From Bluey to a Boozy Book Fair: CT’s Wild Ride This Week

BRIEF BITES

• Top Rank - West Hartford has been recognized as the top town in Connecticut and the highest-ranking municipality in New England on the 2025 U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Places to Live, securing the No. 19 spot nationally.

• Renovations - Hartford's XL Center is set to undergo significant renovations starting this summer, including the addition of new bunker suites, loge boxes, a premium club, updated lower bowl seating, and upgraded locker rooms for UConn and the Hartford Wolf Pack. To facilitate these enhancements, the arena will temporarily close over the summer and is scheduled to reopen in October for upcoming events.

• Breakfast - Dom’s Broad Street Eatery in Windsor has been crowned Connecticut’s Best Breakfast spot after winning WFSB’s statewide viewer-voted bracket, securing 22,854 votes in the final round.

• Roadwork - Exit 56 on I-84 East in East Hartford will be closed from May 27 through July 27 for bridge rehabilitation work, with traffic detoured via Exit 58 and Roberts Street .

THE HIVE’S PICK

If Whole Foods and a seed catalog had a beautiful, crunchy baby raised on kombucha and New England charm, it’d be Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre (263 Main St, Wethersfield). I rolled up expecting just a solid avocado toast and maybe a few herbs -and walked out questioning my entire relationship with processed food. Their “seed to plate” vibe isn’t just a slogan, it’s a religion. You can sip a locally roasted espresso while staring down heirloom tomato seeds like you’re about to start a cult farm.

The whole place feels like Wes Anderson opened a farmer’s market. You’ve got vintage charm, a garden center with 1,000+ heirloom seed varieties, and enough natural light to shoot an A24 film. Whether you’re there to stock up on organic staples, flirt with becoming a backyard beekeeper, or just want a sandwich that feels ethically superior to you, Heirloom Market doesn’t miss. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to move to Wethersfield and start a podcast about compost.

NEW OPENINGS

🍕Giovanni’s Pizza just fired up the ovens at their new Windsor Shops spot, trading in their old Broad Street digs (now a future mixed-use hub) for the former Sovereign Bank at 578 Broad.

🥤Fruitful Juice Co. is now blending up goodness at 90 Pearl Street in Enfield, slinging smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and waffles made with the freshest ingredients around.

😮‍💨🍃Zen Leaf Enfield, Verano's seventh Connecticut dispensary, has opened at 98 Elm Street, featuring a drive-thru and launching just ahead of the $250 million Enfield Square Mall redevelopment.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Fireworks are basically adult candy. And this Saturday(5/31), Wethersfield is cracking open the sky with a full-blown fireworks frenzy at Cove Park (117 State St). Pack a blanket, grab your crew, and post up before 9PM to watch the town go full sparkle mode. You’ll see toddlers pointing, teens pretending they’re too cool to care (but totally filming for Instagram), and adults aggressively nodding like “yep, still bangs every time.”

This ain’t just fireworks, it’s a summer kickoff disguised as a small-town light show. Cove Park turns into a front-row party, food trucks rolling deep, lawn chairs locked and loaded, and vibes set to maximum wholesome chaos. Whether you're on a first date or chasing your kid with glowsticks, this is your Saturday night move. Be there early or risk parking purgatory.

America’s Oldest Commute:
Still Floating Since 1655

Before Paul Revere took his midnight ride, before Ben Franklin flew a kite, a little ferry was already hard at work crossing the Connecticut River. That ferry? The Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry, which has been operating since 1655, making it the oldest continuously running ferry in the United States. That’s over 360 years of river crossings. It started as a humble raft poled by hand across the river - basically a floating platform pushed with a stick. No engines. No GPS. Just a colonist with grit and a pole.

Over the centuries, the ferry evolved alongside America. In the 1700s, horses were brought in - not to ride, but to tread on a treadmill that powered the vessel (which sounds both genius and borderline medieval). By 1876, steam engines took over, and eventually diesel did too. Today, the ferry consists of a small barge named the Hollister III, towed by a tugboat called the Cumberland. It carries three cars at a time, plus bikers and foot traffic, operating seasonally from April through November. It’s not just a shortcut across the river - it’s a living, floating museum that sees 35,000+ riders and 15,000 vehicles every year.

The ferry is now operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and both landings are part of the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The spot is popular with cyclists, Sunday drivers, and anyone craving a taste of colonial-era slow travel. In an age of instant everything, this ferry reminds us that sometimes the old way still works - especially if it floats.

TUESDAY (5/27)

Wethersfield | Qi Gong: Moving Meditation | 6:30-7:15PM $ - Need to chill the heck out? Slide into The Blackbird House (147 Main St) for 45 minutes of Qi Gong - aka ancient moving meditation that’s way more soothing than doom-scrolling Tik-Tok. Zen mode: unlocked. More info

Windsor | Reset & Recharge: Nervous System Reset | 6:15-7:15PM $ - Your nervous system called - it’s tired of your stress. Grab a mat, a pillow, and hit the Windsor Avenue Community Center (330 Windsor Ave) for a wild combo of movement, breathwork, and sound therapy. Think yoga meets nap time with a side of brain detox. Reserve here

WEDNESDAY (5/28)

East Granby | Taylor Swift Music Bingo | 6:30PM - Swifties, assemble! Head to The Grill at Copper Hill (20 Copper Hill Rd) for a night where Taylor's hits meet bingo. It's free to play, and instead of numbers, you'll hear song clips. Prizes await the sharpest ears.

Hartford | Travelers Chorale: The Place Where We Belong | 7:30PM - Experience a century of harmony as the Travelers Chorale celebrates its 100th anniversary at The Bushnell's Mortensen Hall (166 Capital Ave). Admission and parking are free with a non-perishable food donation. More Info

Hartford | Meet Bluey at Yard Goats Game | 7:10PM $ - Bring the kiddos to Dunkin Park (1214 Main St) for a special meet-and-greet with Bluey. It's a family-friendly event that's sure to delight fans of the beloved cartoon pup. Tix

Manchester | Rock This Town Trio: Swingin' Through the 50s & 60s | 6PM $ - Travel back in time with the Rock This Town Trio at Wickham Park (1329 Middle Tpke W). They'll be delivering classics from the '50s and '60s in this free summer concert series.

Manchester | Yoga in the Park | 4:30PM $ - Unwind midweek with a rejuvenating yoga session in Wickham Park (1329 Middle Tpke W). Bring your mat and find your zen amidst nature. Details

Southington | Music on the Green: The Sharades | 7-9PM - Kick off Southington's 31st annual "Music on the Green" series with The Sharades performing hits from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Bring a chair or blanket to the Town Green (11 Main St) and enjoy the free concert.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Booyah - David Bowie Tribute | 9:00 PM $

THURSDAY (5/29)

Berlin | Trash Art Workshop | 5:30-7:30PM - Turn your garbage into gallery-worthy masterpieces at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd). This hands-on workshop lets you create art using found objects and non-recyclable materials. It's eco-friendly creativity at its finest.

Bristol | Self-Exploration in the Museum | 9:30AM-12:30PM - Kids aged 5 and under can embark on a journey of discovery at Imagine Nation (1 Pleasant St). This interactive science class encourages young minds to explore and learn in a fun, museum setting. Passes

East Granby | Speed Dating (Ages 40-50) | 7-9PM - Singles aged 40-50, meet potential matches at Almost Famous Brewing (17 Kripes Rd). This speed dating event offers a relaxed environment to connect over craft beers. Secure a spot

East Granby | Cheesecake & Wine Pairing | 6-8PM - Indulge in a self-guided pairing of delectable cheesecakes by Craves by Aves and fine wines at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). A treat for your taste buds. Tix

Hartford | Thunder Chickens Game | 7:10PM - The Hartford Yard Goats take the field as the Thunder Chickens at Dunkin' Park (1214 Main St). Experience this unique game with a new team identity and enjoy the fun atmosphere.

New Britain | Art Happy Hour | 5:30-8PM $ - Unwind with art and live music at the New Britain Museum of American Art (56 Lexington St). This event features performances and a chance to explore the museum's exhibits.

Windsor | Staggered Cruise Night | 5-8 PM - Car enthusiasts gather at Dudleytown Brewing Company (1001 Day Hill Rd) for an evening of classic cars, craft beer, and community vibes. All cars welcome.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - The Carousel Museum | Al Fenton Big Band | 6:15-8:15PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Bar Hollow | Dillon & Cooper Live | 6-9PM
⬢ Hartford- Arch St Tavern | Funk Night | 9PM $
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Bar | Mike Childs Jazz | 6-10 PM
⬢ West Hartford - Blue Back Square | Jazz in the Square | 12-1PM

TRIVIA

West Hartford | Trivia Night | 7-8:30PM - Test your knowledge at WeHa Brewing & Roasting (141 Shield St). Join the "Best Trivia Ever" and compete for bragging rights and prizes.

FRIDAY (5/30)

Avon | Free-Form Dance | 6:30-8:30PM - Shake off the week at CT Movement's Dance of Embodied Wisdom. No choreography, just pure, expressive movement. Held at 280 Country Club Rd. Register

East Granby | Custom Cow-Girl Hat Bar Workshop | 6-8PM - Design your own stylish hat at Almost Famous Brewing Company (17 Kripes Rd). WanderBrush provides all materials for this creative workshop. Tix

East Hartford | Nerf Battle Royale for Kids | 5:30-8:30PM - Join the ultimate Nerf showdown at Thornton Martial Arts & Fitness LLC (7-1 Main St). Gear up for an evening of fun and friendly competition.

Enfield | Community & Connect | 6:00-7:30PM - Unwind with yoga and wellness activities at Elemental Studios Yoga & Wellness (2 Pearson Way). A perfect way to relax and connect. Free Registration

Manchester | Comic - Chico Bean | 7PM & 9:30PM $ - Swing by The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Rd) to checkout Chico - He was a staple on Wild-n-Out and is known for his improvisational skills. Passes

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - Casa Mia at The Hawthorne Inn | The Bernadettes | 7:30-10:30PM
⬢ Broad Brook - Broad Brook Opera House | Crazy Train - Ozzy Tribute | 8PM $
⬢ East Hartford - Carmine’s Bar & Grill | Yellow 9 | 8PM
⬢ Granby - The Bear’s Den | The Provin Pines | 6PM
⬢ Granby - Lost Acres Vineyard | Tyler Silva | 4-7PM
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music | 8:30-11PM
⬢ South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing Co | The 70's Project | 6:30-9:30PM

SATURDAY (5/31)

Berlin | Boozy Book Fair | 12-6PM - Books and brews unite at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave). Sip on craft beers while browsing a curated selection of reads. It's the perfect blend of literature and libations.

Hartford | The Princess Bride in Concert | 7:30PM $ - Experience the beloved film with a live symphony by Hartford Symphony Orchestra at Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell. Relive the adventure, romance, and humor in a whole new way. More Info & Tix

Hartford | War of the Artists | 6:30-10PM - D'Art Studio (12 Charter Oak Pl) celebrates its 2nd anniversary with a live painting battle between two talented local artists. Witness creativity in action at.

Manchester | Free Playgroup for Kids | 11 AM-12:30PM - Northwest Park Early Childhood Center (448 tolland Tpke, Building 1) hosts a free playgroup for children. It's a great opportunity for kids to play and parents to connect.

Newington | Green Expo | 10AM-1PM - Explore eco-friendly products and services at the Green Expo. Learn about sustainability and how to make your lifestyle greener. Held at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church (805 Old Main St).

Simsbury | '90s Themed Dance Party | 8PM - Get your groove on at Talcott Mountain Collective (140 Nod Rd) for the '90s themed dance party. Dress up in your favorite '90s attire and dance the night away.

South Windsor | Murder Mystery Dinner | 6-9PM - Put your detective skills to the test at the Murder Mystery Dinner. Enjoy a meal while unraveling a thrilling whodunit at The Mill on the River Restaurant (989 Ellington Rd). Secure you spots

South Windsor | Roller Derby | 5PM - Stop by Nomad’s Adventure Quest (100 Bidwell Rd) to see the Hartford Area Roller Derby and experience the excitement of roller derby as local teams compete in fast-paced action. Cheer on your favorites and enjoy the show. Tix

Southington | Nature Day Festival | 11AM-3PM - Celebrate the great outdoors at the Nature Day Festival at the Original Southington Drive-in (995 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke). Enjoy activities, exhibits, and fun for the whole family.

Wethersfield | Fireworks Display | 9PM - End the night with a bang at the Wethersfield Fireworks Display at Cove Park (117 Main St). Find a good spot, sit back, and enjoy the show.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - Svea Social Club | Spirit Shaker | 6PM $
⬢ Bristol - Bristol Polish American Club | Brother Earl & Band | 6-10PM
⬢ Bristol - Bleachers | Zero One Zero Album Release | 8PM
⬢ Broad Brook - Broad Brook Opera House | Once an Outlaw | 8PM
⬢ Hartford - Parkville Market | CT Rocks! Indie Music Fest | 1-6PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Good Time Boys - RHCP Tribute | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theatre | Maxi Priest Reggae Night | 7PM
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Afterglow | 9PM
⬢ Manchester - The Hungry Tiger | Fortunate Sons - CCR Tribute | 8PM
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | Cliffside Push - Phish Tribute | 9:30PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar | Linda Ransom | 5:30-10PM
⬢ Southington - Blackstone Irish Pub | Bad Foot Live | 9PM

SUNDAY (6/1)

Berlin | Summer Knights Annual Car Show | 9AM-3PM - Rev up your engines at the Berlin Fairgrounds (410 Beckley Rd). All years welcome, with trophies, raffles, and great food. $10 for participants, $5 for spectators, and free for military and kids.

Enfield | Farmers Market | 9AM-12PM - Fresh produce and local goods await at Enfield Town Green (820 Enfield St). Kick off the season with community vibes and wholesome finds.

Hartford | Artist Showcase | 2-5PM - Celebrate exceptional choreographers at Parkville Sounds (1800 Park St). A showcase of talent and creativity. Tix

Manchester | 80's Prom Night | 4-8PM - Relive the glitz and glam of the '80s at Café Aura (45 E Center St). Music, cocktails, and exclusive dishes await.

Manchester | Art in the Park | 10AM-4PM - Explore over 200 artists and crafters at Center Memorial Park (586 Main St). A day of creativity and community.

West Hartford | Pig Yoga | 10AM - Combine fitness and fun with pig yoga at Westfarms Mall (1500 New Britain Ave). A unique experience that's sure to bring smiles. Passes

Wethersfield | Vendor Pop-Up & Picnic | 10AM-6PM - Shop local vendors and enjoy a picnic at Mill Street Marketplace (36 Mill St). Food trucks and live music included

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Mike Rau Live | 2-5PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | Lou Rivera Destino | 7PM $
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | The James Oliver Band | 3PM
⬢ South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing | Acoustic Sunday: Auburn Mode | 2-5PM
⬢ Windsor Locks - Luppoleto Brewing Co | Tony Rarus Live | 3-5 PM

 MONDAY (6/2)

South Windsor | Chevy vs. Ford Cruise Night | 3-9PM - CT Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave) is turning into a parking lot battleground. Chevy or Ford? Bring your ride, sip a pint, and let the chrome do the trash talking.