Before we jump into this week’s newsletter, let’s check in on last week’s trivia challenge. The question was:

Over the decades that followed, the building served multiple community roles, including a period as Farmington’s post office. Which two other uses did it have more recently?

A. Print shop and a cobbler
B. Town archive and a museum
C. Doctor’s office and a pharmacy
D. Local deli and shop, and a five and dime

Did you make a guess? Find out if you were right!

Making time for friends as an adult can feel like a logistical nightmare. The built in social infrastructure of our childhood: school, bus rides, endless birthday parties, or for me, hours spent at dance, is long gone. Social time used to just happen. Now, it needs to be a deliberate choice, often falling victim to busy schedules.

I’ve learned that if I don’t actively carve out intentional ways to connect, it just doesn't happen. That’s why I rely on things like a monthly scheduled call with a friend who lives far away, and a weekly outing with local friends that guarantees both fun and face-time: Trivia Night.

Trivia is the perfect antidote to the dead of winter slump, when the days are short and dark. It’s a great excuse to catch up with your favorite people, and it serves as a sneaky confidence booster. Where else do you get to feel like a genius for knowing how to rank the Britney Spears albums from earliest to most recent? And you can laugh at the other team names, which are always a mixture of creativity and cringey humor. Trivia winners walk away with a prize, but for me, the face time is the true win.

If you’re craving a low effort, high reward way to gather your crew, we’ve gathered some of the best local spots for weekly trivia to get you started.

Tuesdays

Stadium XV Craft Kitchen, Farmington
Known for a great bar and even better simulator bay (test your skills at golf, hockey, soccer, and more!), Stadium XV also hosts a weekly trivia night. Start your week strong with hot trivia and hot wings. Bring your friends and see if your team can take the crown.

Fork & Fire, Farmington
This one is a personal favorite of mine. Fork & Fire offers casual vibes with clever questions and an impressive menu. WHAT Trivia asks questions that start easy, then crank it up a notch after a half-time photo round. A perfect Tuesday night outing.

New Park Brewing, West Hartford
New Park Brewing is known first and foremost for their beer, but they also host a weekly trivia night where craft beer meets brainpower. Pizza is also on the menu; name a better combo than pizza, beer, and trivia! Bring your team and some appetite.

Wednesdays

Lisa’s Crown & Hammer, Collinsville
Located in the old train depot, Lisa’s Crown & Hammer offers a way for Wednesday nights to get spicy with Hot Fingers Trivia. Try a drink like the Collinsville Collins, what’s more fitting than that? Come for the fun, stay for the community vibes.

World of Beer, West Hartford
In addition to a wide selection of beers, their menu has an impressive amount of shareables such as mac & cheese bites and buffalo chicken quesadillas, perfect for meeting up with friends. They also love a theme night, such as Friends Trivia or Horror Movie Trivia. Trivia + drinks + delectable bites = midweek win.

Iron Horse Pub, Simsbury (or in Unionville on Tuesdays)
A local favorite for pub trivia with five rounds of five questions each. The third round is always an audio round, a musical montage of themes like "Name that One Hit Wonder." Put your thinking caps on for these smart questions, good drinks, and friendly competition.

Thursdays

Seasons Restaurant, Avon
Similar to Fork & Fire, WHAT Trivia hosts four rounds of five questions each, with a half-time visual round and then one final question. Test your brainpower in a cozy spot with great food and a welcoming atmosphere.

WeHa Brewing, West Hartford
Best Trivia Ever hosts here, with topics ranging from pop culture to engaging societal categories and more traditional trivia. Craft beer and clever questions make Thursday nights fly by. Bring your team and your thinking cap.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.