How we doing Hartford County!?
Today is Tuesday, June 2nd aka National Leave The Office Early Day, which frankly sounds less like a fake holiday and more like a public service announcement.
So here’s your official permission slip to shut the laptop, dodge that “quick question” email, and go be a person somewhere that isn’t under fluorescent lights. Conveniently, there’s plenty happening around Hartford County this week
In Today’s Hart Co Buzz:
HartCo Summer Festival Guide
Events Survey
Buzz & Tell
HartCo Trivia
Hartford Taste
50+ Local Events
Let’s dive in!
-Todd DiGiovanni
P.S. A few folks were having trouble reading the email in dark mode, so we’re going back to the cream background from here on out because apparently even newsletters need mood lighting boundaries.
HART CO SUMMER FESTIVALS
Summer is coming in hot, so I put together a HartCo Summer Festival Guide to help you get the good stuff on your calendar before your weekends mysteriously disappear.
We’re talking food trucks, jazz in the park, Pride celebrations, fireworks, riverfront festivals, porch music, hot air balloons, and all the other “wait, why didn’t we go to this?” moments Hartford County likes to sneak onto the schedule.
We asked what kinds of IRL events you’d actually want HartCo Buzz to bring to life, and apparently you people are ready for cocktail classes, walking clubs, murder mysteries, game nights, and any excuse to leave the house without it feeling weird.
Want to help steer the next one? Take the 20-second survey and tell us what we should build next.
BUZZ & TELL
🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Charlie, an 11-pound, 3-year-old Miniature Poodle with big “tiny shadow with springs attached” energy. He loves attention, toys, zoomies, and bouncing around like his unofficial middle name really is Tigger.
🏡House of the week: This house has 3,244 sq ft, 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 3 half baths, and 1.14 acres, plus a stone turret doing the heavy lifting on curb appeal. The real twist is the separate keyed office suite with two private offices, built-ins, pocket door, and its own half bath. Add in a new roof, fresh paint, sunroom, finished basement with dry bar, whole-house generator, EV charger, and paver patio, and this one has a lot going on. Check it out!
🥾Trail of the week: McLean Game Refuge’s Pilfershire Loop is the kind of woodsy reset that makes you forget your inbox exists for a minute, and you can check out more of my favorite local hikes in the Best Hikes in Hartford County.
🔭Sky report: Look low in the western sky after sunset this week as Venus and Jupiter creep closer together each night. By Monday, June 8, they’ll be less than 2 degrees apart, with tiny-but-tricky Mercury hanging nearby in the sunset glow. The moon hits its third quarter Monday morning, giving us darker early evening skies before the mosquitoes clock in.
HART CO TRIVIA🤔
Missed a few HartCo trivia questions or still haunted by the one you confidently got wrong? I made a home for past trivia, so you can go back, test yourself, and pretend it was “research” all along. Test yourself here.
Which Hartford County town earned the nickname "Silk City" as home to the Cheney Brothers — once one of the largest silk manufacturers in the world?
DINNER CLUB
Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club is coming to Glastonbury on June 25th at 6:30pm.
Basically, we’re taking the most awkward part of adulthood, trying to make new friends without sounding like you’re recruiting for a pyramid scheme, and turning it into dinner.
Here’s how it works:
#1 Take a quick quiz
Tell us a little about your interests, dietary needs, and the kind of people you’d actually want to sit across from for 90 minutes.
#2 Get matched with five strangers
We’ll use your answers to match you with a small dinner crew. You won’t know who they are until you get there, which is half the fun and only mildly terrifying.
#3 Get the restaurant reveal the day before
We’ll send you the Glastonbury restaurant location ahead of time, then you’ll meet your table at 6:30pm for dinner.
#4 Get the secret afterparty spot during dinner
While you’re eating, we’ll text and email everyone the optional afterparty location so the night can keep rolling if the vibes are good.
Seats are $16 to reserve, and you’ll pay your own bill at dinner. You can also now add a plus one, because apparently some people like emotional support humans.
Renovation & ROI: Financing “Diamond in the Rough” Homes
In Connecticut, the “perfect” house is getting harder to find, and usually comes with 14 offers, one emotional support spreadsheet, and someone waiving things they probably shouldn’t.
That’s why the not-so-perfect house might deserve a second look.
With Connecticut inventory still tight and older homes everywhere, buyers may find opportunity in properties that need smart updates instead of showroom sparkle. Renovation financing can help roll eligible improvements into the mortgage, depending on the loan program, buyer, and property.
The trick is knowing what work actually makes sense: roofs, kitchens, baths, safety repairs, energy upgrades, and fixes future buyers actually care about.
Before you scroll past the “needs TLC” listing, talk with Kimberly Joy at PrimeLending about renovation loan options and whether a diamond in the rough could actually work for you.
Own a local business? We’re currently looking to partner with a small group of trusted names in the area, including real estate, insurance, financial services, and other community-minded businesses. Reach out
BRIEF BITES
Flight Buzz: Hartford to Anguilla from $664 bucks* 1-stop roundtrip mid August for a week trip. Pack your bags. *Price may change from time of writing
New Openings:
🍰 Rocky Hill – Amla Café just opened at 80 Town Line Road with espresso drinks, juices, crepes, liege waffles, mini pancakes, ice cream, froyo, and a kid-friendly setup that sounds dangerously easy to turn into a “quick stop.”
🌮 Manchester – La Street Kitchen is now open at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, with tacos, quesadillas, pupusas, empanadas, street corn, churros
🍳 Hartford | Joey B’s is bringing its Berlin-born breakfast-and-lunch lineup to 615 Franklin Ave., taking over the former Place 2 Be space with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and strong “let’s grab brunch” potential.
HARTFORD TASTE
Hartford | Pratt & Trumbull Streets | June 5–7
Downtown Hartford turns into a full-blown food playground as Hartford Taste takes over Pratt & Trumbull Streets with local restaurants, music, art, and community vibes. It runs Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, and Sunday 12-6pm. Admission is free, but bring your appetite because food and drinks run on Taste Tickets.
BEE LINE EVENTS
TUESDAY (6/2)
East Granby | Curious Paddler Series | 9 AM - Kayak and explore local waterways with fellow paddlers (162 Spoonville Rd).
Enfield | Kinusaiga Craft Class | 6 PM - Learn the Japanese art of fabric mosaic at Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave). Get Crafty
South Windsor | Trivia: I Know What You Did Last Summer | 6:30 PM - Horror movie trivia night—test your 90s slasher knowledge (765 Sullivan Ave).
Wethersfield | New-Gate Prison Revolution Lecture | 7 PM - Deep dive into Connecticut's Revolutionary War history at Keeney Memorial (200 Main St).
WEDNESDAY (6/3)
East Granby | Open Mic & Jam with Jeff Przech | 6 PM - Bring your instrument or just listen at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave).
Hartford | Kid Cudi: The Rebel Ragers Tour | 6:30 PM | ($) - Hip-hop superstar brings the vibes to The Meadows (61 Savitt Way). Listen Up
Hartford | Water for Elephants: The Musical | 7:30 PM | ($) – The Bushnell brings the big top to the stage with circus spectacle, soaring music, and a Depression-era love story. Enjoy (runs through 6/7)
Manchester | Eastside Plaza Ribbon Cutting | 6 PM | ($) - Grand opening celebration for new plaza (163 Spruce St).
South Windsor | Sea Glass Bird Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Create beautiful sea glass art at this crafting session (765 Sullivan Ave). Get Crafty
THURSDAY (6/4)
Hartford | Kitty Kat Ball Live | 8 PM | ($) - Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell & Juicy Love Dion at The Webster (31 Webster St). Listen Up
Hartford | First Thursdays: Mead + Merriment | 5 PM | ($) - Sip mead and explore the galleries at Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main St).
FRIDAY (6/5)
Bloomfield | The Leftovers on the Patio | 7 PM - Live rock on the patio at TJ's Burritos (695 Park Ave).
Bristol | BHS Annual Tag Sale | 9 AM - 2 PM - Treasures and deals at Bristol Historical Society (193 Center St). (runs 6/6 10am-2pm)
East Windsor | Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - "Same as it ever was" at Broad Brook Opera House. Listen Up
Farmington | Adult Cooking Class | 6 PM | ($) - Learn new culinary skills at Winding Trails (50 Winding Trail). Dig In
Hartford | Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Experience | 8 PM | ($) - Tribute to the Silver Bullet Band at Infinity Hall. Listen Up
Manchester | Mauve Lloyd: Pink Floyd Tribute | 9 PM - Psychedelic rock tribute at The Main Pub.
Marlborough | Friday Night Lights ft. Fountainhead | 5 PM - Live rock at The Farm at Carter Hill (86 East Hampton Rd).
Milldale | Comedy for a Cause | 6 PM | ($) - Stand-up comedy benefitting Meriden Humane Society at Kinsmen Brewing (409 Canal St). Laugh Out Loud
New Britain | Main Street Salsa Series | 5:30 PM - Free salsa dancing and lessons downtown (230 Main St).
Newington | Keith Cooper and Evelyn Dillon | 5:30 PM - Live acoustic duo performance at the Flying Monkey(2095 Berlin Tpke).
West Hartford | Wine & Roses 2026 | 6:30 PM | ($) - Elegant evening at Elizabeth Park's Pond House Cafe (1555 Asylum Ave). Dig In
West Hartford | Mystic Dead: Grateful Dead Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Deadhead vibes at New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave). Listen Up
SATURDAY (6/6)
Berlin | CRB 6th Anniversary Party | 12 - 8 PM - Celebrate six years of craft beer at Coles Road Brewing (817 Farmington Ave).
Berlin | STREETS Debuts at Truck Bar | 9 PM - New band rocks the stage at Truck Bar (151 Webster Square Rd).
Canton | Wooden Horse: America & CSNY Tribute | 8 PM | ($) - Classic rock harmonies at Bridge Street Live (41 Bridge St). Listen Up
Enfield | Charcuterie Board Workshop + Wine Pairing | 6 PM | ($) - Build boards and sip wine at R Dee Winery (504 Hazard Ave). Dig In
Hartford | MGK: Lost Americana Tour | 7 PM | ($) - Machine Gun Kelly at The Meadows (61 Savitt Way). Listen Up
Hartford | Pups & Pours Block Party | 4 PM | ($) - Dog-friendly block party benefitting Dog Star Rescue at Trinity Health Stadium (250 Huyshope Ave). Bring Fido
Hartford | Hartford Dance Festival | 12-8 PM - Dance performances and workshops at Bushnell Park.
Manchester | Tony Baker Live | 6 PM | ($) - Stand-up comedy at the Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr). Laugh Out Loud
Manchester | Change-Up at Elicit Brewing | 9 PM - Live rock on the patio at Elicit Brewing (165 Adams St).
Simsbury | UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | 7:15 AM | ($) - Run through scenic Simsbury starting at the Performing Arts Center. Cheer On
South Glastonbury | Lobsterfest | 5-11 PM | ($) - Live music and lobster at Glastonbury Elks (98 Woodland St). Dig In
Suffield | Messengers: Birds in Art Exhibition | 7 PM - Opening reception for avian art show (880 Burbank Ave).
West Hartford | Elizabeth Park History Tours | 10 AM - Guided tours of historic rose gardens and grounds starts at the cottage.
West Suffield | Alternative Health Fair | 9 AM - 1:45 PM - Wellness vendors and holistic practitioners (1408 Mountain Rd). Find Balance
Windsor | CT River & Roots: Sadie Gustafson-Zook | 2 PM - Folk and roots music concert at WIndsor Arts Center (40 Mechanic St).
SUNDAY (6/7)
Bristol | Spring Psychic Fair | 11 AM - 5 PM - Readings, crystals, and spiritual vendors at Church of Eternal Light (1199 Hill St).
Bristol | Candle Making Workshop | 1 PM | ($) - Create your own candles at The Bristol Bazaar (67 Race St). Get Crafty
East Granby | Botanicals and Brews | 12-5 PM - Plant sale and drinks at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave).
East Windsor | BMWFEST: Bimmers & Coffee | 9 AM - 12 PM - BMW car show at Munich Motorsports (54 Newberry Rd).
New Britain | CTFlea Vintage Market | 11 AM - 5 PM - Vintage treasures and antiques at CCSU Student Center (105 Ella Grasso Blvd).
Newington | Craft Fair at Karma's | 10 AM - 3 PM - Handmade goods from local artisans (27 Garfield St).
Simsbury | Pride Goat-o-Shoot | 11 AM - Snuggle goats and snap photos for Pride (750 Hopmeadow St).
Simsbury | Wires & Wood Live | 3 PM - Acoustic tunes at Talcott Mountain Collective (140 Nod Rd).
West Granby | Spring Marketplace | 10 AM - 4 PM - Artisan vendors at Holcomb Farm (113 Simsbury Rd).
West Hartford | Celebrate! FUNd Runs 5K & Kids' K | 7:30 AM | ($) - Family-friendly race through West Hartford. Cheer On
Wethersfield | Astrological Society New Age Fair | 10 AM - 4 PM - Psychics, tarot, and spiritual vendors at Pitkin Community Center (30 Greenfield St).
Windsor | Triple Intention Pendant Workshop | 11:30 AM - Create crystal jewelry at Mondazzi Book & Bead (570 Hayden Station Rd). Get Sparkly
MONDAY (6/8)
🦗🦗🦗
KID FRIENDLY
5/5
Plainville | Strawberry Shortcake Festival | 11 AM - 5 PM | ($) - Sweet summer treats at Plainville UNited Methodist (56 Redstone Hill).
Plainville | Family Day at The Pottery Piazza | 12 PM | ($) - Kids and parents paint pottery together (17 Farmington Ave). Create Away
6/6
Hartford | Hartford Play Day | 10:30 AM - 2 PM - Free games, activities, and fun for kids at Colt Park.
Manchester | Car-nival | 12-3 PM - Classic cars plus carnival fun for the whole family at the Lutz Children’s Museum (1329 Middle Tpke W).
West Hartford | Celebrate! West Hartford 2026 | 10 AM - 6 PM - Annual town festival with food, music, and fun (50 S Main St).
6/7
South Windsor | Pet Palooza | 10 AM - Pet-friendly festival at Nevers Park (Chief Ryan Way).
Southington | Barnyard Friends Tour | 12:30 PM | ($) - Meet goats, chickens, and farm friends at Bradley Mountain Farm (537 Shuttle Meadow Rd). Saddle Up
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!
Talk soon,
Todd
