Good morning, Hartford.

Formerly incarcerated people in Connecticut built bookshelves — filling them with books for prison donations — and said reading helped them through their own sentences.

The West Hartford Fire Department advised residents about fire safety after a smoke alarm call led them to a home where smoke was seen in the basement and a small fire next to the boiler was quickly put out.

Forecasters warn stronger winds and coastal flooding may hit the Connecticut shoreline as the region braces for a nor’easter later—residents are urged to stay alert.

West Hartford firefighters responded to a reported basement smoke incident early Saturday at 12:49 a.m. at 252 Penn Drive and quickly extinguished a small fire next to the boiler while police provided traffic control, and they reminded residents to keep a three-foot clearance around heating appliances and install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

West Hartford businesses are announcing updates and new openings in the coming weeks.

A new dining option named Wonder will open at Blue Back Square in 2026, Pink Petal will start next week at Westfarms, Cafe Sofia will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Oct 23, a Halloween Stroll is planned for Oct 25, BEST Cleaners will be honored on Oct 30, Boqueria will mark its two-year anniversary on Oct 16, and Fred Astaire Dance Studios recently celebrated teacher Serhii Lysenko for breaking a regional record.

ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists in Farmington announced that it will lay off about 69 employees starting in December—its decision follows a decline in business.

The Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K took place Oct.

11 in Bushnell Park with over 9,000 runners and 1,500 volunteers. Alex Norstrom of Glastonbury won the full marathon in 2:19:04 while Mario Vazquez of Farmington won the half marathon in 1:06:13—marking the 32nd running of the event.

High school football across Connecticut showcased top plays as Hamden’s Evelio Lugo scored a highlight touchdown run—Caleb Brickhouse of Platt Tech ran 90 yards for a touchdown and Cheshire’s James Sutherland made a one-handed catch that sparked an upset win.

The plays offered fans a thrilling look at student-athletes' skill in key victories.

English Play Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $180 — Experience captivating performances in a theatrical show you'll never forget.

English - A Play

7:30-11:30 p.m. — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $180 — Experience captivating performances with the drama of English live on stage.

Tito Nieves Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Tickets available — Experience the legendary 'Pavarotti of Salsa' as he performs classic hits and crowd-moving rhythms.

Free Family Fun Expo and Resource Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Hartford Public Library, Downtown Library — Free admission — Experience a day of family fun with crafts, face painting, and community resources.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra - Beethoven and Sibelius

3-6 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the majestic sounds of Beethoven and Sibelius performed live by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

English Performance

7:30 PM — TheaterWorks Hartford — Ticket details available — Enjoy a captivating evening of theater in Hartford.

Pierce The Veil - Tour 2025

6:30-8 p.m. — Xfinity Theatre — Ticket required — Experience a legendary rock performance from the iconic band Pierce The Veil.

Sicard Hollow Live Performance

9 PM - 12 AM — Arch Street Tavern — $15 — Enjoy a night of Nashville's psychedelic punk-grass music with Sicard Hollow.

Yacht Lobsters Band Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy the buttery Soft Rock hits of the 70's and 80's with the Yacht Lobsters.

Power of the Pause Celebration

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mandell JCC — Free entry — Celebrate midlife with awareness, self-care, community, and fun.