Your curated Hartford event calendar for October:

ADD TO CALENDAR

  • BENEFIT SHOW: A pay-what-you-can benefit show at the Free Center will raise funds for Summer of Solutions’ food justice and mutual aid program. That means groceries and housing assistance. There will be art, performances, and a clothing swap. 7 PM on October 1, 2021 at 460 New Britain Avenue. The suggested donation is $5-15.
  • ROLL UP ON THE CAPITOL FOR TCI: Want to lower carbon emissions, reduce asthma rates, and get closer to Vision Zero? The Transportation and Climate Initiative could help us do that. Join others in showing support for progressive climate action. Walk, bike, or roll to the Connecticut State Capitol on October 2, 2021 at 11:30 AM. For funsies, use the hashtag #SafeStreetsCT

  • MEETING MYCELIA: This promises to be one of the most unique programs in Hartford — shoot, in all of Connecticut — this year. Artist Carol Padberg will guide participants in “delving into the many ways mushrooms help create a cleaner, healthier, more inter-connected world.” Photos on her website provide a hint at what is in store. This wil be at the Keney Park Sustainability Project in Keney Park (Windsor Ave entrance). This workshop is scheduled for October 2, 2021 from 2-4 PM. Free and all-ages.
  • NIGHT FALL: The giant puppet show returns, in person, to Keney Park on October 9, 2021. Grounds open at 2 PM; performance starts at 6 PM. Bring your picnic blanket and lawn chairs. This is free. Keney Park is nearly 700 acres, but instead of making you guess where in the park this takes place, I’ll just tell you: use the Ridgefield Street entrance.
  • AUTUMN TREE TOUR: Coming to Cedar Hill Cemetery at 10 AM on October 16, 2021: “John Kehoe leads this autumn walk highlighting a colorful sampling of the remarkable collection including maples, cherries, beeches, pines, cedars and more.” This two hour tour is free, but reserve your ticket.
  • SPOOKY POPCORN: Several nights, various movies, one terrifying venue. Each movie begins at 6:30 PM. The lineup: On October 21, 2021 watch Pan’s Labyrinth; The Orphanage on October 22; Coraline on October 28; Misery on October 29; and, Candyman on October 30. The showings are free, but if you want to be guaranteed physically distanced seating with a good view, drop some cash. Bring your own chairs or blankets, picnic dinner, etc. This takes place at Constitution Plaza. Told you it was scary.
  •  HALLOWED HISTORY LANTERN TOUR: Wander through the cemetery at night listening to stories about dead people? Don’t have to ask me twice. The annual event at Cedar Hill Cemetery is scheduled for October 29, 2021, with tours happening between 6-9 PM. Character actors stand near graves, telling tales about those dwelling below the grass in the cemetery. Among this year’s stories: the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a scandalous paternity suit, and a tragic lamp accident. Each tour lasts about 60-75 minutes and covers one mile of uneven and hilly terrain. You will want to dress for the occasion and the weather.  Tickets are $20 and should be reserved in advance.
  • DIA DE MUERTOS: The Día de Muertos celebration at the Connecticut Historical Society & Museum will include mariachi music, crafts, and community ofrendas. Bring money for the Tacos Flores food truck. Activities will be indoors and outdoors. This takes place on October 30, from 10 AM until 5 PM. This is free and designed for all ages.

CULTURAL ASSETS

For ongoing free education, entertainment, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in. Looked last month? There have been additions since then.