🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Jeremiah, a 3-year-old Husky mix with a tail wag that could power a small town. Friendly, fun, and 50 pounds of pure good boy energy, he’s great with kids, dogs, and anyone who hands out belly rubs.

🏡House of the week: This 4 bed/3 bath on 3.39 acres comes with a 36×48 Morton barn (2 stalls now, could be more), a chicken coop, pond, running streams -total homestead vibes. Fully renovated with Brazilian walnut floors, vaulted ceilings, soapstone counters, and a gated driveway - this place is built for big dreams. Check it out!

🥾Trail of the week: Allanach-Wolf Woodlands in Windham
A peaceful, under-the-radar gem with about 3 miles of trails looping through old forest, rolling hills, and views of Lake Marie. Park at the small lot off Eastbrook Heights Drive (look for the Joshua’s Trust sign), and you’re right at the trailhead. Great for an hour’s escape with that deep-woods Quiet Corner vibe — birds, breeze, and not much else.

🔭Sky report: We’ve got a slim-to-half Moon (first quarter hits Wed, Oct 29), which means darker evenings early in the week; perfect for comet hunting. Try the north-west after dusk for Comet Lemmon; it’s flirting with naked-eye territory over CT, but binoculars will make it pop. Meanwhile, Orionids are still tossing a few fast streaks, the slow-and-bright Taurids are ramping toward their mid-Nov display, and Saturn is the easy showpiece glowing in the southeast after dinner.

This week we’ll finish up hitting the rest of Windham County towns. Hopefully, you picked up a few fun facts to drop next time someone asks, “Wait… why is it called that?”

Scotland: Settled from Windham’s southeast corner, the area was purchased by Isaac Magoon in 1700 and named “Scotland” to honor his ancestral homeland; the town incorporated in 1857.

Sterling: Set off from Voluntown in 1794 and named for Dr. John Sterling, who promised a library in exchange for the honor (the town later secured one through donations).

Thompson: Incorporated in 1785 and named for Sir Robert Thompson, an English landholder connected to colonial land ventures.

Windham: Incorporated in 1693; early sources say it was named for either Wyndham (Sussex) or Wymondham (Norfolk), England.

Woodstock: Named “Woodstock” in 1690 at Judge Samuel Sewall’s suggestion, after Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, with a nod to nearby Oxford, Massachusetts.

SATURDAY 11/1

Canterbury | Kekri | 1-4pm - The Finnish American Heritage Society (76 N Canterbury Rd) is holding its 2nd Annual Kekri Harvest Festival and invites families and community members to get a taste of a Finnish tradition. If you have any interest in Finnish customs, you should check it out!

Brooklyn | Puzzle Palooza | 6-7:30pm $ - If you love puzzles and have a competitive spirit, join Brooklyn Parks and Rec at the Community Center (31 Tiffany St) for a 500-piece puzzle race. First team to win will win a $40 gift card to Baker’s Dozen. Sign Up

Danielson | 9D Breathwork | 6:30-8:30pm $ - Take a somatic breath journey at The Wholistic Collective (136 Main St) for a full spiritual reset. More info/tix

Danielson | Dahlia Saving Workshop | 5pm $ - Get the ins and outs on digging up, dividing, and storing your dahlias. Event will take place at Harmony Gardens (1430 Hartford Pike). Tix

Willimantic | Mini Master Chefs | 6pm - Willimantic Public Library (905 Main St) is holding a “cooking” session to teach youngins’ - ages 7 and up - how to make edible cookie dough, no cooking required. Register by calling (860) 465-3079.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Jake Hunsinger | 7-10pm

Danielson | Virtual Author Talk | 2pm - Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) will be streaming an author talk with Philippa Gregory. This is a program intended for 18+. Register

Plainfield | Prison Ships of the American Revolution | 6:30pm - Local historian (and all-around great person) Bev York will be at the Plainfield Community Center (482 Norwich Rd) to talk all about the role of prison ships during the Revolution.

TRIVIA

Woodstock Tavern - Woodstock | 6:30-8:30pm
Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Putnam Lions - Putnam | 7pm
Mill Town Grill - Thompson | 6:30pm

Ashford | Car Cruise | 5-8pm - This is the final cruise night of 2025 for the Ashford Volunteer Fire Dept (46 Westford Rd). Touch-a-truck, 50/50 raffle, food, music, and fun.

Dayville | Haunted Trail | 6pm $ - Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike) is holding a haunted trail in their lower parking lot. $15/adults, $8/children.

Pomfret | Boo Bash! | 4:30pm - This one is for the kiddies (ages 3-8 would be best). Pomfret Public Library (449 Pomfret St) is holding their 4th annual Boo Bash, costumes, crafts, games, treats, and maybe some tricks too!

Putnam | Rumors Auditions | 6:30-8:30pm - There’s still time to audition for The Bradley Playhouse’s (30 Front St) production of Rumors. More info

South Windham | Author Event | 6:30pm - Local photographer/author Matthew Means will be at the Guilford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) to talk about his book Abandoned Eastern Connecticut: Echoes of the Last Green Valley. Registration is required - call (860) 423-5159 or email [email protected].

Willimantic | Fall Paint Night | 6pm - Willimantic Public Library (905 Main St) is hosting a fall-themed paint night for kids ages 10-18.

Woodstock | Trick or Treat at The Pink House | 5-7pm - Bring the little ones by the Roseland Cottage (556 Rt 169) for some candy and surprises!

Woodstock | Bottle Wind Chime | 6-8pm $ - Enjoy a complimentary glass of (your choice) and make a beautiful bottle wind chime at Taylor Brooke (818 Rt 171). If you’re interested, text “paint” to (413) 427-2996.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Dig Me Up Show | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

Chaplin | Blood Drive | 10am-3:30pm - Take a little time out of your day and help save a life by donating blood at Parish Hill High School (304 Parish Hill Rd). Sign Up

Hampton | Witch on Main | 5-7pm - So, I goofed last week, and I sincerely apologize if you went looking for the witch and she wasn’t there. This week, she will definitely be in the Hampton Community Center (178 Main St), along with the Rec Commission handing out candy at the Pavilion.

Scotland | Candy Fest/Trunk or Treat | 6-7:30pm - Bring the kids to a condensed trick-or-treating at the Christian Fellowship Church (140 Pudding Hill Rd). While you’re there, take advantage of all the carnival games they’ll have going, as well.

Willimantic | Halloween Bash | 10pm-2am - Corleone’s (103 Union St) is holding an adults only Halloween party. Costume contest at midnight, cash prizes for scariest/funniest/other criteria, and of course, karaoke.

Willimantic | Halloween Costume Contest | 8:30pm - The incredibly popular WilliBrew (967 Main St) Costume Contest is back. Special drinks and winners for Most Original, Funniest, Scariest, and Owner’s Choice. And while you’re there, get some nachos. You won’t regret it.

Willimantic | Trick or Treat on Main St | 5-7pm - Willimantic Renaissance, Inc. is blocking off Main St, and inviting all families to walk around, listen to live music, visit vendors, and of course, enjoy some sweet treats! This is an amazing free event, that is 100% worth stopping by.

Woodstock | Halloween Party | 6:30-10pm - Celebrate Halloween at Taylor Brooke (818 Rt 171) with costume contests for best dressed humans and pooches, a DJ, and candy - this is a family-friendly event. Costume contest starts at 9:30pm

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Karaoke | 9pm
⬢ The American Cafe - Plainfield | 9pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Patchwork | 8pm

TRIVIA

Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | 7pm
Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm

Canterbury | Haunted Trail of Spooks & Rescues | 6-9pm ($) - Since everyone seems to love it, Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue (169 Black Hill Rd) is holding an encore night for their spooky trail. Dress up in costume, wear appropriate footwear, and make a donation to a worthy cause while you’re there.

Chaplin | Horse Show + | 10:30am - Little Treasures Farm (22 North Bear Hill Rd) is holding their 3rd annual invitational horse show. Horse competitions, drill team performances, hay rides, bounce house, kids games, raffles, and a whole bunch of tasty treats.

Danielson | Trunk or Treat | 1-3pm - Keep that sugar-high running. FaithWay Community Church (190 Wauregan Rd) is holding a trunk-or-treat. How can you say no, to more candy?

North Grosvenordale | Pumpkin Carving Contest | 12-3pm - New Boston Beef (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd) wants to see if you have the pumpkin carving skills the bring home a $100 cash prize. Seasonal cocktails from The Rose Room, a gelato cart from Main St Gelato, and other goodies available for purchase. Entries must be dropped off by 11am. Also, keep the carvings family-friendly.

Putnam | Can and Bottle Drive | 12-3pm - Bring those rinsed cans and bottles that you’ve been collecting (but realistically will never bring to the bottle deposit at the grocery store) down to Paws Cat Shelter (74 School St), and let them turn those recyclables into housing and food for kitties that need it!

Putnam | Community Boot Drive | 10am - If you have some new or gently used boots you’re never going to wear, bring them down to the Putnam Municipal Complex (200 School St) and donate them to someone in need in the local community. Socks and monetary donations are also gladly accepted.

Sterling | Glow in the Dark Yoga | 6:30pm $ - Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd) is holding a glow in the dark yoga class inside their geodome. Feel free to stay after the class ad have a special meet-and-greet with the wild mustangs on the property. Tix

Thompson | Holiday Food Drive | 10am-1pm - Thompson Fire Engine Company is collecting non-perishable food which will be donated to TEEG at Thompson Common (Bates Ave). Help make a difference for someone who needs it.

Willimantic | Halloween Dinner & Music | 5-10pm $ - The Willimantic American Legion (339 Bricktop Rd) is holding a lasagna dinner, along with costume contest, and live music - which will help support veterans. $20/adult, $10/kids 6-16, Kids 5 & under - free.

Willimantic | The Pomfret Folk Brigade | 7:30-9:30pm $ - The River Room (50 Riverside Dr) is bringing the much-loved local folk group to town. Howie Bursen, Sally Rogers, Kala Farnham, and Seamus McMullan are sure to deliver an evening of folk music, laughs, and feels, all in perfect harmony. Tix

Windham | Pawsome Painting | 1:30pm $ - This paint night (day, really, but paint night sounds better) is a benefit for the Bella Hampton Farm Foundation and will be taking place at Willimantic Camp Meeting Association (453 Windham Rd). More info/tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Vanilla Bean Cafe - Pomfret | Andrew McKnight | 7pm $
⬢ American Legion - Willimantic | Cheap Brew Band | 5-10pm $
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Karaoke | 8pm-12am
⬢ The American Cafe - Plainfield | Karaoke | 9pm -12am
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Julie William’s Band | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Cannibal Ramblers | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | JT Horne | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | John Rodgers | 5:30-7:30pm

Dayville | Adoption Event | 10am-1pm - Petco (1086 Killingly Commons) is holding an adoption event with Paws Rescue League. You can check out some of the pups on their website, and also submit an application to get approved to adopt one of those little furballs.

Dayville | Bark Harvest | 12-4pm - Bark Society (350 Hartford Pike) is holding a fall fun day for dogs and their owners. Doggie costume contest, pie eating contest, dog yoga, raffles, adoptable pups, and a ton of other activities. All proceeds go directly to local rescues.

Putnam | Foliage Wheelin’ | 11am-3pm - Those with Jeeps or other 4WD/AWD vehicles (should have a lift of at least 2”) that are looking to get off-road with other like-minded folk, can meet up at Subway (7 Providence Pike) before going on an all-terrain expedition through the woods.

Thompson | Turkey Shoot |12-2pm $ - This “turkey shoot” at Thompson Rod and Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd) is open to the public for $3/shot or two shots for $5. Winner closest to the target wins a frozen turkey.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - Thompson | Nick Bosse | 2-4:30pm
⬢ Bread Box Theater - Willimantic | Aztec Two-Step 2.0 | 4pm $
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Troy Mercy | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Vudu Sister | 2-5pm

Putnam | Bourbon Dinner | 6pm $ - The Courthouse Br and Grille (121 Main St) is holding their 2nd annual 4-course Bourbon Dinner. Space is limited, so call for reservations and pricing (860) 963-0074.

LIVE MUSIC

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