Dinner Club is back Feb 19 at 6 PM in Glastonbury, and 40+ people are already signed up. If winter has had you stuck in the same routine, this is your reset. We match the tables, you show up hungry, and leave with a few new local connections. No awkward networking, no forced small talk, just a solid night with good people. Sign-ups close at 6 PM tonight, grab your spot now!

Connecticut Foodshare is the engine relentlessly fighting hunger across the state, serving more than 516,000 Nutmeggers, about 1 in 7 people, including 122,000 kids, about 1 in 6, who are food insecure. As Connecticut’s food bank and a partner in Feeding America’s nationwide network, they move food through 480+ agency partners like pantries, shelters, and community kitchens, plus 100+ Mobile Pantry locations that operate like a no-questions-asked outdoor farmers market stocked with fresh produce and perishables. Bring a bag or box, show up, and take what you need, you can visit as often as necessary.

To find help near you, use Connecticut 2-1-1 and type your town or zip under “location,” check the Mobile Pantry Map for this week, or text FOODSHARE to 85511 and follow the prompts. They also help people apply for SNAP with bilingual team members over the phone at 860-856-HELP (4357). And if you want a Random Acts of Kindness Day move that actually matters, donate or volunteer because they can turn $5 into 10 meals. Interested in getting involved? Become a volunteer or a donor.

Share this with someone who might need a hand, or someone who wants to lend one.

Want a little spotlight in front of thousands of Hartford County neighbors? And shutterbugs too, if you’re out here capturing CT in all its glory, hit us up; we’d love to feature your work. Reach out

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Lily, a small terrier mix (about 20 lbs) with a huge “pick-me-up-and-cuddle-me-forever” energy, plus she’s dog-friendly and ready to be your lap buddy.

🏡House of the week: This 1929 Tudor serving serious charm with smart updates, from the sunny fireplace living room to the renovated kitchen and baths. Add a fenced backyard, finished lower level, and a spot close to West Hartford Center, and this one checks all the boxes. Check it out!

🥾Indoor gem of the week: Pop into the Barnes Museum in Southington for “Romance in the Victorian and Edwardian Home” (now through early March) and get your cozy-history fix in about an hour. Learn more

🔭Sky report: Tonight (Feb 17th) is a new moon, so the sky will be extra dark, which means way more stars than usual if it’s clear out. Look up after sunset for Jupiter shining like a headlight, and find Orion (the three-star belt) for an easy winter sky win.

On Thursday, February 19th, Hartford’s Connecticut Flower & Garden Show runs 10AM-7PM at the Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd), and it’s pretty much a full-day preview of spring right in the middle of winter. You’ll get huge landscaped garden displays, live design ideas, shopping booths, and enough plant inspiration to walk out fully convinced you can keep flowers, herbs, or maybe even a whole backyard oasis alive this year. It’s a great pick whether you’re a serious gardener, a casual “I like pretty things” stroller, or just looking for something different to do that feels bright, creative, and actually useful. Bring your Valentine, bring a friend, or go solo, plan the next plant you’ll try not to kill, and collect ideas for your home, patio, or future dream garden. If you’re tired of cold-weather plans, this is an easy mood shift. Get Tix

From Hartford to Cartagena, Colombia for 385 bucks* 1-stop roundtrip, end of April for a week stay. See the deal!

From Hartford to Las Vegas, Nevada for 268 bucks* non-stop roundtrip, beginning of May for an extended weekend stay. See the deal!

From Hartford to Barcelona, Spain for 537 bucks* 1-stop roundtrip, end of April for a week stay. See the deal!

*Prices at the time of writing subject to change

🌮 Señor Pancho’s is now open at 54 West Main, Plainville with tacos, burritos, cocktails, and full fiesta energy.

🍷 Grayze Wine Bar opens this week on Feb 21st at 61 Center St., Southington with crafted pours, small bites, and luxe vibes.

Connecticut Buzz is 100% free and independently run by me and my brothers. Your support helps us keep sharing the best local spots, events, and inside scoop each week, plus grow more fun community experiences. We seriously appreciate every bit of support. ~ Todd

Manchester | Valentine’s Day Candle Making Workshop | 6-8PM $ - Make a candle at Urban Lodge Brewing Co. (47 Purnell Pl) that smells like romance, or at least like “I tried.” Save a Spot

South Windsor | Trivia Night: Sex And The City | 6:30PM - See who actually knows the difference between Miranda chaos and Charlotte chaos at Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave).

Berlin | Books & Brews | 6PM - Book club, but with beer and way less pressure at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave) to sound smart about symbolism. More Info

Hartford | Dead Language & Weirdough Baking Co. Dessert Pairing | 7-10PM $ - A dessert pairing night at Dead Language Beer Project (1429 Park St) that’s basically “treat yourself” with a plan and a semi valid excuse. Lock it Down

Manchester | Comic: Rocky Dale Davis | 7PM $ - Midweek laughs at Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr) that’ll remind you humans are still funny in real life.

West Hartford | Digital Addiction in Children w/ Paul Tieger & Michael Shelby | 6:30-7:45PM - A parent-focused talk at Noah Webster Library (20 South Main St) that’ll have you side-eyeing screen time, negotiating iPad limits, and maybe even putting your own phone down (no promises).

Avon | Avon Restaurant Week Kickoff: Sip & Savor | 6-9PM $ - Roll into the Towpath Ballroom at Avon Old Farms Hotel (279 Avon Mountain Rd) and vote for “Best Appetizer” and “Best Cocktail” like it’s the Oscars, but tastier. Deets

Hartford | ULGH Annual Black History Celebration: A Legacy Revealed - United in Strength | 6-8:30PM - A powerful night of vendors, food, music, performances, and community at Mark Twain House & Museum (351 Farmington Ave). Reserve a Spot

Hartford | Lucy Darling: Simply Darling | 7:30PM $ - Comedy, magic, and the kind of razor-sharp charm that makes you want to start wearing a blazer for fun at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave). Tix

Hartford | Portraits of Patriots | 6-7PM $ - A Revolutionary-era deep dive with author Damien Cregeau at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (1 Elizabeth St). History, but with actual personality. Deets

Manchester | Listening Room: Opening Mic Night | 6:30-9PM - Play, read, sing, or just sit there at a cozy open mic in the Main Street Gallery at WORK_SPACE (903 Main St).

Hartford | Reshaping Tradition: Contemporary Explorations in East Asian Art | 4-6 PM - Explore Widener Gallery exhibition where five artists remix classical East Asian traditions through painting, photography, calligraphy, ceramics, and graffiti. More

Hartford | Wolf Pack vs. Utica Comets | 7PM $ - Hockey night at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza).

Manchester | Comic: Chris Powell (2/20 & 2/21) | 7PM and 9:30PM $ - Two chances to laugh your face off at Hartford Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr Suite #1054) and leave feeling 12% lighter emotionally. Tix

Bristol | Chell’s Charcuterie Mini Hearts & Flowers Class | 12-1PM $ - Learn to build a mini charcuterie board at the Bristol Baazar (67 Race St) that looks like it belongs on Chell’s Charcuterie’s Instagram. Secure Entry

Enfield | Music Bingo | 7PM - Bingo, but with song clips, and prizes at Wood-n-Tap Enfield (55B Palomba Dr).

Hartford | Lunar New Year Festivities | 1-2PM - Pop in for Lunar New Year celebrations at Parkville Market (1400 Park St) with family-friendly fun, and culture.

Hartford | UConn Men’s Hockey vs. Boston College | 3PM $ - The puck drops at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza).

Hartford | Wolf Pack vs. Belleville Senators | 7:30PM $ - Run it back with another hockey match at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza).

Manchester | Mardi Gras Party at Elicit Brewing | 8PM $ - Costumes, beads, party energy. Show up ready to be loud in the friendliest way.

Southington | 2026 Mount Southington Cardboard Box Classic | 10AM $ - Build a cardboard sled, embrace the chaos and send it at Mount Southington (396 Mount Southington Rd). Register

Bloomfield | National Margarita Day | 9AM-9PM - Pull up to TJ’s Burritos Bloomfield (695 Park Ave) for Patron and Don Julio specials, plus the kind of “one drink turns into a vibe” energy we all pretend won’t happen.

Canton | Winter Tree ID Hike | 2-3PM $ - Learn how to ID trees by buds, bark, and leaves at Roaring Brook Nature Center (70 Gracey Rd) so you start confidently pointing at random trunks like you’re on National Geographic. Registration

Hartford | Mosaic Chickadee Workshop | 1-4PM - Make a stained-glass mosaic chickadee at The Mark Twain House and Museum (351 Farmington Ave) and leave with a craft that says “yeah, I have hobbies”.

Hartford | Exploring Your Creative POV in Photography | 6-7PM $ - A beginner-friendly photo class at Parkville Market (1400 Park St) that’ll have you seeing the world like a filmmaker instead of someone just taking 47 pics of the same latte. Let’s Get It

Simsbury | Old Growth Forest: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump Documentary | 6:30PM - A free screening at Simsbury Public Library (725 Hopmeadow St) followed by a Q&A, aka the kind of “nature documentary but make it local” night that feels oddly refreshing.

2/17
Manchester | Library Scavenger Hunt (Ages 6-10) | 2-2:45PM - Turn the library into a mini adventure at Manchester Public Library (586 Main St).

Manchester | Story Time with the Author | 10:30AM-11:30AM $ - A cozy author visit at Lutz Children’s Museum (247 S Main St).

Suffield | Preschool Playtime Gymnastics | 10-11AM $ - Let the little ones bounce and burn energy at Suffield Gymnastics Academy (10 Mountain Rd) while you sip coffee like it’s medicine. Register

2/20
Berlin | Movie Matinee: Wicked: For Good (Kids) | 1-3:30PM - A daytime movie hang at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd).

Bloomfield | Kids Night Out (Ages 5-10) | 5-8PM $ - Drop the kids for a night of activities at Auerfarm (158 Auer Farm Rd). Register

Manchester | Stars Hollow Snow Festival (Kids) | 10AM-12PM $ - A Gilmore-ish winter morning at Lutz Children’s Museum (247 S Main St) with themed fun that makes you want hot chocolate immediately.

2/17
Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Rivercity Slim & The Zydeco Hogs | 7-10:30PM $

2/19
Broad Brook - Opera House | Mamma Mania (ABBA Tribute) | 8PM $
Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | North Mississippi Allstars | 8PM $

2/20
Enfield - Yarde Tavern | Deadheads MA | 8PM
Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Loose Units & Fairfield Street | 8-11:30PM $
Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | James Germana Band | 8PM
Hartford - The Webster | Band Capricio - Rise Tour USA 2026 | 8:30PM $
Manchester - Ryan’s Bar | Steal Your Funk | 9:30PM

2/21
Bristol - Bleachers Bar | Garden Grove wsg. Solgyres | 8PM $
Hartford - Arch St Tavern | Contrast ft. Tsimba, Meskka & Pawpa | 9-11:30PM $
Hartford - The Bushnell | An Evening with Itzhak Perlman | 7:30PM $
Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Hartford Live Inside ft. Mystic Dead, The Alpaca Gnomes, The POSSM & Roost | 5PM $
Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Shakedown | 8PM $
South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing Co. | The Savage Brothers | 6:30PM
West Hartford - New Park Brewing | Faster Things (Allman Brothers Tribute) | 8PM $

2/22
Hartford - The Webster Underground | Immortal Technique | 8PM $
Plainville - Transcend Beer | RGB Acoustic Quartet | 2-5PM