At a loss? Go take a walk. This is the best time of year for that kind of thing.

October 1

  • Head of the Riverfront Regatta: It costs nothing to watch rowing at Riverside Park, 8:30 am – 5 pm.
  • CT Rally for Racial Justice: This meets in front of City Hall at 2 pm. Participants will march from there to Vernon and Broad Streets.
  • Syllable: Starting at 7 pm, listen to readings from Amity Gaige, Jamil Ragland, Julie Choffel, Kathy Czepiel, and Alycia Jenkins. This is at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue). No cover.

October 2

  • Industry Night returns to Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), starting at 6 pm. All are welcome. There will be a DJ and all day happy hour.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern, 8-9 pm. Free.

October 3

  • Shop the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 3-6 pm. Rain or shine.
  • CT Restaurant Industry Fundraiser for Puerto Rico: come to Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) to listen to live music and sample food from local restaurants. This is $20 (suggested) at the door, with no one turned away for lack of funds. The money will be donated through The Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Network. This is 5 pm until 1 am.
  • Stand Up for DACA Vigil: Stand alongside others in support of the American Dream. This is at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 5:30-6:30 pm. This is a free, family-friendly event.
  • Try some Zumba at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 5:30-6:30 pm. There is a suggested $5 donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Come to Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) to play board games starting at 6 pm. Free.
  • Full Moon Meditation: 7-8 pm at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor). Free.
  • Come to Trinity College to listen to a conversation between Frederick M. Lawrence and William K. Marimow about free expression on campus. This begins at 7 pm in Mather Hall’s Washington Room, and is both free and open to the public.
  • Cards Against Humanity and Tequila Tournament: if you were wondering how Blind Pig (89 Arch Street) could get better, the answer is by sidestepping the trivia trend and hosting game night for The Best Game Ever. There will be three teams of two people per match. Free admission, but be classy and buy a drink or some food. Competition starts at 8 pm.

October 4

  • Get HYPEd: (business) casual networking takes place this month at The Tavern at Keney Park (by the golf course). This is free to attend. Bring your business cards and money for drinks. 5:30-8:30 pm.
  • Take a free tour of MakeHartford, Hartford’s makerspace. Stop in at any time from 6:30-9 pm at 30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor.

October 5

  • AK Smith Reading Series with Tiphanie Yanique at Trinity College. They say: “Tiphanie Yanique is the author of the poetry collection Wife, the novel Land of Love and Drowning, and a collection of stories, How to Escape from a Leper Colony. Yanique’s awards include the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature for poetry, the Forward/Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection of poetry, the Phillis Wheatley Award for Pan-African Literature, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Rosenthal Family Foundation Award. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Yanique is an associate professor in the English Department at Wesleyan University, where she also directs the Creative Writing Program. A reception and book-signing will follow.” This will be in the Reese Room of Smith House, 4:30-6:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
  • Art After Dark: Take a tour, listen to a gallery talk, or learn how to waltz at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 5-8 pm. At 8 pm, the party is over, but the movie An Ideal Husband begins. $10 general; $5 members.
  • HYPE Art Appreciation 101: Come to the Wadsworth Atheneum from 6-8 pm. They say: “Join the Personal & Professional Development Committee for Art Appreciation 101!  Enjoy an evening of art at the Wadsworth Atheneum during their Art After Dark event, and learn a bit more about the appreciation of art in all its forms! After light refreshments and one complimentary drink, attendees will be led on a tour throughout the Atheneum to discuss art appreciation, and get a better understanding of how to identify the types of art you personally enjoy. Attendees will then join a guided tour of the brand-new Morgan: Mind of the Collector exhibit. After the tour, attendees are welcome to stay and enjoy the Atheneum and the Art After Dark event.” This is $15 for HYPE members, $20 for non-members. <– Click to register.
  • Moonlight Park & History Tour: When a place closes at sunset, and then offers an event at night, you have to go. Meet at the Cottage in Elizabeth Park at 6:45 pm. Bring a flashlight. This is a free, family-friendly event.
  • Twang Thursdays: Enjoy live music by The Alpaca Gnomes in the taproom of Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. Free.
  • Tonight is Pay-What-You-Can night at TheaterWorks (233 Pearl Street). Call the box office to make a reservation for The Wolves, a play described as “an incandescent portrait of a smart and sympathetic female world.” 7:30 pm.

October 6

  • Rainbow Lotus Club: This will meet at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 3:30-5 pm. They say: “The Rainbow Lotus Club is a peer-run support group for LGBTQ+ people in the community that shares the values of Toivo and Advocacy Unlimited. We encourage those who are living at the intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and struggles with mental health and addiction challenges to join us, but anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally is welcomed. Please come as you are, whether seeking support or able to give it.”
  • Walk With Me begins screening at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) — contact venue for showtime. They say that this film “takes us deep inside the world-famous monastery of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, and captures the life of a monastic community who have given up all their possessions for one common purpose – to practice the art of mindfulness.” Regular admission is $11; member, student, and senior discounts available.
  • A Night of Comedy with Sara Shea and Friends: Let yourself be entertained by Sara Shea, Giancarlo Biondino and Laura Manasewich at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). This is 7-8:30 pm. Tickets are $10; the box office often has pay-it-forward tickets available for those who can’t afford the entrance price.
  • Island of Doubt bring postpunk covers to Night Owl Pub (130 Ann Street), 8:30 pm.

October 7

  • Looking for a chance to give back? Join others in weeding and removing litter from Bushnell Park. Registration is requested: manager@bushnellpark.org — this is 9 am – 12 pm.
  • Free admission to CHS (1 Elizabeth Street) museum galleries, 9-5.
  • Take a tree tour in Elizabeth Park from 10 am – 12 pm. Meet in front of the Cottage. This is a free, rain or shine event.
  • Help clean up litter in Keney Park, 10 am – 2 pm. Meet at the Keney Park Pond House and call 860-722-6567 for more information.
  • Take an all-levels yoga class at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 12:45-1:45 pm. There is a suggested $5 donation; no one turned away for lack of funds.
  • Night Fall: a tradition to mark the change in seasons, featuring giant puppets, dancing, music, and art. This year, the performance will be in Bushnell Park. Grounds open at 2 pm; show begins at 6 pm. This is a free, all-ages event.

October 8

  • Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) is offering a Kundalini Yoga class this morning, 9-10:30. Suggested $5 donation.
  • Superhero Adventure Day at the carousel in Bushnell Park. Unlimited carousel rides, ice cream, and popcorn. $10 for children, $5 for adults. 1-3 pm. Wear costumes.
  • CT Robotics Society Meeting: They say: “The Connecticut Robotics Society is a group of hobbyists, experimenters, tinkerers and Robot builders who meet monthly (2nd Sunday of the month) to discuss current and potential projects. The meetings are free and there are NO dues to join the group. Membership is a diverse group composed of people with many different ages, backgrounds and experience levels. Interests include, but are not limited to, electronics, mechanics, fun, and the science related to automation and home built Robotics. If anyone is interested in Robotics at any level or experience, then this is the meeting to attend. In spite of the name, the CT Robotics Society is actually a lot more then just Robotics. We are interested in any type of technical project from music to photography to weather to anything involving a gadget or device. If you have it, show it off. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try to help you fix it. If you can’t figure out how to use it, we’ll try to help. If you’d like to buy one but don’t know which one, one of our members probably has some experience to share. Whatever your story or need, come and join our group.” This is from 1-4 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor)

October 9

October 10

  • The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective (1841 Broad Street) is offering free HIV and STD testing from 12-8 pm. Call 860-278-4163 to make an appointment.
  • Ann Z. Leventhal will discuss, sell, and sign copies of her book, Among the Survivors. This free event begins at 2:30 pm at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street).
  • Shop the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 3-6 pm. Rain or shine.
  • Cards Against Humanity and Tequila Tournament: if you were wondering how Blind Pig (89 Arch Street) could get better, the answer is by sidestepping the trivia trend and hosting game night for The Best Game Ever. There will be three teams of two people per match. Free admission, but be classy and buy a drink or some food. Competition starts at 8 pm.

October 11

  • Learn about the trees of Bushnell Park in a free lunchtime tour, 12-1 pm. Meet by the carousel.
  • Green Drinks: This month’s Green Drinks will be at Hanging Hills (150 Ledyard Street), 6-9 pm. There is no cover charge. Derek Hall and Jason Fredlund will be facilitating. They say: “Join us for an interactive conversation about the legacy of white supremacy and the ways we each participate in systems of racism. The conversation will take place between 7 pm – 8 pm. On Oct 11, it will have been two months since the vile displays of white supremacy, racism, and intimidation in Charlottesville, VA with hundreds of white supremacists holding torches, chanting “blood and soil” and “you will not replace us”, and rallying in opposition to the removal of a Confederate monument. Overt white supremacist groups and individuals are a deeply troubling reality in our communities, and their presence comes with grave costs. While blatant displays of white supremacy are in the forefront of many people’s minds, the countless ways that racism shows up in the very air we breathe continue to be powerful forces of ideological pollution. It is impossible to grow up this world without “catching” ideas that have roots in racism and white supremacy. Institutions we interact with on a daily basis (schools, hospitals, prisons, government, etc.) uphold racism through their policies and practices in ways that have been normalized. Together we will consider how many mainstream ideas perpetuate racism and white supremacy and inform our own biases, beliefs, and behaviors.”
  • Chess Night begins at 6 pm at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street). Free.
  • Take a free tour of MakeHartford, Hartford’s makerspace. Stop in at any time from 6:30-9 pm at 30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor.
  • Tonight is Pay-What-You-Can night at TheaterWorks (233 Pearl Street). Call the box office to make a reservation for The Wolves, a play described as “an incandescent portrait of a smart and sympathetic female world.” 7:30 pm.
Porto Rican Boys in Their Sunday Dress (1900), Pablo Delano, 2017 // Art from Archive: Work by Lewis Watts and Pablo Delano Panel Discussion and Opening Reception on October 12, 2017

October 12

  • Opening Reception of the exhibition Art from Archive: Work by Lewis Watts and Pablo Delano — come to Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center from 4:30-6:30 pm to view what they say is “an exhibition of work by two photographers/visual artists who have created works of art based on historical materials. Both artists have chosen to represent historical artifacts or images at a scale dramatically larger than the original, provoking the viewer to consider, both individually and comparatively, aspects of Black and Puerto Rican history within the structural societal framework of the United States of America.” This is free and open to the public.
  • Know Good Market: Food trucks and vendors at 30-50 Bartholomew Avenue, 5-8 pm.
  • Early Bird Social Club: I’ll admit it. I’ve become a DJ Connie Carmona fangirl. Fanwoman? She has impeccable taste in music. This is from 8 pm until midnight at 50 Bartholomew Avenue (The Dirt Salon). Free admission. Go dance.

October 13

  • It’s board game night at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 5:30-7 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Liquid Lounge: all the Connecticut Science Center, none of the kids! This event is strictly 21+. 6-10 pm. Tickets range: $17-22.
  • Go-Go Garage Rock and Bowl at Ducks on the Ave (572 Farmington Avenue) with The Sparkomatics. 8:30-11:30 pm.

October 14

  • Pedal to the Medal: This begins at 4 am. That’s not a typo. Why so early? But, why?! This bike ride follows the Hartford Marathon route, which means that it will need to be cleared before the runners get started. Maybe just don’t go to sleep the night before? Take a disco nap? There are not that many chances to ride your bicycle on streets without cars around. Seize the moment. Meet in the park at Broad and Capitol around 3:45 am. Bring your own bike. Bring a helmet if you know what’s good for ya. Free to participate. Contact Chionwolf@hotmail.com with any questions.
  • Hartford Marathon: The marathon, half marathon, and team relay start line is at Capitol Avenue and Washington Street. The wheelchair start is at 7:55 am, with others beginning at 8 am. Go cheer.
  • Keney Park Dog Walk: Meet in the golf course parking lot for an organized dog walk, 9-11 am. The walk will be inside the park. There is no charge to participate. If you want to stick around for brunch at The Tavern (dog-friendly) after, you’re responsible for settling your own bill.
  • Cedar Hill’s Exceptional Women: Take a tour at 10 am at Cedar Hill Cemetery. They say: “Grace Parks Mitchell leads this tour emphasizing the extraordinary accomplishments of some of Cedar Hill Cemetery’s most distinguished women including Virginia Thrall Smith, Elizabeth Jarvis Colt, Anne Tracy Morgan and Katharine Houghton Hepburn. Hartford’s Victorian era serves as a backdrop to demonstrate the enormity of their contributions to Connecticut and worldwide advancement.” $5 general; free for CHCF members.
  • Urban Roots Workshop: Garlic Planting — Learn the basics of growing garlic at this free workshop. This will be at the Sargeant Street Community Garden (278 Sargeant Street), 10:30 am – 12 pm. Register with (860) 951-7694 ext. 21
    or kaylaa@knoxhartford.org

October 15

  • The Flying Monkey Grill Bar (20 Lindbergh Drive) hosts jazzy brunch, 11 am – 2 pm. Call (860) 726-4971 for reservations.
  • Catch an improv show at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 7-8:30 pm. Tickets are about $10, but there are often pay-it-forward tickets at the box office if you’re unable to pay.

October 16

  • World Food Day Community Breakfast: Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy is hosting this at the Studio at Billings Forge (563 Broad Street), 8:30-10:30 am. The Commission will unveil its policy recommendations for 2017 at this free breakfast. Registration requested.
  • Basic Laser Operations Class: This is an online class offered through MakeHartford. $20 registration. 6:30-8:30 pm.

October 17

  • The Entrepreneurial Center will be offering a free workshop for those 50+ who want to start their own businesses. This will take place in Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue), 9:30 am – 12 pm. Call 888-339-5671 to register.
  • Shop the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 3-6 pm. Rain or shine.
  • Jewish Comedy: A Serious History — this free lecture will be at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 7-8:30 pm. They say: “In a major work of scholarship both erudite and very funny, Jeremy Dauber traces the origins of Jewish comedy and its development from biblical times to the age of Twitter. His exploration takes us from the Book of Esther to Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm from the work of such masters as Sholem Aleichem, Franz Kafka, the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Philip Roth, Sarah Silverman, and Jon Stewart. Jeremy Dauber is the Atran Professor of Yiddish Language, Literature and Culture at Columbia University, and is the author of several books on Jewish literature.” Pre-register at jamesd@charteroakcenter.org or (860) 310-2586.
  • Cards Against Humanity and Tequila Tournament: if you were wondering how Blind Pig (89 Arch Street) could get better, the answer is by sidestepping the trivia trend and hosting game night for The Best Game Ever. There will be three teams of two people per match. Free admission, but be classy and buy a drink or some food. Competition starts at 8 pm.

October 18

  • Discover Cedar Hill – Highlight Tour: the tour begins at 10 am. They say: “Bob Chudy leads this introductory tour about Cedar Hill’s most prominent residents. Hear about the discoverer of anesthesia and his tragic life, the woman behind the management of Colt Manufacturing, and the man who saved the country from bankruptcy twice.” Free for members; $5 everyone else. This is at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
  • Steve Thornton will be signing copies of his new book, Wicked Hartford, which comes with this most excellent description: “Ordinary people are the real makers of Hartford’s history, despite the wicked politicians, factory owners, and the city’s established order who have dominated the city’s narrative. Wicked Hartford tells the stories–many of them previously hidden– of prostitutes and preachers, the enslaved and the entitled, unsung heroines and overrated heels.” This will be at the SEIU 1199 space (77 Huyshope Avenue), 6-8 pm. Free admission to the book launch. Books will be on sale at the event. Refreshments will be available.
  • Take a free tour of MakeHartford, Hartford’s makerspace. Stop in at any time from 6:30-9 pm at 30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor.
  • Sarah Schulman will give a reading from her book Conflict Is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair. This free event begins at 7 pm at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street).

October 19

  • AK Smith Reading Series with Roxana Robinson: in the Reese Room of Smith House at Trinity College, 4:30-6:30 pm. They say: “Robinson is the author of nine books: five novels, including Cost; three collections of short stories; and the biography Georgia O’Keeffe: A Life. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bookforum, The Best American Short Stories, Tin House, and elsewhere. She teaches in the Hunter College M.F.A. Program and divides her time between New York, Connecticut, and Maine. She has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation and is president of the Authors Guild. A reception and book-signing will follow.” Free and open to the public.
  • Happy Hour Book Signing with Chip McCabe: This will be the first book event at the UConn bookstore on Front Street. McCabe will be talking about his book 100 Things To Do In Hartford Before You Die; Barnes & Noble will have copies of this available for purchase. It is free to attend. 5-7 pm.
  • Celebrate 15 years of CT Explored at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street), 6-10 pm. There is a $5 general admission. This is part of the Creative Cocktail Hour event.
  • Twang Thursdays: Enjoy live music by 5j Barrow in the taproom of Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. Free.
  • The Fall Fiasco: an evening of music at Ducks on the Ave (572 Farmington Avenue), 7-10 pm. Malcolm Tent, The Lonesome While, Mark Leonard, and Johnny Cab are among the handful of bands/musicians playing. No cover charge.

October 20

  • Opening reception for Afarin Rahmanifar‘s The Memories Between, Women of Nobility exhibit at ArtWalk Gallery inside the Hartford Public Library. This free event is from 6-8 pm.
  • Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour — They say this tour “will share stories about the famous author and describe unexplained events from past and present, all conducted in the dark by flashlight. Visitors will learn about the five reported deaths in the 1871 Gothic Revival home where Stowe lived for 23 years. The author herself died in an upstairs bedroom in 1896 at age 86.” This begins at 7:30 pm at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Tickets are $18, with discounts for Stowe Center members. Purchase in advance.
  • The Alchemystics perform at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 9 pm. Tickets are $12 at the door. This event is 21+.

October 21

  • Help paint inside the Burns School (195 Putnam Street), 9 am – 1 pm. No artistic talent required. You will be painting alongside Burns students. Sign up!
  • Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Costume Parade: This is hosted by Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street). They say: “Come join us as we give you a list of clues that you will need to find to get to the next level which is our costume parade and contest. We will end our day with a Yappy Hour at a local restaurant. The cost to participate is a $10 donation to Kenway’s Cause. Register at Naturally Dogs and Cats.” 10 am – 3 pm.
  • CHS Gets Creepy: Behind the Scenes Tour — They say: “History gets creepy with this spooky look behind the scenes. Tales of vampires, corpses on ice, and death portraits haunt the storage vaults of the CHS (1 Elizabeth Street). Come and get the history scared out of you! Visit storage and collection areas not normally open to the public, and learn how the CHS preserves the stories of Connecticut. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Questions? Call (860) 236-5621 x289 or email jennifer_steadman@chs.org.” This is $15 general; $10 for CHS members
  • Mark Twain’s Halloween Storyteller: This free family programming will show how Mark Twain creating stories for his children, and then give everyone a chance to participate. 1 pm. Please register.
  • Catch dance performances by the Vivid Ballet and Awakening Moment companies at The 224 (224 Farmington Avenue), 7 pm. Tickets are $15 at the door.
  • Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour — They say this tour “will share stories about the famous author and describe unexplained events from past and present, all conducted in the dark by flashlight. Visitors will learn about the five reported deaths in the 1871 Gothic Revival home where Stowe lived for 23 years. The author herself died in an upstairs bedroom in 1896 at age 86.” This begins at 8:30 pm at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Tickets are $18, with discounts for Stowe Center members. Purchase in advance.

October 22

  • Maker Movie: MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), Hartford’s makerspace, will be hosting this free event. Bring something for the potluck. This month’s film will be Primer, “the story of four friends who are inventing something that turns out to be not what they expect.” 6-8:30 pm.

October 23

  • Learn about cedarwood from Linda Lentini and Kali Farrell at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 2-3:30 pm. There is a suggested $5 donation; no one turned away for lack of funds. Everyone will leave with a free gift.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern, 8-9 pm. Free.

October 24

  • Shop the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 3-6 pm. Rain or shine.
  • Richard Ross will be discussing his book Before Salem: Witch Hunting in the Connecticut River Valley 1647-1663 at Hartford Public Library in the Hartford History Center, 6 pm. This is free. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
  • String Thing: this month’s focus will be knitting. They say: “Whether you would like to learn, or are having trouble with a pattern, or just want to socialize and work on something in progress, you’re welcome to participate. If you want to learn the basics, please bring yarn and a hook – generally size 7-10 (4-7mm) needles are most comfortable, and the yarn should be smooth and lighter colour. We have some supplies available for freewill donations. Not into knitting? That’s OK – each month we’ll sample something new, but feel free to bring any project you like and enjoy the camaraderie. Bring your crocheting, spinning, weaving, knotting, sewing, embroidery, braiding, kumihimo – whatever you are doing with (or to create) string! You’re also welcome to peruse the donated supplies and library – if you want to take something home, we ask for a donation. Feel free to bring friends and tell others about our meetings, they are open to all.” This is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 7-9 pm. Free to attend.
  • Cards Against Humanity and Tequila Tournament: if you were wondering how Blind Pig (89 Arch Street) could get better, the answer is by sidestepping the trivia trend and hosting game night for The Best Game Ever. There will be three teams of two people per match. Free admission, but be classy and buy a drink or some food. Competition starts at 8 pm.

October 25

  • Live, Work, Love Hartford: Suzanne Hopgood — the President & CEO of The Hopgood Group, LLC and Chair or Capital Region Development Authority — will be speaking about Capital Region Development Authority Accomplishments and Challenges. This will take place at Spotlight Theatres on Front Street, 5:30-7 pm. Free admission.
  • Take a free tour of MakeHartford, Hartford’s makerspace. Stop in at any time from 6:30-9 pm at 30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor.

October 26

  • Opening reception for Natural Instincts at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 6-8 pm. Free.
  • Halloween Bash: enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of games, art activities, music, and treats at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm.
  • Twang Thursdays: Enjoy live music by Plywood Cowboy in the taproom of Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm. Free.
Photo courtesy of Capital Classics Theatre Company

October 27

  • Hallowed History Lantern Tour: Wander around a graveyard at night? Yes, please. Character actors will share stories of the cemetery’s residents. They say to bring a flashlight and that this event might not be appropriate for children under 13. Admission is $15 and reservations are required: (860) 956-3311. 6-9:30 pm at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
  • Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour — They say this tour “will share stories about the famous author and describe unexplained events from past and present, all conducted in the dark by flashlight. Visitors will learn about the five reported deaths in the 1871 Gothic Revival home where Stowe lived for 23 years. The author herself died in an upstairs bedroom in 1896 at age 86.” This begins at 7:30 pm at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Tickets are $18, with discounts for Stowe Center members. Purchase in advance.
  • The Sam Moffett Jazz Combo will perform at the Unitarian Meeting House (50 Bloomfield Avenue) at 8 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 at the door with some discounts. Proceeds benefit the Unitarian Society of Hartford.
  • Capital Classics Theatre Company will be performing an original adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at The Mark Twain House & Museum. They say: “Company members will use live sound effects, music and their storytelling vocal skills to tell the tale of Dr. Jekyll, who faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde. Performances will also include radio-theatre style readings of one or two short stories by Mark Twain to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.” Performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 general, with some discounts available.

October 28

  • Paper Artists Gathering: from 1-3 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor). They say: “This is an opportunity for anyone interested in making, building or doing something with paper to get together to share ideas, projects and dreams. This is an informal session for paper artists who are doing or want to be doing anything to or with paper. Come and share! Come and listen! Come and learn! Please note that the material we will talk about is geared toward professional artists or generally those with a serious interest in the study of the paper arts. We define these widely, from those who create paper to whose who manipulate it in a wide variety of methods. Those with little paper experience who want to see what we’re doing are welcome so long as they understand and are patient.”
  • Last chance to see Felice Caivano’s installation at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street).
  • Union Place Walking Tour: Steve Thornton, author of Wicked Hartford, will give a tour that is not to be missed. This begins at 2 pm. Contact Steve to sign up: stephen.thornton1199@gmail.com
  • Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour — They say this tour “will share stories about the famous author and describe unexplained events from past and present, all conducted in the dark by flashlight. Visitors will learn about the five reported deaths in the 1871 Gothic Revival home where Stowe lived for 23 years. The author herself died in an upstairs bedroom in 1896 at age 86.” This begins at 7:30 pm at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Tickets are $18, with discounts for Stowe Center members. Purchase in advance.
  • Capital Classics Theatre Company will be performing an original adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at The Mark Twain House & Museum. They say: “Company members will use live sound effects, music and their storytelling vocal skills to tell the tale of Dr. Jekyll, who faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde. Performances will also include radio-theatre style readings of one or two short stories by Mark Twain to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.” Performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 general, with some discounts available.

October 29

  • Capital Classics Theatre Company will be performing an original adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at The Mark Twain House & Museum. They say: “Company members will use live sound effects, music and their storytelling vocal skills to tell the tale of Dr. Jekyll, who faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild with a potion that transforms him into the animalistic Mr. Hyde. Performances will also include radio-theatre style readings of one or two short stories by Mark Twain to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.” Performance begins at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 general, with some discounts available.
  • The Slambovian Circus of Dreams’ Halloween Ball: at Infinity, 7:30 pm. Tickets range $24-39.
  • Last chance to see Hong Hong’s All the Light in a Vivid Dream at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street). While you’re there, make sure to check out Andy Hart’s Hartford.

October 30

  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern, 8-9 pm. Free.

October 31

  • Shop the West End Farmers’ Market (385 Farmington Avenue), 3-6 pm. Rain or shine. This is the final day of the 2017 season!
  • Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour — They say this tour “will share stories about the famous author and describe unexplained events from past and present, all conducted in the dark by flashlight. Visitors will learn about the five reported deaths in the 1871 Gothic Revival home where Stowe lived for 23 years. The author herself died in an upstairs bedroom in 1896 at age 86.” This begins at 7:30 pm at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Tickets are $18, with discounts for Stowe Center members. Purchase in advance.

Disclaimers

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of my knowledge. Events are sometimes cancelled or postponed. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises or want to know what the plan is for inclement weather.

To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by October 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published.

This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford, kinda expensive, sketchy, or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.