Take It To Go: CT Events August 16 – 18

Just because big box stores have already put out their Halloween decorations doesn’t mean that summer’s over.

But also, it’s never too early to start shopping for costumes. Just saying.

Anyway, with Labor Day rapidly approaching, get out there and enjoy the final offerings of Summer 2019.

Here’s what we’ve got:

Dancing With The Stars
Skygazing

Talcott Mountain Science Center, 324 Montevideo Rd., Avon
Friday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.

It’s a starry, starry night (weather dependent, of course) at the Talcott Mountain Science Center.

Families, friends, and space enthusiasts are invited to listen to Talcott’s astronomers share stories and mythical lore about the solar system, as well as view it through one of its many telescopes.

The planetarium, the largest of its kind in the state, provides unparalleled views of planets, stars, and hey, if you’re lucky, you might spot Mr. Spock or a distant galaxy, far, far away.

Fingers crossed.

Admission is $8. Reservations are recommended. Late arrivers will not be permitted to enter the planetarium after 7:45 p.m. So, shut off Netflix and be sure to leave on time.

For more information visit: www. http://www.tmsc.org/news-media/skygazing or call 860-677-8571, extension 220.

Who Let The Dawgz Out?
Funky Dawgz Brass Band, “Summer in the City” Concert Series
Photo By: Isa Rose Photography
Danbury City Center Green, 21 Delay St., Danbury
Friday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

It’s a free, yes free, concert on the Danbury City Center Green this Friday night. As part of the city’s “Summer in the City” concert series, the Funky Dawgz Brass Band will be performing.

Blending New Orleans R&B, hip hop, funk, today’s hits, with a high-energy brass twist, the band is a home-grown group of young men playing a whole lot of infectious, fun music.

This is seriously good stuff.  Also, did we mention “free?”

John Fazio, Jr., opens and parking is available at the Patriot Garage.

For more information: https://citycenterdanbury.com/events/category/concerts-on-the-green/
Or http://www.funkydawgzbrassband.com/.

Get Shucked
Milford Oyster Festival
Photo By: AK Thornton
Downtown Milford
Saturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Love lobster? Too bad, this is an oyster fest. With more than 30,000 harvested oysters available, the only thing to worry about is not squirting lemon into your eye.

Voted Best Food Festival in Connecticut by National Geographic, the celebration includes live music, amusement rides, schooner cruises, and entertainment for the kids.

Food vendors will be on hand with craft beer, wine, and various fair-style offerings like pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, and even lobster rolls (who knew). There will probably be a few oysters, too.

Due to traffic, taking the train is a good option or there’s a Preferred Parking lot one block away at 145 High Street for $20.

For more information: https://milfordoysterfestival.com/.

Take Me To The River
Dragon Boat & Asian Festival

Photo By: Riverfront Recapture/Nick Caito
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd., Hartford
Saturday, August 17, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate Asian culture at this lively annual spectacle held along Hartford’s riverfront.

An ancient canoe-sport, Dragon Boat Racing features teams of 20 paddlers navigating colorful, ornate boats, paced to the beat of an on-board drummer.

The first heat of the dragon boat races begins at 8:00 a.m. and will continue throughout the day.

Along with Dragon Boat Racing, the festival features various cultural performances, martial arts, food booths, and activities like art and origami-making.

The Dragon Boat & Asian Festival is free.

For more information: http://www.riverfront.org/events/dragon-boat-asian-festival.

Group Therapy
Asking For A Friend
Sea Tea Comedy Theater, 15 Asylum St., Hartford
Saturday, August 17, 7:00 p.m.

Chion Wolf, host of Connecticut Voice Podcast and WNPR personality, along with a panel of unqualified, but enthusiastic cohorts, help solve problems of every kind at Sea Tea’s underground comedy theater in Hartford.

Not intended as serious treatment, it’s still useful advice, mixed in with a whole lot of humor and profanity (both absolutely necessary in a world of Covfefe).

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance on the website.

For more information: https://seateaimprov.com/event/?id=55861858322

Like A Virgin
Madonna’s Birthday Celebration
Troupe429, 3 Wall St., Norwalk
Saturday, August 17, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

It’s Madge’s birthday (go shawty, gonna party like it’s your birthday) so celebrate the big event at Troupe429 with crazy drink specials, drag, dancing, and a Vogue contest. Better start practicing now.

Troupe429, a LGBTQ bar and performance space is a neighborhood bar for people of all identities, sexual orientations, genders, races/ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs.

For more information: www.troupe429.com.

Ongoing Events & Social Meetings
Cosmic Golf
Mohegan Sun Golf Club, 7 Dows Ln., Baltic
Fridays in August, 7:00 p.m. to Midnight

Play a few rounds of golf while attempting to spot the Big Dipper at the Mohegan Sun Golf Club Friday nights in August.

Sure, golf isn’t exactly night sport, but that’s the point.

Players of all ages can swing on the lighted driving range or just play a few rounds of mini golf using glow-in-the-dark golf balls. Casual food and beverages are available for purchase and equipment is provided. You’re also welcome to bring your own.

Tickets are $10 per adult and can be purchased at the golf course. Kids 13 and younger are free.

For more information: https://mohegansungolfclub.com/cosmic-golf/

+obias & +isms in Art
The Great Room Gallery, New Haven Pride Center, 84 Orange St, New Haven
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., through August 30.

In +obias & +isms in Art, convening partners #BlackLivesMatter New Haven, Nasty Women Connecticut, and the New Haven Pride Center collaborate to present a multi-artist exhibition that explores the +obias and +isms that affect people of colour, women, and the LGBTQQIP2sAA community.

For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/exhibitions/obias-isms-in-art/

Gay Gatherings: Philip Johnson, David Whitney and the Modern Arts
The Glass House, 199 Elm St, New Canaan
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sundays through August 19

The exhibition explores interactions at the Glass House among eight gay men who profoundly shaped 20th-century artistic culture. Coincident with the 50th anniversary of New York’s Stonewall Uprising and the 70th anniversary of the Philip Johnson’s completion of the Glass House, Gay Gatherings underscores an essential element of the site’s history that has not been fully presented as part of its public interpretation.

Tickets start at $25 and are required for admission, access to site is via tour only. Advance reservations recommended.

For more information: http://theglasshouse.org/whats-on/gay-gatherings-philip-johnson-david-whitney-and-the-modern-arts/

Coming Soon!
New London Pride, Saturday, August 24, www.newlondonpride.com
Hartford Pridefest 2019, Saturday, September 14, www.hartfordpride.org
PRIDE New Haven, September 16-22, www.newhavenpridecenter.org