Events in New Britain today

Enjoy a free movie at the library. Register by calling 860-584-7790. Everyone is welcome, and popcorn will be provided.

Settle in for family friendly films during Monday Movie Nights at Parkville Market, with screenings held on the outdoor patio. The lineup includes Goat, Onward, KPop Demon Hunters, and Inside Out 2. Children eat for free all day on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entrée from the same vendor. Sponsored by CREC, the Capitol Region Education Council.

Young players can build skills and confidence through weekly summer tennis classes designed for ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, with separate beginner and intermediate groups. Each program runs in three-week sessions, with an additional week reserved for weather-related makeups. Options are available on a midweek day and on Saturdays, so families can choose what fits their schedules. The cost per three-week session is $90 for members and $120 for non-members and guests. For more information or to register, call (860) 232-0841 or email info.hartfordtennisclub@gmail.com.

Settle in with Ms. Karen to hear the opening chapter or two of a great book, then borrow a copy to continue the story at home. This session welcomes children ages 8 and older and is part of the library’s continuing Summer Reading series. To register, visit the library or call 860-584-7790.

BackTrax, recording artists with The Phoenix Project Group, appears as part of New Britain’s summer concert series at the Walnut Hill Park band shell. The band arrives with a refreshed lineup that includes two keyboard players, three lead vocalists, and polished harmonies. Expect a program of nostalgic favorites and rediscovered tunes that spark memories. Admission is free.

Camp Blue Back offers a family-focused morning at Blue Back Square with a new theme each week. Expect entertainment like magicians and bubble shows, along with interactive bubble play, face painting, balloon twisting, and other kid-friendly activities. This week’s session is canceled due to weather, and the series will resume the following week.

This welcoming weekly program is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants spend an hour exploring creativity through coloring and simple crafts while socializing with peers. Special activities may also be offered at times, such as bingo or a movie. It is drop-in, with no registration required. For questions, call 860-584-7790.

A complimentary meditation session brings people together from around the world to connect through the heart, uplift their energy, and share light with the planet and each other. Even a small group can make a meaningful difference. Attend online via Zoom or in person at the Light Source Center in West Hartford. Capacity is limited to 100 participants, and the Zoom link is provided after registration.

The Take Off Tuesday Club presents a happy hour at The Flying Monkey Grill Bar. VIP Card holders can take advantage of extended happy hour pricing. Friends are welcome, and those interested can learn about becoming members of the club.

Now in its second year, this women-only networking group brings women together for connections in a learning-focused, upbeat setting. The gathering takes place at Max Pizza 4 and encourages conversation and community in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tuesday night dances keep the summer energy going at the Bristol Elks Lodge, bringing together music, community, and plenty of time on the floor. Geared toward Beginner and Improver levels, these sessions are suitable for those learning the basics as well as dancers looking to refine their footwork. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, the session moves to a different dance location, with details for those weeks shared on the page.

The monthly meeting of JCSNE takes place at Olympia Diner and provides a welcoming setting to connect with members over a casual meal and conversation before the formal session. It is a helpful starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the club. The agenda typically includes opening the meeting and considering any additions, then reports from the secretary, treasurer, membership, and the vice president, along with an update on The Spotted Cat. There are also updates from the VP of events, the chief judge, concours, advertising, the webmaster, and slalom. The meeting continues with unfinished business and AGM matters, offers time for open discussion, and closes with adjournment.

At B Restaurants in Glastonbury, trivia night brings teams together to grab a table, answer questions, and compete for bragging rights with food and drinks on hand. Sign-ups are available for participants, creating an easy way to turn friendly rivalry into a lasting tradition with friends.

Skyway delivers an energetic R&B and 70s-infused performance that spans dancefloor classics to current chart-toppers. Expect songs made famous by Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Chic, alongside modern hits from Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. Part of the free Rockin Out at Rockwell Summer Concert Series, the event also offers food trucks presented by the West End Association, including Rita's Italian Ice and Custard, El Encanto Oaxaqueno, and Pollo Frito, with vendors subject to change. The series features a range of genres such as funk, rhythm and blues, country, classic rock, and more.

Dunkin' Park hosts an exciting matchup as the Yard Goats take on the Moon Mammoths, a team identity created and popularized by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The event also recognizes kids from the Reading Books in Summer program, with appreciation to Eversource. Fans can play Baseball Bingo presented by Hartford Provision Company for a chance to win prizes. The game is presented by Call Before You Dig.

Now in its 46th year, the New Britain Lions Howard Wry Memorial Golf Tournament offers a full day of golf at Stanley Golf Course, with the venue’s new outdoor pavilion part of the experience. Teams of four are encouraged to take part, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds support NB Lions Charities.

Katrina & Mark perform live at the farmer's market in Central Park in New Britain. The market features fresh produce, local vendors, and food trucks, and it also offers doubled SNAP benefits.

WHY in the Parks returns with an outdoor yoga session at Eisenhower Park. Experienced WHY instructors guide an accessible class suitable for every age and ability, weaving poses, breathing practices, and quiet mindfulness in a scenic setting. The class is free to attend, and voluntary donations are appreciated. Please bring a yoga mat, a towel, and water. Pre-registration is recommended and enables email notices if weather forces a cancellation due to rain or wet grounds.

Enjoy a free, all-levels Vinyasa yoga session at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza led by instructors from Hartford Sweat. The class connects breath and movement, set to music, and guides participants through smooth, calming poses that build strength and ease tension. A shaded riverside setting creates a peaceful atmosphere for about an hour of practice. Please bring water and a yoga mat. Free on-street parking is available on both sides of the river. Paid parking is offered in the Connecticut Convention Center Garage, and parking on the fifth floor with the north-side exit provides direct access to the Convention Center, the Connecticut Science Center, and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. While the class is free, a suggested $5 donation supports keeping classes available and can be made at the class, on the website, or via Venmo at @riverfrontrecapture.

The Light Source Center offers group meditations centered on giving and receiving Light. These sessions encourage a calmer mind, a connection to inner light, and a deeper sense of relaxation. All levels are welcome, including those new to meditation. Each meditation is followed by time to share personal reflections, which can help ground the experience and open new pathways for growth and learning. Sessions are available in person at The Light Source Center and online on Zoom, and a Wednesday option focuses on healing. The drop-in fee is $10.

Design a signature scent with Crisp Serenity at a guided, hands-on fragrance workshop. Learn to blend essential and fragrance oils to create a personalized perfume or cologne, with expert instruction and all materials provided. Tickets are $45 and include step-by-step guidance plus your first beer, making it a relaxed creative outing with friends or a soothing midweek treat. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and an appreciation for good beer. Tickets will be available through Coles Road’s Toast website.

Explore Argentine tango at The Garage Dance & Coffee Lounge with options for both beginner and intermediate dancers. The beginner class emphasizes core technique and foundational patterns to build confidence with a partner, priced at $10. The intermediate class starts with technique drills and moves from straightforward structures to more intricate sequences, adding occasional challenges to support growth, priced at $20. An open practice welcomes all for $10, and it is complimentary for anyone who takes a class.

A team trivia night celebrating the best of the 1990s, featuring questions on hit TV comedies, boy bands, classic films, popular music, and memorable pop culture moments.

Designed for children from birth to age five with a caregiver, this relaxed story time blends upbeat songs, engaging read-alouds, and simple movement activities. It is a drop-in program, so no registration is needed. For information, contact Manross Library at 860-584-7790.

Sit & Stitch offers a relaxed setting where knitters, crocheters, and other handcrafters can work on personal projects alongside friendly makers. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to seasoned stitchers, with plenty of opportunities to exchange techniques, share ideas, and enjoy conversation. Gatherings are held in the Library’s Blanche Johnson Delaney Large Meeting Room or the Marjorie Moore Board Room, and sometimes move outside when the weather is pleasant. Holiday weeks can affect the schedule, so meeting details may vary.

Blue Back Square hosts a weekly outdoor jazz series on the Blue Back Stage, featuring live performances that create a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. Admission is free, and the music sets an easygoing tone for the evening. After the show, nearby restaurants offer happy hour specials so the night can continue with food and drinks.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses with a growth plan can share their ideas with a panel of experienced professionals. Reserve a spot to take part.

KNOX celebrates six decades in bloom with its annual Garden Party at the Bushnell Park Pump House and Carousel. Expect seasonal dishes, live music, and dancing in a lively park setting. Proceeds support KNOX initiatives such as community gardens, urban gardening programs, volunteer projects, tree plantings, and city planters, all working to strengthen Hartford’s environment and quality of life.

Live soul jazz sets the mood for your evening meal with a performance by Michael Childs & Co. Settle in for dinner accompanied by soulful sounds.

Indulge in your favorite frozen treats while making a difference at a Ben & Jerry’s benefit in West Hartford, CT that supports the Animal Rescue Foundation. Volunteers will be scooping behind the counter, and up to 20% of sales during the event will be donated to help care for homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected cats and dogs. Every purchase helps, whether you stop in for a cone or sundae, stock the freezer with pints, order an ice cream cake for an upcoming celebration, or pick up treats for the office. Families, friends, coworkers, and teams are all welcome to enjoy dessert together. ARF volunteers will also share information about adoptable animals and will host a table with merchandise and goodies that further support the rescue. Animal Rescue Foundation is a volunteer run, non profit, no kill shelter that has been saving cats and dogs since 1971.

Move to the music with a free weekly Zumba session on the Hartford HealthCare Community Stage at the lower level of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Hartford Sweat instructors lead a high-energy, one-hour class filled with dance rhythms and cardio fun. Free on-street parking is available on both sides of the river. Paid parking is offered in the Connecticut Convention Center Garage, and the most direct route is from level five using the north-side exit to reach the Convention Center, the Connecticut Science Center, and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. A suggested $5 donation helps sustain free classes, with contributions accepted at the class, online, or via Venmo.

Settle in for a cozy, creativity-filled candle making workshop with a literary twist at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, presented by Summit Scent Co. Design a custom candle and choose from decorative accents such as dried florals and fruit, shimmering glitter, vibrant wax dyes, healing crystals, and detailed wax molds inspired by botanicals, flowers, and foodie themes, along with book-themed touches made for devoted readers. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore fosters a welcoming atmosphere with a vibrant selection of books, gifts, and kids’ merchandise that reflects the community, and it is dedicated to helping shoppers discover hidden gems. Participants will also receive a scratch ticket that provides a percentage off purchases made the evening of the workshop. Whether arriving with friends or planning some solo self-care, this hands-on experience encourages relaxation, connection, and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. Summit Scent Co. highlights candle making as a way to craft intentional moments, celebrate creativity, and enjoy the joy of making something truly your own.

Plant Bingo returns to The Garden at Pinehurst Farm in Bristol, CT for a relaxed evening in a cozy barn setting surrounded by greenery. Enjoy six rounds of Plant Bingo with curated plant prizes, including Pinehurst favorites and special statement selections saved for the final rounds. Between games, visit the flower and plant bar to create an arrangement to take home, so even those who do not win a round leave with something living. Shop purchases are discounted 15 percent during the event. It is BYOB, and attendees may bring snacks and drinks. Tickets are $45 per person. The venue is a comfortable New England barn, so dressing in layers is recommended. Seating is limited. This gathering is part of the Garden Games series and offers a distinctive night out for plant lovers and friends.

All ages are welcome at a weekly Pokémon league night focused on play, trading, and friendly competition. League tournaments are available in three formats: Standard, Gym Leader, and Ditto. Trading is allowed throughout the event. Entry fees start at $5 and vary by the specific activity. Participants should have a Pokémon player ID from the official website, and assistance with registration is available at the shop.

A weekly Pokémon league night features constructed play for all ages. Trading is always allowed, creating a welcoming space to play, trade, and connect with fellow trainers on Thursdays. If you are searching the Riftbound event in the store locator, enter E.E.J.L. with the periods included.

Of Virtue and Savage Hands lead The Art of Love and Power Tour, with support from Kingdom Collapse and Sorry X. This is a general admission concert. Tickets are $20 in advance online and $25 on the day of the show.

Best Trivia Ever hosts a trivia night with a fresh approach to the classic format. According to Best Trivia Ever, they have fixed what made other trivia nights disappointing.

Italian Heritage Night brings a lively celebration to the ballpark with Italian-themed food, special promotions, and festive touches that invite a cheerful salute. The Yard Goats host the Tigers affiliate.

This seasonal community farmers market features locally grown, budget-friendly produce alongside a mix of food and non-food vendors. Community nonprofits provide outreach information, Russell Library's Storytime is offered, and Music at the Market provides music for a midday outing. The market accepts SNAP, FMNP, and SFMNP.

Meet current Girl Scouts and volunteers at Union Park to learn what Girl Scouts do and how to get involved. Get information on joining a troop in the Middletown and Portland area, starting a new troop, or becoming an adult volunteer. Look for the Girl Scouts at the farmers market and stop to say hello.

An evening market turns Pratt Street into an open-air shopping destination, with local shops and restaurants creating a lively vibe. Browse goods and services from Hartford Prints!, Gentle Bull Shop, Rundown Hartford, Delilah's Psychic Readings, Capital Spirits Hartford, Professional Barber Shop, and Refuge Tattoos. Food and drink choices include Sorella Hartford, Vaughan's Public House, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlor, Sunberry Hartford, Bloom Bake Shop, and Urban Lodge Hartford. Street parking is available, and a nearby lot offers convenient access to Pratt Street.

Art Happy Hour offers live music with a view of Walnut Hill Park. For this edition, Lys Guillorn & The Void Kittens start the show, followed by The Sawtelles, and Sazon Urbano serves from the food truck. The Museum Café sells local beer, wine, a craft cocktail selection, and light bites like snacks, sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy the music free of charge on the Café Terrace, while museum admission is needed to visit the galleries. When a food truck is scheduled, it is stationed in the parking lot next to the park. If weather becomes an issue, calling ahead is advised since the event is usually moved indoors.

At Hound and Home LLC, this hands-on workshop guides you through soldering and finishing a custom stained glass bust portrait of your pet. Ahead of the workshop, participants provide pet photos so the instructor can design the pattern, hand cut the glass, grind it, and apply copper tape. The prepared piece is brought to the event for you to solder and complete, with a step to hand paint the eyes for lifelike detail. Leave with a personalized stained glass keepsake.

A relaxed drop-off workshop for girls ages 10–14 takes place in the barn at The Garden at Pinehurst Farm, offering a cozy, supervised setting to create, connect, and enjoy a special night out. Each gathering features a new hands-on project, plus pizza, refreshments, and cookies. Participants can play Plant Bingo and enjoy music and movement under LED glow lighting, with participation in these elements optional. The program is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and connection, with clear behavior expectations and allergy accommodations in place. It follows a drop-off format with defined arrival and pick-up windows, and late pick-up fees apply. The cost is $45 per child, which includes dinner and all materials. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, and a signed waiver is needed to participate.

This 60 minute, all levels yoga class with Kayla Howell offers a welcoming space where people in bigger bodies can move, stretch, and breathe with ease. Expect accessible variations that meet you where you are, with supportive props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets to enhance comfort. The practice centers on building strength, flexibility, and mindful body awareness, and memberships as well as class cards are accepted. Kayla serves as the studio’s Healing Arts manager. Her yoga journey began in 2017 while working in a demanding New York City career, and after returning to Connecticut in 2018 she joined WHY’s work study program before stepping into a staff role in 2019. She completed the WHY Power 200 Hour Teacher Training in 2019 and again in 2023, finished Foundational Yin Yoga Training with Kelly Bay in 2024, and is a Licensed Massage Therapist (lic# 11424). She values her practice and the supportive community at WHY.

Riley Green brings his Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026 to Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, CT. Experience a live concert from the artist as part of this tour stop.

Baseball and community spirit come together as the Yard Goats face the Tigers affiliate during a special night focused on cancer awareness and support. In collaboration with Jefferson Radiology, the game pays tribute to those affected by cancer and recognizes fighters, survivors, and their families. After the final out, a fireworks show caps the evening.

Aidan Gittings, a rising blues pianist from Boston, brings his energetic young band to Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar for their Hartford debut. This performance showcases a next-generation take on blues piano.

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza hosts a Connecticut summer tradition that combines fast-paced dragon boat racing on the Connecticut River with a free Asian festival on the upper plaza. Community and competitive club teams compete on the water, with the lower plaza serving as the hub for race activity, while the upper plaza spotlights Asian and Pacific Island cultures through traditional music and dance, interactive art, martial arts demos, and a wide variety of food. Families can take in the performances and cheer for the paddlers. Teams can register to participate, and no prior experience is required. Free on-street parking is available on both sides of the river, and paid parking is offered at the Connecticut Convention Center Garage, with convenient access to the plaza from the fifth floor via the north side exit.

Bristol Farmer’s Market will include a visit from BB along with another person on one of their planned days. This occasion is part of a series of appearances, with BB returning to the market on multiple dates. Look for them during the market.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire brings larger-than-life action to PeoplesBank Arena across three performances. Expect new stunts from the Hot Wheels monster trucks, aerial tricks by FMX riders, and a robot dinosaur that breathes fire and crushes cars. The lineup also introduces Rhinomite, a rhino-themed truck making its debut. Optional upgrades are available. The Pre-Show Party offers close-up access to the trucks, photo opportunities, driver autographs, and interactive games and contests, along with time on the show floor where the crashes and stunts take place. The Backstage VIP Experience includes a guided tour with the hosts, a VIP merchandise bundle, and a behind-the-scenes look at pre-show preparations and truck setups, and it also includes the Pre-Show Party. Savings on kids tickets are available. An event admission ticket is required for entry and each upgrade is purchased separately.

The Hare Krishna Chariot Festival, also known as Ratha-yatra, is a joyful community celebration of music, devotion, culture, food, and togetherness. A colorful chariot procession leads into a festival at Riverfront Park, featuring live kirtan and devotional chanting, activities for children, henna artistry, cultural entertainment, and a complimentary vegetarian meal. Guests can browse spiritual literature and gift items. Admission is free and the event welcomes everyone. Parking is available at Riverfront Park. Presented by ISKCON of Connecticut in the tradition of Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Adults can sharpen their tennis fundamentals in a summer series of clinics led by Jim, Malena, and the qualified HTC tennis staff. Each session focuses on a specific skill, including topspin groundstrokes, volleys and half volleys, 1-2-3 Zone overheads, spin serves, and more. The featured technique will rotate weekly, with the schedule to be announced. Pricing is $32 for members and $42 for non-members and guests.

Enjoy a weekly Connecticut car show sponsored by The Farmer's Cow Calfe. Classic, muscle, and street cars from across the state take center stage, accompanied by good food and a family friendly atmosphere.

Enjoy live music with dinner at The Flying Monkey Grill Bar. A live set will accompany your meal throughout the evening.

West Coast Swing dancers who know the basics can gather for a monthly social on third Saturdays at The Garage Dance & Coffee Lounge in New Britain. A beginner friendly group lesson leads into open social dancing, with admission options of $20 for the class including the social or $15 for the social only. Music is devoted to West Coast Swing, and participants are expected to have prior WCS experience since other dance styles are not played. The space is air conditioned, the venue is BYOB, and outdoor dancing is offered when weather permits. Dancers from the local area and visitors come together to connect and grow within the CT WCS community.