Here’s your curated Hartford event calendar for November 2023.
What makes this list? Events that I would either attend or recommend to a good friend. Review events with the host/venue to confirm details have not changed since publication.

ADD TO CALENDAR 

  • PULP FICTION: WHAT?!
    “Say what again. Say what again. I dare you. I double-dare you.”
    You got one chance to watch this at Cinestudio. Free, 5 PM on November 5, 2023.
  • ACTIVE LISTENING FOR DIVISIVE TIMES: The Hartford Seminary (AKA Hartford International University for Religion & Peace) is hosting a free webinar for those interested in being better listeners. This is on November 6, 2023 at noon. Register for program link.
  • VOTE: Check that you are registered to vote, and then go do the thing. November 7, 2023, 6 AM – 8 PM.
  • CUPCAKE DECORATING: This program is part of the Adult Craft Club. Come by the Hartford Public Library’s Albany Avenue branch to learn how to decorate cupcakes with an autumn theme. November 7, 2023 6-7:30 PM. Register for this free event.
  • VOICES OF VETERANS: The Wadsworth Atheneum will be screening Voices of Veterans: Buffalo Soldiers and Beyond, which “highlights the legacy of the US Army regiment comprised mainly of Black Americans. The film examines objects from The Amistad’s permanent collection and surveys the contributions of African American military members though guided interviews with veterans.” There’s a reception before the film and a panel discussion after. This is on November 11, 2023; reception at 2 PM, film at 3. Free.
  • CELTIC SOUNDS: Irish music every other Monday in Parkville Market, which means November 13 and 27, 2023 from 7-10 PM. No cover charge.
  • SILENT BOOK CLUB: AKA Introvert’s Happy Hour. There’s socializing for only 30 minutes, and then an hour of silent reading, and then the option to stay for another 30 minutes of socializing. Since people will be bringing books, there’s an obvious conversation starter with strangers. The $10 admission gets you snacks and a $5 gift card to River Bend Bookshop. This is at Real Art Ways on November 15 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Register for the event.

  • HARVEST MARKET:  The Saturday before Thanksgiving, come get locally grown produce or prepared foods in the greenhouse at KNOX headquarters (75 Laurel Street). This year promises more diversity in vendors — vegan options! — and more food trucks. This is November 18, 2023 from 10-2.
  • CRAFTED HARTFORD: Craft fair at Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor Street), on November 19, 2023 from 11-4 PM.
  • ConnectiCUT Book Club: This third gathering will take place at Urban Lodge Brewing Co. on Pratt Street around 3:15 on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Find the people with books if you’ve done the reading and would like to participate. So far, the vibes — as kids these days say — have been immaculate. Keep that going! The selection this time will be the forward, both introductions, and chapter one in Let This Radicalize You. RSVP requested, and please read the guidelines/agreements.
  • WINTERFAIR: Local craft fair in Union Station on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 24 through December 23, 2023. Yes, in the train station, which is bigger than just that awkward room with the ticket windows. Fridays: 4-8 PM, Weekend hours: 12-5 PM.
  • MOXIE MARKET: Another craft fair. This one is in Parkville Market on November 25, 2023 from 11-6. Go upstairs.

Not an event so much as a PSA: there is a new combination free pantry and library on Forest Street by the Stowe Center. They have a solid plan to keep both elements stocked, but I’m mentioning this because it’s close to Hartford Public High School. If you’re like me, sometimes you have books to pass along but don’t want to place them somewhere close to an elementary school out of concern that an angry busybody will simply remove them; however, it’s a different story — pun intended — when the Little Free Library is one most likely accessed by teens and adults.

For other free library and pantry locations, scroll to the end of this post for an interactive map. If there are any new ones that need to be added (or old ones that should be subtracted), send me a message. I am not yet retired and therefore cannot personally review every single location each and every month.

GETTING TO EVENTS
Hartford’s a city. Let’s act like it.
See CTtransit for bus schedule.
If you would like better bus service, contact CTtransit.
If you would like bicycle parking at a venue, contact that venue directly.
Ask for the kind of world you want to live in.

CULTURAL ASSETS
For ongoing free education, entertainment, public art, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in and click on the icons for more information. Keep in mind that murals, take/give pantries, and free libraries are ephemeral; I try to keep this current, removing entries as murals are painted over or when someone’s well-intentioned food pantry abandoned. This was last updated in October 2023: