Car Shows Galore

What’s good Hartford County!? Well folks, it’s April 1st — the one day a year when you’re legally allowed to tape a “kick me” sign on your coworker’s back and pretend it’s “just a joke.” But don’t worry, this newsletter is prank-free (probably). No fake news, no made-up events. Just your usual dose of local goodness and things to do.

In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:

• Rebel Coffee Co.

• Opening day at Wickham Park

• 50+ Events

Let’s dive in!

-Todd DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Top Towns - Hartford county scores multiple top towns in the list of best places to live in Connecticut according to Niche. West Hartford landed in 1st place followed by Glastonbury. Check out the full list here.

• New Routes - Spirit Airlines to add direct flights to Detroit and Nashville from Bradley.

• Road Work - Heads up, Rocky Hill drivers! Bridge repairs on West Street over I-91 at Exit 23 were set to begin Sunday, March 30 and wrap up by Friday, April 18. Crews will be replacing bridge joints, so expect some delays and plan accordingly!

• Trout - Spring fishing season is officially on in Connecticut! The DEEP has already stocked 145,000 trout across state waters, with a whopping 500,000 planned by May. Grab your gear—those fish won’t catch themselves! Check out the stocking map here.

• Grant - Connecticut just dropped a game-changing $15 million into the fight against rising waste costs—its biggest investment ever in recycling and composting infrastructure. Nine communities, including Manchester, which scored nearly $4.8 million, will use the funds to ramp up food scrap composting, recycling, and waste diversion.

THE HIVE’S PICK

I found out about Rebel Dog Coffee Co from a helpful librarian in East Hartford while out promoting this newsletter. I stopped in for a coffee with a shot of espresso, I was dragging that afternoon. Before I walked in I was expecting a Starbucks style coffee shop, I was glad to be wrong.

First off, the coffee was great and all the baristas were welcoming and friendly. Rebel Dog has very cool and unique vibe to it. The vaulted ceilings and minimalist styling add an industrial ambiance for extra cool points. To my surprise I noticed a bar where you can sit and enjoy craft beers while you crush a stone oven pizza or one of their many other offerings.

Rebel Dog offers something for everyone and is much more than your run of the mill coffee shop, it’s a gathering place for friends, family and professionals. Alternatively, you can also duck out into a corner for the perfect spot to get in the zone with your remote work. Drink in the welcoming vibe of a café that’s as passionate about its community as it is about great coffee. Other locations can be found in Farmington & Plainville.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Spring is here, and Wickham Park(1329 Middle Turnpike West) is ready to welcome you back. Opening its gates on April 5th, this 280-acre treasure in Manchester and East Hartford is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the season. With gardens in bloom, scenic walking trails, and plenty of picnic spots, it’s the ideal escape to shake off the winter chill and reconnect with nature.

Whether you’re exploring themed gardens like the peaceful Oriental Garden, letting the kids loose at the playgrounds, playing disc golf, checking out the aviary or enjoying a casual stroll along wooded trails, Wickham Park has something for everyone. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee, and make new springtime memories in one of Hartford County’s favorite outdoor spaces. Gates open April 5th—don’t miss it! More info

NEW OPENINGS

🌯Chipolte opened at 251 Prospect Ave. in the Prospect Plaza shopping center

🍖Pig Rig BBQ & Catering opened new smokehouse at 1843 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in the Milldale area of Southington.

🍺Saults Eclectic Cuisine partnered with Dudleytown Brewing Company located at 1001 Day Hill Rd, Windsor.

☕Starbucks has opened its new location on the Evergreen Walk property off Cedar Street in South Windsor.

🥐Hartford Baking Co. recently celebrated the grand opening of its fourth location, in South Windsor at 150 Sullivan Ave.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Berlin | Baby Story time | 10:30-11:30AM- Bond with your baby at Berlin-Peck Memorial library(234 Kensington Rd) through books, bouncy rhymes, and songs in this lap-sit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development. Registration

Rocky Hill | Mix & Mini-date (Ages 40-50) | 7-9PM $ - Meet new people and put yourself out there at Still Hill Brewery.(1275 Cromwell Ave) Learn more & register

Weatogue | Open Mic Night | 6:30-9PM - Talcott Mountain Collective.(149 Nod Rd)

Berlin | Around Every Corner of Connecticut | 6:30PM - Join Sarah Cody at Berlin-Peck Memorial library(234 Kensington Rd) for an exploration of unique destinations to visit across Connecticut, including pictures from her new book.

Berlin | Little Waddlers (Ages 2-3) | 10:30-11AM - During this story time at Berlin-Peck Memorial library(230 Kensington Rd) children will listen to stories, sing songs, engage in yoga poses and learn fingerplays to encourage early literacy development and a love of reading. Register

Bristol | Adult Craft: Flower Painting | 2PM - Create a watercolor painting of a flower at Manross Memorial library.(260 Central St) Artist Nancy Roman will teach the technique step by step. All supplies will be provided. Register early by calling the library @ #860-584-7790.

Bristol | Brains & Beers | 7-8:30PM - Craft beer, trivia & prizes at The New Cambridge Project.(139 Center St)

Hartford | Karaoke Night | 7:30-10PM - Stop by Parkville Market(1400 Park St) and belt out your favorite song.

Manchester | Open Deck Night | 9PM-12AM - Calling all DJs—whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this is your chance to shine and showcase your sound! Sign up for a 30-minute set when you arrive at Ganymead(360 Middle Tpke W) More info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢Arch St Tavern - Hartford | Booyah Plays: Elton John & Billy Joel | 9PM $

Avon | Baby Steps Support Group | 10:30-11:30AM - Come and chat with parents in a similar season of life. Get tips on caring for newborns. Ask questions of a postpartum doula. There’s also a scale if you’d like to weigh your baby at Avon Library.(281 Country Club Rd)

East Hartford | ECHOS Art Exhibit | 6-8PM - The Gallery at InterCommunity(287 Main Street) presents the opening exhibit of ECHOS, featuring 25 talented artists.

Hartford | An Evening With Jose Andres | 7:30PM $ - Chef José Andrés is a New York Times bestselling author, humanitarian, educator, and Emmy-winner television personality. Hosted at the Bushnell.(166 Capitol Ave) Info & Tix

Hartford | Improv Festival 4/3-4/6 | 7PM $ - Hartford Improv Festival at Sea Tea Comedy Theater.(23 Asylum St) 4 days of improv comedy shows and workshops with improv comedy teams from all over. Details & Passes

Simsbury | Charcuterie Board & Wine Tasting | 6-8PM $ - A fun-filled evening of learning how to create the perfect charcuterie board paired with exquisite wines at Wine ETC(926 Hopmeadow St) Reserve a spot

LIVE MUSIC

⬢The Flying Monkey Grill - Newington | Soul/Jazz Ft. Timmy Maia & Mike Childs & Co. | 6-10PM
⬢Talcott Mountain Collective - Weatogue | Flatlander | 6-9PM

Bloomfield | Petting Zoo Pop-Up | 3-7PM $- Pet goats, giant rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and of course, bunches of baby bunnies at Good Vibes Event Venue. (31 Tobey Rd unit 3) - 2yo & under free.

Farmington | Spring Opening Weekend | 10AM-5PM - Enjoy shopping for flowers, plants, spring produce, honey, pies, ice cream and more at The farm Truck at Hein Farm.(303 Meadow Rd)

Hartford | Yard Goats 10 Year Anniversary | 7:10PM $ - It's opening night at Dunkin’ Park(1214 Main St) for 2025. The Yard Goats take on the Yankees affiliate Somerset Patriots with gates opening at 5:30pm. Tix

Hartford | Jurassic Quest 4/4-4/6 | 12 PM $ - At Jurassic Quest your family can experience life sized dinosaurs with hands-on learning. Held at CT Convention center(100 Columbus Blvd) Details & Available Times

Manchester | Joe Dombrowski | 6:30PM $ - Appearing at The Funny Bone Comedy Club(194 Buckland Hills Dr) on Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th! Deet’s

LIVE MUSIC

⬢Broad Brook Opera House | Jingo – The Santana Tribute | $ 8PM Tix
⬢Almost Famous Brewing - East Granby | The Deadheads | 7-10PM
⬢Infinity Music Hall - Hartford | Leo Kottke | 8PM $ Passes
⬢Black Eyed Sally’s - Hartford | Silver Fox String Band | 8PM
⬢Arch St. Tavern - Hartford | The Lox & Keyes Theory | 9PM $ Secure your spot
⬢Murphy’s Pub - Manchester | Cobalt Express | 8:30PM-12:30AM

Enfield | Car & Truck Show | 10AM-2PM $ - Mopars In Motion Presents the 3rd Annual Spring Dust-Off ALL Make Car and Truck Show! Held at the Enfield Home & Product Show at the Enfield Square.(90 Elm St)

Hartford | Bark in The Park | 1:10PM $ - The one at Dunkin Park(1214 Main St) where they let fans bring their dog to the game and it's a howling good time. Special ticket required to bring your pooch. The Yard Goats host the Yankees affiliate with gates opening at 11:30am.Special Dog Pass

Manchester | 90’s Themed Dance Party | 9PM - Connecticut based tribute band Shout presents a 90's dance party at The Main Pub(306 Main St) featuring a variety of 90's dance hits.

Manchester | Wickham Park Opening Day | 9:30AM $ - Wickham Park(1329 Middle Turnpike West) is opening back up to the Public! Gate opens at 9:30am.

Southington | Cornhole Tournament | 11:30AM $ - Cadillac Ranch(45 Jude Ln) is hosting a cornhole tournament, Raffle prizes will be available for purchase as well. Register your team - Raffle Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢The Elephant Trail - Avon | The Albino Tree | 8PM
⬢Broad Brook Opera House - East Windsor | Harvest & Rust - A Neil Young Experience | $ 8PM Tix
⬢Casa Mia at The Hawthorn - Berlin | Eight to the Bar | 7PM
⬢Infinity Music Hall - Hartford | Back to the 80’s show with Jessie’s Girl | $ 8PM Passes
⬢Arch St. Tavern - Hartford | Little Lies- A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | $ 8PM Entrance fee
⬢Talcott Mountain Collective - Weatogue | Dead Show | 7-10PM

East Granby | Barks, Brews & The Easter Bunny | 1-4PM - Join Living the Dream Dog Rescue at Almost Famous Brewing(17 Kripes Rd) for a Spring Market Vendor Fair and Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny.

East Hartford | BNGRZ 3rd Annual Springfest Car Show | 12PM $ - The biggest car show on the east coast is coming to Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.(615 Silver Ln)More info & passes

Enfield | RC Off-Road Racing | 10AM $ - Dirt Season Opener 2025 at RC Madness.(101 North St)This event sets the stage as the first race of the 5 Race Sunday Dirt Series. More Info

Glastonbury | April Free Farm Tasting | 1-4PM - Join Killam & Bassette Farmstead(14 Tryon St) for a fabulous afternoon full of farm fresh flavors, live music, hay-rides, kids activities, face painting, live animals, a jam bar, makers market.

New Britain | Central Car Club Show | 10AM - DJ, Trophies, food trucks and more! Car show is at the New Britain Bees stadium.(230 John Karbonic Way)

LIVE MUSIC

⬢Hops On The Hill - Glastonbury | Davey Blues | 2-5PM
⬢First Church of Christ - Hartford | Afternoon of Jazz with Nat Reeves & Steve Davis | 4:30PM
⬢Connecticut Valley Brewing Company - South Windsor | Bonfire Acoustic | 2-5PM

East Windsor | Geek Trivia | 7-8:30PM - Speed-quizzing at The Battle Standard (74 Bridge St) every other Monday with a new theme every time.

Enfield | Beginner Country Line Dance Class | 6:30-8PM $ - Learn Line dancing at the American Legion Tanguay Magill Post 80(566 Enfield St) More Info

Southington | Scavenger Hunt | 8AM $ - Sharpen your detective skills at picturesque parks and intriguing educational establishments as you unravel histories mysteries and the stories behind them.(710 Main St) Info & Access

LIVE MUSIC

⬢Simsbury Grange 197 - West Simsbury | Eddie Gautier AKA Saintshouse | 7-8PM

That’s a wrap for this week’s Hart Co Buzz. 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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