Meet the extraordinary women of Cedar Hill Cemetery who inspire with their stories of purpose and engagement, compassion and generosity, and strength and determination.
Hear the stories of Isabella Beecher Hooker, Anne Tracy Morgan, Josephine Day Bennett and more.
Admission to the program is $10.00 and free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made online at www.cedarhillfoundation.org.
Cedar Hill Cemetery is located at 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford. The walking tour begins at the flagpole at the end of the entrance drive.
Remarkable Women
The Lewis Walpole Library's latest exhibition has been curated by Alison FitzGerald, Associate Professor in the Department of History, Maynooth University, Ireland. Open Wednesdays 2-4:30 pm and other times by appointment. On view March 5 through August 22, 2025.
This exhibition explores the range of spectacular shows that were offered to the fee-paying public in Georgian London, from exhibitions of paintings, to scientific demonstrations, to the display of wondrous animals. The exhibition primarily focuses on images drawn from the extensive collections at the Lewis Walpole Library that announce, depict and satirize what people paid to gaze at. It will consider how derogatory ideas about spectacle were expressed in caricatures and political discourse.
Details at https://walpole.library.yale.edu/programs/exhibitions#Current%20exhibit
Exhibition: “Seen With Great Delight”: Spectacle in Georgian London
Celebrate the end of our Summer Reading program with Almost ERAS: The Taylor Swift Experience is an immersive tribute that takes audiences on a captivating journey through the musical evolution of one of the most iconic artists of our time—Taylor Swift. This experience is a celebration of her remarkable career, capturing the essence of her many eras, from her country roots to her transformation into a global pop sensation. You know you're going to want to sing along!
This event is sponsored by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in conjunction with The Farmington Libraries.
Summer Reading Finale Concert: Almost ERAS
Join us for the comedy-drama, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, starring Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Houghton.
In this award-winning film (1967), a white couple are forced to confront their beliefs when their daughter introduces them to her Black fiancé.
Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite candy for a movie under the stars.
The movie will be shown on an outdoor screen on the sprawling lawn between the Garden and Cedar Mausoleums.
(Rain Date: Thursday, August 28, 7:30 pm)
Cinema at the Cemetery
Join us for the comedy-drama, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, starring Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Houghton.
In this award-winning film (1967), a white couple are forced to confront their beliefs when their daughter introduces them to her Black fiancé.
Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite candy for a movie under the stars.
The movie will be shown on an outdoor screen on the sprawling lawn between the Garden and Cedar Mausoleums.
(Rain Date: Thursday, August 28, 7:30 pm)
Cinema at the Cemetery
Parker’s Tangent is a fun group playing all original rock music based on blues and roots sources. They have a wonderful female lead singer who has been compared to Grace Slick and Nora Jones, drums, percussion, lead and rhythm guitars, bass and an awesome violin player presenting virtuoso performances. They are a regional, professional working band based out of greater New Haven CT. The music is extremely accessible and can be enjoyed by people of virtually all ages. The music can be poetic, quiet and touching, to bluesy to out and out rocking.
They have been together over twenty years and have performed at hundreds and hundreds of bookings including Toads’ Place, the main stage of the New Haven Green, The International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Westport’s Blues, Views and Bar-B-Que Festival, the Phoenix, the Bedford Playhouse Clive Davis Art Center Long Wharf Theater, the CT Garlic and Harvest Festival and many more.…
Connecticut’s Old State House 2025 Summer Music Series
EVERY FRIDAY | JUNE 6 – OCTOBER 10, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us for our annual FREE Summer Concert Series! Stop by every Friday at lunchtime to hear a different band play each week on the westside patio of Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!
Concerts begin at noon and will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Thank you to our friends from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund for their generous funding of the Summer Concert Series.
Summer Music Series featuring Parker’s Tangent
50+ acts. 4 stages. 3 days of music, camping, and community.
That’s what’s in store at the 7th annual Black Bear Music Fest, happening August 22–24 at the scenic Harwinton Fairgrounds in Harwinton, CT.
This summer celebration of Americana music brings together national headliners, rising regional talent, and some of Connecticut’s favorite local bands — all spread across a beautiful, tree-lined fairground that transforms into a vibrant field of sound, food, and family-friendly fun.
🎶 The Music
The lineup spans blues, rock, folk, roots, and bluegrass, featuring:
- Shawn Mullins, Grammy-nominated and known for the platinum hit “Lullaby”
- Howie Day, whose hit “Collide” still pulls heartstrings
- David Wilcox and Jeffrey Gaines, acclaimed for their deeply personal and powerful performances
- The Alpaca Gnomes, Bridgeport’s jam-fueled, 7-piece folk-rock favorite
- The Dreadnoughts, bringing their rowdy blend of folk-punk and sea shanties
- And so many more! Explore the full lineup »
Whether you’re here for the headliners or discovering new favorites, the weekend is packed with nonstop sound and serious heart.
🎪 More Than Music
Formerly a fall tradition in Goshen, Black Bear now shines in the August sun with:
- Local food trucks and craft beverages
- Artisan vendors and handmade goods
- Family-friendly workshops and creative activities
- Tent and RV camping options
- The fan-favorite Bearwear merch building
It’s the kind of festival that feels less like a giant crowd and more like a music-loving village.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
- 1-Day Pass: $70
- 2-Day Pass: $130
- 3-Day Pass: $170
- Tent Camper Pass: $215
- RV Camper Pass: $260
- Kids 17 & under: FREE
Rain or shine. All ages welcome!
Black Bear Music Fest 2025 (Day 1 of 3)
Come enjoy an evening on the farm Fridays in August with live music, food truck, adult beverages, cut your own flowers, cornhole, sunset and more.
Free admission, free parking.
Bring your own chair.
No outside food or beverage permitted.
Firefly Fridays Music on the Farm
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
Doors: August 22, 2025 6:30 PM
Online Scheduled Ticket Price: GENERAL ADMISSION: $25.00
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS Live In Concert! + Support By: TBD
Purchase Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38216670
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
In 1841, Farmington was home to the African Mende captives who had rebelled and overtaken the slave ship La Amistad. On several dates this summer, the Farmington Historical Society will host a presentation and guided walking tour of these Freedon Trail sites that played a role during their stay in Farmington. The lecture and tour will be led by Connecticut storyteller Andre LePelle Keitt. Mr. Keitt serves as Consultant for Education and Programming for the Farmington Historical Society. The walking tour will also feature other sites in Farmington village which are part of Connecticut’s Freedom Trail and the Underground Railroad.
The 53 captives of La Amistad, mostly Mende from what is now Sierra Leone, were being shipped to Cuba to work on plantations. While at sea, they rebelled and the 44 survivors sailed the ship ending up in Long Island, New York. They were then taken into custody aboard the USS Washington, sent to New Haven and jailed to start trials in Hartford and later in Washington, D.C. The trials lasted 18 months. In February 1841, their case was argued by former President John Quincy Adams before the U.S. Supreme Court. On March 9, 1841, the decision was made declaring the Africans to be free people with permission to return to their homeland. Nine days later, they arrived in Farmington where abolitionists provided housing, schooling, and the fundraising necessary for the Mende passage back to their homeland.
The event will be presented on most Saturdays at 10 a.m., meeting at First Church of Christ, Congregational,1652 at 75 Main Street, Farmington, CT. Dates are: June 7, 14, 21; July 12, 19, 26; and August 2, 9, 16, 23; September 6, 13, 27. Cost for the lecture and tour is $20 per person (19 and up), $15 for seniors, and $10 for those under 18. Free for children 5 years old and under. The event will take place rain or shine. If the walking portion of the tour is not possible due to extreme weather, the event will continue in the church with a special presentation. Tickets must be purchased prior to the tour at https://bit.ly/4iD4qrK.
Farmington Historical Society offers Freedom Trail Lectures and Tours
You are invited to a showing of three silent shorts from the silent movie era to be played at the Farmington Library this August with live piano accompaniment. See the likes of Buster Keaton and company in a trio of comedy, suspense and thrills from great-grandpa's days at the nickelodeon. Suspense (1913), directed by Lois Weber and Phillips Smalley, Pool Sharks (1915), directed by Edwin Middleton and The Garage (1920) directed by "Fatty" Arbuckle will be shown.
Silent Short Triple Feature
Valuable Discoveries Found In Unexpected Places - get yours appraised for free!
We've all made some unexpected discoveries before. Maybe you found a $20 bill in an old coat pocket or stumbled upon a surprise family heirloom while cleaning your basement.
Discoveries range from weird to invaluable and everything in-between. Hopefully, this posting inspires you to keep your eyes open and indulge your curiosity. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something of value as well.
Bring your “discoveries” to ANTIQ’S - the only antique shop in Farmington, CT - where “every” Saturday is FREE antique appraisal day.
ANTIQ'S Voted the BEST antique shop in Farmington for 30+ years!
Just 3.3 miles off of I-84, Farmington, CT. Accepting all major credit cards and cash.
AND OF COURSE ~ BROWSERS WELCOME AND BUYERS ADORED
ANTIQ’S LLC – FARMINGTON, CT - Estd. 1990
Located on Hyde Rd., Farmington, CT at the corner of New Britain Avenue
Open every weekend Sat/Sun 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
#antiques #antiqueappraisal #appraisalofantiques #freeappraisal #freeantiqueappraisal #appraisalday #farmingtonct #farmingtonantiques #antiquesinfarmington #ctbucketlist #antiquetreasures #ct #connecticut #nyc #farmingtonct #farmingtonantiques #missporters #music #ctindooractivities #newhaven #newengland #ctantiques #art #cttravel #artist #cttourism
Valuable Discoveries Found In Unexpected Places - get yours appraised for free!
50+ acts. 4 stages. 3 days of music, camping, and community.
That’s what’s in store at the 7th annual Black Bear Music Fest, happening August 22–24 at the scenic Harwinton Fairgrounds in Harwinton, CT.
This summer celebration of Americana music brings together national headliners, rising regional talent, and some of Connecticut’s favorite local bands — all spread across a beautiful, tree-lined fairground that transforms into a vibrant field of sound, food, and family-friendly fun.
🎶 The Music
The lineup spans blues, rock, folk, roots, and bluegrass, featuring:
- Shawn Mullins, Grammy-nominated and known for the platinum hit “Lullaby”
- Howie Day, whose hit “Collide” still pulls heartstrings
- David Wilcox and Jeffrey Gaines, acclaimed for their deeply personal and powerful performances
- The Alpaca Gnomes, Bridgeport’s jam-fueled, 7-piece folk-rock favorite
- The Dreadnoughts, bringing their rowdy blend of folk-punk and sea shanties
- And so many more! Explore the full lineup »
Whether you’re here for the headliners or discovering new favorites, the weekend is packed with nonstop sound and serious heart.
🎪 More Than Music
Formerly a fall tradition in Goshen, Black Bear now shines in the August sun with:
- Local food trucks and craft beverages
- Artisan vendors and handmade goods
- Family-friendly workshops and creative activities
- Tent and RV camping options
- The fan-favorite Bearwear merch building
It’s the kind of festival that feels less like a giant crowd and more like a music-loving village.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
- 1-Day Pass: $70
- 2-Day Pass: $130
- 3-Day Pass: $170
- Tent Camper Pass: $215
- RV Camper Pass: $260
- Kids 17 & under: FREE
Rain or shine. All ages welcome!
Black Bear Music Fest 2025 (Day 2 of 3)
FREE ADMISSION! Organized by the non-profit Art Füd, this family friendly, community event – now in its seventh year – offers live music, a creative collection of artists and makers, local craft beer and cider, food vendors, interactive art opportunities, activities and games! There will be plenty of parking in the nearby lots, as well as on Main Street and various side streets. This fest goes on rain or shine. Event’s approximate address for GPS directions: 12 Purnell Place, Manchester, CT 06040
Live Music All Day: Performers this year include Pocket Vinyl, MARMO, Garrett Moore, Ali Kat & The Revelators, Manchester Pipe Band, FriendZWorldMusic, Bap Pack, Sgt. Scag, Thankful Soul Revival, The Eldest Spawn and Addy Fiereck.
Local Craft Beer & More: Enjoy libations from 2nd Bridge Brewing, Center Street Brewing, Labyrinth Brewing, Off the Rails Brewing, Stafford Cidery, Urban Lodge Brewing, Dead Language Beer Project, and Quiver Spirits. Cocktails & Mocktails by Birch Hill Tavern start in the evening hours.
The SCF Brew Experience: Enjoy a commemorative SCF 2025 drinking vessel and sample pours of your choice. Limited tickets available at www.artfud.org via eventbrite.
Vendor Village: Explore our village of local artists and makers offering a great variety of creative goods including mixed media, illustrations, woodcraft, graphic design, printmaking, jewelry, fiber work, apparel, papercraft, soaps, home decor, and more.
Interactive Art: Join in with local artists and let your inner creative shine! Try your hand at origami, printmaking, paint pouring, meditative drawing and more!
Big Fun: Jenga, Connect Four, Cornhole await those up for some fun and games.
Foodie Fare: This year’s onsite nourishment is being provided by Hungry Lion, Jayy’s, Keifer’s Kettle Korn & Italian Ice, Pop’s Hot Diggity Dogs, Soulvaki City, Spadazzels Coffee, and Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop. Still hungry? Additional fine fare can be found just a few steps away within the popular Main Street area restaurants.
Come out and enjoy all of this, and more, on August 23rd! Bring the family, bring your friends, bring a chair…stay for a little, stay the whole day into evening.
Silk City Fest is made possible in part by a grant from the Town of Manchester’s Downtown Arts and Culture Grant Program and is also generously supported by Imagine Manchester and Manchester’s Cultural District.
Silk City Fest
Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 1-9:30pm
at Purnell Place in downtown Manchester
#silkcityfest
Silk City Fest 2025
If we no longer need the land, will we still feel connected to it? This hypnotic documentary examines how technology is changing the way we experience the world.
Directed by Natalia Almada. 2021. USA/Mexico (English/Spanish with English subtitles). 1 hour, 21 minutes. Not rated.
Learn more about the Visions of the (Un)Settled Film Series and view the full film schedule.
Organized in conjunction with (Un)Settled: The Land scape in American Art and presented with support from the Art Bridges Cohort Program.
Film: USERS
Please note there is no class June-August
Confluence
Ready to find your people?
Let's cultivate a space for a new way of being
With Julieanne Palmer, Shaman and Spiritual Mentor.
Fourth Saturdays starting March 22, 2025. 3:00-5:00 PM
This will be an open forum where
everyone belongs, any idea is welcome, and where your
words can be spoken and heard in a safe and open
environment. We will create a tapestry of ideas, dreams and
connection. We will openly discuss those areas of wisdom
that you have but no one to share them with. A place where
you can just be and listen to thoughts and ideas you never
would have envisioned and weave them into your own life’s
tapestry.
What participants should bring:
Water, snacks to share, a stone/crystal, journal.
Event Fee: Donation of $10 would be appreciated
Payment link: Venmo: jpmoonpath
Contact Info: ctshaman@gmail.com
About Julieanne: Julieanne lives in Barkhamsted where she has been
practicing her shamanism for thirty years. Her twenty-five
years as a Mesa carrier, studying with the Peruvian Q’eros,
working with people of diverse Medicine Ways, she brings a
vast amount of wisdom and energy to all she offers.
Julieanne would like to create a community of open minded,
creative thinkers, people who lead with the heart and can
envision a new way of being.
No class Jun-Aug: Confluence
Join us for Outdoor Yoga Every Sunday During the Summer
Yoga on the Land
West Hartford’s Sunday Market offers fresh produce, flowers, prepared foods, and weekly visiting vendors, as well as live music and other activities. It's also West Hartford's "Sundae Market" with two Sundaes to give away each week! Stop by the information table to get a free raffle ticket and to see if yours was one of the winning numbers.
The lineup for August 24 includes:
Farmers:
Bouquets and Blueberry Gardens - (flowers); Clatter Ridge Farm - (lamb, pork, eggs, mushrooms); CT Garlic Company (garlic); Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Beekeeping (honey); River Ridge Farm - (berries, apples, pears, vegetables, cut flowers, corn); Samad Garden Initiative - (teas, spices, herbs); Slow Poke Farm - (vegetables, eggs); Sweet Acre Farm - (vegetables, flowers, microgreens ); Valencia Grows - (herbs, honey, vinegar, teas)
Prepared Foods:
Anna’s Sweet Creations - (Italian baked sweets); Brightside Brew (kombucha); Bundt Society (bundt cakes, cookies, brownies); Coffeeology (coffee); Granny's Pie Factory - (baked goods); Happy Hippie Homestead (bread); The Ital Juicery Company® - (juices); Olmo Bagels (bagels); Pop’s Famous Guac - (guacamole); Yalla Organic - (Mediterranean hummuses, salads & desserts)
Other Vendors:
Ital Soap (soap); Bella Glass; Byrnewix Candles (candles); FineFettle Pets (pet treats); Kevin Reed (knife sharpening); Renewal by Anderson (replacement windows and doors)
Music by Kevin Salley
Blue Back Farmers' Market
Bentley will offer two activities for our younger patrons during the month of August. Our LITTLE JOE CHICKAPIG Scavenger Hunt will run from August 4th to August 18th. Stop by the library to search for all of Little Joe's best friends. Our Story Walk for August will run from the 19th to the end of the month and will feature LITTLE JOE CHICKAPIG - A Story About Following Your Dreams. You can read the book and explore the library at the same time. Registration is not required.
Scavenger Hunt and Story Walk in August
Calling all royalty! Celebrate Princess Week --dress up in your best attire, make a charm bracelet (come to all three programs to complete your bracelet!), and enjoy the film!
Registration Required! Open to All Ages!
Princess Movie Week
All Summer Concerts in Bolton are on select Wednesday evenings at Bolton Town Green (In front of Bentley Memorial Library). All concerts run from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Join us on the town green, bring a picnic, blanket, chairs and enjoy the summer evenings with the community. Summer Concerts are a free event for all to join!
All rain dates and cancellations will be posted to the Recreation Department website.
July 9- Eastview Drive
July 16- Cover2cover
July 23– The Rolangs
July 30– Feedback
August 6- Ali Kat Acoustic
August 13– Nightshift
Tuesday August 26- Rock Solid Alibi** rescheduled from June 25th!
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
Simoniz USA**
Country Liquors**
W.H. Preuss Sons**
Highland Park Market
Bolton Veterinary Hospital
Bolton Prevention Council
Munson's Chocolates
Northern Lights Electrical
Kelman Landscape LLC
** Super Sponsors
Bolton Summer Concert Series- Rock Solid Alibi RESCHEDULE
Spiritual Support Group
Get grounded, feed your soul, and express yourself in a safe & supportive environment
With Ryan Drodz, Reiki Master & Sound Healer
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of each month starting May 27th from 7pm-8:30pm
If you are seeking support on your spiritual path, craving authentic connection, and need a space to speak your truth, look no further! Ryan will open each group with a brief sound meditation to help participants get grounded, then share his own spiritual experiences, struggles, and self-expression practices. This group is held in an open forum style. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, challenges, and joys with no pressure to do so. Sharing within the group is optional.
Ryan wishes to serve others walking a spiritual path after hearing similar struggles from others on their journey. Please read through the group rules before attending. These rules must be honored to provide safety, common ground, and respect for other participants.
Is this group right for you? Read the below and if you agree to the below then this may be the right group for you:
1. Spiritual Support Groups are confidential–what is shared in the group stays within the group. Do not share names, stories, and details about attendees outside of a group that could be used to identify them. This is a safe space that encourages vulnerability, authentic expression, and spiritual growth.
2. The group is held in an open forum style. If you would like to speak, limit responses to 3-5 minutes to allow everyone a chance to speak. Refrain from crosstalk and talking over others. Discrimination and rudeness will not be tolerated in this group.
3. Offering genuine support and encouragement is highly recommended! Keep in mind that each person's spiritual journey is unique. I encourage you to share your journey and refraining from offering unsolicited advice to others. We do not “should” on others within the group because this is disempowering. For example, “You should do this, say this, try this” is not allowed.
What participants should bring: An open heart, mind, and the courage to express what may be dimming your inner light.
Event Fee: $20 suggested donation.
PLEASE RSVP: https://soundslikerad.setmore.com/book
For Questions: radliving13@gmail.com
Bio: Ryan has struggled with depression and undiagnosed chronic pain for years which led him to do much inner work. During this journey, he learned to identify ego vs soul and to trust his heart’s intuition over thoughts created by the mind. Ryan is a Reiki Master, Sound Healer, RYT-200, and eternal student.
Website: soundslikerad.com
Spiritual Support Group
Thomas Patch: Artist and Entrepreneur in Eighteenth-Century Florence
Curated by Hugh Belsey, Independent Scholar
Known primarily as a caricature artist, Thomas Patch (1725-1782) in fact engaged in a much wider array of activities. He was a landscape painter, experimental printmaker, and a dealer of antiquities and old master paintings. He was also among the first scholars of early Renaissance art. This exhibition will explore the many aspects of Patch’s art, life, and associations with the British community of diplomats, tourists, artists, and collectors in Italy.
Exhibition--Thomas Patch: Artist and Entrepreneur in Eighteenth-Century Florence
