💃 Rhythm of the Dance, O’Hartford 5K & a Spring Gardening Workshop

March 11, 2026

Happy Wednesday! We’ve rounded up a few standout events happening across Connecticut this week — from exciting live performances to community races and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re looking for something active, creative, or entertaining, there’s plenty happening around the state.

Here’s what’s inside today:

💃 Rhythm of the Dance brings Irish music and world-class dancers to New London
🏃 The festive O’Hartford 5K & 10K race returns to Hartford
🌿 A hands-on Spring Pruning Workshop to kick off gardening season
📗 This Month in CT History: The Hartford Retail Leader Who Transformed G. Fox & Company
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Why More Seafood (and Less Red Meat) Might Be the Wellness Shift You’ve Been Looking For

 If you’re thinking about cutting back on red meat for better health, wild-caught seafood could be your secret weapon. Science shows that eating fish 1-2 times a week can support healthy heart and brain function, help reduce inflammation, and even may give your metabolism a little boost.

Here’s what wild-caught seafood delivers: essential n‑3 polyunsaturated fats (specifically, the marine-based omega-3 fatty acids that nutritionists love so much!), lean and digestible protein, and a smorgasbord of nutrients. Compare that to conventional red meat, which often comes with higher saturated fat, an unhealthy balance of omega‑6 fatty acids, and a limited range of nutrients.

Switching to seafood as your go-to protein is not just a shift away from a red meat rut. It’s a shift toward higher-quality nutrients and a more diversified diet for well-rounded health.

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An internationally acclaimed Irish dance production comes to the Garde Arts Center.

Irish music and dance take center stage when The National Dance Company of Ireland brings Rhythm of the Dance to the Garde Arts Center in New London on March 12 from 7:30–10:30 PM. This celebrated production features world and Irish champion dancers alongside talented musicians and vocalists, delivering a vibrant performance that showcases Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.

Blending traditional Irish step dance with live music, modern choreography, and striking stage visuals, the two-hour show takes audiences on an energetic journey through Ireland’s history and traditions. Having captivated more than seven million viewers across 50 countries, Rhythm of the Dance continues to be one of the most popular Irish dance productions touring worldwide.

Festive race, community fun, and a finish inside Trinity Health Stadium.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s season with the O’Hartford 5K & 10K on Sunday, March 15 from 11:00 AM–1:30 PM at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. The race is part of the popular O’Race Series and offers both competitive and walker-friendly options, with participants finishing on the field inside the stadium.

Runners will receive a St. Patrick’s Day–themed technical shirt and can enjoy post-race food and a celebratory beer for participants 21+. The event also includes the HMF FitKids Run for children ages 2–11 and supports the Susie Beris, MD Youth Running Program, helping encourage healthy lifestyles for young runners across the community.

🌿 LEARN SPRING PRUNING TECHNIQUES IN WETHERSFIELD

Get your garden ready for the season with expert guidance.

Gardeners eager to kick off the spring season can join a hands-on pruning workshop on March 14 from 10:00–11:30 AM at the Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield. Led by Head Gardener Peter Winne, the outdoor session will demonstrate practical techniques for pruning roses, fruit trees, evergreens, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

Participants will learn when and how to prune different plants, which tools to use, and strategies for reviving perennial beds after winter dormancy. With step-by-step guidance and real demonstrations in the museum gardens, the workshop offers a helpful start to the 2026 gardening season for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Upgrade your productivity tools without the monthly subscription. This limited-time deal lets you grab Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus or Home & Business at massive savings—up to 87% off the regular price. Choose the version that fits your setup, whether you’re using PC or Mac, and enjoy the full suite of essential apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

With a one-time purchase, you’ll get lifetime access to the classic Office apps you rely on for work, school, or personal projects. The Professional Plus version for PC even includes additional tools like Access. It’s a simple way to keep powerful productivity software on your computer without paying recurring fees.

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Score up to 63% off bowling, snacks, and a classic Connecticut experience.

Looking for a fun night out that everyone can enjoy? Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes in Hamden is offering a great deal where you can bowl, snack, and hang out with friends or family for a fraction of the usual price. With this offer, you’ll get 90 minutes of duckpin bowling, shoe rental, soda, and chips for groups of two, four, or six people. Even better, you can choose between classic open bowling or the lively Glow Bowl experience for a more energetic night on the lanes.

Duckpin bowling adds a unique twist to the traditional game with smaller balls and pins, making it fun, fast-paced, and easy for all ages to enjoy. Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes has been part of the community since 1955 and still delivers that nostalgic bowling alley charm guests love, along with modern updates and a welcoming atmosphere. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, it’s a favorite spot for families, friend groups, and anyone looking for a laid-back night of entertainment.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Hartford Retail Leader Who Transformed G. Fox & Company

When Beatrice Fox Auerbach became president of Hartford’s G. Fox & Company in 1938, few expected her to hold the position for long. At a time when women rarely led major companies, Auerbach stepped into the role following the death of her father and quickly proved herself a visionary business leader. Over the next 27 years, she guided the department store through a period of remarkable growth, helping it become the largest privately held department store in the United States.

Auerbach was deeply connected to the company’s roots. Her grandfather, Gerson Fox, founded the store in Hartford in 1847, and the family business had already become a major retail destination by the time she took over. Under her leadership, the company expanded significantly while also introducing forward-thinking ideas that reshaped the shopping experience, including in-store beauty salons, lounges, personal shopping services, and even one of the nation’s first toll-free telephone order departments.

Beyond business success, Auerbach was known for her progressive approach to employee welfare and community support. She introduced generous benefits for workers, including structured retirement plans, interest-free loans for employees in need, and five-day, 40-hour work weeks—policies that were ahead of their time. She also created opportunities for women and African-American employees to build careers within the company.

Her impact extended well beyond retail. Through the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation, she donated millions to local hospitals, cultural institutions, and scholarships for students pursuing business education. Today, her legacy lives on in Hartford and across Connecticut as an example of how strong leadership, innovation, and philanthropy can shape both a company and a community.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Connecticut Farms Experiment With New Crops

After a challenging winter season, many Connecticut farmers are exploring new ways to diversify what they grow and bring unique products to market. From specialty mushrooms to other niche crops, farms across the state are adapting to changing conditions while introducing fresh flavors and ideas to local markets.

Popular Blondie’s Diner Expanding to New Location

Blondie’s Restaurant, known for its all-day breakfast, is preparing to open a third location in Union at the longtime Traveler Food & Books site. The iconic restaurant, famous for giving away free books with meals, has drawn visitors for decades—and the new owner plans to keep the beloved book tradition alive.

Rare Mark Twain Memorabilia Collection Heads to Auction

A massive collection of Mark Twain artifacts gathered over nearly 40 years by collector Dan Madsen is heading to auction. The sale will feature hundreds of rare items including manuscripts, letters, and first-edition books connected to the legendary author who spent many of his most productive years in Connecticut.

Designer Toy Retailer Pop Mart Opening at Westfarms Mall

Global collectible toy brand Pop Mart is planning a new store at Westfarms Mall in Farmington and West Hartford. Known for its popular “blind box” figurines like Labubu and Molly, the retailer’s upcoming location will become its third shop in Connecticut and is expected to draw fans of designer collectibles and surprise toys.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked a few ideas for getting out, exploring, and making the most of everything happening around Connecticut this week.

If you enjoyed today’s email, feel free to pass it along to a friend so they can discover some great things to do around the state 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!