Bristol Public Library

Admission Free
<ul><li>20 Connecticut Authors with books for adults, teens, and children!</li><li>Children’s story times with the authors!</li><li>Book sales &amp; signing!</li><li>Door prizes throughout the day!</li><li>Refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Bristol Public Library</li></ul>
More information: 860.584.7787 or www.bristollib.com

Local Event: Nutmeg Lit Fest: Books in Bristol CT Authors’ Fair

Hartford County

Bristol

Connecticut

Nutmeg Lit Fest: Books in Bristol CT Authors’ Fair

Admission Free
20 Connecticut Authors with books for adults, teens, and children!Children’s story times with the authors!Book...

<a href="https://bristollib.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>
Wednesday, September, 30, 06:30 pm - 08:00 pm | Bristol Public Library
<img src="https://bristollib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PR-Flyer-1.jpeg" alt="Event flyer for a literary evening with Allegra Goodman at Bristol Public Library on September 30, 2026. Free tickets available." srcset="https://bristollib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PR-Flyer-1.jpeg 683w, https://bristollib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PR-Flyer-1-200x300.jpeg 200w">
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 6:30 PM. Doors open at: 5:45 PM
Location: Bristol Public Library, 5 High Street, Bristol, CT.
Admission: Free, but tickets are required due to limited capacity.
Author presentation followed by Q &amp; A and book signing. Light Refreshments courtesy of the Friends&nbsp; of the Bristol Public Library.
Tickets: Order forms available to Bristol residents and Bristol library card holders on August 3, 2026. Order forms available for all others on August 17, 2026.
Tickets may be ordered in-person at the Circulation Desk at Bristol Public Library, 5 High Street, Bristol, CT.
Each attendee may order one ticket plus one for a guest. Both tickets must be in the same ticket category (Bristol resident, non-resident).
Tickets are available to adults aged 18+
Should capacity be reached a waiting list will be taken.&nbsp;
Tickets are free, but are required for admission.
More information: Contact the library @ 860.584.7787 x 3.
Made possible by the Manross Memorial Trust Fund and The Friends of the Bristol Public Library

Local Event: Pop-up Literary Event: An Evening with Allegra Goodman

Pop-up Literary Event: An Evening with Allegra...


Wednesday, September, 30, 06:30 pm - 08:00 pm | Bristol Public Library

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 6:30 PM. Doors...

Pop-up Literary Event: An Evening with Allegra Goodman

Looking to unwind and unleash your creativity? Join our in-person Coloring Club designed just for adults! It's a chill space where you can relax, chat, and bring vibrant colors to beautiful designs. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this is the perfect way to de-stress and make new friends. Grab your favorite coloring tools, or use ours, and come hang out with us!
RSVP: bristollib.com, in-person at the library, or by calling: 860.584.7787 x 3. No charge. 18+

Local Event: Coloring Club for Adults

Coloring Club for Adults

Looking to unwind and unleash your creativity? Join our in-person Coloring Club designed just for adults! It's a chill space...

Get ready to fix up your favorite clothes and learn some cool hand sewing tricks in a chill, hands-on session.
Once you know the essentials, we move on to mending items you bring in. Basic sewing tools and thread are supplied.
First Monday of the Month @ 5:30 PM
RSVP at the Circulation Desk, www.bristollib.com, or call 860.584.7787 ext. 3. Dropins welcome.

Local Event: Basics of Hand Sewing and Mending

Basics of Hand Sewing and Mending

Get ready to fix up your favorite clothes and learn some cool hand sewing tricks in a chill, hands-on session.
Once you know...

Publishing How to's, do's, &amp; don'ts with local writers who have been there &amp; done that!
Join local writers, Sharon Arsego, Joseph Adomavicia, Dr. Dawn Leger, and Jordan Lopez, to Learn about the publishing process! Light refreshments provided Courtesy of the Friends of the Bristol Public Library. Time for book signing and networking as well.
Free Admission.

Local Event: Pen to Paper to Print

Pen to Paper to Print

Publishing How to's, do's, & don'ts with local writers who have been there & done that!
Join local writers, Sharon Arsego,...

Join us in person for a fun dive into the graphic novel adaptation of Lord of the Flies! Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the story, this club is a chill space to chat, share ideas, and enjoy some great art together. Bring your thoughts and let’s explore this classic through a fresh, visual lens. See you there!
For the first time, from acclaimed artist Aimée de Jongh, comes the stunning graphic novel adaptation of this classic story, one of the BBC''s ‘100 Novels that shaped our World’.
Free Admission.
RSVP: at the library, <a href="https://www.bristollib.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bristollib.com</a> or call: 860.584.7787 x 3.
Copies of the graphic novel are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk.

Local Event:  Graphic Novel Club: Lord of the Flies

 Graphic Novel Club: Lord of the Flies

Join us in person for a fun dive into the graphic novel adaptation of Lord of the Flies! Whether you’re a fan of the book or...

Overview
A musical journey with the band Gunsmoke to "the show that made country music famous!"
A Night at the Opry features a musical journey with the band Gunsmoke to Nashville, Tennessee, to experience the legendary "show that made country music famous:" The Grand Ole Opry. Gunsmoke is enshrined in the Connecticut Country Music Hall of Fame. They have performed for two sitting Presidents of the United States and received a citation from the state of Connecticut commemorating the band's silver anniversary of 25 years entertaining audiences with classic country music.
Free Admission.
RSVP: bristollib.com, in-person at the library, or by calling: 860.584.7787 x 3

Local Event: Library Coffee House: A Night at the Opry

Library Coffee House: A Night at the Opry

Overview
A musical journey with the band Gunsmoke to "the show that made country music famous!"
A Night at the Opry features a...

Jeopardy-style general trivia game with Halloween-themed categories &amp; refreshments
Join us for a special general topic Jeopardy-style trivia game with Halloween-themed categories and refreshments. Join us for a fun evening of trivia, fellowship, and prizes. 18+
RSVP: bristollib.com, in-person at the library, or by calling: 860.584.7787 x 3

Local Event: Tea & Trivia VI: Halloween Theme

Tea & Trivia VI: Halloween Theme

Jeopardy-style general trivia game with Halloween-themed categories & refreshments
Join us for a special general topic...

Overview
A true story of Revolutionary Connecticut
On Christmas Eve, 1776, 225 sickly American prisoners of war were marched from British military jails in New York City to be exchanged. Most were enlisted soldiers from Connecticut captured during recent battles. This presentation will describe the men’s harrowing journey and what became of them, highlighting those who came from central Connecticut. Among these were Pvt. Abel Hart and Pvt. Jonathan Ingham of Farmington and Pvt. Daniel Bartholomew of Plymouth. Researcher and former CT Army National Guard Officer, Tom Hogan, tells us the story and its impact on Connecticut at the time.
Free Admission
RSVP: www.bristollib.com, 860.584.7787 x 3 or visit the library

Local Event: America 250: The Christmas Cartel

America 250: The Christmas Cartel

Overview
A true story of Revolutionary Connecticut
On Christmas Eve, 1776, 225 sickly American prisoners of war were marched...

Experience this powerful reading/lecture combo presented in Colonial garb
More than an historical milestone, the Declaration of Independence is a masterful use of language. This talk examines the Declaration of Independence as a bold piece of writing designed to persuade, provoke, and endure. Blending rhetorical analysis with a full reading of the text, it brings the document to life as a spoken argument rather than a static artifact, and approaches the Declaration through the lens of voice, rhythm, and the enduring power of words. Presented in colonial garb.
No Charge. RSVP: www.bristollib.com, 860.584.7787 x 3 or visit the library
Michael Langlois is a theatre artist, lecturer, performer, and storyteller with decades of experience in directing, performance, and arts education. Michael is the principal of Oratory Arts.

Local Event: Declaring Independence: The Language That Challenged an Empire

Declaring Independence: The Language That...

Experience this powerful reading/lecture combo presented in Colonial garb
More than an historical milestone, the Declaration of...

Declaring Independence: The Language That Challenged an Empire

Looking to unwind and unleash your creativity? Join our in-person Coloring Club designed just for adults! It's a chill space where you can relax, chat, and bring vibrant colors to beautiful designs. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this is the perfect way to de-stress and make new friends. Grab your favorite coloring tools, or use ours, and come hang out with us!
RSVP: bristollib.com, in-person at the library, or by calling: 860.584.7787 x 3. No charge. 18+

How Twain’s decades in Connecticut shaped his writing, family, and social life.
Although his most famous works were set along the Mississippi River of his childhood, Mark Twain composed those novels while living in Nook Farm, a neighborhood of Hartford, full of celebrated literary figures. This program explores what it was like in this vibrant community of authors and activists, whose residents included not only Twain, but also novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, travel writer and journalist Charles Dudley Warner, Civil War hero and senator Joseph Hawley, and female suffrage campaigner Isabella Beecher Hooker. It also considers the ways Twain’s decades in Connecticut shaped his writing, family, and social life.
Presented by the Staff of The Mark Twain House Museum.
Free Admission.
No Charge. RSVP: www.bristollib.com, 860.584.7787 x 3 or visit the library

Local Event: Mark Twain: Seventeen Summers in a Garden

Mark Twain: Seventeen Summers in a Garden

How Twain’s decades in Connecticut shaped his writing, family, and social life.
Although his most famous works were set along...

Join us at the Bristol Public Library for an engaging session of the Graphic Novel Club focused on Lucas Wars. This in-person event will take place on November 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM (Eastern Time).
Explore the fascinating world of graphic novels in a friendly and welcoming environment. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the genre, this event offers a great opportunity to discuss themes, artwork, and storytelling techniques featured in Lucas Wars.
In a tale befitting the saga he created, Lucas Wars follows George Lucas’s journey from aimless dreamer to filmmaking trailblazer and prodigy of the New Hollywood movement. While his fellow rising stars―directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese―craft The Godfather, Jaws, and Taxi Driver, Lucas follows his childhood dreams and begins work on an epic fantasy . . . which, he soon discovers, is not without its epic challenges.
No charge. RSVP at the library, <a href="https://www.bristollib.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bristollib.com</a>, or call: 860.584.7787 ext. 3
Free admission.
Copies available at the Circulation Desk

Local Event: Graphic Novel Club: Lucas Wars

Graphic Novel Club: Lucas Wars

Join us at the Bristol Public Library for an engaging session of the Graphic Novel Club focused on Lucas Wars. This in-person...

Scott Stanton

Hartford

Michael Lemanski

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Farmington

Southington

Avon

Berlin

Rich Kirby

Newington

West Hartford

New Haven County

Vincent Salzo

Cheshire

Canton

Meriden

Wethersfield

The 11th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, October 17th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Winding Trails in Farmington. Set amongst the beautiful 380 acres of forest and fall foliage on Dunning Lake, there will be music on two stages, with food trucks, a vendor village, and a beer garden at the beach featuring free samples from local breweries.
The festival headliner is Howley. As founding members of We Banjo 3, the Galway-born Howley brothers brought Irish traditional music to new heights — blending it with Americana, bluegrass, and contemporary songcraft to create a sound beloved across the world. Their electrifying live shows, virtuosic playing, and brotherly chemistry made We Banjo 3 one of the most celebrated acts on the international folk scene. Now, the brothers return with a brand-new project: Howley — a re-imagining of that signature sound for a new era. Joined by two world-class artists, Kiana June (fiddle, vocals) and Caitlin Leahy (percussion, flute, vocals), Howley expands the brothers’ trademark sound with lush harmonies, fiery fiddle, and rhythmic flair.
The Festival also features Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill. The band is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” was a Grand Prize winner in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.
Also appearing on the main stage will be Beg Steal or Borrow and the Clements Brothers. Beg Steal or Borrow is a Vermont-based bluegrass band formed in 2013, known for their warm harmonies, virtuosic instrumentals, and a mix of traditional and original music. In in their first project together since playing in the internationally touring grass-roots band, ‘The Lonely Heartstring Band,’ the Clements Brothers have roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences.
In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Early bird discounted tickets available until July 1st for $30. After July 1, tickets will be $40 adults, and $10 children at <a href="https://windingtrails.org/music-festival" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">windingtrails.org/music-festival</a> or on Eventbrite. This one-day music festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset and is rain or shine. Performances take place on the Boathouse stage and the Dunning Lake stage. Bring a tent in the event of rain. Free samples from over 20 local breweries will be available, while supplies last. Food and additional refreshments are available for sale or attendees may BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails, sports fields, and disc golf.
Festival proceeds benefit the Winding Trails, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing year-round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages.

Local Event: Farmington Valley Music Festival

Farmington Valley Music Festival

The 11th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, October 17th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Winding...

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Posting Activity

Nutmeg Lit Fest: Books in Bristol CT Authors’ Fair

SEP

26

10:00 AM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Pop-up Literary Event: An Evening with Allegra Goodman

SEP

30

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Coloring Club for Adults

OCT

3

1:00 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Basics of Hand Sewing and Mending

OCT

5

5:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Pen to Paper to Print

OCT

10

12:00 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Graphic Novel Club: Lord of the Flies

OCT

15

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Library Coffee House: A Night at the Opry

OCT

24

2:00 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Tea & Trivia VI: Halloween Theme

OCT

28

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Basics of Hand Sewing and Mending

NOV

2

5:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

America 250: The Christmas Cartel

NOV

4

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Declaring Independence: The Language That Challenged an Empire

NOV

12

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Coloring Club for Adults

NOV

14

1:00 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Mark Twain: Seventeen Summers in a Garden

NOV

17

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Graphic Novel Club: Lucas Wars

NOV

19

6:30 PM

Bristol Public Library, 5 High St, Bristol, CT

Farmington Valley Music Festival