🎢 Summer's Calling: Lake Compounce Opening!

How you doing this week Hartford County!? This is the 6th newsletter I’ve sent out so I thought it’s time to get your feedback on the direction we head in. Seeing how I cover the entire Hartford County I’m thinking that short news stories might not be relevant to all people, so I want to know should I keep brief positive news stories in the newsletter or replace with other original content such as local trivia, history and other interesting topics. Vote below👇

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

• Lake Compounce

• Black-Eyed Sally’s

• 70+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

THE HIVE PICK

I didn’t expect to find myself at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum St), but sometimes you stumble into places that just click, and this place clicks (it clacks too). It’s the kind of joint where you know you’re in for something good the second you walk in. The food hits hard (we’re talking fall-off-the-bone ribs), and the drinks flow like they’re made by someone who gets it. The atmosphere? It’s like the perfect mix of dive-bar charm and hidden-gem cool, where the walls have stories and the crowd knows how to have a good time without being obnoxious about it.

What really sets Black-Eyed Sally’s apart, is the electric energy. The second you step in, it feels alive. The kind of alive where you don’t need to know what’s happening on stage to know it’s going to be good. Whether you’re at the bar chatting with locals or tucked away in a booth with friends, it’s one of those places where everything just works. If you’re looking for a spot that’s got bang-bang food, drinks, and an unforgettable vibe all in one place, Black-Eyed Sally’s has you covered.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Ready to kick off the summer? Lake Compounce (185 Enterprise Dr) in Bristol is officially back, and it’s bringing the fun like never before. Opening its gates this weekend, the park isn’t just about nostalgia (though that Wildcat coaster will give you all the retro feels). They’ve amped things up with smoother rides, new thrills, and, for the first time, the power of Herschend Family Entertainment behind the wheel (yep, Dollywood’s parent company).

Whether you’re all about the adrenaline rush of Boulder Dash or you just want to chill in the lazy river at Crocodile Cove, this place has got you. Don’t sleep on this one, it’s gonna be a legendary season.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Berlin | Story Time | 10:30-11AM - Kiddos in tow? Head to Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd) for a morning of stories, giggles, and maybe a few goldfish crackers.

Hartford | Some Like It Hot (Play) 4/29-5/4 | 7:30PM $ - Broadway hits Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave). Catch this spicy, jazz-soaked musical comedy before it skips town. Tix

Manchester | After School Video Games | 3-4:30PM - Tell the kids (Grades 6-9) that homework can wait. Drop into Manchester Public Library (583 Main St) for button mashing and bragging rights.

Manchester | Music Bingo | 6:30-8:30PM - Like bingo, but with bangers. Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St) is where tunes meet trivia-and beers meet laughs.

South Windsor | Classic Rock Trivia | 6:30-8:30PM - CT Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave) is throwing it back. Think Zeppelin, Queen, AC/DC - win trivia, earn glory (and maybe a pint).

West Hartford | Barrelsmith Cocktail Tasting | 3-6PM $ - Sip like a pro at Total Wine & More (1451 New Britain Ave). Barrelsmith is pouring - your tastebuds are invited.

Berlin | Crash Course in Pizza Making | 5:30-7:30PM - Little chefs (Grades K+) and families assemble! The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd) is turning dough into delicious fun. Register

East Granby | Music Bingo | 6:30PM - Same spot, new game. Almost Famous Brewing Co. (17 Kripes Rd) cranks up the hits while you chase that sweet bingo win.

Hartford | Karaoke Night | 7:30-10PM - Take the mic and own the spotlight at Parkville Market (1400 Park St). Whether you're channeling Beyoncé or butchering Bon Jovi, it's your time to shine.

Mildale | Boot Scoot & Brews: Beginner Line Dancing | 6-9PM $ - Grab your boots and two-step into Line Dancing 101 at Kinsman Brewing Co. (409 Canal St). Yeehaw! - Tix

South Windsor | Fables & Fun Story Time | 10AM - South Windsor Public Library (1550 Sullivan Ave) bring you storytime magic for your little ones.

Weatogue | Free Hearing Screenings | 12-5:30PM - SCSU Audiology Services (110 Hopmeadow St) is offering no-cost screenings. Because hearing your kid say “I love you” is kinda important. Free Registration

West Hartford | Star Wars Trivia | 7PM - May the facts be with you at WOB Bar & Kitchen (73 Isham Rd #B30). Jedi, Wookiees, and trivia nerds are all welcome.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Booyah Plays Talking Heads | 9PM $ - Get passes 
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Mark Paradis Live | 6-9PM
⬢ Simsbury - Simsbury Public Library | Strings of Hope | 6:30PM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | Farmington Valley Folk Jam | 6-9PM

East Granby | Paint & Sip | 6:30-9PM $ - Grab a brush and a brew at Almost Famous Brewing Co. (17 Kripes Rd). No art degree needed, just good vibes and a steady-ish hand. Passes

Enfield | Beginner West Coast Swing Dancing | 6:30PM $ - Take your two left feet to Ballroom Fever (608 Enfield St) and turn them into smooth swing moves. No partner required. More Info

Hartford | BaR Rated Trivia | 7PM - Test your random knowledge and dominate the leaderboard at Dead Language Project (2439 Park St). Trivia night, but with way more beer and bragging rights. Sign ups at 6:30PM.

Southington | Star Wars Trivia | 5PM - Witchdoctor Brewing (168 Center St) wants to know if you really know your Ewoks from your Endor. Costumes = bonus points.

West Hartford | Thistle Lawn Bowling | 6:30-8:30PM $ - Roll with the crew to Elizabeth Park (1561 Asylum Ave) for West Hartford’s Thistle Lawn Bowling Club. It's like bocce, but with more class and crisp white outfits. More Info

Windsor | The Shad Derby Story Documentary | 6:30-8PM $ - Windsor Historical Society’s screening a film at The Birdcage (25 Center St) that dives deep into Connecticut’s fishiest and most beloved tradition. Popcorn not required, but encouraged. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Kenny Mehler | 2-5PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Deadheads | 7-11PM $ - Entry fee 
⬢ Hartford - Berkman Recital Hall | Harp & Guitar Concert | 7:30PM
⬢ Marlborough - The Marlborough Tavern | CTBS Blues Jam | 6-8:30PM

Broad Brook | The Laugh Pack | 8PM - The Broad Brook Opera House (107 Main St) is bringing the funny. Grab your seat and get ready for a no-holds-barred comedy showcase. Admission

Enfield | Adults-Only Snake-Themed Paint Night | 5:30PM - RREC (132 South Rd) is trading juice boxes for wine glasses. Paint, sip, repeat. BYOB - More Info & Admit’s

Hartford | Giosa-Verela Band CD Release Party | 8-11PM - Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum St) is the place for new music, fresh vibes, and local talent on the rise.

Manchester | Arnez J at Hartford Funny Bone | 7PM & 9:30PM $ - Buckle up for a show of high-energy comedy at The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Arnez J brings the heat, no filter. Tix

Marlborough | Country Line Dancing & Buffet Dinner | 6PM $ - The American Legion Post 197 (128 E Hampton Rd) gets boot-scootin’ again. Bring your partner, or find one on the dance floor.

New Britain | The Producers | 7-9PM $ - Catch this Broadway classic by Connecticut Theater Company (23 Nordon St). It's loud, brash, hilarious, and that's just the first scene. More Info & Access

Wethersfield | Bicycles on Main | 7AM-10PM - Cruise down Main St (starting at 225 Main St) and check out 60+ uniquely decorated bikes on display. It’s part art show, part community ride, all good vibes.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - Bethany Covenant Church | Better Together Choir & Piano | 8PM $ - Admission 
⬢ Glastonbury - Rooftop 120 | The Savage Brothers | 8:30PM $
⬢ Hartford - Arch Street Tavern | Mauve Lloyd Pink Floyd The Wall Tribute | 9PM $ - Tix
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Pieces of Me - Mental Health & Arts Showcase | 8PM Access 
⬢ Manchester - Elicit Brewing Co. | Jukebox Radio | 8-11PM
⬢ Marlborough - The Farm at Carter Hill | Spirit Shaker | 6-9PM

Berlin | NatureFest | 10AM-12PM or 1-3PM $ - Grab the fam and head to Hungerford Nature Center (191 Farmington Ave) for NatureFest. It's all about the outdoors with a mix of nature walks, fun activities, and tons of excitement. Tix

Bristol | 1st Anniversary Blowout | 12-10PM - Time to throw down at the New Cambridge Brewing Co.’s (139 Center St) 1st Anniversary Blowout. Multiple breweries and four killer bands will be partying it up. You don’t want to miss this.

Bristol | Opening Day at Lake Compounce | 11AM-6PM $ - Ready to kick off the summer? Lake Compounce (167 Enterprise Dr) opens its gates with rides, food, and tons of fun for the whole family. Get your adrenaline fix! Passes

Glastonbury | Kentucky Derby Night | 5PM-10PM $ - Got your Derby hat ready? Head to the Columbia Lodge #25 A.F. & A.M. (895 Main St) for a dinner and Derby day party that’s all about the horses, the hats, and the excitement. RSVP by 4/30! More Info

Hartford | Secret Mall Apartment: Screening & Conversation | 7PM - Catch a thought-provoking screening at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor St). Stick around for a post-film conversation about this fascinating film. A cool way to spend your evening. Info & Tix,

Newington | May the Rave Be With You | 8PM-12AM - Grab you UFO’s and visors for a rave at Angryhair (102 Pane Rd). It’s a night full of electronic beats and cosmic vibes. Get ready to dance. Ages 21+ Access

Plainville | Shooting Outdoor & Military Expo | 9AM-5PM $ - If you're into military gear, shooting sports, or just enjoy a good expo, swing by Robertson Airport ( 62 Johnson Rd). Brought to you by Ye Connecticut Gun Guild. More Info

Suffield | Craft Fair | 9AM-3PM - Support local makers at the Hilltop Farm (1616 Mapleton Rd). This craft fair is your chance to score some unique pieces while supporting small businesses.

Wethersfield | Springfest | 1-2PM - Celebrate all things spring with crafts, food, and family fun at The friends of the Kycia Farm, Inc (310 Highland St). Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Broad Brook - The Opera House | Cars Tribute | 8PM $ - Secure entry  
⬢ East Granby - Dead Dogs | Almost Famous Brewing | 7-10PM
⬢ East Hartford - South Congregational Church | Celebrating CT Composers | 4PM $
⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on the Hill | Kenny Mehler | 2-5PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | Tool & Alice in Chains Tribute | 8PM $ - Secure Entry
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Carpenters Tribute | 8PM $ - Tix
⬢ Hartford The Webster | YTH Fest | 5-10PM $ - Passes
⬢ Manchester - Little Theater of Manchester | Beatles Tribute | 7PM $ - Admit’s
⬢ Simsbury - Maple Tree Cafe | Out The Boxx | 7-10PM

Enfield | Self-Care Day at RDee Winery | 2-4PM - Unwind at RDee Winery (504 Hazard Ave) with a self-care session where you can make salt soaks & Essential Oil Perfumes because you deserve it. Wine & Beer can be purchased there as well. Admits

Glastonbury | Free Farm Tasting | 1PM - Sample fresh, local produce and hit the “Jam Bar” at Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC (14 Tryon St). Support local farmers and taste the difference.

Manchester | Brunch with the Princesses | 11AM $ - Treat the little ones to a magical brunch with princesses at Wickham Park (1329 Middle W. Tpke) where fairy tale dreams come true. Call 860-528-0856 for Tickets.

Manchester | Stand up Comic: Jiaoying Summers | 6:30PM $ - Laugh your heart out with Jiaoying Summers at The Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Rd). Comedy that hits close to home. More Info & Tix

Marlborough | Sip & Shop Crafters Market | 10AM-2PM - Grab a coffee, browse local goods, and vibe with small-town charm at Zina’s Cucina (17 North Rd).

New Britain | 5alsa de Mayo | 2-9PM - Salsa, food trucks, and full-blown fiesta mode at The Assembly Room (222 Main St) Bring your moves and your appetite.

Rocky Hill | Truck Toyz 20-Year Bash | 12-6PM - Like custom rides? Hit up Truck Toyz Unlimited (950 Cromwell Ave) to celebrate their 20th year anniversary with music, vendors, and good times. Trucks, Jeeps, and Cars are all welcome.

West Hartford | Pop-Up Thrift Shop | 11AM-3PM - Warehouse 635 & Camille Hudson are bringing that BIG THRIFT ENERGY with this pop-up. Score sustainable and stylish second-hand gems at West Hartford Town Hall (50 S Main St).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bloomfield - Old St Andrew’s Church | Steel Drum Concert | 4PM $ - Tix 
⬢ East Hartford - Charlie’s Pizzeria & Restaurant | Jim Blanch & Boot Hill | 12-4PM
⬢ Manchester - Cheney Hall | Dancing Dreams - ABBA Tribute | 2-3:30PM - Get Passes
⬢ South Windsor - The Pub | Dead Sunday | 6:30-9:30PM
⬢ Southington First Lutheran Church of Southington | Chorale Concert | 3-5PM

Manchester | Canvas Painting Night: Spring Highland Cow | 6-8PM $ - Paint a fuzzy cow with flowers at The Firestone Art Studio & Cafe (115 Main St). Yes, really. Coffee optional, fun guaranteed. Spots are limited so…. Register

South Windsor | Cruise Night Car Show | 3-9PM - Roll into Connecticut Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave) for their weekly Monday night car show. Cold beer, hot food from Birdhouse, firepits. Every car's welcome, theme or not. Family-friendly, laid-back, and zero stress.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ West Simsbury - Simsbury Grange | Melanie Champagne & Riva Jean | 6:30-8:30PM

Don’t be that person who “meant to go.” Pick a thing, show up, and give your group chat something to be jealous of - CT’s out here doing the most. From storytime to strobe lights, Hartford county brought the heat this week. Pick your vibe and do it up, and hey, if you win trivia twice, beers are on you.

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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