INSTRUCTIONS AND DISCLAIMERS
To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by May 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published, no exceptions.
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.
This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford or kinda expensive or sketchy or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.
May 1
- Thinking about starting a small business? The University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center (260 Girard Avenue) is offering a free workshop, 9:30 am – 12 pm. Register online.
- Tara Cantor and Natasha Roggi will be speaking at a Lunch & Learn event at Chango Rosa (1 Union Place), 11:45 am – 1 pm. They say: “Your customers use social media every day to make decisions about where to spend their dollars. Social media can be a valuable tool for any small business, if it’s done consistently and with a clear strategy. Join Business For Downtown Hartford and social media experts who will help you make the most of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for business.” This is free for Business for Downtown Hartford members; $20 for everyone else. The fee includes lunch.
- There will be some type of May Day event in Bushnell Park, 4:30-6:30 pm.
- The Board of Ed will hold a budget workshop meeting at Annie Fisher School (280 Plainfield Street), at 5:30 pm. There is no public comment during workshop sessions, but if you have opinions, go to the meeting on May 15.
- Opening reception at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) for Earth. As we know it. This exhibit will include art by Lisa Kim, Normand Charlette, Dina Be, Naomi Ben-Ari, Yibing (Edith) Chen, Ron Crowcroft, and Maurice D. Robertson. 6-8 pm. Free admission.
May 2
- Drink Up! Complimentary happy hour at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 4-6 pm.
- Spectra Wired Cafe (5 Constitution Plaza) is hosting a Bring Your Own Board Game night, 5-9 pm. Free.
- Get HYPEd: this month the casual networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs will be meeting at Firebox (539 Broad Street), 5:30-8:30 pm. This is a free event, but you’ll need to buy your own drinks. Bring business cards.
- Did you know that Hartford has a makerspace? Visit the location in Parkville during the MakeHartford Open House. Check out the space, learn about tools and classes, and meet other makers. Drop in: 6:30-9 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, basement level). Free.
- Take a yoga class at Hanging Hills Brewing Company (150 Ledyard Street), 7-9:30 pm. Bring your own yoga mat. The $16 fee includes one pint.
May 3
- Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
- Stop by Hanging Hills Brewing Company (150 Ledyard Street), 5-8 pm, to listen to The POSSM and Among the Acres. No cover.
- She Means Business: from 5:30-7 pm at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), network and listen to a chat between Cynthia Dokas Whipple and Shana Schlossberg. They say: “Founder and CEO of Upward Hartford, Shana Schlossberg, will share her experience as a female, serial entrepreneur. Find out why Hartford was the city of choice for her most recent venture and learn why she is so passionate about supporting the city’s startup community. Let’s fill the room with strong female entrepreneurs who are willing to break down networking boundaries to set in motion a movement for Hartford’s women in business.” Tickets are $10.
- The Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Boulevard) is hosting Science Straight Up, a happy hour with science-related trivia and improv. $5 for members, $10 advance non-members or $12 at the door. This is for adults, 21+ only. This is 5:30-8:30 pm.
- Nails and Wagging Tails: Bring your dog to Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull Street) for a $5 nail trim, 6-8 pm.
- Say Cheese! Did you know that Hartford has a cheese club? Stop by Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor Street, #107), 6-8 pm, for some education about New England cheeses. They say: “Gannon Long of The Hartford Cheese Club will share small batch, locally made cheeses you’ve likely never tried before. We’ll offer you a curated flight of artisan cheeses, paired with Wild Moon Liqueurs cocktails. You’ll leave with a fundamental understanding of how cheese is made, ways to describe your favorite cheeses at the counter, and ideas on pairing cheese with restoratives.” Tickets are $40.
May 4
- Multimodal Meetup: This is a monthly gathering for people who walk, bike, bus, carpool, or telework, etc. Basically, if you aren’t driving around solo or are at least curious about how to incorporate other modes, you’re welcome. Drop by Ashley’s (221 Main Street) from 7-9 am.
- Design Night Out: Meet at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 6-8 pm, for networking, drinks, panel discussion, and then a screening of the 2018 Oscar Nominated Short Films. Pedro Bermudez and Brett Maddux will moderate. Free.
- WTF! (Women’s Theatre Festival) begins tonight with a staged reading of Fat and Blood, or The Whole Varied Drama of Hysteria at 7:30 pm. This takes place at Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Avenue). General admission: $10.
May 5
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba with Sherlie Jean-Louis every Saturday, 8-9 am. Kids welcome if accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested $5 donation.
- Free admission to the Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street) museum galleries, 9 am – 5 pm. The family activities today (10-1) will include knot-tying and scratch art scrimshaw.
- Trinity College and the Theta Alpha Sigma alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority are offering a free water safety clinic for children ages 6-16 today, 12-2 pm. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free, but registration is required because space is limited. See registration page for other details.
- Camp Wild Flyers: this is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7), 12-4 pm. Want to learn more about radio control and drones? They say: “Whether if you are just getting into the hobby of R/C or a seasoned vet, we are here to help. When videos just don’t cut it and you need hands-on help.” Registration fees vary based on kit, but if you just want to attend the class, the fee is $10.
- Trinity College is hosting its seventh Trinity Film Festival with the Red Carpet beginning at 4 pm. Screenings start at 5 pm, with award banquet and ceremony to follow. They say that the Trinity Film Festival is a “national platform for undergraduate filmmakers that provides a celebratory evening in which students premiere their short films on the big screen, engage with other student filmmakers, meet industry professionals, and win cash prizes. All films are shown at Cinestudio, the independent theater designed as a recreation of a 1930s movie palace, complete with a balcony, gold curtain, and wall-to-wall screen.” There is a $15 general admission fee, with discounts available.
- Opening for “Useful as a Glass Hammer” at The Dial (3580 Main Street), 6-9 pm. Artists will include: Dylan Ahern, Zoe Allison, Namulen Bayarsaihan, Alexis Crowley, Joe Bun Keo, Adrian Martinez Chavez, and Dan Rubenbauer; performances by Tnmot Aztro, Henry Birdsey, and Tim Wolf. Free event.
- Opening reception at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street) for Tim Wengertsman’s motorcycle helmets. 6:30-8:30 pm. Free.
- Ed Fast & Conga Bop perform at Infinity (32 Front Street). Doors open at 8:30 pm. Tickets run $16-39.
May 6
- Last chance to see The Age of Innocence at Hartford Stage (50 Church Street), 2 pm. This is based on Edith Wharton’s story of scandal in New York’s high society. Ticket prices vary, but you can see shows here for free by using your Hartford Public Library card to reserve tickets.
- Donna Fleischer and Leslie McGrath will read poetry at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) as part of The Charter Oak Readings Spring Series, 3 pm.
- Go to MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7) to make a simple journal. Pre-registration is required and there is a $15 fee. Bring some materials to include in the journal, but there is a request for no glitter.
- Syllable: Sasha Debevec-McKenney, Geeno Gordon, and Catherine Blinder are among those reading at tonight’s edition of Syllable, 6:30-8 pm. This is at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), no cover.
- The Dance Collective perform at Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street), 6:30-9 pm. Dot Armstrong, Emory Campbell, Meghan Dodd, Fran Fuller, Alice Halter, Sheila Huggins, Rosanna Karabetsos, Betsy McMillan, and Kirsten Schranze are the presenting artists for the evening. Your $25 admission includes one drink.
May 7
- The University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Center is offering a free webinar about using Instagram to build your social media community for business. 9:30-11 am. Register: 860.768.5681 or entrectr@hartford.edu
- Learn to Solder at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7), 6:30-9 pm. Must be 14+ to participate. The $35 fee covers instruction, materials, and equipment. Scholarships are available.
- Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: at Sea Tea Improv Theater (15 Asylum Street). They say: “Come work on your stand-up set in a theater/club atmosphere. Stage, lights, character work, bits, whatever you want to do. Get the full comedy club experience — you won’t be competing with bar noise and televisions while telling jokes.” There are 20 spots available, first come first serve. Sign up starts at 7 pm. Open mic starts when the list is full. $5 cover charge; performers get one free drink.
May 8
- Introduction to Personal Storytelling: Take a two-hour workshop at Sea Tea Improv Studios (75 Pratt Street, 5th floor), 7 pm. They say: “Do you want to get better at captivating listeners? Whether you want to tell your story on stage, in a business meeting, or with your grandchildren on your lap, storyteller Terry Wolfisch Cole will teach you skills to engage any audience.” There is a $40 registration fee.
- Cinestudio is screening Leaning into the Wind at 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
- Michael Palin’s Other Orchestra — an 18-piece orchestra — performs jazz, R&B, and soul at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8 pm. No cover charge.
May 9
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street) is hosting a lunchtime conversation on #MeToo: Sexual Assault and Harassment. This free discussion is from 12-1 pm. Reservations requested. Bring your own lunch.
- Drink Up! Complimentary happy hour at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 4-6 pm.
- The Commission on Cultural Affairs for the City of Hartford meets at 1429 Park Street #207 tonight, 5:30-7. The public is invited to sit in on the meeting.
- Tainted (56 Arbor Street #310A) is offering a Belly Dance for Beginners class at 6 pm. They say: “Belly Dancing with Jenny Lee explores ways to interpret musical beats with your body including variations of isolated hip & chest movements, combined with flowing arm movements & shimmies. Belly dancing is a venue to offer any individual freedom to express musical interpretation & explore our capacity for movement & self-expression through sensuous movement.” There is a $15 registration fee.
- Yappy Hour: Stop by Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull Street) for a pet social and get to know your neighbors. 6-8 pm. Free.
- Visit MakeHartford during Open House hours. Check out the space, learn about tools and classes, and meet other makers. Drop in: 6:30-9 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, basement level). Free.
May 10
- Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
- Know Good Market: food trucks from 5-8 pm at 30-50 Bartholomew Avenue.
- Manisha Sinha will discuss her book, The Slave’s Cause: A History of Abolition, at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street), 5:30-7 pm. They say: “Abolitionists are often portrayed as middle class, mostly white reformers burdened by racial paternalism and economic conservatism. This talk overturns this image, recasting abolition as a radical social movement in which men and women, black and white, free and enslaved found common ground in causes ranging from feminism to anti-imperialism. This new history sets the abolition movement in a transnational context and illustrates how the abolitionist vision ultimately linked the slave’s cause to the struggle to redefine democracy and human rights across the globe.” This is a free talk, but RSVP.
- The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street) is hosting a free panel discussion: Humility and Civility in an Age of Divisiveness. Panelists will include Donna Berman, Executive Director, Charter Oak Cultural Center; Arthur Miller, Director, Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Archdiocese of Hartford; Iran Nazario, Founder/President, Connecticut Peace Center; and Manuela Wagner, Associate Professor of German Studies, University of Connecticut. Panel moderators are Brendan Kane, Associate Professor of History, University of Connecticut and Assistant Director, Public Humanities; and Bilal Sekou, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Hartford. This is 6-8 pm. Reservations requested.
- Take a Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop at Hartford Prints! (42 Pratt Street), 7-9 pm. The $68 registration fee includes materials, a terra-cotta pot, instructions, and refreshments.
May 11
- Stop by Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) for some laughs at 9pm. They say: “Our House Improv Teams are made up of performers assembled and chosen by Sea Tea Comedy Theater’s artistic directors to put on amazing improv comedy shows for you! These teams get together, take your suggestion and run with it!” Tickets are $10, but be sure to check the lobby for a Pay-It-Forward ticket if you’re broke this month. (And if you’ve got more money than you know what to do with, ask them how you can purchase one of these tickets for someone else)
- Live music at Arch Street Tavern by The Trongone Band and The Mallett Brothers Band. 9:30 pm. $7 advance/$10 at the door.
May 12
- Take a morning bird walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery (way at the end of Fairfield Avenue where it meets Maple Avenue), starting at 6:30 am. Hiking shoes and binoculars are recommended. Meet up near the entrance bridge. Free.
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba with Sherlie Jean-Louis every Saturday, 8-9 am. Kids welcome if accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested $5 donation.
- Meet your neighbors and show some investment in Hartford. Help clean up Colt Park, 8:30-10 am. Bring your own gloves. They’ll supply bags, water, and those litter claw grabber things. Meet at the Sam Colt memorial by the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
- Bike the Park: This first Bike the Park event will take place in Colt Park. They say to meet in the parking lot off of Wawarme Avenue. This event will “include a brief intro to the park, brief bike safety talk, and then a ride in the park (and possibly outside the park, depending on the park.)” Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and they are advising that children 12 and under remain in the park instead of riding on the roads. Bring your own bicycle, helmet, water, etc. There may be LimeBikes available for use. 10-11:15 am. Free.
- Free admission for all to the Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 am – 1 pm today. Once you’re in, you can stay until the museum closes. Family activities are planned during Second Saturday events. (If you don’t like crowds, don’t forget, Hartford residents get free admission every day that the Wadsworth is open)
- “How can an urban farm impact you and your community?” This is the subject of the first of four free workshops at The Studio at Billings Forge (563 Broad Street), 10 am – 2 pm. Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of The Kitchen at Billings Forge.
- There’s also a cleanup planned today for Goodwin Park, 11 am – 2 pm. Meet at the Pond House.
May 13
- A few comments on Hartford Facebook groups indicate that some think people would drive less recklessly if only they had some outlet for it. Well, there has been autocross in Hartford for years. So, even if there are gaps in that argument about giving joyriders some outlet, this event is fun and free to watch. 7 am – 4 pm at 1 Pequot Street.
- Sea Tea Improv’s All-Ages Family Show: Interactive comedy for kids, teens, and adults. This is $5 for kids 12 and under; $10 those who are older than that. 4 pm at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street)
May 14
- Learn basic laser cutter/engraver operations at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7), 6:30-9 pm. There is a $20 fee and pre-registration is required.
- Want change? Get off the Facebook groups and go get involved. City Council meeting begins at 7 pm in City Hall (550 Main Street).
May 15
- Board of Education meeting begins at 5:30 pm. at MD Fox (470 Maple Avenue). Topic of discussion for this public hearing: 2018-19 budget.
- Jill Sobule performs in the library at the Mark Twain House, 7:30 pm. Tickets are $50.
- Michael Palin’s Other Orchestra — an 18-piece orchestra — performs jazz, R&B, and soul at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8 pm. No cover charge.
May 16
- Learn about integrating healthcare and housing at a forum planned by the Partnership for Strong Communities. They say that speakers will “Share national best practices related to the integration of health and housing; Explain how financial investments; innovative partnerships; policy and healthcare reform are influencing sustainable, system-level change; Highlight what is happening in terms of CT’s Healthcare Reform Efforts – Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers – Community Care Teams and the Coordinated Access Networks; and Engage participants in a dialogue on how to improve health equity in CT and explore innovative change now and into the future.” This free event takes place at the Lyceum (). Registration requested. Breakfast begins at 8:30 am; program from 9-11:30 am.
- Bob Chudy leads the Discover Cedar Hill Highlight Tour at 10 am. This is $5 for the general public.
- Want streets to be safer for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists? Drop by reSET (1429 Park Street) at any time from 12-6 pm to participate in a Complete Streets open planning studio. Free.
- Drink Up! Complimentary happy hour at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 4-6 pm.
- Did you know that Hartford has a makerspace? Visit the location in Parkville during the MakeHartford Open House. Check out the space, learn about tools and classes, and meet other makers. Drop in: 6:30-9 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, basement level). Free. Also tonight at MakeHartford: the Hackster.io Hardware Meetup is happening, 6-8 pm.
- Jill Sobule performs in the library at the Mark Twain House, 7:30 pm. Tickets are $50.
May 17
- Drop by reSET (1429 Park Street) at any time from 9 am – 8 pm to participate in a Complete Streets open planning studio. Free.
- Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
- Reception at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) for mosaic artist Pierre Sylvain, 6-8 pm. Complimentary wine and cheese/snacks. While you’re there, don’t forget to drop off or pick up books from the Little Free Library out front.
- HYPE is offering a communication seminar at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 6:30-8:30 pm. They say: “We communicate every day, but how effective are we really? Join the Personal & Professional Development Committee for an interactive seminar on communication. Peter Callahan, Founder of Fresh Perspectives, and Leadership & Engagement Director of Copper Beech Institute, is a professional coach and facilitator, who passionately believes in the power of compassion and gratitude. Peter will discuss the importance of mindfulness, sincere listening, and adapting to communication styles, as well as how to communicate both up and down, and how to have those challenging conversations in times of conflict. Peter loves to teach and empower leaders, students, and professionals to discover and act on their values, meaningfully connect with others, and find fulfillment in their work and lives.” This is $15 for HYPE members; $20 for non-members. Light appetizers will be provided.
May 18
- Bike to Work Day: Free breakfast at Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main Street), 7-9 am, for cyclists and pedestrians. Free.
- Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum, 11 am – 5 pm.
- Opening reception for Depressive Realism by Adam Viens at Hartford Public Library’s ArtWalk Gallery, 5:30 pm. Free.
May 19
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba with Sherlie Jean-Louis every Saturday, 8-9 am. Kids welcome if accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested $5 donation.
- Get up and get outside for some Spring cleaning. Gather at Hanging Hills (150 Ledyard Street), starting at 8:30 am, to register. Then, get out and clean up the surrounding neighborhood from 9 am – 12 pm.
- Is it possible to have a crush on a cemetery? Because Cedar Hill Cemetery is really making a case for that. at 10 am you can take a tour called “What a Way to Go!” for $5. We can’t do any better than their own description: “Mayhem, murder and the hazards of everyday life in times gone by are the subjects of this tour led by Evelyn Bollert. Transportation with a mind of its own, constricting corsets, exploding boilers, odorless gases, melancholia, mysticism, mysteries and more – Cedar Hill’s denizens tell us tales of the dangers of daily living in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.”
- “How can an urban farm impact you and your community?” Today is the second of four free workshops at The Studio at Billings Forge (563 Broad Street), 10 am – 2 pm. Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of The Kitchen at Billings Forge
- Free screening of STEP at Wadsworth Atheneum. This film “documents the senior year of a girls high school step dance team, in inner-city Baltimore.” 1 pm.
May 20
- Wag, Walk & Run: fundraiser for Kenway’s Cause. Registration fees range from $2 to $25. Registration opens at 7:30 am. This takes place in Riverside Park.
- The CT Robotics Society meets at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7), 1-4 pm. This is free and open to all ages.
- Listen to solo comedians perform their own material at Sea Tea Improv Theater (15 Asylum Street). 7 pm. $10 admission or find yourself a Pay-It-Forward ticket in the lobby.
May 21
- Opening reception at CHS (1 Elizabeth Street) for the Facing War: Connecticut in World War I exhibit, 6:15-7:30 pm. They say: “One hundred years ago, the First World War consumed the lives of Connecticut residents. This exhibit will explore how people responded to the conflict and how it impacted life during and after the war. Hundreds of photographs, letters, posters, clothing, equipment, and other artifacts from the CHS collection help tell the stories of Connecticut individuals impacted by the war, including military servicemen and servicewomen, nurses, conscientious objectors, and YMCA and Red Cross workers. Similar to today, in 1918 people in Connecticut struggled to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, concerns about immigration, a global refugee crisis, and discrimination.” RSVP if attending the reception.
- Hartford Cheese Club Inaugural Meeting: YES! The first official meeting will take place at a location to be announced in Frog Hollow at 7:30 pm. Join the club on Facebook or email hartfordcheeseclub@gmail.com to follow up for details.
May 22
- Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) is hosting life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos games, 6-8 pm. Free.
- Michael Palin’s Other Orchestra — an 18-piece orchestra — performs jazz, R&B, and soul at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8 pm. No cover charge.
May 23
- Enjoy a free performance by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Jazz Quartet from 12-1 pm in Liam E. McGee Memorial Park (140 Garden Street). Food will be available for purchase. If it rains, this will be rescheduled for May 25.
- GLAPPY Hour: Gay and Lesbian Pet Social Hour. They say: “Sick of the bar scene? Here is a monthly social to get to know other pet owners in the LGBTQ community that reside in the Hartford area.” This free event is at Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull Street — across from Bushnell Park), 6-8 pm.
- Visit MakeHartford during Open House hours. Check out the space, learn about tools and classes, and meet other makers. Drop in: 6:30-9 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, basement level). Free. Also happening at MakeHartford tonight: Making Buttons with String Thing. Learn the basics of making unique buttons with polymer clay and other materials. This is free, but pre-register so they have enough supplies on hand. String Thing is 6:30-8:30 pm.
May 24
- Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time from 12-1:30 pm. Or, skip the tour and climb the stairs to get a view of the park. Free.
- Interested in seeing a food co-op in Hartford? The development process continues tonight with another meeting, this time at the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition (1229 Albany Avenue), 5:30-7 pm. Free.
- The Rocking Horse Saloon (181 Ann Street) offers Country Karaoke on Thursdays, 8 pm til midnight. Contact the venue for more details.
May 25
- Tainted Inc (56 Arbor Street, #310A) is hosting an hour-long BodyTalk class beginning at 6:30 pm. They say: “Our bodies have a lot to say. When we listen close we can hear it whisper what we need: Rest, Water, Food, Exercise. This class will help us to see what can form when we allow our Body to do all the talking. Explore space, shapes & improv movement by candlelight in this unique dance experience. This expressive dance class is for Dancers & non-dancers alike, & for those who are looking to connect Mind, Body & Emotions – then put them to music.” $15 registration fee.
- Stop by Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) for some laughs at 7 pm. They say: “Our House Improv Teams are made up of performers assembled and chosen by Sea Tea Comedy Theater’s artistic directors to put on amazing improv comedy shows for you! These teams get together, take your suggestion and run with it!” Tickets are $10, but be sure to check the lobby for a Pay-It-Forward ticket if you’re broke this month.
May 26
- Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) offers Zumba with Sherlie Jean-Louis every Saturday, 8-9 am. Kids welcome if accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested $5 donation.
- It’s Karaoke Night at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue), 7-11 pm. No cover charge.
- Keb’ Mo’ performs at Infinity (32 Front Street), 8 pm. Tickets range: $67-109.
May 27
- Today is autocross at 1 Pequot Street. It’s free to watch. 7 am – 4 pm.
May 28
- Cinestudio screens King of Hearts at 7:30. Admission: $10.
May 29
- City Council meeting begins at 7 pm in City Hall (550 Main Street).
- Michael Palin’s Other Orchestra — an 18-piece orchestra — performs jazz, R&B, and soul at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8 pm. No cover charge.
May 30
- Drink Up! Complimentary happy hour at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 4-6 pm.
- The Trouble Begins: This free event starts with a reception at 5 pm; main event at 5:30 pm. They say: “Leading independent Twain scholar Kevin Mac Donnell studies Twain’s exploration of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, a pacifist denomination that had been brutally persecuted in America, which in turn prepared him at that moment to hear the human voice of a race that had also been brutally persecuted. If the voice of Jim and others of his race reverberate in the voice of Huck Finn, it can come as no surprise that the tenets of Quakerism reverberate in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as well.” This is at the Mark Twain House & Museum. Free, but register so they can order the right amount of food.
- Did you know that Hartford has a makerspace? Visit the location in Parkville during the MakeHartford Open House. Check out the space, learn about tools and classes, and meet other makers. Drop in: 6:30-9 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, basement level). Free.
- Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street) hosts a community blues jam starting at 8 pm. No cover charge.
May 31
- Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, any time from 12-1:30 pm. Free.
- Take part in the discussion of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond, at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street), 5:30-6:30 pm. Free.
- Tainted Inc (56 Arbor Street, #310A) is hosting a dream catcher workshop, 6:30-8:30 pm. They say: “Dream Catchers, also referred to as “Sacred Hoops,” were traditionally used as talismans to protect sleeping people, usually children, from bad dreams & nightmares. The dream catcher attracts and catches all sorts of bad dreams & thoughts into its webs. When hung above the bed in a place where the morning sunlight can hit it, all negative thoughts are burned away in the daylight. Join Creator Lauren Bis crafting a dream catcher of your very own. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring anything else you want to create with!” There is a $20 registration fee.
