | 6-8 PM | ($) - Create beautiful sea glass art at the British-style pub at Audacity British Style Pub.

Simsbury | Tuesday Trivia at Plan b | 6:30 PM - Test your knowledge at the popular neighborhood pub at Plan B.

South Windsor | Trivia: The Summer I Turned Pretty | 6:30 PM - Themed trivia night for fans of the hit series at CT Valley Brewing.

Southington | Broadway at the Brewery | 6 PM | ($) - Musical theater performers sing show tunes at the taproom at Witchdoctor Brewing Company. Check It Out

Bristol | Midgets With Attitude Mayhem (Ages 21+) | 8 PM | ($) - Wild mini-wrestling entertainment—adults only, 21+ at Bleachers Bar. Fun

East Windsor | Kokedama Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Create beautiful Japanese moss ball planters—all supplies included at Moth & Mercantile. Make It

Hartford | Big Bad Voodoo Daddy | 8 PM | ($) - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its high-energy swing and jazz revival to Infinity Music Hall. Nice

Newington | Acoustic-Marty Q | 6 PM - Live acoustic tunes with Marty Q at the Flying Monkey.

South Windsor | Stroll for Charity - 10th Annual! | 5 PM | ($) - Charitable walk through Evergreen Walk supporting local nonprofits at The Shops at Evergreen Walk. Get Moving

Southington | Concert: Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | 7 PM - Free outdoor concert featuring Fleetwood Mac favorites on the green at Southington Town Green.

Windsor | Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and Bats | 6 PM - Educational program about pollinators and wildlife at the Windsor Public Library. Explore

Hartford | Vegan Seafood Popup! | 4-8  PM - Plant-based seafood dishes paired with craft beer at Dead Language Beer Project.

Hartford | RiverZumba | 6 PM - Free outdoor Zumba fitness class on the riverfront plaza at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.

Marlborough | Live Music | 6 PM - Evening music session on the farm with local performers at THE FARM AT CARTER HILL.

Newington | Newington Goes Country | 5 PM - Free country music night at the park with food vendors at Mill Pond Newington.

Simsbury |Fluid Art Glass Workshop Ladies Night Paint and Sip | 6 PM | ($) - Ladies night out creating stunning fluid art on glass at Gather On Hopmeadow. Create Away

South Windsor | Special Event With Bob Hurley | 5:30-7:30 PM - Special appearance by legendary basketball coach Bob Hurley at the Shops at Evergreen Walk.

Suffield | Kokedama Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Create beautiful Japanese moss ball planters—all supplies included at 11 High St. Craft On

West Hartford | BEST TRIVIA EVER | 7 PM - Weekly trivia competition with prizes and good times at WeHa Brewing.

West Hartford | Clay Handbuilding: Planter + Saucer | 6 PM | ($) - Hand-build a ceramic planter and saucer set at 997 Farmington Ave. Get Crafty

Wethersfield | Heirloom Pressed Botanical Art Workshop | 5:30 PM | ($) - Learn heirloom pressed flower techniques for framed artwork at Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre. Make It

Windsor Locks | Knit Night at Luppoleto Brewing | 6:30 PM - Bring your yarn project and enjoy craft beer with fellow knitters at Luppoleto Brewing Co.

Bloomfield | Paint Night Party! | 5:30 PM | ($) - Guided painting session—all materials included, beginners welcome at Alvin & B Wood Human Services Center. Create Away

Bloomfield | Deadheads go Back East CT | 6 PM - Grateful Dead fans unite for music and good vibes at the brewery at Back East Brewing Company. C

Bristol | Lori Vigue Solo Acoustic | 6 PM - Solo acoustic performance at the Factory Brewing Collective.

East Granby | Sushi Making Class | 6 PM | ($) - Learn to roll your own sushi with sake pairings at the vineyard at Brignole Vineyards. Roll It

Hartford | Pratt Street Night Market | 5-9 PM - Weekly outdoor market with vendors, food trucks, and live music at Pratt Street Night Market.

Hartford | Hartford Fashion Week | Times Vary | ($) - Multi-day fashion showcase featuring local and regional designers (runs June 12-14) at Downtown, Hartford. Strut In

Hartford | USA vs Paraguay World Cup Party | 9 PM - World Cup watch party for the USA match at Pratt Street.

Manchester | 90's Throwback Night! | 8 PM - Dance party featuring all your favorite 90s hits at Audacity British Pub.

Newington | Food Truck Friday | 5-10 PM - Food trucks gather at the park for a delicious Friday feast at Mill Pond Park.

Rocky Hill | Physical Graffiti The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Show Live at the Arch 2 | 8 PM - Ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute experience with full light show at Arch 2 Sports Bar.

South Windsor | The Savage Brothers | 6 PM - Live rock and blues at the brewery taproom at Connecticut Valley Brewing Company.

Berlin | Legend of Ozzy | 8:15 PM - Tribute to the Prince of Darkness with all the classic hits at the Truck Bar.

Broad Brook | Shotguns N Roses - A Powerful Blast Of GNR | 8 PM | ($) - High-energy Guns N' Roses tribute band rocks Broad Brook Opera House. Listen Up

Collinsville | Spell Jar Workshop with Hearth Witch Herbals | 6 PM | ($) - Create magical spell jars with local herbalist at the metaphysical shop (30 Depot Street, Collinsville, CT). Craft On

East Hartford | MudGirl Run | 9:30 AM | ($) - Women-only mud run with obstacles—all fitness levels welcome at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Lace Up

Enfield | Blondie & Beyond | 8 PM - New wave and 80s hits at the Wood N Tap.

Glastonbury | LOCATION SKETCHING IN WATERCOLOUR | Check Times | ($) - Multi-day watercolor workshop with renowned artist Shari Blaukopf at The Connecticut River Valley Inn. Check It Out (runs June 13-15)

Granby | Strawberry Supper | 5 PM - Classic New England church supper featuring fresh strawberry shortcake at Granby Congregational Church. Bon Appetit

Hartford | Capital City Pride | TBA - Hartford's pride celebration with drag performances and festivities (runs June 13-15) at Celebrate Drag 2026 FEAT. JANE DON'T. Join the Fun

Hartford | Wolfman Jack | 8 PM - Rock band brings classic hits to Arch Street Tavern.

Hartford | Caribbean Fashion Week Northeast | 6 PM | ($) - Caribbean-inspired fashion runway show in downtown Hartford at Downtown, Hartford. Be There

New Britain | Museum After Dark | Summer Solstice Ball | 8 PM | ($) - Summer solstice ball with cocktails and art at NBMAA. Be There

North Granby | Opera at the Vineyard | 7 PM - Classical voices perform under the stars at Lost Acres Vineyard.

Simsbury | RGB returns to THE MOUNTAIN! | 6:30 PM - Jam band vibes with special guest Beau Sasser from Kung Fu at Talcott Mountain Collective.

West Hartford | Encore! On Tap | 6 PM | ($) - Playhouse on Park performers sing Broadway hits at the brewery at New Park Brewing. Check It Out

West Hartford | Massive Fundraising Tag Sale | 9 AM - 1 PM - Join the fun at this community event (2437 Albany Ave).

Windsor | Turkish Lamp Workshop | 10 AM | ($) - Two-day workshop creating stunning Turkish mosaic lamps (runs June 13-14) at Hilton Garden Inn. Make It

Berlin | Summer Knights- Car & Motorcycle Show | 9 AM - 2 PM - Car and motorcycle show fundraiser at Berlin Fairgrounds.

Bristol | A Glazing Extravaganza Ceramic Workshop | 1 PM - Ceramic glazing workshop—bring pieces or use provided bisqueware at the Bristol Bazaar. Create Away

Glastonbury | Glastonbury Pride Festival 2026 | 2 -6  PM - LGBTQ+ pride celebration with vendors, music, and community at Hubbard Green.

Hartford | Pratt Street Sunday Market | 11 AM - 3 PM - Sunday market featuring local vendors and artisans downtown at Pratt Street Sunday Market.

Manchester | The Market at 1115 Main | Times Vary - Weekend outdoor market with local artisans and makers (runs June 14-15) (1115 Main Street).

South Glastonbury | Flag Day Free Farm Tasting | 1 - 4  PM - Free tastings celebrating Flag Day at Killam & Bassette Farm.

Wethersfield | Wethersfield Spring Car Show | 10 AM - 2 PM - Classic and custom car show at Samuel B Webb School.

6/11

Unionville | New Horizons Strawberry Festival | 6:30 PM - Join the fun at this community event (37 Bliss Memorial Rd). Be There

6/12

Granby | Summer Family Fun Series: Showtime Steve | 5:30 PM - Join the fun at this community event at Salmon Brook Park.

6/13

East Hartford | Annual Strawberry Fair | 10 AM - 2 PM - Annual fair with strawberry treats, crafts, and family fun at United Church of Christ (1301 Forbes St).

West Hartford | 2026 Japan Summer Festival | 12-5  PM - Japanese culture celebration with food, performances, and activities at Blue Back Square.

Windsor | Brown's Harvest Strawberry Festival | Times Vary | ($) - Farm festival with strawberry picking, treats, and family activities at Browns Harvest (runs June 13-15) (1911 Poquonock Ave). Join the Fun

6/14

Bristol | America 250 at Bristol CT | 1-4  PM - Celebrating America's 250th anniversary with patriotic festivities at Federal Hill Green.

Bristol | Kids Fest - Spookley the Square Pumpkin | Park Hours | ($) - Family fun at the amusement park with Spookley character meet-and-greet at Lake Compounce (runs June 14-15). Be There

Manchester | Art in the Park 2026 | 10 AM - Outdoor art festival with local artists, demos, and sales at Center Memorial Park.

New Britain | 13th Annual Little Poland Festival | 11 AM - Polish heritage festival with authentic food, music, and dancing (202 Broad St).