Judging by the number of classic movies on this week’s must-see list, you can tell Hartford feels very nostalgic lately. From Wayback Wednesdays at the Public Library to free Hepburn movies at the Connecticut Historical Society, there’s several opportunities to catch up on movies you’ve never seen. Bonus points: some of these movies are outdoors. Extra bonus points: some of them are free! Other events that should be on your to-do list include an evening discussion with Ralph Nader at Mark Twain House, art happy hour at the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival, and Woody Sez at Theaterworks. Regardless of what you choose to do this weekend, remember that popcorn makes everything better.
When you see [UA] in the heading, it means the organization is supported by the contributions made to the Arts Council’s Annual United Arts Campaign.
WEDNESDAY
Wayback Wednesdays: Rebel without a Cause
When: Wednesday, August 13, 5:30PM – 7PM
Where: Hartford Public Library
Go way back in time with a 1955 award-nominated film, Rebel without a Cause featuring cult-favorite James Dean.
Admission: Free. 860-695-6300. www.hplct.org
THURSDAY
An Evening with Ralph Nader [UA]
When: Thursday, August 14, 7PM
Where: Mark Twain House and Museum
Calling all political buffs:mark your calendar for an evening discussion with Ralph Nader and Bill Curry at the Mark Twain House.
Admission: $25-$30 ($65 for VIP pre-reception with Ralph Nader). 860-280-3130. www.marktwainhouse.org
Free Hepburn Outdoor Movie: The Philadelphia Story
When: Thursday, August 14, 8PM
Where: Connecticut Historical Society
Take a trip to the 1940s with The Philadelphia Story, the romantic comedy which paved the way for Katharine Hepburn’s career.
Admission: Free. 860-236-5621 x 289. http://chs.org/Hepburn
The Event on Main: Cultural Cocktail Hours [UA]
When: Thursday, August 14, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Where: Butler-McCook House & Garden and Main Street History Center
Cocktails and art galore! Head over to happy hour and check out the latest exhibition from artist Lindaluz Carillo, and enjoy live music by Dave Mack.
Admission: Free. 860-522-1806. http://ctlandmarks.org
Art Happy Hour [UA]
When: Thursday, August 14, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Head over to the New Britain Museum of American Art for an evening of art and a presentation by James Schantz, director of Schantz Gallery in Massachusetts, as he discusses what makes for a successful art gallery.
Admission: $8-$12. 860-229-0257. http://www.nbmaa.org
Film & Discussion: Siddharth [UA]
When: Thursday, August 14, 7PM
Where: Real Art Ways
Catch the opening of Siddharth, a Hindi film that explores the complexity of financial burdens and child labor in India. English subtitles. A discussion with Nirajana Mishra will take place after the show.
Admission: $5-$10. www.realartways.org
FRIDAY
Museum After Dark: (Not So) Silent Art Auction [UA]
When: Friday, August 15, 8PM – 11PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Explore original artwork from contemporary artists at NBMAA’s annual Silent Art Auction, held in conjunction with the Museum After Dark Party.
Admission: $20-$25. 860-229-0257 x 247. http://www.nbmaa.org
Free Movies after Dark: The Wiz
When: Friday, August 15, 6:30PM
Where: Keney Park
Bring your blanket and relax under the stars with a free screening of The Wiz (1978) at Keney Park starting at sundown.
Admission: Free. www.hartford.com
Movies and Music under the Stars: Ecstasy [UA]
When: Friday, August 15, 5:30PM – 10PM
Where: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Enjoy dinner and music at the Wadsworth and then follow the controversial tale of an extra-marital affair starring Hedy Lamarr in the 1933 film, Ecstasy.
Admission: Free for members; $9 for non-members. 860-838-4100. http://thewadsworth.org
SATURDAY
Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie [UA]
When: Saturday, August 16, 2:30PM – 8PM
Where: TheaterWorks, Hartford
Catch the performance of four amazingly talented actor-musicians as they recreate folk hero Woody Guthrie’s heartfelt and empowering songs in this soul stirring musical.
Admission: $15-$65. 860-527-7838. www.theaterworkshartford.org
Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival
When: Saturday, August 16, 8AM- 5PM (through Sunday)
Where: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford
Head downtown for a 2-day family-friendly festival celebrating Asian culture with dragon boat racing. Enjoy the Asian beer garden, music and dance performances, a martial arts expo, and arts and crafts.
Admission: Free. 860-713-3131. www.riverfront.org
SUNDAY
Afternoon Critiques with Terrace Regan [UA]
When: Sunday, August 17, 1PM – 3PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Want constructive feedback on your artwork? Share your work with fellow artists and NBMAA staff during this afternoon critique and learn how to effectively engage in the critiquing process.
Admission: Free. 860-229-0257 x 247. www.nbmaa.org
MONDAY
Hartford Jazz Orchestra
When: Monday, August 18, 8:30PM – 11PM
Where: Arch St. Tavern
Monday Night Jazz may be over but jazz never stops in Hartford! Head over to Arch St. Tavern for a free show by the Hartford Jazz Orchestra.
Admission: Free. www.archstreettavern.com
Want a spot on our list? Submit your arts and cultural events to our calendar and we may just feature it.
