Fur Babies & Ferraris: Protectors of Animals + Sunday’s Chrome-Fueled Dreamfest

BRIEF BITES

• Honor: West Hartford has honored Revolutionary War patriot Sarah Whitman Hooker with a new historical plaque at Old Center Cemetery. She was known for sheltering prisoners of war in her home and supporting the fight for independence.

• Housing: Simsbury’s getting a big housing boost - Luminary at Simsbury Meadows just scored $4.5 million in state financing to bring 175 new rental homes to Hopmeadow Street, including 36 units reserved for middle-income families. It's all part of Connecticut’s new Build For CT program.

HIVE CHARITY

Protectors Of Animals is like the Ellis Island for Connecticut’s forgotten furballs and strays, abuse survivors, and “unadoptables”. Walk in, and with a little love and a lot of kibble, they walk out with new leases on life.

Since 1975, this all-volunteer, no-kill crew has been flipping the script for thousands of animals that big shelters pass on. They run adoption centers, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic (because surprise puppies are only cute on YouTube), and a community program that says, “Hey, we got you,” to pet owners in tough spots.

If your soul needs a lift, fostering or donating here is better than therapy.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITIES🐝

Car Culture is Thriving- Three Ways to Smell Gasoline and Feel Alive

This Sunday, Connecticut turns into Detroit with charm. First up: Avon’s Mopar Expo (Blue Fox Run Golf Course) 45 years strong and still the Mecca for Chrysler loyalists, parts pickers, and burnout junkies.

Then roll over to Farmington’s Concorso Ferrari & Friends (Polo Club), where Italian supercars meet suburban philanthropy - come for the V12s, stay for the cause (Connecticut Children’s wins either way).

Wrap it up at The Farm at Carter Hill with Marlborough’s Antique Auto Show, where pre-war beauties and mid-century muscle remind you why cars used to have soul. Three towns, three flavors—choose your ride.

NEW OPENINGS

• 🍻Transcend Beer Crafters just made the move from Southington to a fresh new taproom on 45 Northwest Drive in Plainville - cheers to new beginnings!

• 🥪Jersey Mike's will open its first West Hartford location on May 14 at 18 Kane St., next to a Chipotle and Teriyaki Madness.

• حلالShah's Halal Food is bringing the flavor to Bristol - their grand opening happened on (5/9) at 728 Farmington Ave.!

Hartford County:
Born in 1666, Running on Vibes Since 1960

Back in 1666, yeah, that long ago - Connecticut’s General Court decided it was time to start organizing things a bit. So they split the colony into four counties, and Hartford County was one of the OGs. But here’s the kicker: counties in Connecticut never had a strong local government like they do in other states. They were more like loose zones for courts and tax stuff. Hartford County was originally made up of just four towns - Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Farmington. Basically, Hartford County was born as a paperwork boundary - and it kind of stayed that way for centuries.

What is cool is that Hartford County included some of the oldest and most influential towns in the state - like Wethersfield (settled in 1634) and Hartford itself, which was basically the colony’s power center. The county lines shifted a bit as new towns popped up, but Hartford County stayed a hub for politics, trade, and yes, some spicy Puritan drama. And fun fact: Connecticut actually abolished county governments entirely in 1960, so Hartford County? Still on maps, but officially just vibes now.

TUESDAY (5/13)

East Hartford | Flamenco Ensemble | 6:30-7:30PM - Spanish guitar, stomping heels, and fiery vibes at East Hartford Cultural Center (50 Chapman Pl). Free show.

East Hartford | West Coast Swing | 7-10PM $ - Learn to glide (and spin) at 837 Main St. Lessons, then social dance till 10:30.

Rocky Hill | Edible Plants & Mushrooms | 6:30PM $ - Forage smarter. Learn what’s safe to eat in your backyard at Rocky Hill Library (33 Church St).

West Hartford | Karaoke Night | 8PM - Belt it out at WOB Bar & Kitchen (73 Isham Rd #B-30 ). Cold beer, hot mics.

WEDNESDAY (5/14)

Glastonbury | Speed Dating (Ages 21-29) | 7-9PM $ - Find your match in a flash at Square Peg Pizzeria (1001 Hebron Ave). Hosted by Sips & Sparks. Register

Hartford | Yard Goats - Harry Potter Night | 7:10PM - Catch a doubleheader with a magical twist at Dunkin’ Park (1214 Main St). Limited-edition Hogwarts house hats available.

Manchester | Self-Care Sound Bath Meditation | 6-7PM - Relax and recharge with healing sounds at the Whiton Memorial Library (100 N. Main St).

Simsbury | After School Arts Club | 4-5:15PM $ - Kids get creative with art at Gather on Hopmeadow (961 Hopmeadow St). Register

West Hartford | Bonsai Workshop | 6:30-8:30PM $ - Craft your own tiny tree while sipping craft beer at WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co. (141 Shield St). Secure a spot

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Manchester - Mulberry Bar | Mike Keliher | 5:30-7:30PM

THURSDAY (5/15)

Enfield | Music Bingo | 7PM - Music clips instead of numbers, and shout out the right answers at The Yarde Tavern (1658 King St). Free to play, prizes to claim.

Glastonbury | Cruise Night Cars | 4-8PM - Classic cars roll into town for a night of chrome and conversation at Hops on The Hill (275 Dug Rd)

Glastonbury | Complimentary Wine Tasting | 6-7PM - Sip and savor wine at The Best Wine Shop in Town (2283 Main St).

Hartford | The Great Gatsby Ballet | 7PM $ - Experience the Roaring-Twenties through dance at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave).

Hartford | Speed Dating (Ages 25-39) | 7-9PM - Meet your match in a flash at Thomas Hooker Brewing (140 Huyshope Ave) for a speed dating meets board games.

Manchester | Comic - Michael Rapaport | 7PM $ - Catch Michael Rapaport live at The Funny Bone Comedy Club (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Tix

Manchester | Sushi Making Class | 6PM $ - Learn the art of sushi making at Manchester’s culinary class at Elicit Brewing Co. (165 Adams St). Secure spots

Suffield | Fettuccini Making Class | 6PM - Hit up Karenoughcrafts & Boutique (11 High St. Suite 104) and earn that Chef’s Kiss while making pasta from scratch so you can impress your friends at parties. -Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Evan Wood Quartet - Open Jam | 9PM $
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub Patio | The Auburn Live | 6-9PM
⬢ West Hartford - Blue Back Sq. | Jazz in the Square | 12-1PM

FRIDAY (5/16)

Berlin | Mickey Finn's Tent Sale | 11AM-4PM - Score big at Mickey Finn's (874 Berlin Tpke) during their massive tent sale running May 16-18. Think tops, shorts, footwear, and more for the whole family. Deals so good, even your wallet will smile

East Hartford | Karaoke, Game Night & Trivia | 8:30PM - Carmine’s Bar (389 Main St) is your Friday triple threat. Sing it, win it, or just vibe with a drink in hand.

Enfield | Speed Dating (Age 33-40) | 7-9PM $ - Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave) is hosting the eye-contact Olympics. If you're single - show up and shoot your shot. Register

Hartford | Vibes Over Labels & Trends | 8PM - The Webster Underground (31 Webster St) is serving a night of raw energy and no rules. Music, fashion, and self-expression collide. All ages welcome. Secure entry

New Britain | Greek Food Festival | 11AM-8PM - St. George Greek Orthodox (301 W Main St) goes full Opa! Traditional eats, live music, and dancing. Come hungry. Runs May 16–18.

Windsor | Dear Norma 5 Wrestling | 7-9:30PM - Witness high-flying action at Dudleytown Brewing Company (1001 Day Hill Rd) Expect body slams, suplexes, and maybe a surprise twist or two. Passes

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ South Windsor - CT Valley Brewing Co. | Mass-Conn-Fusion | 6PM
⬢ Bristol - Bleachers Bar | Led- Zep by Physical Graffiti w/ The Skulk | 8 PM
⬢ Bristol - The Polish-American Club | Spirit Shaker Bonfire Bash | 7:00PM $
⬢ Bristol - The New Cambridge Project | Live Synthwave | 6-9PM
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | JR Krauss & The Shakes | 7PM
⬢ Glastonbury - Giovanni’s | B&E’s | 6PM
⬢ Hartford - The Arch St. Tavern | Steely Dan Tribute | 9PM $
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | The Leftovers | 9:30PM
⬢ Weatogue - Talcott Mountain Collective | Shakedown - Grateful Dead Tribute | 7-10PM
⬢ West Hartford - New Park Brewing | Dead Show - Grateful Dead Tribute | 8-11PM $

SATURDAY (5/17)

East Windsor | Arts & Culture Day | 12-4PM - East Windsor Park (27 Reservoir Ave) transforms into a hub of creativity with local artists, musicians, and food vendors. Family-friendly and free!

Enfield | Social Dance | 6PM $ - No dance experience required. All levels of dancers are welcome at CK Movement LLC’s dance, held at BallRoom Fever. (608 Enfield St)

Glastonbury | Touch-A-Truck | 9AM-1PM $ - Smith Middle School (216 Addison Rd) invites families to explore big rigs, emergency vehicles, and more.

Hartford | Bingo Loco | 7PM $ - The Webster (31 Webster St) hosts Bingo Loco, an outrageous blend of bingo, rave, and comedy. Ages 18+ Tix

Hartford | Tasting of Connecticut | 11AM-7PM - Bushnell Park (1 Trumbull St) becomes a foodie paradise with local food trucks, vendors, and live music.

Hartford | Hartford Athletic Game | 7PM $ - Trinity Health Stadium (250 Huyshope Ave) sees Hartford Athletic take on their rivals. Soccer under the stars. Info & Entry

Hartford | Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour | 8PM $ - XL Center (1 Civic Center Plaza) welcomes comedian Katt Williams for a night of sharp wit, conspiracy theories, and laughter. Secure Spot

Hartford | PAW Patrol: A Mighty Adventure | 10AM & 2PM $ - No description needed. Head to The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave) for all the puppy adventures. Showing 5/17&5/18 Tix

Manchester | Wickham Park Bird Tour | 7AM - Wickham Park (1329 Middle Turnpike W) offers an early morning bird-watching tour. Bring binoculars and enjoy nature's chorus

Suffield | Suffield Art Trail | 10AM-4PM - Stop by Eight Eighty Burbank (880 Burbank Ave) and various other locations across Suffield open their studios and galleries for a day of art exploration and inspiration.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - The New Cambridge Project | Go 2 Eleven Live | 6PM
⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | Absolute Adele with Jennifer Cella | 8PM $
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Jukebox Radio | 7PM
⬢ Enfield - The Yarde Tavern | Drive Time Live | 8PM
⬢ Farmington - Farmington Library | Mama Train | 2PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Homesick Tribute | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - Dead Language Beer Project | Manifest | 12PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | AC/DC Tribute: Dirty Deeds | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Hayley Jane Band | 7PM $
⬢ New Britain - Trinity on Main | The Jam Factory Live | 7:30PM $

SUNDAY (5/18)

Avon | Mopar Expo Show & Swap Meet | 9AM-3PM $ - Blue Fox Run Golf Course (65 Nod Rd) hosts the 45th Annual Mopar Expo. Classic Chrysler rides, swap meet treasures, and gearhead heaven await.

Farmington | Concorso Ferrari & Friends | 9AM-1PM - Farmington Polo Club (162 Town Farm Rd) showcases luxury cars for a cause. Ferraris, friends, and fundraising for Connecticut Children's. Donate

Farmington | Somatic Breathwork | 1-2:30PM $ - Bridge Healing Arts Center (304 Main St) invites you to reconnect with yourself through guided breathwork.

Hartford | Eco-Market | 12-4PM - Thomas Hooker Brewery (1 Sequassen St) hosts an eco-friendly market with local vendors, sustainable products, and green initiatives.

Hartford | Once on This Island | 2PM $ - ActUp Theater presents a vibrant musical at Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium (25 Ridgefield St). A tale of love and resilience.

Marlborough | Antique Auto Show | 9AM-2PM - The Farm at Carter Hill (86 East Hampton Rd) displays vintage vehicles. A must-see for car enthusiasts and history buffs.

Simsbury | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | 2PM - McLean's Garmany Performing Arts Center (50 Sarah Ln) stages a classic musical comedy. Laughter guaranteed. Free Tix

Southington | Grown-up Book Fair | 12-4PM - Long View Ciderhouse (36 Long Bottom St) hosts a book fair for adults. Browse books, meet authors, and sip cider.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Glastonbury - Hops on The Hill | Chris Marolda Live | 2PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar | Stoltz & Co. | 5:30PM-8PM

MONDAY (5/19)

Berlin | Backyard Birds (Grades K-3) | 4:30-5:30PM - Peep this! Kids can spread their wings at Berlin-Peck Library (234 Kensington Rd) while learning about backyard birds. Feathers, facts, and fun - no binoculars required.

Glastonbury | Flying Free’s 3rd Annual Gala | 6PM $ - Get fancy at The Glastonbury Boathouse (917 New London Trpk) for the Flying Free Gala - dinner, drinks, and dancing with purpose. Dress to impress and maybe even cry a little (in a good way).

South Windsor | Chess for Kids | 6PM - Tiny kings. Tiny queens. Big brain energy. South Windsor Public Library (1550 Sullivan Ave) hosts the most adorable strategy showdown you’ll see all week.