May 1

  • GAZE: LGBTQ happy hour at Real Art Ways. This free and informal event starts at 5:30.
  • Liquid Lounge: Dino de Mayo: Cinco de Mayo party, with dinosaurs. This is the Connecticut Science Center’s every-so-often adults only party. There will be strolling Mariachi music with Fiesta Del Norte, live Latin jazz, DJs, live Mexican and desert animals, salsa lessons, and more. 6-10 p.m. Not free.

May 2

Flowers in Frog Hollow
  • Free admission to the Connecticut Historical Society galleries from 9-5. Free admission does not include access to their research center.
  • Kim Cannon’s POP-UP Art Market: 10-4 p.m. at the Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street.
  • Art reception for Brian Dupont at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street. 6-8 p.m. Art from this exhibit will be displayed through May 10th.

May 3

  • Maybe this gets the prize for weird event of the month? The CTfastrak 15K. It’s not just the whole running thing that’s weird, though that would be enough. This race starts at the Downtown New Britain CTfastrak station and finishes on Allyn Street in Downtown Hartford. Buses will be re-routed for the duration. After party at Hot Tomato’s! Race begins at 9 a.m. $55-75 to register, but that’s probably less expensive than getting hit with an arrest for trespassing at some other time, right?
  • Steve Davis and Friends perform every Sunday at Max Downtown (185 Asylum), from 6-9 p.m. No cover!

May 4

  • Behind the Creative Mind: They say this is a “a conversation on the intersection of art and the mind from the perspective of an artist, neuroscientist, and psychologist!” The event at Real Art Ways will feature Melissa Stern (artist with work currently on display at RAW), William Mace, and Sarah Raskin. Admission is free; seating is limited. Starts at 7 p.m.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs on Monday nights at Arch Street Tavern. 8 p.m. No cover.

May 5

  • If going bar hopping all night long is not your thing, maybe go to Real Art Ways’ board games night instead. 6-10 p.m. Free. Play the games they provide or bring your own.

May 6

  • Matinee Movies: Film Studies 101. Real Art Ways presents the film Ten, which they describe: “Ten sequences share stories of ten women, told through conversations between a female driver in Tehran and the passengers in her car. Her exchanges with her young son, a jilted bride, a prostitute, and others shed light on the lives and emotions of women whose voices are seldom heard.” This will be followed by a discussion about narrative and perspective. Screens at 1 p.m. Real Art Ways has removed price info from this part of its website, so contact them for that.
  • If you want to make a full Parkville day of it, hang around: this month’s Get HYPEd will be held at Real Art Ways, 5:30-8:30. This is a free networking event for young professionals. Bring money if you want a drink. Also, bring the business cards.
  • Open House, Show & Tell, and String Thing at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street). Take a tour of the space, show off a project you are working on, or hang out with the knitting/crocheting/fiber folk and make something. Free. 6-9 p.m.
  • The Wadsworth Atheneum’s Contemporary Art Series continues at 6 p.m. with “Hank Willis Thomas: History Doesn’t Laugh.” The artist will give a talk about the impact of photography on his work. Visit the contemporary art galleries from 5-6. Free and open to the public. Use Avery entrance on Prospect Street.

May 7

  • Tours of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park resume today! These free tours take place on Thursdays from 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Dreamland: First Thursday Block Party at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Previous Wadsworth block parties were in the street. This one will be in Burr Mall, the space between the museum and City Hall. There will be music by the Howard Fishman and Biting Fish Brass Band, performances by the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, and more. Free to Hartford residents, Wadsworth members, and students with ID. $5 for everyone else. 5-8 p.m.
  • Bushnell Park Tour & Butler-McCook Garden Reception: Meet at the Arch in Bushnell Park for a 5:30 p.m. climb. Then, take a tour of the park, led by Don Poland. Reception follows at Butler-McCook. $20.
  • The 2015 Mildred and Richard Loving Civil Rights Award Dinner. The Connecticut Fair Housing Center says: “Named for the couple that fought a ban on their interracial marriage all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and won, the Mildred and Richard Loving Civil Rights Award Dinner honors outstanding national and state housing advocates, grassroots organizations leading the fight for fair housing rights, our tireless foreclosure clinic volunteers, and law firms whose above-and-beyond efforts have allowed the Center to win even more and greater victories.” New Haven Mayor Toni Harp will be this year’s award recipient. The dinner will be in The Bond Ballroom, 338 Asylum Street, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $85.

May 8

  • Teen Night & Open Mic at the Wadsworth Atheneum: Make art, play games, listen to music and poetry. Performers can sign up in advance or at the door. Free to teens with high school. 6-9 p.m.

May 9

  • Take a Feathered Friends Walk at 6:30 a.m. Meet near the bridge by the entrance to Cedar Hill Cemetery. Jay Kaplan of Roaring Brook Nature Center will lead. Bring binoculars and wear appropriate footwear. Free.
  • Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum from 10-1 for Second Saturdays: A Coney Island Carnival. Expect to see magicians, fortune-tellers, and glass-eaters.
  • Haute History: A Vintage-Inspired Fashion Show. The Connecticut Historical Society says they “will curate a small pop-up exhibit to accompany Haute History that will feature costumes from the 1910s through 1970s that will serve as inspiration for the looks presented on the catwalk. We will project additional images of costumes from our collection on the wall behind the stage, and offer commentary that explains the design and history of the collection pieces and connects them to today’s runway looks provided by Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets.” This is from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at CHS, 1 Elizabeth Street. $25.
  • The Queen Mother’s Day Market: at the Dirt Salon, find “local artisans offering unique handcrafted items.” 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 50 Bartholomew Avenue.
  • Hartford Rally Cat: They say that this is a “bike ride that can be ridden fast or slow, on mostly paved roads and some dirt trails (but nothing too tough—skinny tires will ride fine). rally cat is a mashup of a cyclocross race and an alleycat. the hartford rally cat will include familiar city & suburban roads and adventurous parkland scamperings. the main point is fun & adventure, to chill and be in the city in a different way.” The suggested route will be made available the day of the race; it could be as few as five miles, as many as 37 — you decide how far to go. There are checkpoints and prizes. Starts at Pope Park West ampitheater, ends at Red Rock Tavern. Suggested donation $5-10. 11 a.m.
  • Hawk Walk & Talk in Keney Park. They say: “Currently, more than half of the human population lives in an urban area and this percentage is expected to increase to over 80% by the end of the century. In these urban areas, green spaces like parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and even land in residential neighborhoods can be very important for birds and other wildlife. These areas can provide habitat for nesting, shelter, and overwintering as well as food and water resources. The City of Hartford is within the Atlantic Flyway, thus this city is used by many birds during their spring and fall migrations. In addition to migratory birds, many birds are year round residents in Hartford. To insure that birds can find safe spaces and thrive in Hartford and in other urban areas, it is essential to understand how birds use urban green spaces, then to use that knowledge to maintain, improve, and increase the acreage of green spaces within our cities. Join us as ornithologist Joan Morrison discusses her work with the Hartford park habitat revitalization and conservation projects. Working with the City of Hartford and a number of other groups, Joan and her team provide hands-on education through planting and other park improvement efforts. During an indoor presentation Joan will walk us through her project and the importance of protecting Hartford’s parks. This is an indoor presentation followed by a short walk. Inclement weather may keep us indoors for a longer talk.” This free event is from 2-4 p.m. Registration required.
  • The YourArtSupplies Exhibition: Jerry’s Artarama of Connecticut is presenting its first art show. Nine artists have been selected for the exhibit at ArtSpace, 555 Asylum: Clinton Deckert, Kerri Gaudelli, Vincent Giarrano, Phyllis Meredith, Sarah Paolucci, Susan Tait Porcaro, D.G. Smith, Adam Viens, and Jason Werner. The opening is from 6-9 p.m. Free.

May 10

  • Free admission to the Connecticut Science Center today for mothers.
  • Free admission to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center today for mothers, noon-5 p.m.
  • BigApple’achia Bluegrass Series: Bluegrass at The Half Door will feature Ole’ Pete of NYC. 4-7 p.m. No cover.
  •  Steve Davis and Friends perform every Sunday at Max Downtown (185 Asylum), from 6-9 p.m. No cover!
  • Sea Tea Improv’s FREE Mother’s Day Comedy Show: Doors open at 6; comedy starts at 7. This is in the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club at City Steam Brewery. They want you to know: “All ages are welcome, but due to the sale of alcohol, those under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.”

May 11

  • Board of Education Workshop Meeting: Open to the public, but no public hearing. Naylor School, 5:30-7 p.m. 639 Franklin Ave.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs on Monday nights at Arch Street Tavern. 8 p.m. No cover.

May 12

  • Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 5 p.m. in the plaza-level conference room of 260 Constitution Plaza. All meetings may be attended by the public.
  • Laughter Club at ArtSpace, 555 Asylum. They say: “Laughter Yoga is the practice of using laughter as exercise.  It is an incredibly fun and effective way to release stress and bring more joy into your life.  No special flexibility is required.” 6-7 p.m. This is free; donations are accepted.

May 13

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at CCMC Primary Care Center, 76 New Britain Ave on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.
  • Heart City Story Club: A monthly open mic for telling true, personal stories at the Hartford Public Library. 6-8 p.m. Free.
  • MakeHartford Open House: drop by to tour the space and meet people. 6-9 p.m. Free.

May 14

springtime in Frog Hollow
  • Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. These free tours take place on Thursdays from 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Cultural Cocktail Hour at the Butler-McCook House & Garden, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Live music and refreshments. Free, but a $5 donation is requested.

May 15

  • See Black Wall Street at the Artists Collective. They say: “brings to life a little-known portion of American history during the early 1900s-1920s. In the heartland of America, there was a Black community paradise. In the Greenwood section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, African Americans, Native Americans, and people of Jewish descent developed a networking relationship surpassed by none in modern day history, creating more than 600 businesses. There were 41 grocery stores, 30 restaurants, 6 privately-owned airplanes, 5 hotels, 3 schools, 1 hospital with 15 physicians/surgeons, a bank, a bus system, and 2 movie theaters. It’s June 1, 1921- with an alleged incident involving a white female elevator operator and a Negro “shoe shine boy” which ignited the simmering resentment and jealousies of neighboring white communities. In the aftermath of the worst race riot in US history, the once thriving business district of Greenwood lay, smoldering and totally destroyed.” This is a collaboration with the Mark Twain House & Museum.  $25 general admission, advance. 8 p.m.
  • West End Blend at Arch Street Tavern. 9:30 p.m. Show is 21+. Tickets: $7-10.

May 16

  • Join in a Tree Walk at the Institute of Living. They say: “Former Hartford City Forester John Kehoe conducts a tour of the Institute of Living’s notable tree collection, considered one of the greatest concentrations of historic trees in the state.” 10 a.m. and $10.
  • Reception for Kira Leigh | Paintings at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street. 6-8 p.m.
  • Hour Farther Staged Play Reading: It’s just like what it says. They say: “Starring Keith David and Jibreel Mawry. Hour Farther is a new play, written by David Greer, about an adopted son on a cosmic journey to find his “real father,” who discovers how dangerously beautiful the truth can be. Told through rural, gospel, and hip-hop rhythms, Hour Farther explores universal themes of family live, reconciliation, and redemption. Q&A will follow the reading with the cast, director and playwright.” 6:30 p.m. at Real Art Ways. $10 general; $8 members.
  • See Black Wall Street at the Artists Collective. They say: “brings to life a little-known portion of American history during the early 1900s-1920s. In the heartland of America, there was a Black community paradise. In the Greenwood section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, African Americans, Native Americans, and people of Jewish descent developed a networking relationship surpassed by none in modern day history, creating more than 600 businesses. There were 41 grocery stores, 30 restaurants, 6 privately-owned airplanes, 5 hotels, 3 schools, 1 hospital with 15 physicians/surgeons, a bank, a bus system, and 2 movie theaters. It’s June 1, 1921- with an alleged incident involving a white female elevator operator and a Negro “shoe shine boy” which ignited the simmering resentment and jealousies of neighboring white communities. In the aftermath of the worst race riot in US history, the once thriving business district of Greenwood lay, smoldering and totally destroyed.” This is a collaboration with the Mark Twain House & Museum.  $25 general admission, advance. 8 p.m.

May 17

  • Sunday Bluegrass Pick’n Party: bluegrass is now at The Half Door. Bring an instrument to play or just stop by to listen. 4-7 p.m. No cover.
  • Steve Davis and Friends perform every Sunday at Max Downtown (185 Asylum), from 6-9 p.m. No cover!

May 18

  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs on Monday nights at Arch Street Tavern. 8 p.m. No cover.

May 19

  • Board of Education Regular Meeting: The public hearing takes place at the beginning, so arrive early if you intend to speak. 5-8 p.m. Journalism & Media Academy, 150 Tower Avenue.

May 20

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at CCMC Primary Care Center, 76 New Britain Ave on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.
  • Real Art Ways’ Film Studies 101 continues with Two Days, One Night. They describe the film as: “Sandra, a young Belgian mother, discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job.” Screens at 1 p.m, discussion follows. Contact RAW for price info.
  • MakeHartford Open House and String Thing: “Work on your favorite fiber-related craft, or learn something new. Knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, lacemakers, knotters, and others welcome.” Tour the space, make some crafts. Free. 6-9 p.m. 30 Arbor.

May 21

  • Lunch at the Library with Hartford Opera Theater. They say: “Hartford Opera Theater and Hartford Public Library present Dan Shore’s one-act opera “An Embarrassing Position” and selections from Gian Carlo Menotti’s ‘The Old Maid and the Thief.'” In the Hartford Public Library’s atrium at noon. Free.
  • Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. These free tours take place on Thursdays from 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Salons at Stowe: “What makes a family?” Anne Stanback and Dr. Elizabeth Rose will be taking part in a discussion about who decides what constitutes a family and how the definition of family has changed over time. 5-7 p.m. at the Stowe Center. Free, but rsvp.
  • HartBeat Healthy Happy Hour: Food & Drink at 5:30; Play Reading at 6. This month’s play is The Lion’s Den by Michele Merens. They say: “When Daniel Ryder turns his anger on Gail and their teenage son following a tense reunion with fellow vets, his wife decides to call out his inner demons and challenge their hold on him.” Mature subject matter, obviously. $10 general admission. This is at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Ave.
  • Creative Cocktail Hour: West End Blend will provide music for the evening. Real Art Ways. Starts at 6. $10 general; $5 members.

May 22

  • The Hartford Mobile Market will begin stopping at the Wilson-Gray YMCA on Fridays, 4-6 p.m
  • Good People opens at TheaterWorks. They say: “Welcome to Southie, a neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo and this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bills. Margie Walsh has just lost another job. Facing eviction and scrambling to catch a break, she thinks an old fling might be her ticket out.” Not free.

May 23

  • Walk Hartford: Heaven Loop — Meet at Heaven by the Matthew Furlong memorial/plaque at 9:30 a.m. and walk, slowly, with others from Downtown to the North Meadows, Clay Arsenal, North East, and Asylum Hill neighborhoods. This is free and is neither a race nor a tour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the 4.5-5 mile loop.
  • Free general admission to the Connecticut Science Center for active, reserve, and retired military and all active or retired fire, police, state troopers, or EMS personnel. Accompanying family members are half price. Bring proof of service.

May 24

Elizabeth Park
  • Free general admission to the Connecticut Science Center for active, reserve, and retired military and all active or retired fire, police, state troopers, or EMS personnel. Accompanying family members are half price. Bring proof of service.
  • BigApple’achia Bluegrass Series: Bluegrass at The Half Door will feature Cornfed Dogs. 4-7 p.m. No cover.
  • Steve Davis and Friends perform every Sunday at Max Downtown (185 Asylum), from 6-9 p.m. No cover!

May 25

  • Melissa Stern’s The Talking Cure exhibit at Real Art Ways closes today. Last chance!
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs on Monday nights at Arch Street Tavern. 8 p.m. No cover.

May 26

  • Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 5 p.m. in the plaza-level conference room of 260 Constitution Plaza. All meetings may be attended by the public.

May 27

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at CCMC Primary Care Center, 76 New Britain Ave on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.
  • MakeHartford (30 Arbor) Open House: check out the space! 6-9 p.m.
  • The SYLLABLE reading series continues at Hartford Prints! The theme this month: exits. 7-8:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Consider submitting your work.

May 28

  • The farmers’ market operates year-round at Billings Forge. Every Thursday (except some holidays) from 11-2. 539 Broad Street.
  • Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. These free tours take place on Thursdays from 12-1:30 p.m.

May 29

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at the Wilson-Gray YMCA on Fridays, 4-6 p.m
  • Sea Tea Improv’s Longform Showcase at Billings Forge!  Sea Tea Improv, a guest group, and a mixed group of local area improvisers walk into a place next door to a bar. The comedy begins at 8 p.m. The bar, really, is one door over. $10. The Studio at Billings Forge is located at 563 Broad Street.

May 30

  • Reception for Dan Levin | Altered Playing Card Decks at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street. 6-8 p.m.
Katherine Bergren, one of the Ladies First planners. Photo Courtesy of Justin Eichenlaub.

May 31

  • Ladies First: Hartford’s First All-Girl Alleycat: Take part in a race with no set route. There are stops with themes and activities; racers do not have to make all the stops. Going direct from start (Heaven) to finish (Red Rock Tavern) is also an option. Registration is  suggested $5– noon at Heaven. Race begins at 12:30. They say: “This race is open to woman-identifying cyclists of all skill levels. There will be prizes so good the organizers are tempted to steal them.”
  • CT Climate March: They say: “march in solidarity with a coalition of both environmental and human rights organizations from across the state united under Climate Justice!” Gather by the State Capitol, end at the Riverfront. The Facebook invite says 12-2. The Meetup page says 11:15-1.
  • Steve Davis and Friends perform every Sunday at Max Downtown (185 Asylum), from 6-9 p.m. No cover!

DISCLAIMERS APLENTY: This event listing does not intend to include every available option. Preference is given to events that the widest range of actual Hartford residents can afford, though exceptions are occasionally made.

To have your event included in the June listing, make the deadline: May 25th. Except for matters of accuracy, the listing is not altered or added to once published.

We make every attempt to publish only accurate information; however, venues close, performers cancel, people are late, we are given wrong information, et cetera. If you find any of those possibilities upsetting, contact the venue directly to confirm details.