It’s kind of the ‘glass half full, glass half empty’ quandary when you look at the upcoming weekend. It’s the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, and for some that can be both good or bad. But despite what season is your favorite Hartford, this weekend brings a lot of enjoy.
It begins today with two well-known al fresco dining events. Carbone’s will host its annual scotch and cigar social under a tent at the landmark restaurant on Franklin Avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening features Carbone’s old world cuisine, aged single malt scotches, complimentary cigars, boutique beers, fine wines and music. Tickets are $125 a person with proceeds going to Carbone Family Charities. Information: 860-296-9646.
At the same time over at the Billings Forge Market Green at 539 Broad St., Hartford, there will be the annual Farm-to-Table Dinner under the tent beginning at 6 p.m. The fundraiser showcases the best of the season’s harvest and supports the initiatives at Billings Forge Community Works. There will be food, wine, entertainment and auctions. Tickets are $160. Information: billingsforgeworks.org
If it’s shopping that makes your weekend, The Village for Families & Children will host a grand re-opening of its Second Chance Shop at 730 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury Thursday. The thrift boutique is operated by the facility’s auxiliary and benefits The Village programs. The grand opening and reception are from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday also has a plethora of choices including the annual WOW Forum, a professional women’s conference held at the Warner Theater in Torrington and sponsored by the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Guest speakers including author Ann Leary, NBC Today Show contributor Susanna Salk, artist Danielle Mailer and author Suzy Kline. Information: wowforum.org
The Goodspeed Opera House continues its 50th anniversary celebration with the opening of “The Most Happy Fella” Friday. It marks the second time the opera house has staged a production of the musical about an aging vineyard owner who proposes to a younger woman via mail, but sends pictures of his much younger and more handsome foreman instead. The show runs through Dec. 1. Information: 860-873-8668 or goodspeed.org
Over at Camp Courant in Farmington Friday it will be ‘superhero’ time as the camp holds its annual “Buddy Bash.’ Guests are invited to dress as their favorite superheroes and enjoy a dine-around, auctions and entertainment with proceeds going to the facility that provides free summer camp to eligible youths from Hartford. The party begins at the camp at 6 p.m. and there is an ‘after party’ at Trumbull Kitchen in Hartford. Tickets are $125. Information: campcourant.org
Celebrate the official end of summer Saturday by heading to Hartford for the annual ‘Envisionfest,’ a free one-day festival highlighting the city’s innovative history, arts and cultural assets. Hundreds of live entertainment and hands-on activities will be featured throughout the day with musical entertainment and dramatic performances on six stages, free admission to more than eight museums, landmark building tours, lawn games in Bushnell Park and activities along the riverfront. Information: envisionfesthartford.com
Also on Saturday, The Hartford Club will celebrate its ’140 Years of History’ at a gala there beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include cocktails, a four-course dinner, dessert room, music and dancing as well as live and silent auctions. Information: hartfordclub.com
By Courant columnist MaryEllen Fillo. For more Java Talk, visit: courant.com/java