Though it’s tempting to want to curl up with your cat during these cool fall days, we insist there’s no hiding indoors this weekend. Hartford’s second annual PARK(ing) Day returns on Friday, September 19, where artists, activists, and city dwellers will transform metered parking spots into 12 pop-up parks with an art activity throughout downtown. See the map below for a list of locations and stop by anytime between 11AM – 3PM (everyone needs a break from their desk, right?); use #HartfordParkingDay to discuss the event on social media.
Other highlights for the week include Creative Cocktail Hour at Real Art Ways, where you can mingle with creatives over back-to-school nostalgia; a performance of Ether Dome at Hartford Stage that delves into the history of anesthesia; over 100 free events and art activities at ENViSIONFEST (again, NO staying indoors); and the opening of EVITA at the Bushnell, where you can enjoy the hit song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina!”
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.
THURSDAY
Tools to Live By: Girls Night Out!
When: Thursday, September 18, 6-7:30PM
Where: Imagine Nation Museum, Bristol
Who says tools are just for boys? This free program breaks tradition and teaches girls ages 8-13 how to use basic tools. Registration is required.
Admission: Free. 860-314-1400. www.imaginemuseum.org
Lecture: Costuming Hollywood in its Golden Age [UA]
When: Thursday, September 18, 6-8PM
Where: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Calling all vintage fans, guest lecturer and collector, John Davey discusses the challenges of designing clothing for film with examples from Hollywood and couture clothing. Lecture is followed by a cocktail reception.
Admission: $25-$30. 860-838-4100. www.thewadsworth.org
Creative Cocktail Hour [UA]
When: Thursday, September 18, 6PM-10PM
Where: Real Art Ways
Celebrate back to school as an adult with trivia, music lessons, a spelling bee, and more, at this monthly mixer where creatives come together for art and music.
Admission: $5-$10. www.realartways.com
FRIDAY
PARK(ing) Day
When: Friday, September 19, 11AM – 3PM
Where: Downtown Hartford
Join local artists and activists throughout downtown Hartford to transform metered parking spaces into pop-up parks for everyone to enjoy.
Admission: Free. www.hartford.com/ParkingDay
Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie [UA]
When: Friday, September 19, 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Where: TheaterWorks, Hartford
Enjoy 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
Ether Dome [UA]
When: Friday, September 19 (through October 29), 7:30PM
Where: Hartford Stage
Based on the true story of Hartford’s own Dr. Horace Wells who discovered ether as an anesthetic in 1846, Ether Dome is a psychological thriller that pits three men against each other on their quest for salvation, scientific prowess, and glory.
Admission: $25-$85. 860-527-5151. www.hartfordstage.org
SATURDAY
ENVISiONFEST
When: Saturday, September 20,
Where: Downtown Hartford
Head downtown for over 100 free events, activities and performances including games at Bushnell Park, art activities at Wadsworth Atheneum, and more!
Admission: Free. 860-522-1806. www.envisionfesthartford.com
Book/Mark: Meow-Za! [UA]
When: Saturday, September 20, 7PM
Where: Mark Twain House and Museum
Bring out your inner cat lady for this discussion on everything meow-za from fiction author Allia Zobel Nilan.
Admission: Free. 860-280-3130. www.marktwainhouse.org
SUNDAY
River/Sea Closing Reception
When: Sunday, September 21, 1PM- 4PM
Where: Vernon Community Arts Center
Catch the closing reception of this unique River/Sea installation, which consists of a labyrinth of water images, and meet the artist Barbara Hocker.
Admission: Free. 860-871-8222. www.vernonarts.org
Afternoon Critiques with Terrence Regan [UA]
When: Sunday, September 21, 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
TUESDAY
Evita [UA]
When: Tuesday, September 23, 7:30PM
Where: Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell
Musical fans unite! Catch the opening of Evita, the story of how Eva Peron, adored by the people of Argentina as a champion for the poor, became one of the most powerful women in the world.
Admission: $21-$80. 860-987-5900. www.bushnell.org
Want a spot on our list? Submit your arts and cultural events to our calendar and we may just feature it.
