If you love spending your weekends on our local paved trails, you owe a massive thank you to the Farmington Valley Trails Council (FVTC). They are a volunteer-led group that helps protect and maintain our gorgeous trail networks. Membership starts at just $25 and goes directly toward trail safety and future expansions, so it is a total no brainer to join.

Beyond their advocacy work, they host incredibly casual weekly meet-up rides all summer long that are perfect for logging some miles with great company. They cover about 15 miles, require zero advance registration, and roll out every Wednesday evening at 5:45 PM (meet-up is at 5:30 PM). Just bring your bike, a helmet, and show up.

Their next ride is Wednesday, July 1st at 5:30 PM, meeting up at the Lordship Road parking area in East Granby (the dead-end street right across from the Simsbury Airport). They change the starting location every week to keep things fresh. You can find out more about the rides and grab a membership at fchtrail.org.

I’ve always loved the Fourth of July. Maybe because it was basically my birthday too. My family wasn’t about to dedicate an extra day to me less than a week later, but that was totally fine when you get fireworks on your almost birthday. The Fourth was celebration enough.

We spent those days by the pool, diving for pennies, racing to grab the last cold drink, and laughing until our cheeks hurt. We had watermelon seed spitting contests (do kids even know what watermelon seeds are anymore?) and feasted on the ultimate Fourth of July lineup: burgers, hot dogs, or sometimes the audacious choice of both. And when the sun started to dip, we’d pile into the car and head to my grandmother’s house to watch the town fireworks light up the sky.

Those are the traditions and core memories were loud, chaotic, and perfect and yet they made the Fourth so special. That’s why I’ll always love it. And if you’re looking for ways to capture a little of that magic here in the Valley, you’re in luck.

Community Band Concert
📍 100 Old Farms Road, West Simsbury | 🗓 Wednesday, July 1 | ⏰ 7:00 PM
Kick off your Fourth a little early with the sound of a full on community band drifting through the evening air. It starts at 7 PM, but if you arrive early you can take part in the Ice Cream Social which starts at 6pm. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and maybe practice your standing ovation for the finale.

A Concert in Salute to America’s 250th Anniversary
📍 95 Westminster Drive, West Hartford | 🗓 Wednesday, July 1 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
When the country is turning 250, the celebration lasts longer than just one day and what better way to celebrate than an inspiring concert. The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the West Hartford Women’s Chorale will pay tribute to America by honoring the American spirt with classics and an original piece composed by Maestro Richard Chiarappra. The concert is completely free, but you’ll want to arrive early to snag a good seat.

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: Celebrate America!
📍 Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center | 🗓 Friday, July 3 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
Full of fireworks for your ears and eyes. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, conductor Carolyn Kuan, and Assistant Conductor Adam Boyles will take you through all your patriotic favorites. Bring a blanket, a friend, and maybe a pair of binoculars; you’re in for a classic Fourth of July experience under the stars.

Farmington River Canoe, Kayak & SUP Race
📍 Curtiss Park, Simsbury | 🗓 Saturday, July 4 | ⏰ Registration: 9:00–10:30 AM, Race Start: 10:30 AM
For those who like a little splash with their Independence Day, this 7.5-mile flatwater race is your morning wake-up call. Canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards all are welcome. Think of it as your patriotic cardio: paddling past green shores, soaking up the sun, and maybe racing a friendly neighbor or two.

Independence Cup Polo Match
📍 Farmington Polo Club | 🗓 Saturday, July 4 | ⏰ Gates open: 3:00 PM, Match starts: 5:00 PM
If your ideal holiday involves divot-stomping and a crisp drink rather than breaking a sweat on the river, this is your spot. They are celebrating America’s 250th birthday with plenty of fast-paced polo and sideline socializing. Throw on your best red, white, and blue and grab a general admission ticket online or at the gate. If you want to go all out, you can reserve a tailgate spot or VIP tent access, but honestly, just being by the field with friends is half the fun.

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.