Big thanks to Pet Supplies Plus for sponsoring the first-ever Connecticut Buzz Mutt Madness. They’re helping make the whole thing even more fun by putting up a $100 gift card for the winner and a $50 gift card for second place.

If you’ve been to Pet Supplies Plus, you know the deal: friendly staff, all the pet essentials, and plenty of reasons to spoil your dog a little more than you probably should. We’re pumped to have them backing a community contest built for local dog lovers, proud pet parents, and some very photogenic pups.

Huge thanks to everyone who entered the first-ever Connecticut Buzz Mutt Madness. We got more than 40 submissions, which is awesome, but it meant we had to cap the bracket at the first 32 pups entered.

Voting starts now for Round 1 and runs through Monday. Then we’ll drop the next matchup round in next week’s newsletter, so get those votes in and let the dog madness begin.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Thelma, a smart, high-energy good girl who’s ready for an active home that can keep up with her big personality and go-go-go spirit.

🏡House of the week: A storybook old house that got the glow-up right. Built in 1878, it mixes Gothic Revival charm with the stuff people actually want now, like high ceilings, central air, second-floor laundry, a cozy library, and nearly 2,916 square feet of living space. Check it out!

💎Gem of the week: The Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum in Plainville is a world-renowned tribute to the golden age of horror, featuring life-size, screen-accurate monsters and authentic props that have captivated cinema buffs since 1966.

🔭Sky report: From Tuesday through the weekend, Jupiter will be the easiest thing to spot, shining bright in the evening sky after sunset. Tuesday and Wednesday nights should be especially good for viewing if skies are clear, and early risers later in the week might catch a few stray meteors before dawn.

Dinner Club is headed back to West Hartford on March 19 at 6:30pm, and it’s a low-pressure way to meet new people without having to yell through bad bar acoustics and fake your way through the same small talk. You take a quick personality quiz, we match you with five others, then you show up to a surprise restaurant with the after-party spot revealed later by text.

Your meal is on you, and it’s $16 to reserve your seat. Show up ready to eat, hang, and maybe leave with a few new local connections.

On Saturday, March 14th at 7:30PM, JOURNEY rolls into Hartford for the FINAL FRONTIER TOUR 2026, their farewell tour, marking the end of an era at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza). This is definitely not a casual concert. This is the kind of show where people walk in cool and composed, then completely lose it the second “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” or “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” starts up. The hooks are massive, the nostalgia is off the charts, and the singalongs are basically mandatory. If there’s one event this week with the most star power and the best chance of turning Hartford into one giant karaoke bar, this is it. Doors open at 6PM.

In Connecticut, the "Spring Market" isn't just a season; it’s a high-stakes sport. Inventory is finally blooming, but so is the competition. If you want to win the keys to your dream home this year, you need a playbook that goes beyond a basic pre-approval.

Step 1: The "Local Edge" Pre-Approval
Generic online lenders often miss the nuances of CT property taxes or local closing customs. Get a verified pre-approval that looks like cash to a seller.

Step 2: Offer Strategy
With market volatility, timing is everything. As you attend showings and open houses, we will underwrite your file to mortgage approval. Send along those properties that you love for the best monthly payment options.

Step 3: Fast-Track Closings
In a multiple-offer scenario, a 21-day closing guarantee is often more attractive to a seller than a slightly higher price tag.

The market moves fast, but with the right strategy, you move faster. Let’s get your financing "Spring Ready."

🦞 Lobster King just opened at 1176 Farmington Ave in Berlin, serving lobster rolls, grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches, and a whole lot of butter to Lower Landing Plaza.

🧀 Charcuterie is now open at 80 Memorial Road in West Hartford, bringing cheeses, cured meats, pick-up boards, and a Parisian-style lounge to Blue Back Square.

🎸 Rock Bar just fired up at 93 Pratt St. Hartford, bringing cold drinks, music-themed cocktails, and a whole lot of rock-and-roll energy to downtown Hartford’s former Edible Arrangements space.

🥐 Julien’s Farm Store just planted a second flag at 9 Bank St. in Granby, opening a warm new cafe space on Bank Street with more room, indoor seating, and plenty of handmade breads, pastries, and other scratch-made good stuff.

Avon | Historical Pottery Demonstration with Steinhagen Pottery | 6PM - Watch a master potter at work. 50+ years of clay-spinning expertise at Avon Public Library (281 Country Club Rd).

Hartford | Anastasia 10th Anniversary Concert | 7:30PM $ - Broadway nostalgia with some actual Hartford bragging rights. This fundraiser celebrates 10 years since Anastasia first hit the stage here before heading off to conquer the world at Hartford Stage (50 Church St). Passes

Wethersfield | American Revolution Program Series - Songs of 18th Century America | 7PM $ - Revolutionary tunes! Period music brings 1776 to life at Wethersfield Historical Society (200 Main Street).

East Windsor | POURING THROUGH HISTORY: Seth, Joseph, Lizzie, and George | 6:30PM - History on tap. Civil War stories over craft brews at Problem Solved Brewing (2 North Road Unit 4).

Hartford | Jazz Wednesdays at Black-Eyed Sally’s | 7-10PM - Midweek blues cure. Free live jazz, Southern food, and just enough swagger to make Wednesday feel less like Wednesday at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum St).

Southington | St. Patty’s themed Charcuterie Workshop | 6-8PM $ - Build boards like a pro. Shamrock-themed spreads and all the fixings. Cook

Wethersfield | Monthly Tarot Study Group | 6:30-7:30PM $ - Cards, community, and cosmic insights. All skill levels welcome at The Blackbird House (147 Main Street). Learn

Windsor Locks | ELITE Bocce at Luppoleto Brewing | 6-9PM - Brews and bocce balls. Watch the league or grab a court at Luppoleto Brewing (20 Main St Unit 15).

Hartford | Fabiola Méndez in Concert | 7:30PM - Emmy-nominated Puerto Rican cuatrista Fabiola Méndez brings rich vocals, deep roots, and serious talent to the Austin Arts Center at Trinity College (300 Summit St).

Hartford | Reshaping Tradition: Contemporary Explorations in East Asian Art | 5:30PM - Art night for people who want to feel cultured without pretending they totally understand every wall label. A thoughtful look at contemporary East Asian art at Trinity College; Austin Arts Center (300 summit St)

Hartford | Bar Rated Trivia Night | 6:30PM - Beer plus trivia is still one of society’s better inventions. Grab a team and go test your completely random knowledge at Dead Language Beer Project(1429 Park St).

West Hartford | Noah Webster: Partisan Federalist (1792-1843) | 6:30PM $ - History nerds, this one’s got your name written all over it. A deeper dive into Noah Webster’s political life at the Noah Webster House (227 South Main St). Get me in

Berlin | A Ray of Elvis | 8PM $ - The King is back and ready to rock. Sequins, swagger, and all the hits The Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd).

Bristol | Friday the 13th blood drip/lava Snowglobe Cup Class by Coralys Creations | 6-8PM $ - Spooky meets crafty. Create blood-drip or lava snowglobe cups at the Bristol Bazaar (67 Race Street). Make

Broad Brook | Comedy Craft Beer Presents: Doug Key & Friends! | 8PM $ - Craft beer meets stand-up. Laughs on tap all night at the Opera House (107 Main Street). Laugh

Hartford | 2026 Spring Greenhouse Show (3/13-3/20) | 10AM-4PM - Elizabeth Park (1561 Asylum St) fills up with spring blooms, greenhouse color, and the kind of floral optimism Connecticut desperately needs right now. learn more

Hartford | Wolf Pack vs. Cleveland Monsters | 7PM $ - AHL hockey returns to PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza). Let’s gooo

Avon | PTS St. Patrick’s Day Party with The O’Marchese’s | 6PM $ - Irish eyes are smiling. Music, merriment, and St. Paddy's cheer (32 Old Farms Rd). Celebrate

Bristol | Broken Jewelry Art Workshop | 5-7PM $ - Turn forgotten treasures into art. Upcycled assemblage magic at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race Street). Create

Bristol | Fleetwood Macked: The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | 7-9PM $ - Go your own way to this killer tribute. Dreams, Rumours, and Mac magic at Downtown Live at The Rockwell Theater (70 Memorial Boulevard). Rock

Broad Brook | The Bell Bottom Blues - Clapton Experience | 8PM $ - Guitar legends brought to life. Layla, Wonderful Tonight, and pure blues soul at Broad Brook Opera House (107 Main St). Enjoy

Enfield | Birds of Prey with Horizon Wings | 4:30-5:30PM $ - Meet majestic raptors up close. Live hawks, owls, and more at Riverside Reptiles Education Center. Explore

Hartford | JOURNEY - FINAL FRONTIER TOUR 2026 | 7:30PM $ - Don't stop believin' - the final frontier tour rolls through at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza). Rock

Hartford | The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | 4PM-10PM $ - Six-plus venues, drink specials, and enough green clothing to make the whole city look like a lawn starting in Downtown Hartford at The Brownstone (114 Asylum St). Deets

Hartford | Everyone is Irish: A St. Patrick’s Day Variety Show | 7-9PM $ - If you missed the parade and still want a little shamrock-fueled nonsense, this does the job nicely. Sketch comedy, improv, and music all rolled into one green-tinted night at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St). Passes

Hartford | So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience | Hartford, CT | 8PM $ - Sweet Caroline never sounded so good. Sing along to all the hits at Infinity Music Hall. Rock

New Britain | Bark N Krumble Presents: Paws for a Cause Vendor Showcase Benefitting Harlows Heroes | 12PM-6PM - Vendors and puppy love. Shop for a good cause New Britain VFW(41 Veterans Dr).

Simsbury | Tribute to Hall & Oates and Huey Lewis | 8PM $ - 80s vibes all night. Private Eyes, Power of Love, and pure nostalgia at Talcott Mountain Collective. Rock

Windsor Locks | Women Take Flight | 10AM-3PM $ - Meet women in aerospace. Inspiring talks and hands-on activities New England Air Museum (36 Perimeter Rd).

Windsor | Beginners Wire Wrap | 10AM-12PM $ - Turn crystals into wearable art. Beginner-friendly techniques at Mondazzi Books (570 Hayden Station Rd, E & F Building). Make

Berlin | Black Sabbath-Dio Tribute | 8PM $ - Heavy riffs and devil horns. Ozzy and Dio classics done right at The Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd).

Bristol | ATKHER Brunch at the Carousel Museum | 11:30AM-2:30PM $ - Brunch for a cause. Support equine rescue in style at The Carousel Museum (95 Riverside Ave). Dine

Bristol | “IT’S BUNNY TIME” - AN EASTER CERAMIC WORKSHOP | 2PM-4:30PM $ - Paint adorable Easter ceramics. Perfect for all ages at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race Street). Create

Hartford | O'Hartford 5K & 10K, presented by Trinity Health Of New England Orthopedics | 11AM $ - Lace up for St. Paddy's! 5K and 10K through downtown at Trinity Health Stadium (250 Huyshope Avenue). Run

Hartford | Spafford | 8PM $ - Jam band excellence. Mind-bending improv and genre-defying grooves at Infinity Music Hall (32 Front St). Rock

Hartford | CURATOR TALK: The Scenic Daguerreotype in America 1840-1860 | 1PM $ - Early photography art. Curator-led tour through 1840s America at the Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main Street). Discover

Hartford | Paint Beautiful Spring Tulips Encore Session | 10AM-1PM $ - Capture spring on canvas. Paint gorgeous tulips en plein air at Elizabeth Park. Create

Hartford | Mad Agnes Folk Trio | 4:30-5:45PM - Warm harmonies, one shared mic, and the kind of folk set that makes you want to suddenly become a porch person. Free show at Center Church (675 Main St) in downtown Hartford.

New Britain | Voices & Visions | 4PM $ - Choral masterworks inspired by museum art. Ears and eyes feasting at Trinity College Chapel (300 Summit St). Enjoy

Plainville | VINYL RECORD SALE! | 9:30AM-3:30PM $ - Crates of vinyl gold. Dig through thousands of LPs and CDs at Plainville VFW (574-Plainville VFW). Nice!

Plantsville | Craft Show | 9AM-5PM $ - Local makers, unique finds. Shop handmade goods all day at the Aqua Turf Club (556 Mulberry St). Shop

Windsor | Barks, Burgers, & The Easter Bunny!! | 1PM-4PM $ - Burgers, brews, and bunny pics. Spring market fun at Beer Garden At Bart's (55 Palisado Dr).

Enfield | Beer & Travel Night: Africa Escape | 6PM - Passport not required. African-inspired brews and armchair adventures at Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave).

Simsbury | Peaceful Guided Imagery Meditation Class | 7PM $ - Find your zen. Guided imagery for deep relaxation at Wisdom of The Ages (1618 Hopmeadow St).

Suffield | Irish Potato Candy Workshop | 6-7PM $ - Sweet, nostalgic, and delicious. Great-Grandma's secret recipe at Karenoughcrafts & Boutique (11 High Street Suite 104). Yum

3/10
Manchester | Plant A Flower Day | 10AM-12PM $ - Tiny hands, dirt, and the kind of wholesome chaos parents can actually get behind. Kids can decorate their own flower pots and head home with seeds from Lutz Children’s Museum (247 South Main St).

Hartford | Toddler Tuesday | 9AM-1PM $ - This one is built for kids 6 and under, with crowd-controlled galleries, hands-on activities, and programming for little learners at the CT Science Center (250 Columbus Blvd).

Hartford | Loco for Legos | 4-5PM - Brick-by-brick entertainment. A solid after-school option for kids who like to build stuff and parents who enjoy activities that do not involve screens at Hartford Public Library Barbour Branch (261 Barbour St).

Simsbury | Baby Playgroup at Simsbury Public Library | 10:30-11AM - Bubbles, tummy time, and tiny-human social hour. A nice low-key outing for babies and caregivers at Simsbury Public Library (725 Hopmeadow St).

3/11
Bloomfield | Cookies and Crafts at McMahon Wintonbury Library | 2-4PM - Sugar plus crafts. A dangerous combo if you’re trying to keep your house clean, so better to let them make the mess here at McMahon Wintonbury Library (1015 Blue Hills Ave).

West Hartford | Lego Club | 3:30-4:15PM - More bricks, more masterpieces, more kids acting like they’re casually building the next great American skyline at Noah Webster Library (20 South Main St).

3/14
Hartford | Second Saturdays for Families | 12-2PM - Free museum day, which is already a win before your wallet even gets involved. The Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main St) opens things up with family-friendly art activities, crafts, and tours that make you feel cultured without trying too hard.

West Hartford | Seed Library Kickoff at Noah Webster Library | 11AM-12:30PM - Dirt under the fingernails, in a wholesome way. A family-friendly seed kickoff with spring energy and enough garden optimism to make you believe winter is finally losing at Noah Webster Library (20 South Main St).

3/16
Hartford | Spring Book Bundles (Ages 0-5) | 9:30AM-5PM - Easy win for parents of little kids. Swing by, grab a bundle of spring-themed books, and head home looking way more organized than you actually are at Hartford Public Library Children’s Department (500 Main St).