
Celebrate Freedom: Food, Folks, & Fun-Juneteenth Celebration
Five Farmington Valley Towns Band Together
To Celebrate Freedom, Fun and Community at “CELEBRATE FREEDOM” Juneteenth Celebration, June 14 at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
Celebration features the best in Black food, brew and live music plus the world’s largest
LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone and more!
About:
The best in “food, folks and fun” comes alive at a unique Juneteenth celebration in Simsbury. What distinguishes this Juneteenth celebration is that five suburban towns in the Farmington Valley – Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury—are banding together to bring the spirit of freedom and fun to the community at large. The celebration features the best in Black food, brew and live music plus the world’s largest LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone and more!
The event will be produced and emceed by June Archer.
Admission:
The admission is FREE thanks to public and private support.
Where/Date:
ANNOUNCEMENT! Due to inclement weather, the event will be at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury, Saturday, June 14, 1 pm – 5 pm. (in the event of inclement weather, the venue may change to Simsbury High School).
TIME: Doors open at 12:30pm, Event starts at 1:00pm
Mission:
The goal of our Juneteenth celebration is to both educate a wider audience and celebrate as a community the importance of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is a great time to gather and celebrate freedom for all of us.
Who:
· This free community event showcases performances by*:
1:00pm Ru Williams - “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
1:10pm Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum and Dance Corp.
1:25pm Triniti
1:35pm DJ K-Otic
1:45pm Cool jazz by Derrick M. Roberts
2:10pm Hue Brown
2:40pm Ru Williams
3:10pm DJ K-Otic
3:25pm The Rahsaan Langley Project
3:55pm to 4:30pm DJ K-Otic and June Archer
*Lineup subject to change.
· Experience the best in Black cuisine with:
Southern Belle Soul Food
Soulfully Vegan
Lion’s Den Vegetarian Restaurant
Char’s Spicy Nuts
Ice Cream Dream
Rhythm Brewing Co.
and, Simsbury Meadows Pub will also be open.
· Shop at Black Retailers Row featuring: Sippin’ Self Care, Yuhanna Scents and more.
· Kids of all ages can experience the world’s largest LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone and full-sized LEGO® Black PantherTM Photo Zone, courtesy of LEGO Systems, Inc!

Let’s Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Show
TIME: Gates open at 5:00pm, Event begins at 6:00pm
Let’s Sing Taylor - A Live Band Experience - is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far.
So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.
Let’s Sing Taylor is fan-sponsored and not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: The Australian Bee Gees
TIME: Gates open at 5:00pm for Friends of the Festival. Gates open at 6:00pm for General Admission. Concert starts at 7:30 pm
After 24 years and over 6,500+ performances in over 55+ countries, The Australian Bee Gees Show is the toast of Las Vegas comes to Connecticut! The show has been in residence at Excalibur Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip since February 2011 and has been voted twice, The Best Tribute Show in Las Vegas. The Australian Bee Gees Show also tours Worldwide throughout the year.
The show features a chronology of the greatest hits from the wonderful music of the Brothers Gibb, including More Than A Woman, Night Fever, and How Do You Mend A Broken Heart, just to name a few. The Australian Bee Gees Show have captured the look, the sound and the personality that defines one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history.

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: Celebrate America! with special guest Livingston Taylor and Fireworks display
TIME: Gates open at 5:00pm for Friends of the Festival. Gates open at 6:00pm for General Admission. Concert starts at 7:30pm.
The HSO presents its annual “Celebrate America!” concert, led by the esteemed Hartford Symphony Orchestra music director Carolyn Kuan. Joining the orchestra for this special occasion is American singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor. The night wouldn’t be complete without an exhilarating display of fireworks!

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: The Music of Queen
Time: Gates open at 5:00pm for Friends of the Festival. Gates open at 6:00pm for General Admission. Concert starts at 7:30pm.
Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra performs The Music of Queen at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM. Brent Havens takes the podium to present Windborne’s The Music of Queen, a program scored to extend the listening experience of Queen’s exceptional tunes. Performed by the HSO and amplified with a full rock band and vocals, this show captures Queen’s distinct sound while presenting some familiar and lots of new musical colors.

Merging Roots: A Jazz Experience with William Cepeda and Elio Villafranca
TIME: Gates open at 12:00pm, Event begins at 1:00pm.

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: The Music of Tina Turner
Time: Gates open at 5:00pm for Friends of the Festival. 6:00pm for General Admission. Concert starts at 7:30pm.
All hail the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll! Superstar singers LaKisha Jones, Nova Y. Payton, and Armando Imagines will take you on a journey through Tina Turner’s legendary musical career as your orchestra elevates iconic songs like What’s Love Got to Do with It, Disco Inferno, Proud Mary, and more. As sentimental as it is powerful, this production pays tribute to the eight-time GRAMMY-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in a way that proves Turner was Simply the Best.

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: Ben Folds with the Hartford Symphony
TIME: Gates open at 5:00pm for Friends of the Festival. Gates open at 6:00pm for General Admission. Concert starts at 7:30pm.
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome renowned singer-songwriter Ben Folds to the Talcott Mountain Music Festival! This collaboration promises a unique fusion of Fold’s dynamic piano compositions and the HSO’s rich orchestral sounds. Don’t miss this extraordinary musical experience under the stars!

Simsbury Rocks for Hope: Supporting the Arthur C. Luf Childrens Burn Camp
TIME: Gates open at 12:00pm. Event starts at 1:00pm

SMPAC 20th Anniversary Celebration! Featuring Max Creek and Booyah
TIME: Gates open at 3:00pm. Event starts at 3:30pm

Favarh: Mike DelGuidice Under The Stars
TIME: Gates open at 6:00 pm for the lawn, 5:00 pm for VIP seating, and the show starts at 7:00 pm!
It's an encore performance! Singer/songwriter Mike DelGuidice and his band return to Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center outdoor concert venue for an unforgettable evening with Mike's astonishing renditions of the biggest names in Classic Rock plus a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more. Mike DelGuidice tours with Billy Joel all over the world and current guest artists Sting, Stevie Nicks, and Rod Stewart.
Invite your friends and family to party under the stars. Bring your folding chairs, blankets, and picnics, and grab a seat on the lawn! Or reserve a table for eight friends up front. Even better, join us for the VIP experience with a table for eight guests catered by award-winning Metro Bis Restaurant including wine and parking.

4th Annual Nutmeg Ukulele Festival at Eno Memorial Hall
TIME: Registration begins at 8:00am, Event starts at 9:00am

Arts & Crafts Festival
TIME: Event goes from 10:00am - 4:00pm both Saturday 9/20 and Sunday 9/21

Simsbury-Granby Rotary River Run
The Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club invites you to join us on Saturday, September 21, 2024 for the 28th annual River Run in picturesque Simsbury, Connecticut. This family-friendly event features USATF certified 5k and 10k road races, a 1-mile kid’s run and fun, healthy activities.
100% of the proceeds go back into the community!! Previous beneficiaries include:
- College scholarships for High School graduates
- Foodshare in Bloomfield
- Drake Hill Flower Bridge
- Gifts of Love
- Healing Meals
- Simsbury High Unified Sports
- JDRF (Diabetes Research)
- Interval House of Hartford
- Farmington Valley YMCA
- Easter Seals
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision.
For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end

OAH Strides
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and make strides for a cause! The OAH Strides 5K, 10K & 1K Kids Color Run is back for its third year, bringing together runners, walkers, families, and fitness enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of fun, movement, and color!
Whether you're a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or just looking for a fun way to get active with your community, this event has something for everyone:
🏃 5K & 10K Races – Take on the challenge and enjoy a scenic route perfect for all paces.
🌈 1K Kids Color Run – A vibrant, fun-filled run where kids can dash through clouds of color!
Why Join?
✔ Support a Great Cause: 100 Percent of the Proceeds benefit our cause, making a meaningful impact in our community.
✔ Celebrate Movement: Whether running, walking, or cheering, every step supports health, mobility, and active lifestyles.
✔ Enjoy a High-Energy Atmosphere: Music, local vendors, post-race refreshments, and of course, LOTS OF COLOR!
🎟 Registration is now open
💥 Ready, Set, STRIDE! 💥
For more information about our organization, please visit OAHSTRIDES.org




Mainly Marathons
TIME: All Regular Starts are at 6:00 AM (ET) and optional Early Starts are at 5:00 AM (ET). Early Start available for distances of half marathon or longer. We encourage any 6+ hour participants to take advantage of the Early Starts. Pre-Race Briefing will start approximately 10 minutes before each of the two race start times.
Mainly Marathons puts on a race series like no other, from the unique course set up to the unparalleled spread of food and drinks to fuel you on your journey, all mixed with a sense of fun and family you just won’t find anywhere else.
You can take part in a full marathon, half marathon, 10k, or 5k.

UConn Health Half Marathon
TIME: Plan to arrive at least 75 minutes prior to your race start – Iron Horse Boulevard will be shut to traffic at 6:45 AM. After 6:45 AM, access to the parking lots must be made from Rte. 10. Do not park at private businesses
The long-time, beloved race tradition on Iron Horse features a picturesque two-loop 13.1 mile course along the Farmington River and local farmlands, with 10K and 5K race distance options. The post-race party is highlighted by delicious food from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ served alongside refreshing craft beer from New England Brewing Company.
Participants in all race distances earn a short-sleeve race technical shirt and a custom finisher medal.
NEW IN 2025: Motivate the running season with a three-race goal in the Spring 10K Challenge. Start off in Middletown in April, then join the Burlington to Collinsville 10K in May and end with the UConn Health 10K in June to earn an extra commemorative medal for the extra efforts. Details
BACK AGAIN FOR 2025: The ultimate state challenge…the Connecticut Double! Run the UConn Health Half in June and work up to the premier 26.2 mile experience in Connecticut at the Eversource Hartford Marathon on October 11. Take home the exclusive commemorative medal after finishing under the iconic Arch in Hartford. Details
HMF FitKids: Bring the whole family and enjoy the kids run with options of a ¼ mile, ½ mile or 1 mile (for kids ages 2-11)!

MS Walk
Experience the Power of the MS Movement
Centered around the theme of Circles of Support, the Walk MS® experience emphasizes the people and organizations that help improve a person’s life with MS. At the same time, we move together toward a world free of MS. Everyone at Walk MS plays a powerful role in the MS community, whether you live with MS or care about someone who does.
Circles of Support is an interactive way for you to self-identify your place in the MS community.
