Happy Friday / International Workers’ Day / May Day! Nothing says May like fresh flowers and new art, so don’t miss the Wadsworth’s 34th Annual Fine Art & Flowers going on through May 3, featuring florists, garden clubs, and interior designers from across New England. There are also a bunch of parties going on Friday night from Dino De Mayo Liquid Lounge at the CT Science Center to First Friday at New Britain Museum of American Art. Enjoy the outdoors at the Riverfront on Saturday for Samba Fest and discover new works of art from award-winning artists at the Vernon Community Arts Center on Sunday. Scroll down for the full list. Have a great weekend!
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.
Friday
Jay Leno [UA]
When: Friday, May 1, 8PM
Where: The Bushnell
Acclaimed TV late night show host and admired stand-up comedian, Jay Leno, makes a special appearance at The Bushnell.
Admission: $49.50-$125. www.bushnell.org
Artwalk Gallery Opening & Reception
When: Friday, May 1, 5:30PM-7:00PM
Where: Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden
Meet Rick Stromoski, Suffield’s own comic strip genius and purchase his latest books and paintings in the gift shop. Light refreshments will be served. Learn more.
Admission: Free. www.ctlandmarks.org
First Friday [UA]
When: Friday, May 1, 5:30PM-8PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art
Mix and mingle over music, tastings, and art at the NBMAA’s monthly First Friday. Learn more.
Admission: $10-$15. www.nbmaa.org.
Coney Island Café [UA]
When: Friday, May 1, 5:30PM-7:30PM
Where: The Wadsworth Atheneum
Kick off the 34th Annual Fine Art & Flowers with a cocktail reception inspired by Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, featuring Onyx Moonshine, NoRA Cupcakes, Bear’s BBQ Smokehouse, City Steam Brewery and Two Roads Brewing Company, complimentary tastings of fine Scottish ales by Olde Burnside Brewing Company, plus treats from Coney Island!
Admission: $35-$45. www.thewadsworth.org
Liquid Lounge: Dino De Mayo
When: Friday, May 1, 6-10PM
Where: CT Science Center
Party with a larger-than-life fiesta featuring live music, dancing, liquid delights, and MUCH more. See the newest blockbuster traveling exhibit, Extreme Dinosaurs, wear your best Cinco de Mayo outfit for a chance to win awesome prizes!
Admission: www.ctscience.org
Saturday
The Importance of Being Earnest
When: Saturday, May 2, 8PM (through May 3)
Where: Playhouse on Park
Effervescent romantic exploits meet scintillating social satire in one of the most celebrated comedies of all time by Oscar Wilde.
Admission: www.playhouseonpark.org
Samba Fest
When: Saturday, May 2, 11AM-6PM
Where: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Celebrate the region’s rich Brazilian culture at Samba Fest. Led by the rhythmic beat of Trinity College’s Samba Ensemble, the event features international and local music which integrates people from different countries and generations alongside the inspiring scenery of the Riverfront.
Admission: Free. www.riverfront.org
Sunday
Academic Artists Association’s 65th Annual National Exhibition
When: Sunday, May 3, 1PM-4PM
Where: Vernon Community Arts Center
Enjoy the opening reception of the Academic Artists Association’s 65th Annual National Exhibition featuring original oil paintings, water colors, graphite and pencil drawings, pastels, and sculptures. Many of the artists are well known regionally and nationally for their award winning artwork, and have been featured in major art publications. Most of the work is for sale. Learn more.
Admission: www.vernonarts.org
La Boheme
When: Sunday, May 3, 7PM
Where: Infinity Music Hall, Hartford
Connecticut Lyric Opera and the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra present a new production of Puccini’s beloved masterpiece, fully staged and with full orchestra conducted by maestro Adrian Sylveen. Sung in Italian with English subtitles projected above the stage.
Admission: $38-$68. www.ctlyricopera.com
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