Good morning, Hartford.

A Meriden woman won $500,000 when her first Powerball ticket with the new Double Play add-on matched five numbers at H&H Mart (Broad Street).

She said she will use the money to pay off her mortgage and fund her daughter's wedding (CT Lottery report).

Black Friday shoppers arrived early Friday at Westfarms Mall as stores opened for holiday deals, starting the busy shopping day.

Shoppers took advantage of early openings to grab seasonal bargains.

This weekend in Connecticut, locals can enjoy a wide range of holiday shows—music concerts, live theater, and art exhibits—with events like Sarah Brightman’s Winter Symphony at Mohegan Sun Arena and Nutmeg Ballet’s Nutcracker offering festive treats while family activities and holiday lights light up many towns. The events span concert performances, stage shows, and cultural displays that bring the season to life.

The UConn Marching Band will debut in the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — the band’s first appearance in its 130-year history — and will perform in New York City.

Band director Dr. Malcolm Jones said the group beat over 100 applicants to be one of only 12 bands chosen, and the event will fill members and alumni with pride.

Residents across Connecticut shared gratitude for life, family, and tradition this Thanksgiving season, saying being alive is the best gift.

People in Hartford and New Britain expressed excitement for Black Friday deals — a sign they value time with loved ones — while many choose to avoid crowded stores.

An East Granby resident said a bear grabbed her Ring camera from the back deck last week and returned last night to repeat the act near a home by Old Newgate Prison.

The family said the animal usually sniffs the camera before dropping it and has seen bears in the area often.

Connecticut officials and experts advise shoppers to verify websites and use secure payment methods on Black Friday—urging caution in crowded parking areas to protect personal data and avoid scams.

Hartford’s Turkey Day Game brought together merged teams from Hartford Public, Weaver, and Classical Magnet high schools to face a joint Capital Prep and Achievement First squad in a tradition that has united the community for 100 years.

The co-op team won 35-6 and now has playoff hopes for a state championship + the game marked a renewed spirit of local unity.

UConn men’s basketball will face Illinois in a rematch of a 2024 Elite Eight battle at Madison Square Garden today at 12:30 p.m. on FOX.

UConn enters with a 5 to 1 record and Illinois with a 6 to 1 mark as coach Dan Hurley evaluates key players in light of injuries—key figures include Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins.

On Thanksgiving Day, Kenyan runner Edwin Kurgat set a new record at the Manchester Road Race — he became the first man to finish under 21 minutes with a time of 20 minutes 52 seconds.

Women’s champion Weini Kelati won her fifth straight race — she finished in 23 minutes 16 seconds.

Tribute to Enanitos Verdes

9:00 p.m. — Nicole's Restaurant — Tickets available — Celebrate classic rock with the iconic sounds of Enanitos Verdes.

Nutmeg's Nutcracker

12:30-2:30 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the magical holiday classic as the Nutmeg Ballet brings Clara's enchanting journey to life.

PMP Certification Bootcamp

9 AM – 5 PM — 100 Pearl Street Gallery Parking — Contact hours included — Fast-track your project management career with expert-led PMP training.

CTData Conference 2025

9 AM – 4 PM — Hartford Marriott Downtown — Registration required — Engage with leaders and learn data practices for community impact.

Jukebox Radio Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Elicit Brewing Co — Cover charge may apply — Enjoy a night of non-stop hits from Post Malone to Aerosmith with a full band.

Slick Rick Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket prices vary — Experience the storytelling genius of hip-hop’s most sampled artist live in Hartford.

Self-Care Sound Bath Meditation

6-7 p.m. — Whiton Branch Library — Free entry — Experience the healing power of sound with bowls and drums in a relaxing environment.

Date Night Downtown: Magic and Humor

6:15-7:45 p.m. — WORK_SPACE — $25 per person, $20 early bird — Experience a night of magic and humor with Kody Hildebrand in a festive setting.

2000's Night

9 PM – 1 AM — The Webster — Tickets from $57 — Celebrate the nostalgia of the 2000s with live performances at Webster Theater.

Glow Hartford

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Limited tickets available — Experience one of Hartford's top concert picks this December.