Big thanks to Pet Supplies Plus for backing Connecticut Buzz Mutt Madness and hooking up a $100 gift card for the winner and $50 for second place, plus they’re a go-to spot if you need to stock up on anything for your pet. We’re officially down to the Elite Eight, and after two rounds of chaos and some very determined dog parents, just 8 pups are still in the hunt for the crown.

No clutter. No competing ads everywhere. Just clean, high-performing placements that get noticed. If you’ve been thinking about it… now’s the time.

Last week’s Dinner Club was a hit, with 50 people showing up and instantly turning strangers into new connections. Good food, great conversations, and exactly the kind of energy we’re building this around. Now we’re planning the next one that will take place on April 16th at 6:30PM…

Last week we had you out exploring Connecticut’s maple sugar houses, now we’re putting that liquid gold to work. This week, we’ve got two simple drink recipes to help you actually use the goods you stocked up on.

We’re thinking about rolling out high-quality prints maps of local towns like Hartford, Glastonbury, Manchester, and Avon, clean, sharp, and actually something you’d hang on your wall or display on your desk. Even better you can choose from six colorways, your town and even drop a custom home icon on your address.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Chief, an 8-lb Yorkie/Chihuahua mix with a big personality packed into a tiny frame, the kind of dog that thinks he runs the house and honestly might be right.

🏡House of the week: This 3,400+ sq ft Colonial brings big main-character energy with soaring vaulted ceilings, multiple fireplaces, and a full acre of space to spread out. Check it out!

🔍Sighting of the week: A red-tailed hawk posted up like it owns the place, usually perched along roads or circling overhead scanning for its next move.

🔭Sky report: March 24-30 is a low-key great week for skywatching with darker skies setting the stage, Jupiter shining bright after sunset, and Leo rising high as spring officially takes over the night sky. Keep an eye out just after dusk for a chance at spotting the zodiacal light, a faint glow that feels like a hidden bonus if you catch it.

Myth v Reality

Did you know that you don’t need 20% down payment to buy a home? One size does not fit all – conventional as low as 3% down, FHA 3.5% down, VA and USDA 0% down.  As your PrimeLending expert, I can help you understand your current standing and create a roadmap to get you mortgage-ready.

Empty Bowls is back on Wednesday, March 25 from 5-7pm, and it’s one of those events that actually does some good while you’re there. Hosted by Chrysalis Center at 255 Homestead Avenue in Hartford, this family-friendly fundraiser supports Freshplace, their fresh food pantry helping Hartford families get nutritious food and personalized support. You also get a handcrafted bowl from a local potter, which is a pretty great reminder that fighting hunger can look a lot more human than just writing a check.

Last week’s trivia saw 41.12% of you get it right, and yes, we’re talking about nitrous oxide. Horace Wells of Hartford was one of the first to recognize its potential as an anesthetic after seeing it used recreationally at a public demonstration in the 1840s. He went on to test it in dentistry, famously having his own tooth extracted under its effects in 1844, helping spark the era of pain-free surgery. His first public demonstration in Boston didn’t go as planned and hurt his reputation, but nitrous oxide was later widely adopted and is still used in medicine today. Despite the rocky start, Wells is now recognized as a pioneer of modern anesthesia and was posthumously honored for his contributions decades later.

🥐 Tous Les Jours (585 Hartford Rd, New Britain) officially opens March 20th, bringing fresh croissants, cloud bread, macarons, and a full French-Asian bakery lineup to Brittany West Plaza.

Canton | Pride and Prejudice High Tea Book Club | 6:30 PM - Sip tea and discuss Austen's classic at The Home Place (220 Albany Tpke).

East Windsor | Florals & Fae Enchanted Wreath Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Craft a whimsical spring wreath with florals and fairy touches at Moon & Moth Mercantile (35 South Main St).

Hartford | Alisa Velasquez Live | 12 PM - Midday live music at State House Square Food Court featuring Alisa Velasquez, perfect for a lunch break with a little extra vibe.

Hartford | National Cheesesteak Day | 11 AM | ($) - Celebrate with $10 cheesesteaks from market vendors at Parkville Market (1400 Park St).

South Windsor | Trivia: Taylor Swift | 6:30 PM - Test your Swiftie knowledge at this themed trivia night at CT Valley Brewing Co. (765 Sullivan Ave).

Windsor | 90s/2000s Night Music Bingo | 7 PM - Guess throwback hits for prizes at Beer Garden at Bart's (55 Palisado Ave).

Avon | Walter Jacobson Live | 5:30 PM - Enjoy live music with dinner at Seasons Restaurant at Avon Old Farms Hotel (279 Avon Mountain Rd).

Enfield | Flutter Bye Paint Party | 7 PM | ($) - Paint beautiful butterflies with drinks at Tipsy Paint Brush (610 Enfield St). Get Crafty

Southington | Chunky Blanket Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Hand-knit a cozy chunky blanket at Witchdoctor Brewing Company (168 Center St). Create

Southington | Sushi Making Class | 6:30 PM | ($) - Roll your own sushi then hit karaoke at SoLa Karaoke (Southington). Dig In

Canton | Beyond Flower Gardens: Native Woody Plants | 7 PM - Discover native plants for pollinators at Roaring Brook Nature Center (70 Gracey Rd). Explore

Hartford | Noche de Salsa & Bachata | 8 PM | ($) - Dance the night away with Latin rhythms at Arch Street Tavern (85 Arch St).

Hartford | Hartford Improv Festival (3/26-3/29) | Times Vary - 23 shows, 56 teams, and a whole lot of beautifully unhinged comedy energy take over Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St).

Hartford | Dueling Pianos with HARC | 7 PM | ($) - Sing along to dueling piano requests-benefits HARC at J Under The Dome (1 Sequassen St). Enjoy

South Windsor | Pints & Pages Book Club | 5:30 PM - Discuss "A Flicker in the Dark" over drinks at Red Heat Tavern (Evergreen Walk).

West Hartford | Dead Thursdays: McNulty's Dead | 7 PM | ($) - Grateful Dead tribute with Mystic Dead members at New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave). Listen Up

West Hartford | Shakespeare Fun Night | 6 PM | ($) - "The Bard at Barcelona" theatrical experience at Barcelona Wine Bar (971 Farmington Ave). See the Show

West Hartford | Char-cu-te-rie Lounge Grand Opening | 11 AM - Be first to try this new charcuterie spot at Char-cu-te-rie Lounge (80 Memorial Rd).

Bristol | Diana Drive Unplugged | 8 PM - Acoustic set from local band Diana Drive at Bleachers Bar (300 Middle St).

Broad Brook | Justin Gonzalez & The Jukebox plays Queen | 8 PM | ($) - Full Queen tribute show at Broad Brook Opera House (107 Main St). Listen Up

Glastonbury | 2026 Designer Bag Bingo | 6 PM | ($)- Win designer bags at this fundraiser bingo night at Irish American Home Society (132 Commerce St). More Info

Hartford | TobyMac | 7 PM | ($) - Christian hip-hop icon performs live at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plz). Listen Up

Hartford | Connecticut Golf Show | All Weekend | ($) - Three-day golf takeover at the Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd) with gear, demos, and everything you need to convince yourself this is your year on the course. Foour

Hartford | National Paella Day | 11 AM | ($) - Savor $15 paella specials from market vendors at Parkville Market (1400 Park St).

Manchester | Steven Ho, Not Your Hero Comedy Tour | 9:30 PM ($) - Steven Ho is bringing the chaos to Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr Suite #1054).

New Britain | Winter Social: Low Strung | 5:30 PM | ($) - Live chamber music with drinks at New Britain Museum of American Art (56 Lexington St). Listen Up

New Britain | Women Composers Festival of Hartford (3/27 & 3/28) | Times Vary ($) - Celebrating works by women composers at CCSU (1615 Stanley St). Niiice

Newington | James Germana Band | 5:30 PM - Rock and blues at The Flying Monkey Grill Bar (2095 Berlin Tpke).

Plainville | Ladies' Night Out: Pottery & Friends | 6 PM | ($) - Paint pottery with your crew at The Pottery Piazza (17 Farmington Ave). Get Crafty

Southington | Smoke & Muddle Supports Meriden Humane Society | 6 PM - Dine out to help shelter animals at Smoke and Muddle + music bingo from 7-9pm (15 N Liberty St).

West Hartford | WEHA Artist’s Emporium: Artists Mingle | 9 AM - Network with local artists at GastroPark (637 New Park Ave).

Bristol | Spring Fling Craft Fair | 9 AM - 3 PM - Shop 50+ vendors for handmade goods at Bristol Senior Center (240 Stafford Ave).

Bristol | Fly Fishing Film Tour & 1 Year Anniversary | 10 AM | ($) - Watch fly fishing films and celebrate Local Fly Co. (139 Center St). Watch

Broad Brook | High Noon: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Southern rock tribute at Broad Brook Opera House (107 Main St). Listen Up

Canton | Shop Hop | 10:30 AM | ($) - Guided shopping tour benefiting OAH Strides at Canton shops (110 Albany Tpke). Shop Local

East Granby | Mini Golf After Dark | 7 PM | ($) - Glow-in-the-dark mini golf adventure at East Granby Library (24 Center St). Game On

Enfield | 33rd Annual Scantic Spring Splash | 9 AM | ($) - Watch kayakers brave the rapids at Powder Mill Barn or join in the fun + benefits Enfield Food Shelf (32 South Maple St). Yak’n

Hartford | Hartford Wolf Pack vs Charlotte Checkers | 6 PM | ($) - AHL action hits PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza) as the Wolf Pack take on Charlotte in what’s usually a fast, physical night on the ice. Niiice

Hartford | An Evening with Big Shrimp | 9 PM | ($) - Funk and soul band brings the party at Arch Street Tavern (85 Arch St). Listen Up

Hartford | Hartford Athletic vs Indy Eleven | 5 PM | ($) - Hartford Athletic bring the energy to Trinity Health Stadium (250 Huyshope Ave) for a Saturday night matchup that’s built for scarves, chants, and a little chaos. Goooal

New Britain | Ukrainian Annual Easter Festival | 10 AM - Traditional food, pysanky, and culture at St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church (54 Winter St).

Newington | African Safari Adventure Presentation | 1 PM - Travel expert Fay deHaas shares stunning photos and firsthand stories from a recent African safari at The Community Room Cafe (39 E Center St). RSVP

Simsbury | Mauve Lloyd: Pink Floyd Tribute - Darkside of the Moon | 8 PM | ($) - Full album performance at Talcott Mountain Collective (140 Nod Rd).

South Windsor | SWOG Spring Craft Fair | 10 AM - 40+Local artisans and crafters at South Windsor High School (161 Nevers Rd).

West Hartford | New Park Brewing 9th Anniversary | 4 PM - Free party + live music from BOOYAH starting at 7PM at New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave). Celebrate

Windsor | Mondazzi's Spring Psychic Fair | 10 AM | ($) - Readings, crystals, Tarot, and spiritual vendors at Mondazzi's (570 Hayden Station Rd).

Windsor Locks | The Bradley Road Race | 10 AM - 5K and 10K starting at Windsor Locks High School (58 S Elm St). Lace’m Up

Windsor Locks | Candle Making Class | 6:30 PM | ($) - Craft custom candles at Luppoleto Brewing Co. (20 Main St). Get Crafty

Bristol | Yoga at Pinehurst | 10 AM | ($) - Outdoor yoga session at scenic Pinehurst (50 Pinehurst Rd). Breathe In

Farmington | Art of Shearing | 10 AM | ($) - Watch sheep shearing demos at Hill-Stead Museum (35 Mountain Rd). Explore

Hartford | Hartford Wolf Pack vs Charlotte Checkers | 3 PM | ($) - Round two of Wolf Pack vs Charlotte, giving you another shot at catching some weekend hockey and maybe a redemption game at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza). Sweeet

Manchester | Springtime Crafts & Vendor Fair | 10 AM -3 PM - Browse handmade goods, baked treats, and local vendors at the Army & Navy Club (1090 Main St) while supporting Cheney Tech’s SkillsUSA chapter through raffles and vendor proceeds.

West Hartford | Spring Women's Craft Celebration | 9 AM -3 PM - Women artisans showcase handmade goods at Pond House Cafe (1555 Asylum Ave).

Windsor | Hoop Earrings Workshop | 11:30 AM - Learn to make your own hoop earrings at Mondazzi's (570 Hayden Station Rd). Get Sparkly

Avon | History of Chocolate: 18th Century Demo | 6 PM - Watch colonial chocolate-making at Avon Historical Society Avon Free Public Library (281 Country Club Rd). Register

3/27

Hartford | Family Movie Night: The Wild Robot | 6 PM | ($) - Catch this animated hit on the big screen at Connecticut Science Center (1 Elizabeth St). Watch Now

3/28

Avon | Annual Easter Egg Hunt | 10 AM - Free community egg hunt for little ones at Avon Parks (224 Lovely St).

Farmington | 48th Annual Spring Celebration | 10 AM - 1 PM | ($) - Games, egg hunts, and family fun at Farmington Polo Club (152 Town Farm Rd). Join the Fun

Glastonbury | Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs | 10 AM | ($) - Bring your pup for a dog-friendly egg hunt at Riverfront Park (200 Welles St).

Granby | Easter Egg Hunt | 11 AM - Community egg hunt for kids at Granby Parks Farmington Valley Family YMCA (97 Salmon Brook St). Join the Fun

Hartford | Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert | 1 PM & 7 PM | ($) - Hartford Symphony plays the film score live at The Bushnell’s Mortensen Hall (166 Capitol Ave). See the Show

Hartford | Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. the Musical (3/28 & 3/29) | 2 PM & 6 PM - Tiny rebel, big songs, and enough charm to melt even the grumpiest adult at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave). Passes

New Britain | Hop Along Hunt | 10 AM - Easter egg hunt and activities at Smith Park (370 Linwood St).

Plantsville | Community Easter Egg Hunt | 10 AM - Free egg hunt for Plantsville kids at Plantsville Congregational Church (109 Church St).

South Windsor | Family Fun Fair | 10 AM - 3 PM - Games, activities, and fun for all ages at South Windsor High School Annex (Rotary Pavilion).

Southington | Easter Egg Hunt at Rogers Orchards | 10 AM | ($) - Egg hunt at the scenic orchard at Rogers Orchards (2876 Meriden-Waterbury Rd).

3/29

East Granby | Bunny Brunch | 10 AM | ($) - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). Dig In

Suffield | Easter Cookies Workshop | 12 PM | ($) - Decorate Easter cookies with the kids at Karenoughcrafts & Botique (11 High St, Suite 104). Get Crafty

Wethersfield | Romp n' Roll Eggstravaganza | 9 AM - 12:30 PM | ($) - Easter fun for toddlers and young kids at Romp n' Roll (1275 Silas Deane Hwy). Join the Fun