Bored? Hungry? Tipsy? Single? We got Events for That.

BRIEF BITES

Naming - The XL Center is now officially called PeoplesBank Arena. Gov. Ned Lamont, CRDA’s Michael Freimuth, and Oak View Group’s Peter Luukko announced the name change at a Monday press conference.

HCB’s 30 Days of 30 Businesses

Starting now, we’re shouting out one local Hartford County business every day for 30 days on Instagram. That’s 30 straight days of mom-and-pop greatness, hidden gems, and “wait, how have I never heard of this place?” moments.

We kicked it off with, Fire by Forge which isn’t your typical trendy restaurant, unless your idea of trendy includes brisket tacos funding job training for folks rebuilding their lives. Nestled in Hartford’s Frog Hollow, this Pan-American kitchen is powered by Forge City Works, a nonprofit that uses food as fuel for change.

Got a favorite taco spot? A barber that’s basically your therapist? A realtor who found your dream home and saved your marriage? Send. Them. Our. Way.

Restaurants, gyms, salons, bookstores, insurance agents, goat yoga instructors - nothing’s off the table.

👉 Just reply to this email and tell us who deserves the spotlight. We might just blow up their DMs in the best way possible.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Hartford Taste isn’t just a food festival, it’s a full-blown flavor takeover. For two days (June 6-7), downtown shuts down and turns into one massive block party packed with over 30 food vendors slinging everything from Korean BBQ to soul food, Guatemalan tamales to lobster rolls. It’s free to get in, the vibes are high, and every bite helps raise money for Connecticut Foodshare. Translation: you get fed and feel good about it. Win-win.

But don’t call it just a “food fest.” This thing’s got two stages, 20+ live acts, 10 muralists painting the streets in real time, and a crowd that feels like a mix between a concert and your cousin’s cookout. You’ll walk in hungry and leave buzzed on food, music, and maybe a little beer. If Hartford’s trying to prove it knows how to throw down, this is the mic drop.

NEW OPENINGS

PJ’s Coffee just opened its first Connecticut location at 3313 Berlin Turnpike in Newington, serving up small-batch brews, beignets, and serious New Orleans vibes

Mulligans Grille is now open at 37 Greenwoods Road in New Hartford, serving up hand-breaded wings, massive burgers, and early-1900s industrial vibes you can almost taste.

Jeff’s Shack is now open at 1365 Farmington Ave in Farmington, slinging Halal platters, gyros, and chili dogs with a side of baklava where Carol’s Lunch Box used to be.

Loco Hot Deals of CT just opened at 983 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, bringing bin-store treasure hunts and steep daily discounts—starting at $12 and dropping to just a buck.

TUESDAY (6/03)

Glastonbury | Farmers Market Opening Day | 3:30-6:30PM - Fresh berries. Baked goods. Banjo? Yup. Swing by Glastonbury Farmers Market (2155 Main St) and kick off market season with produce, live tunes, and all the “Support Local” vibes.

Manchester | After-School Video Games | 3-4:30PM - If your kid’s in grade 6-9 and has Mario Kart beef to settle, send ‘em to Manchester Public Library (586 Main St). Free games. Free snacks. Free bragging rights

Plainville | Speed Dating (Ages 30-40) | 7-9PM $ - Your soulmate might be sipping a sangria at Square Peg Pizzeria (400 New Britain Ave). Ditch the apps and spark something IRL. Tix’s

Simsbury | Trivia Night | 7-9PM - Witty? Competitive? Prove it at Red Stone Pub (10 Jim Gallagher Way). Bring your brain and a buddy.

West Hartford | Karaoke Night | 8-11PM - Warning: You will see a tipsy dude nail “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Grab a pint and the mic at World of Beer (73 Isham Rd). Belt it out, no judgment.

WEDNESDAY (6/04)

Berlin | MicroMania Wrestling | 6PM $ - Get ready for an action-packed evening at The Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd) as MicroMania Wrestling brings its high-energy show to town. Expect thrilling matches and unforgettable entertainment.

East Granby | Open Mic Night | 6-9PM - Showcase your talents at Almost Famous Brewing Company (17 Kripes Rd) during their Weekly Jams Open Mic. Whether you're a musician, poet, or comedian, the stage is yours.

Manchester | Spruce Street Farmers Market | 4:30-7:30PM - Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music at Market Field (153 & 163 Spruce St). A great way to support local vendors and enjoy the community atmosphere.

Windsor | Books, Q's & Brews | 6-8PM - Combine your love for literature and trivia at Dudleytown Brewing Co. (1001 Day Hill Rd). Swap some books and enjoy a fun night of book-themed questions and craft brews.

Windsor | Drawing for Beginners | 6:30PM $ - Discover your artistic side with a beginner's drawing class at Windsor Art Center (35 Central St). All materials provided; just bring your creativity. More Info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Newington - Casa Mia on the Hill | Rob Glassman Acoustic Trio | 5-8PM
⬢ Southington - Town Green | 50's & 60's Orchestra Music | 7PM

THURSDAY (6/05)

Bristol | Paint Pour Workshop | 6PM $ - Unleash your inner artist at Creative Jam Art Co. (350 Riverside Ave) with a vibrant paint pour session. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and get ready to make some colorful masterpieces. Book now

Glastonbury | Cruise Night | 4-8PM - Rev up your engines and head to Hops on the Hill (275 Dug Rd) for their weekly Cruise Night. Classic cars, craft brews, and good vibes await.

Hartford | Belly Dance Class | 6PM $ - Join Elisheva's beginner belly dance class at Watkinson School (180 Bloomfield Ave). Learn the art of belly dancing in a supportive and fun environment. More Info

Plainville | Vision Board Class | 5:30-7PM $ - Manifest your dreams at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race St) with a vision board workshop. All materials provided; just bring your goals and creativity and if you want BYOB. Register

South Windsor | Bordeaux Tasting Event | 6:30PM $ - Indulge in a Bordeaux wine tasting at M & R Liquors (206 Buckland Rd). Explore a selection of fine wines paired with delicious bites. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Canton - At the Rooftop | Acoustic Valhalla | 5PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Bar Hollow | GOZA Latin Jazz | 6-9PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on the Hill | Bobby Morrill Live | 4:30-7:30PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Just Garcia Band | 8:00 PM $
⬢ Hartford - Webster Theater | Smino w/ Samara Cyn | 7PM $ 

FRIDAY (6/06)

Broad Brook | Doc Dixon: Comedy & Magic | 8PM $ - It’s jokes and jaw-dropping illusions at Broad Brook Opera House (4 Depot St) as Doc Dixon brings his Vegas-tested act to Connecticut. Tix

Hartford | Farmers Market | 10AM-2PM - Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main St) farmers market delivers fresh produce, baked goods, and lunchtime bites from local vendors

Hartford | Hartford Taste Street Festival (6/6 & 6/7) | 12-9PM - Downtown Hartford shuts down for Hartford Taste (57 Pratt St) for food trucks, pop-ups, and live music at this outdoor foodie fest.

Manchester | Proof (Play) | 7PM $ - Cheney Hall (177 Hartford Rd) stages Proof, a gripping play about math, family, and mental health. A Little Theatre of Manchester productiony. Tix

Plainville | Strawberry Shortcake Festival | 4-11PM - Hosted by Plainville United Mothodist Church (56 Redstone Hill), this annual event features homemade shortcake, live music, and family fun.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - Bleachers | Aquanett | 8PM $
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Booyah | 7PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Giovanni’s | Chris Marolda | 6-9PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Virtual Insanity: Jamiroquai Tribute | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Luis Figueroa | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Real Art Ways| Toast & Roast the Coast Tour | 5:30-8PM $
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | Dead Rider | 9:30PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Bar Grill | The Alvin Carter Project | 5:30-10PM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | The Duketones | 6-9PM
⬢ West Hartford - New Park Brewing | Mystic Dead | 8PM $

SATURDAY (6/07)

Bristol | Intro to Sourdough Workshop | 1-2PM - Learn the basics of sourdough baking at the Bristol Public Library (5 High St). Register

East Hartford | US Men's National Soccer Team vs. Turkey | 3:30PM - Watch the USMNT face off against Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field (615 Silver Ln) Tix

Harwinton | Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire (6/7 & 6/8) | 10-6PM $ - Chainmail? Check. Jousting? Check. Turkey legs bigger than your arm? You bet. It’s all happening at the Harwinton Fairgrounds (150 Locust Rd). This is Ren Fest on steroids.

Glastonbury | Hare Krishna Chariot Festival | Parade 11:45AM, Festival 1-5PM - Starts at 40 Naubuc Ave and ends in Riverfront Park (300 Welles St). It’s color, drums, chanting, dancing, and pure joyful chaos, in the best way.

Hartford | 16th Annual Art for ACT | 6-9PM - ArtSpace (555 Asylum Ave) is throwing a classy bash. Art auctions, community vibes, wine, and the warm fuzzies from helping a great cause.
 
Hartford | Juneteenth Gala | 6-11PM $ - The Amistad Center (600 Main St) hosts the 34th annual gala. Food, culture, and celebration - this is one of Hartford’s most meaningful nights of the year. Reservations

Hartford | United We Dance: RAVE | 9PM-2AM - Fog machines, bass drops, glowsticks, and DJs spinning until your legs give out at The Webster (31 Webster St). This ain’t your mom’s dance party. Tix

Manchester | Comic: Sharief Johnson | 6:30PM & 9:15PM $ - If you need a good laugh then hit up The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hill Dr) and laugh until your sides hurt. Secure entry

Simsbury | UConn Health Half-Marathon | 7:15AM - Simsbury Meadows (24 Iron Horse Blvd) turns into cardio central. Whether you run, walk, or spectate with coffee, it’s a big day for the sneaker crowd. More Info & Register

Wethersfield | Fireworks Display | 5-10PM - Entertainment kicks off at 5PM - food trucks and live music until 9:15PM when the show starts at Cove Park (117 Main St) and lights up the sky. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring a snack- it’s a classic CT summer night.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bloomfield - TJ’s Burritos | Lickity Split | 7-10PM
⬢ Bristol - The New Cambridge Project | SideFX | 6PM
⬢ Broad Brook - Broad Brook Opera House | Johnny Folsom 4- Johnny Cash Tribute | 8PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Rocky Hill Ferry Historic Distric | Coconuts Up Close | 8-11PM
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Band Stand 2024 Returns | 8-11PM
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Billy Joel Tribute | 9PM
⬢ Manchester - Center Memorial Park | Mass-Conn-Fusion | 6:30PM
⬢ South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing | Locomotion | 6:30-9:30PM
⬢ Southington - Smoke & Muddle | Shakedown | 8-11PM
⬢ West Hartford - Gastro Park | Audacity | 7-10PM

SUNDAY (6/08)

Canton | Almost Full Strawberry Moon Hike | 8-9:15PM $ - Experience a guided night hike under the nearly full 'Strawberry Moon' at Roaring Brook Nature Center (70 Gracey Rd). Registration

East Granby | Pinball Tournament: Stern King Kong Launch Party | 12PM $ - Participate in the official Stern King Kong Launch Party tournament at Almost Famous Brewing Company (17 Kripes Rd). Open to all ages and skill levels; $20 entry fee with machines set to free play.

Enfield | Farmers Market | 9AM-12PM - Shop for fresh produce and local goods at the Enfield Town Green (820 Enfield St). The market runs every Sunday through October 5.

Enfield | Weld & Sip | 2:30-4:30PM $ - Sip wine, weld steel. Yes, this is real. It’s $40 and you’ll leave with something cool and mildly dangerous. Metal Work by Carol (183 Broad Brook Rd) filled up fast last time so RSVP W/Carole @ [email protected].

Glastonbury | Free Farm Tasting | 1-4PM - Killam & Bassette Farmstead (14 Tryon St) is throwing down with samples, hayrides, and animals. It’s like Whole Foods meets a petting zoo.

Hartford | Labyrinth x Dead Language Collab Party | 12-6PM - Two breweries, one beer baby. Expect new releases, loud music, and questionable dance moves at Dead Language Beer Project (1429 Park St).

New Britain | Little Poland Festival | 12:30PM - Food, dancing, pierogi, beer. Broad Street in downtown New Britain transforms into a Polish block party. Don’t sleep on the kielbasa line. More info

Plainville | Record Riot | 9AM-3:30PM $ - Dig through crates, score vinyl gems, and overpay for something your dad already has at VFW Post 574 (7 Northwest Dr). Entry fee

West Hartford | Celebrate West Hartford | 12-6PM - It’s the big one. Music, food trucks, local vendors, and a live set from Fever at 1:30PM. You’ll run into someone you went to high school with.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - St. James’ Episcopal Church| Hot Cat Jazz Band | 10:15-11:15AM
⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on the Hill | Kevin Giarnella | 2-5PM
⬢ New Britain - Museum of American Art | Chamber Orchestra x Hindustani Collab | 3-4PM $
⬢ Newington - The Flying Mokey Bar Grill | Stoltz & Co Blues | 5:30-8PM
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Pink Talking Fish | 4-7PM $
⬢ South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing | Moffet / Alungbe / Soscia | 2PM
⬢ Suffield - Sharrock Café | The Boneyard | 2PM
⬢ Windsor Locks - Luppoleto Brewing Co. | Morgan Chambers | 3-5PM

MONDAY (6/09)

South Windsor | Italian Cars Cruise Night | 3-9PM - Car enthusiasts, rejoice! Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave) is hosting its Italian Cars Cruise Night. Whether you're showcasing your ride or just admiring others, enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with great food and drinks.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - Berlin-Peck Memorial Library | NBSO Steel Drum Ensemble | 6:30PM