Hamden Weekend Guide: The Eli Whitney Museum Turns 50 And Opens 'Field And Figure'

HAMDEN, CT — The Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop owns Hamden's Columbus Day weekend, from Thursday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct. 11, with a 50th-anniversary party in its barn Friday night and weekend receptions for a new exhibition across Whitney Avenue.

This Weekend's Arts & Entertainment

• "Field and Figure" opening reception — Saturday, Oct. 10, 1 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 to 6 p.m. The exhibition features Vick Quezada, Louise Mandumbwa Manela, Kimberly R. Heard, Alexandria Couch and Jaamal Benjamin, with an artist talk Oct. 14. Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop, 920 Whitney Avenue

This Weekend's Restaurants & Bars

• Eli Whitney Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration — Friday, Oct. 9, 6 to 9:30 p.m. The museum marks half a century with food, drinks, music and stories from staff, apprentices and community members in its barn; tickets are $50, or $76 for two. Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop, 915 Whitney Avenue

Raise a glass to 50 years of Eli Whitney's workshop on Friday and come back over the weekend to meet the "Field and Figure" artists, and Hamden's long weekend centers on one of its most beloved institutions.

You can post your local event on Patch here.