🎭 Big Stories, Green Miles & Silly Fairy Tales

March 03, 2026

Happy Tuesday! If you’re mapping out the week ahead, we’ve got a lineup that blends powerful theatre, festive race-day energy, and family-friendly fun on stage. Whether you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking, active, or laugh-out-loud silly, there’s something worth adding to your calendar.

Here’s what’s inside:

🎭 The Mountaintop at Playhouse on Park
🍀 O’Shenanigans 5K in Southington
🧀 The Stinky Cheese Man at Garde Arts Center
đź“— This Month in CT History: A Deadly Explosion That Changed Hartford Forever
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🎭 EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAINTOP LIVE IN WEST HARTFORD

An intimate and imaginative portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

An Olivier Award-winning play arrives at Playhouse on Park from March 4 through March 22, 2026. The Mountaintop, written by Katori Hall and directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan, reimagines the final night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, set in his room at the Lorraine Motel after delivering one of his most powerful speeches.

When a mysterious maid named Camae arrives with room service, a humorous exchange unfolds into a deeply personal conversation about legacy, destiny, fear, and hope. The 95-minute production runs without intermission and is recommended for ages 13 and up, with multiple evening and matinee performances available throughout its run.

🍀 JOIN THE FUN AT THE O’SHENANIGANS 5K

Run, celebrate, and kick off St. Patrick’s season

Head to Southington on March 7, 2026, for the O’Shenanigans 5K, starting and finishing outside Kinsmen Brewing Company. This fast 3.1-mile course winds through scenic rural roads before bringing runners back to a festive brewery celebration. Costumes are encouraged, and all participants receive custom St. Patrick’s-themed knit gloves.

Runners 21+ can enjoy a craft beer from Kinsmen Brewing, and everyone refuels with fresh hot pizza from Sauced at Kinsmen. With kids’ races and charity partnerships included, it’s more than a run, it’s a full-on event.

A twisted take on classic fairy tales

Catch The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales on March 4 at 10 am at the Garde Arts Center in New London. Based on the popular book, this fast-paced production flips familiar fairy tales upside down with clever humor and nonstop surprises.

From Cinderella rewriting the rules to unexpected story mashups, the show keeps audiences of all ages entertained from start to finish.

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A bubbly vineyard experience for two or four

If your idea of a perfect outing includes sparkling wine, scenic views, and a beautifully arranged charcuterie board, this deal is calling your name. Arrigoni Winery in Portland is offering up to 40% off its popular Bubbles Experience, designed for couples or small groups looking to unwind along the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Choose the experience for two and enjoy one bottle of Sparkling White or Sparkling Rosé, a charcuterie board, and two souvenir champagne glasses to take home. Bringing friends? The package for four includes two bottles of bubbly, two charcuterie boards, and four souvenir glasses. It’s the kind of relaxed, vineyard afternoon that feels both elevated and effortless.

With welcoming staff, rolling vineyard views, and no reservation required, this is an easy way to turn an ordinary day into something worth celebrating. Just purchase, wait 24 hours, and head over to sip and savor.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

Gerard Way Concert GIF by My Chemical Romance

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Deadly Explosion That Changed Hartford Forever

In the mid-19th century, Hartford was a rapidly growing industrial city, but it was unprepared for the catastrophe that struck at the Fales & Gray Car Works factory. A massive steam boiler exploded, blasting through thick brick walls, collapsing part of the building, and injuring scores of workers. The force of the blast left devastation in its wake, marking the worst industrial accident the city had ever experienced.

Nine men were killed instantly, and more succumbed to their injuries in the days that followed. Dozens more suffered severe burns and trauma. As residents rushed to help, it became painfully clear that Hartford lacked the infrastructure to respond to a disaster of that scale. Unlike New Haven, which already had a public hospital, Hartford had no centralized facility to coordinate emergency medical care.

The tragedy sparked urgent conversations about the city’s responsibilities to its workers and families. Within weeks, local leaders and residents pushed for change, and the movement led to the chartering of Hartford Hospital. When it opened a few years later, it stood as a direct response to the explosion, transforming grief and loss into a lasting institution dedicated to care and healing.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Popular East Haven Apizza Spot Damaged by Fire

A fire broke out at DePalma’s Apizza on Main Street in East Haven, sending heavy smoke through the building. Firefighters quickly knocked down flames in a rear prep room, limiting structural damage, though smoke spread throughout the restaurant. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

Two Longtime Noank Favorites Set to Close

Two beloved Noank establishments, Carson’s Store and Palmer’s Provisions & Pizza, are preparing to close their doors. Carson’s, which dates back to 1907, has been a breakfast and lunch staple for generations, while Palmer’s built a loyal following for its nautical-themed pizza and sandwiches. Both have earned strong community support over the years.

From Prison to Prosperity: Shelton Salon Owner Builds New Life

After serving nearly two decades in prison, Carlos Rebollo has transformed his life through hair braiding, launching Freedom Braids by Carlos in Shelton. What began as a skill learned behind bars has grown into a thriving salon serving hundreds of clients each month. His journey highlights second chances, entrepreneurship, and community support.

New Iwo Jima Museum Opens in East Hartford

The Museum of the Battle of Iwo Jima has officially opened in East Hartford inside the World War II Legacy Foundation Museum. The ribbon cutting marked the 81st anniversary of the historic battle, welcoming veterans and family members to commemorate the occasion. The new exhibit adds to Connecticut’s growing collection of WWII educational resources.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading along today. We hope you found a few ideas worth adding to your week and a reason to get out and explore.

If this roundup was helpful, pass it on to a friend and let them in on what’s happening around Connecticut too.

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!