Groovefest First, Steins Later: Your Guide to Talcott Mountain Collective
If you were planning to dust off your lederhosen this weekend like I was, hold that thought. When I reached out to the Talcott Mountain Collective to get the dates I found out that Oktoberfest is running a bit later this fall. The main festivities will kick off in late September, and running through the month of October.
The good news? The Collective isn't leaving us high and dry in the meantime. Instead, they are cranking up the volume first with Groovefest.
What Is Talcott Mountain Collective?
If you haven't been yet, the Collective sits on 75 acres right on the Avon and Simsbury line where Tower Ridge Country Club used to be. It was built around a pretty simple idea: bring together local food trucks, craft drinks, and live music in one spot. You get a huge indoor space paired with wide open outdoor grounds that feature fire pits, cornhole, and plenty of room to spread out. You might even spot the old course bell on the hill, which inspired their logo as a signal that the doors are open to everyone year round.
Groovefest 2026
This Saturday, September 26th, the Collective grounds are turning into a music festival from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is an all ages gathering put on by Friends of Michael, a local non profit supporting youth arts and music programs across Greater Hartford, including the Michael E. Simmons Acoustic Guitar Program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.
The Live Music Lineup
2:00 PM: GRYT (Southern Rock)
3:00 PM: Boys & Girls Club Student Ensemble
3:30 PM: Johnny Longo & the Koolhead Blues Band (Blues & Funk)
5:00 PM: Auburn Mode (Energetic Folk Pop)
6:15 PM: Shakedown (Grateful Dead Tribute)
7:30 PM: Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood (Blues)
Food & Drink
Expect the full Collective Kitchen menu alongside guest food trucks like the Present Company Dining Car and Capt'n Jerk, plus plenty of seasonal craft brews on tap.
Tickets & Pricing
Late Arrival (After 4:00 PM only): $20 at the door
Kids: Free admission for ages 12 and under
Quick Prep Tips
Grab your camp chairs or blankets to stake out a spot on the lawn.
Parking is free, and the event runs rain or shine.
Dress in layers for cool evening weather on the grass.
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September 21 - 27:
The Week Ahead
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
Date & Time | Event Name | Location |
Mon, Sep 21 | Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton | |
Tue, Sep 22 10 AM | The Shops at Farmington Valley, Canton | |
Tue, Sep 22 4:30 - 6 PM | River Bend Bookshop, West Hartford | |
Wed, Sep 23 10 AM | West District Nature Preserve, Farmington | |
Thu, Sep 24 5 PM | Blue Back Square, WeHa | |
Thu, Sep 24 6:00 PM | Rosedale Farms & Vineyards | |
Fri, Sep 25 6 - 9 PM | Farmington Polo Club | |
Sat, Sep 26 9 AM - 12 PM | The Shops at Farmington Valley, Canton | |
Sat, Sep 26 9 - 11 AM & 1 - 3 PM | Moscarillo’s, West Hartford | |
Sat, Sep 26 10 AM | Moscarillo’s, West Hartford | |
Sat, Sep 26 10 AM | Simsbury Meadows | |
Sat, Sep 26 10 AM - 12 PM | First Church of Christ, Farmington | |
Sat, Sep 26 1 - 4 PM | Pine Grove Schoolhouse, Avon | |
Sat, Sep 26 2 - 8 PM | New Park Brewing, West Hartford | |
Sat, Sep 26 7:30 - 9:30 PM | The Sounding Board, West Hartford | |
Sat, Sep 26 & Sun, Sep 27 10 AM - 2 PM | The Coffee Spot, Simsbury | |
Sun, Sep 27 | Farmington Polo Club |
Booked in the Valley: Your Library Connection
Library Events
Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.
Date & Time | Event Name | Library |
Mon, Sep 21 10 AM - 7 PM | Canton | |
Mon, Sep 21 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Farmington | |
Tue, Sep 22 4 - 7 PM | Avon | |
Wed, Sep 23 12 - 4 PM | Simsbury | |
Wed, Sep 23 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Avon | |
Wed, Sep 23 5:30 - 7:30 PM | West Hartford (NWL) | |
Thu, Sep 24 7 - 8 PM | Avon | |
Fri, Sep 25 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Simsbury | |
Sat, Sep 26 10 - 11 AM | Farmington |
