This weekend in Torrington, CT

A marathon-powered fundraiser from The Bear’s Foundation and the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association focuses on 86ing mental health stigma and supporting food and beverage workers across Connecticut. The initiative will expand access to Mental Health First Aid training so restaurant and hospitality teams can spot when someone may be struggling, respond with compassion, and connect them with helpful resources. In a field driven by passion, resilience, and long hours, many workers face intense stress and burnout without the support they need. Funds raised will help build stronger workplaces, healthier communities, and a culture that treats mental health with the seriousness it deserves. Support from people within the industry, those who care about someone who works in it, and anyone committed to standing up for others makes a direct difference, honoring the people who take care of all of us.

Participants can run a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon in support of rescued dogs with Team Dog Star, a Premier Charity of the Eversource Hartford Marathon. Every dollar raised goes directly to the rescue. Team members receive perks such as a dedicated port-a-potty, complimentary bag storage, a post marathon party, great swag, and more. Those who are not runners can choose the 5K and walk if needed, making it accessible to many paces. It is all about running for the rescues.

A staple New England road race in Hartford features a marathon, half marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, and a Charity 5K, organized with careful attention to safety and enjoyment. On course support is abundant, medical and security coverage is comprehensive, and the finish brings a festive atmosphere for runners, volunteers, and spectators. Participants can connect with community charities, add enhancements to their race day, or take part in one of two multi race series to pursue extra challenges and rewards. It all begins by the Capitol, with the marathon and half marathon heading into West Hartford neighborhoods lined with cheering supporters and a brief visit to Elizabeth Park. After the split, marathoners cross the Founders Bridge, follow the river along East Hartford, then roll through the quiet town roads of South Windsor that showcase classic New England character. The course returns to Hartford to finish just beyond the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, where food, music, and beer garden festivities await. The half marathon turns off in Hartford near mile eight, traces the river, and closes with a downtown finish beneath the Arch, with bright mums coloring the approach. The Charity 5K tours downtown Hartford, offering speed for competitors while welcoming relaxed runners and walkers aiming for an Arch finish. The Team 26.2 Relay lets groups of two to five cover the distance in legs along the marathon route. Custom race shirts and finisher medals commemorate the experience.

The Market Street Creatives fall festival transforms the entire property, inside and out, into a seasonal celebration with shopping, food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Explore more than 200 local artisans, makers, and small businesses, and enjoy food trucks, autumn treats, hot cider, and baked goods. Watch live demonstrations, join hands-on activities, and meet talented local creators. Friendly farm animals and local farm vendors add classic New England charm, while a building-wide scavenger hunt offers chances to win prizes. Marsha's Barefoot Books Back-to-School Book Fair features a Story Walk of The Gigantic Turnip, and attendees can bring a gently used book to support the Free Little Library collection. Hidden Golden Pumpkins will be tucked throughout the festival. For a spooky twist, Tyler FX is creating an immersive world in the warehouse. Admission is family friendly, and new vendors, activities, entertainment, and attractions will be announced as the event gets closer.

A free food distribution from NEST and Whole Foods Market offers no-cost food along with helpful resources. Quantities are limited, and items will be given out on a first come basis until everything is gone. Participants can learn about Whole Foods Market, pick up free resources, and explore the option to join the Garden Club.

An in-person intuitive painting workshop at The Light Source Center invites participants to explore creativity without judgment or pressure. The session weaves the center’s guided visualization meditations with hands-on art making, using intention and playful experimentation to encourage presence and trust in inner guidance. All materials are provided, with chances to try different tools, and there is unhurried time for personal painting in a welcoming setting that supports exploration without expectations. The focus is expression, intuition, and personal discovery rather than perfect results. Open to teens and adults ages 13 and up and suitable for every experience level. The workshop lasts two hours, comfortable clothing is suggested, and advance registration is required due to limited capacity.

At Antiq's LLC, bring antiques such as furniture, jewelry, artwork, and more for a complimentary, no obligation appraisal. Receive professional evaluations with on the spot insights and clear guidance on how to preserve, manage, sell, or dispose of your pieces. Whether you are settling an estate, decluttering, or preparing for a move, it offers a straightforward opportunity to learn both the value and background of your items. All sizes and categories are welcome, helping you decide what to keep, sell, or pass along.

Explore vintage-inspired paper making in a hands-on workshop that uses Iron Orchid Designs stamps, inks, aged watercolor paper, floral elements, and sealing wax. The pieces you create work beautifully for junk journal spreads, greeting cards, notes, gifts, or as decoupage backgrounds. Everyone leaves with ten handmade pages. The fee is $30 per person. Space is limited to 8 participants. All sales are final and there are no refunds.

Antiq's LLC in Farmington offers complimentary antique appraisals, drawing on more than three decades of experience. The shop, established in 1990, assists with a range of needs, including moving, downsizing, preparing for retirement, or handling a loved one's estate. Visitors may bring items such as a family watch, a vintage fly rod, or heirloom jewelry for insight into details like age and value. Beyond appraisals, services include estate consultations, evaluations, and complete or partial estate liquidations.

Kingdom Entrepreneur’s Connection returns as a faith-centered networking meetup presented by The Faith Connection Collective. Designed for Christian entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, creatives, and those preparing to launch a venture, it emphasizes genuine relationships, resource sharing, business visibility, and collaboration. Expect purposeful conversations with faith-driven peers, chances to exchange referrals and explore partnerships, practical ideas and takeaways from others on the path, and encouragement that weaves purpose and belief into everyday work. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and other promotional materials, with time set aside to introduce what they do and build connections that can continue afterward. Participation is free, and registration is required. Professionals from every field are welcome, including coaches, consultants, beauty and healthcare practitioners, real estate experts, photographers, event and catering specialists, financial professionals, authors, contractors, and other service providers, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Even if your next customer is not present, someone who knows them could be. Faith driven, community focused, and purpose led.

Local authors Sharon Arsego, Joseph Adomavicia, Dr. Dawn Leger, and Jordan Lopez share insights on the path to publication, outlining practical steps along with common do's and don'ts. Hear directly from people who have already gone through the process. Light refreshments are provided courtesy of the Friends of the Bristol Public Library. There will be opportunities for signings and networking. Admission is free. RSVP at the library.

Take in live music from Bobby Pirotta while spending time at the farm. Little Red Barn Brewers will be on tap, and a food truck will be serving plenty of good eats. General admission is $7 per person, with free entry for children under 3. Admission includes access to a haunted house, a corn maze, games, and a sling shot challenge.

Enjoy a calm stroll alongside a friendly goat, taking in the scenery while your four-legged companion snacks on fresh grass. Each participant receives a bag of treats for the goats to share during the walk, and there is time to take plenty of photos to remember the experience. Save a few treats for the end so you can feed the herd before you go.

Nightshift returns to the Southington Apple Harvest Festival at Southington Town Green with a lively set. Recognized as one of Connecticut’s leading tourist attractions at the peak of New England’s fall colors, this celebration unfolds on and around the green with entertainment, activities, specialty foods, crafts, and enjoyment for all ages. Food lovers can explore a wide range of treats in a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere centered on families. For many attendees it is a seasonal tradition shared with friends and relatives, and the turnout has grown year after year.

A weekly car show in Connecticut features classic, muscle, and street cars, presented with sponsorship from the Farmer's Cow Calfe. Expect plenty of food, eye-catching vehicles, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

A benefit at The Victoria Inn supports Jimmy O, also known as Daddy Jim, after a motorcycle accident. His bike was totaled, medical bills are piling up, and he is not yet able to return to full-time work. Food, cash, and raffle donations are appreciated. To contribute, contact Loni or drop off donations at The Vic.

Newington welcomes a family-friendly Halloween celebration as Boo Bash brings back the Newington Parks and Recreation Halloween Party and kicks off a new community tradition. Attendees can decorate pumpkins, enjoy balloon twisting, explore a slime station, build dirt cake cups, and take part in a costume contest with music and dancing throughout. Concessions and festive decorations add to the atmosphere. Whether showing off a costume, crafting spooky treats, or spending time with family and friends, there is something for all ages.

The Marching Eagles will perform at a US Bands competition, bringing their show to the field at Cheshire High School Marching Ram Band in Cheshire, CT. The exact performance time will be shared once it is confirmed.

PeoplesBank Arena hosts a head-to-head matchup between the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Fans can anticipate a competitive game as these two teams square off.

Usha Uthup brings her celebrated voice to Connecticut for a live concert filled with beloved songs, a dynamic stage presence, and boundless energy. This performance at Newington High School promises an evening of enduring melodies that have resonated with listeners across generations.

Katherine Winston returns to 2nd Home Restaurant/Lounge for a live performance. The Massachusetts singer and songwriter began performing in childhood and was soon appearing throughout the Northeast, committing to music full time by age 15. In 2015 she reached the Top 24 on Season 14 of American Idol, then toured and spent time in Los Angeles recording and releasing music. Influences such as Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, and Taylor Swift shape her sound, with relatable, emotionally driven lyrics, catchy melodies, and vocals that balance sweetness and power.

Enjoy 90 minutes of improvised comedy and music inspired by audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Styles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray create spontaneous scenes in real time, with musical direction by Laura Hall. The performance features classic improv games from the long-running TV series alongside new ones. Audience participation is central, and attendees can offer ideas from their seats and may be invited onstage. All ages are welcome, though some PG-13 language will be used.

A Thing Called Dave appears at The Grindstone, planned outdoors when the weather is favorable and moving inside if it is not. The flexible setup means the event proceeds either way.

Stella Blue's Band brings its Grateful Dead tribute to The Midway in Bristol, CT, recreating the feel of an authentic Dead show. Founded in 2009, this 6-piece group features two drummers, strong and soulful vocals, and high-energy performances with dynamic jams and artful improvisation. Known for lighting up the tri-state area, the band has built a loyal following with concerts that resonate with longtime Grateful Dead fans and newcomers alike.

A Halloween craft fair will take place at the Torrington Armory. The event is open to the public. Vendor spaces measure 8 by 8 feet and cost $45.

Tenpenny Bounce brings lively vintage jazz from the 1920s and 1930s to the Blueback Farmers Market, filling the scene with classic swing and spirited rhythms. Enjoy the music in the parking lot by West Hartford Town Hall while exploring the market’s offerings.

Artisans & Oracles Market at Elizabeth Park in Hartford brings together local artists, spiritual practitioners, and small businesses in a welcoming setting that blends creativity, intuitive practices, and community spirit. Browse handmade pieces and meet the people behind them, with offerings that include tarot readings, energy sessions, original artwork, jewelry, and other thoughtfully crafted items. It is more than shopping, it is a chance to connect, explore, and support meaningful work from independent makers. Wander the park, talk with creators, seek insight, and discover items that feel like they were made for you. Admission is free. The event is family friendly and open to anyone who is curious, creative, or a little bit magical.

Enjoy a guided, behind the scenes visit at Bradley Mountain Farm that blends animal time with a look at the farm craft. Begin in the goat barn to meet the herd, notice their distinct personalities, and see what daily care involves. Friendly farm dogs Lucy and Wyllys often welcome visitors as they make their rounds. Continue to the soap making area for an inside view of how fresh goat milk becomes the soaps the farm is known for, with take home soap samples provided. The experience wraps up along the fence line, where there is unhurried time to pet the goats and capture photos. The tone is relaxed and educational, offering a memorable way to connect with the animals and the land.

A family friendly improv comedy show from Hartford’s professional troupe, the Sea Tea Improv Touring Company, takes the stage at Sea Tea Comedy Theater. Audience members of all ages can call out suggestions that inspire each scene, and some may even be invited to step into a few improv games alongside the performers. The humor is geared to kids, teens, and adults, making it a shared laugh for the whole crowd. Children under 12 can attend for $5.

Drowned Land centers on the Kiamichi River in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, where new development projects are once more putting a life-sustaining waterway at risk. The film follows people working to safeguard the river while weaving in director Colleen Thurston’s reflection on her Choctaw family’s experiences with displacement, environmental extraction, and the ongoing effort to protect both place and community. Directed by Colleen Thurston, this 2025 United States release runs 1 hour 16 minutes and is not rated. Tickets are $15, with $12 pricing for seniors and students with ID, and $10 for members and Wadsworth Welcome. Museum admission is separate.

Guided by Celina Marquis Kelly, this comprehensive workshop welcomes artists at any level to work with both oil and soft pastels. Instruction covers core skills including mark making, layering, blending, and an understanding of color theory, with attention to the creamy, painterly feel of oil pastels and the powdery, easily blended qualities of soft pastels. Participants will apply these techniques to create realistic fall landscapes inspired by the grounds and spaces of Holy Family Retreat Center. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants and it often fills quickly.

At Chez Est, the Mirror Universe edition of Royalty Gives Back features an evening of entertainment organized by the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut. Attendees can enjoy drinks and a variety show with performances by ISCofAllCT members, guests from the Imperial Court System, and Connecticut community entertainers. Admission is free. Proceeds will benefit the Reign XXVII beneficiaries, including the ISCofAllCT Scholarship Fund, the CT Breast Health Initiative, the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus, and Trans Voice 365, a program at the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford.

Experience a candlelit new moon sound bath centered on soft tones, quiet, and renewal. The calming waves of sound ease the mind and encourage deep rest, opening space to let go of what you no longer need and to set fresh intentions. Please bring a mat, blanket, pillow, or anything that keeps you cozy and supported for full relaxation. A gentle reset to rest, renew, and begin anew.