Ever wondered what Christmas lights look like in flip-flop weather? This week is your last chance to swing by Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue on Saturday 7/26, 7:30-9:30 PM, and find out. Their half-mile woodland trail is draped in twinkly holiday glow while rescued horses and donkeys are ready to mix and mingle with you - total Hallmark vibes, minus the snow. Lace up closed-toe shoes (the path’s rustic), leave Fido home, and trade the price of a latte for a donation that keeps the hay coming.

No tickets, no fuss - just show up, drop a few bucks in the jar, and let the lights and livestock do the rest. Ready to snag a little “Christmas in July” magic and bankroll a barn full of second-chance equines?
Mark your calendar, share this email, and we’ll see you under the stars.

🏅 Connecticut just snagged the #5 slot for quality of life in CNBC’s 2025 state rankings - apparently good pizza, clean air, and low crime do wonders for your vibe.

🌳 Gov. Lamont just green‑lit $14.3 M to lock 2,270 acres of Connecticut land into forever‑wild status and seed six brand‑new community parks. Check out the full list of properties!

FRIDAY 7/25

Willimantic | Back to the 80’s Musical | 7:30-10pm $ - You won’t want to miss this totally radical musical dedicated to big shoulder pads and even bigger hair. The Windham Theater Guild (779 Main St) is holding a performance of Back to the 80’s…The Totally Awesome Musical! Tix and additional showtimes

🐰Adopt-a-pal: Meet Cookie Dough an 8‑year‑old American‑mix rabbit who TV‑binges by your side, shreds cat‑scratch pads for fun, and still rips zoomies at chow time.

🏡House of the week: Ebenezer Stoddard’s 1800 inn now flexes 4,100 sq ft of beam‑rich colonial swagger: nine fireplaces, a grand ballroom, and every modern perk for legendary gatherings. Check it out!

🥾Trail of the week: A breezy 1‑mile out‑and‑back hugs the Natchaug River’s mossy banks, giving you waterfall white‑noise, mill‑ruin Insta‑spots, and legend‑laden lore (Diana’s heartbreak, anyone?) with zero calf burn. Park in the small gravel lot on Diana’s Pool Rd, cross the old concrete bridge, and follow the well‑worn riverside path to the upper pool, then double back. Leashed pups and kiddos welcome; swimming’s banned, so stick to photos and toe‑dips.

🔭Sky report: On July 24th, New Moon = pitch‑black skies. With lunar glare gone, the Quiet Corner’s dark‑sky cred shows off the Milky Way like powdered sugar on velvet.

Brooklyn | Lemonade Stand | 9am - Help support a foundation for childhood cancer support and get a refreshing cup of lemonade in the process at Brooklyn Middle School (119 Gorman Rd).

Danielson | Kids Watercolor Painting | 10:30-11:30am -There’s still a little time left to register for this watercolor session at Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) for kids 8-12 years old.

Pomfret | Yoga @ The Distillery | 6:30-7:30pm $ - Get a yoga session in and follow it up with food and drinks at Watercure Farm Distillery (426 Mashamoquet Rd). Register

Willimantic | Arcade Escape Room | 2-5pm - Bring the video game/puzzle solving loving kids to the Willimantic Public Library (905 Main St) for a family escape room. Best for ages 6+.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Pompey Hollow Park - Ashford | Vinyl Countdown | 6:30-8pm
⬢ The River Room - Willimantic | Open Mic | 7-10pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Nate Cozzolino | 8-11pm

Thompson | Cruise Night | 4-9pm - Enjoy amazing cars and company at the cruise night put on by Thompson Rod and Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd). Music, and food available for purchase.

Willimantic | Tavern Night | 5pm $ - Windham Historical Society (627 Main St) has their monthly Tavern Night, where you get to hear about a famous person’s life from “that person.” This month you’ll get to “meet” Ted Williams and try his favorite food and drink. Tix

TRIVIA

Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - North Grosvenordale | 6:30pm

Danielson | Hula Hooping | 10am - 6-12 year olds can learn how to hula-hoop like a champion with this program from Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd).

Putnam | Opening Reception | 5-7pm - Check out “The Summer Collection” of photographs of Carmine Angeloni at 200 School St. Drinks and snacks provided, and you’ll get a chance to chat with the photographer himself.

Putnam | Seashell Art Designs | 6pm $ - Sea shell art with Bingo, games, prizes, and more at Montana Nights (50 Providence Pike). Book by scanning one of the QR codes here.

Thompson | Wood Burning Class | 6pm $ - Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St) is holding a wood burning class (you’ll be leaving with a wood burned raven). For more info, you can reach out to Burnt Edge Studio.

Willimantic | Poetry in the Park | 6:30pm - Head to Julia de Burgos Poetry Park (321 Jackson St) for an evening of poetry, in a poetry park! Bring a chair, your poems, and a picnic!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Davis Park - Danielson | Katie Perkins Band | 6-8pm
⬢ Shaboo Stage - Willimanti | Windham Concert Band | 6:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Subliminals | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Black Pond Brews - Dayville | Beer Themed | 7pm
Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

Danielson | Comedy Night | 6:30pm $ - Show your support for Westfield Church at a comedy night at the Danielson Elks Lodge (13 Center St). Tix

Putnam | The Prom | 7:30pm $ - Check out a performance of The Prom at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). You can find more showtimes and tickets here.

Putnam | Crystal Shadow Box | 6-8pm $ - Create a beautiful shadow box inspired by mandalas at Orchid Lily Rose (554 Liberty Hwy). More deets

South Windham | Rainforest BINGO | 11am - Get the family out to Guilford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) for a fun game of family-friendly rainforest bingo.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - Thompson | Matt Andrews | 7-9pm
⬢ Ryan’s Place - Canterbury | Merge Right | 7-10pm
⬢ Sterling Rec Gazebo - Sterling | Nick Anderson and Shady Creek | 6:30-8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Boogie Chillin’ | 8-11pm
⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - Thompson | Matt Andrews | 7-9pm

TRIVIA

Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm

Canterbury | Doggie Boot Camp | 11am-6pm $ - Get your furry friend under control with the experts at Quinebaug Kennels (265 N Society Rd). Register

Putnam | Clam Cakes & Chowder | 12-6pm $ - The Pomfret Rod & Gun Club (226 River Rd) is throwing another food and fun event. Burgers, dogs, the titular foods, and more are for sale throughout the day. Cornhole, axe-throwing, kid’s fishing, nature walks, and more.

Sterling | Toy and Comic Palooza | 10am-4pm - Get your geek on with this toy and comic convention at Sterling Rec (1183 Plainfield Pike). Cosplay welcome!

Sterling | Sunset Hike with Mustangs | 6:30pm $ - Take a hike…with wild mustangs at Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd). Stick around for lemonade and company after. Sign Up

Willimantic | 18+ Comedy/Magic Show | 8-10pm $ - Enjoy a night of laughs and mystery with this adult-oriented comedy/magic show by Jim Spinnato at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr). Tix

Willimantic | Farmers Market | 8am-12pm - Shop around for all sorts of goodies at the Willimantic Farmers Market (28 Bridge St).

Willimantic | Xmas in July | 10am-3pm - Bridge St Micro Farm (149 Bridge St) invites you to check out vendors, food, and of course plants! Music by Jim Stahr from 12-2pm.

Willimantic | Reiki Level I | 8-11:30am $ - Earn a Reiki Level 1 Certificate with a workshop from the wonderful Angela at Loving Karma at BLISS (34 North St). Sign Up

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Pierre and the Extraordinaires | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Alex Rohan | 2-5pm

Pomfret | Yoga in the Gardens | 11am-12pm $ - Enjoy the beauty of the gardens at Gwyn Careg Inn (68 Wolf Den Rd) while doing Kripalu-style yoga. Tix

Putnam | Auditions | 6:30-7:30pm - Audition for a role in the stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). You can find descriptions of the roles here.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic! | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Tino & Malone | 2-5pm
⬢ 4G’s - Dayville | Jeremy Haddad | 2-5pm

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LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Brandt Taylor | 5:30-7:30pm