It’s the last week of July, and that means in a few short months the words “polar vortex” and “snow” will be part of our daily vernacular again (shudder). All of that said, you’ll want to spend as much time enjoying the outdoors, and there’s no better way to do that than with free movies and music in various parks around Hartford this week. Scroll through the list of outdoor events and don’t miss the equally exciting indoor ones, including a summer party and art show at Dirt Salon, First Friday at the New Britain Museum, and a gallery reception at Real Art Ways.
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
Youth Drawing 101 (Ages 11-13) [UA]
When: Wednesday, July 30, 4PM – 5PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Bring your budding artist for a workshop where he/she can hone their drawing skills while learning about the history and practice of art.
Admission: $10-$20. 860-229-0257 x 220. www.nbmaa.org
THURSDAY
Gallery Reception: “Seeing Things”
When: Thursday, July 31, 6PM
Where: Manchester Community College’s Arts & Education Center
Mingle and discover the work of seven regional artists across Connecticut in this new contemporary photography exhibition.
Admission: Free. 860-647-6030. www.manchestercc.edu
FRIDAY
Free Movies after Dark
When: Friday, August 1, 6:30PM
Where: Goodwin Park
The City of Hartford continues its free pastime movies series with Karate Kid playing at sundown.
Admission: Free. www.hartford.com
Climb Aboard: First Friday Family Festival
When: Friday, August 1, 5PM
Where: Imagine Nation Museum
Bring your kids to climb aboard fire trucks, construction trucks, tractors, and more in the Imagine Nation Museum parking lot. The festival also includes arts and crafts, pizza, and ice cream.
Admission: $6. 860-314-1400. www.imaginemuseum.org
Movies and Music under the Stars: Bombshell [UA]
When: Friday, August 1, 5:30PM – 10PM
Where: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Enjoy a classic date-night of dinner and a movie starting with live music by Criollo Clasico at 5:30 and a screening of Bombshell, the 1933 comedic drama featuring Lola Burns at 8:15.
Admission: Free for members; $9 for non-members. 860-838-4100. www.thewadsworth.org
First Fridays [UA]
When: Friday, August 1, 5:30PM – 8PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Mix and mingle at First Friday featuring live Latin jazz music, wine, hors d’oeuvres, Chet’s Italian Ice, and special guest, jewelry designer, Gail Reiner.
Admission: $10-$15. 860-229-0257. www.nbmaa.org
SATURDAY
Gallery Reception: Real Unreal; Extraction; Collision [UA]
When: Saturday, August 2, 6-8PM
Where: Real Art Ways
Take a stroll through three different gallery exhibitions and chat with artists at this opening reception.
Admission: Free. www.realartways.org
Deep Blue Rendezvous: Dirt Salon’s Official Summer Party
When: Saturday, August 2, 9PM – 1AM
Where: The Dirt Salon
Art meets entertainment at Dirty Salon’s official summer party and “Underwater” art show inspired by Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic. Live performances by surf rock band, The Aquatudes, and an acoustic set by Mike Leonard.
Admission: $10-$15. 860-978-9345. www.thedirtsalon.com
Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival
When: Saturday, August 2, 1PM – 11PM
Where: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
A fun-filled celebration of everything Caribbean from food to dancing to live music.
Admission: Free.
Family Program: Make Your Own Sunglasses [UA]
When: Saturday, August 2, 10AM – 1PM
Where: Connecticut Historical Society
Bring your own lunch and head to the Connecticut Historical Society for free 1st Saturday including a fun workshop where kids can make their own sunglasses to wear this summer.
Admission: Free. 860-236-5621 x222. www.chs.org
SUNDAY
Film: A Coffee in Berlin (German with subtitles) [UA]
When: Sunday, August 3, 5:35PM
Where: Real Art Ways
Follow Niko, a 20-something college dropout, through his absurd encounters on the streets of Berlin in this award-winning German film.
Admission: $10. www.realartways.org
MONDAY
Monday Night Jazz
When: Monday, July 7 6PM – 9PM
Where: Bushnell Park, Hartford
Free summer jazz continues in Bushnell Park with performances by N’dea Lloyd and Renee Rosnes Quartet.
Admission: Free. 860-242-6688. www.HartfordMondayNightJazz.com
TUESDAY
World Sounds in the Garden Concert Series [UA]
When: Tuesday, August 5, 6PM
Where: Butler-McCook House & Garden
Bring your chair and picnic basket to this free outdoor concert featuring a trio of traditional African music by world renowned musician, Boubacar Diébaté.
Admission: Free. www.ctlandmarks.org
Want a spot on our list? Submit your arts and cultural events to our calendar and we may just feature it.
love it! I wish I could do them all.