Midstate Chamber of Commerce logo

Events

These are the upcoming area events with a community, family or entertainment theme. These include visual arts and performances, cultural and sporting events, fairs and festivals, tours and more.

 Community Events  |   Business Events


October 2026

Crochet 101 at Girls Inc.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 through Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
At Girls Inc.

Description: Learn the foundations of crocheting while creating your very own straberry stuffy! For girls in grades 3 and above.

Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT

Contact Info: Materials are included and take homey our own crochet kit! "Click h ere to sign-in and register" or call 203-235-7146.

A Season to Thrive - a Girls Inc. Community Event

Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
At Girls Inc.

Description: Join Girls Inc to celebrate World Mental Health Day & International Day of the Girl. Enjoy this fun & FREE family day of fall snacks, activities, giveaways, mental health education & resources, and a bounce house!

All are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT

Disney's Haunted Mansion Bride, Kat Cressida Comes to CT

Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
At Barker Animation Gallery

Description: Kat Cressisa, the iconic voice of Constance Hatchwway in Disney's Haunted Mansion Bride, will make an appearance. Cressida's remarkable credits include Jessie the Cowgirl from Toy Story, whom she voices in the Disney World Toy Story Mania! attraction, as well as Disney shows, toys, and parades. She is also known for voicing Dee Dee from Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory, Kala from Disney's Tarzan, Elektra from Marvel, and Princess Leia for LucasArt's Star Wars, among many others. For collectors and Disney fans alike, this event offers a particularly special opportunity to have artwork, collectibles, and memorabilia personally signed by the voice actress behind some of their favorite characters. Whether you are a lifelong Haunted Mansion fan, Disney collector, comic con regular, Funko Pop enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the magic of animation, this is an appearance you will not want to miss.

Location Info: 1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire, CT

Reception for Disney's Haunted Mansion Bride, Kat Cressida

RSVP Now Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
At Barker Animation Gallery

Description: Barker Animation Gallery will be will host this exclusive reception for Kat Cressisa, the iconic voice of Constance Hatchwway in Disney's Haunted Mansion Bride, will make an appearance. Cressida's remarkable credits include Jessie the Cowgirl from Toy Story, whom she voices in the Disney World Toy Story Mania! attraction, as well as Disney shows, toys, and parades. She is also known for voicing Dee Dee from Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory, Kala from Disney's Tarzan, Elektra from Marvel, and Princess Leia for LucasArt's Star Wars, among many others. For collectors and Disney fans alike, this event offers a particularly special opportunity to have artwork, collectibles, and memorabilia personally signed by the voice actress behind some of their favorite characters. Whether you are a lifelong Haunted Mansion fan, Disney collector, comic con regular, Funko Pop enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the magic of animation, this is an appearance you will not want to miss.

Location Info: 1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire, CT

Contact Info: For ticket information e-mail or call 800-995-2357.

Hartford HealthCare Auxiliary Gala

Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM–11:00 PM
At Aqua Turf Club

Description: Join the Midstate Medical Center Auxiliary Gala-Proceeds to benefit innovation and healthcare excellence at MidState Medical Center. Supporting exceptional patient care, medical innovation, and emerging community health needs. Tickets $250 per guest. Cocktails, Dinner, Live Entertainment, Cockail Attire! RSVP by Thursday, September 24, 2026. Additional information contact Tina Fabiani 203.694.8743.

Location Info: 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT

Contact Info: MidState Medical Center Auxiliary Gala10-10-2026.

SCORE NA: Introduction to QuickBooks for Non-Profit Organizations

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn QuickBooks Online basics for your nonprofit, including navigation, bank feeds, accounts, programs, and grants. This beginner-friendly webinar is designed for small and newer nonprofits with little or no QuickBooks experience.

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

Protect Your Business in 2026: Simple Steps to Reduce Online Risks

Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Your business depends on trusted relationships, important information, and the ability to stay connected. A suspicious email, online scam, or compromised account can disrupt all three. Join the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Connecticut Small Business Development Center for a practical webinar designed specifically for small business owners and managers. We'll look at some of the most common online risks businesses are facing in 2026, including phishing emails, scams, ransomware, and account takeovers, and explain what you can do to reduce your risk.

You'll learn simple steps to protect your business, employees, customers, and important information; recognize warning signs before they become bigger problems; and know what to do if something goes wrong.

No technical background is needed. You'll leave with practical actions you can start using right away.

Location Info: 500 Main St., Hartford - Street Parking and garage parking nearby

Contact Info: This is a free event. "Click here for more information and to register."

Parent and Caregiver Social

Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
At Girls Inc.

Description: Girls Inc and the Parent Advocacy Council are hosting this event. Take a break to mingle with Girls Inc. parents and caregivers while enjoying light refreshments and learning how you can connect, contribute, and make an impact through the Parent Advisory Council.

Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT

Contact Info: This event is free to attend. While this is an adult-focused event, we know childcare isn't always an option. If kids need to tag along with you, Girls Inc will have a separate activity available for children ages 5+ for the duration of the Social! "Click here" to register our attendance and also your attending child/children.

SCORE NA: Small Business Essentials Series Certificate Program

Thursday, October 15, 2026 through Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Register for all five Small Business Essentials Certificate Program webinars this month at once and save!

Contact Info: The cost for this webinar series is $35. ""Click here for more information or to register.

Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. 2nd Annual Fall Festival & Paddle Sport Event

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
At Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.

Description: 2nd Annual Fall Festival and Paddle Sport Event with Live Music, Vendors, Paddle Race, Food Trucks Stop by and Support them.

Location Info: 1630 N. Colony Rd., Meriden, CT 06450

Contact Info: Kuhn employment 2nd Annual Fall Festival & Paddle Sport Event 10-17-2026.

EllafiKind - Strength in Action - Self-Defense, Safety & Messages of Hope

Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM–1:00 PM
At Impact

Description: Join Ellafi FCU for an empowering brunch filled with connection, education and inspiration as we come together to raise awareness and support domestic violence survivors. Together, we can build a safer, stronger community where hope thrives. Host & Featured Speaker is Mimi Gonzalez, Creater House Founder, Speaker & Community Builder. Other Featured Speakers include: LaQueshia Clemons, Freedome Life Therapy & Wellness; Justin Hanson, Hanson Security Group; Kathleen "Kasey" Harding, New Horizons Domestic Violence Services; and Kayla Stomberg, 360 Defense Martial Arts.

Location Info: 25 Industrial Park Rd., Middletown, CT

Contact Info: Cost is $20 per person which supports Ellafi Kind and its mission to give back to our community. Recommended for ages 12+. "Click here for more information and to register."

2026 Connecticut Kidney Walk

RSVP Now Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM
At Hubbard Park

Description: Join the National Kidney Foundation and the Connecticut community for the 2026 Connecticut Kidney Walk! Get ready to meet Kenny, the Kidney Walk Mascot! The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-standing organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease. As pioneers in scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Fueled by urgency, passion, and a relentless commitment to making a difference, NKF works to enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.The Kidney Walk is the nation's largest event dedicated to fighting kidney disease, bringing communities together to raise awareness, inspire hope, and support lifesaving programs. Register today and join us at Hubbard Park!

Location Info: 999 West Main St, Meriden, CT

Contact Info: "Click here for more information or to register" or e-mail Dana Robbin for questions.

SCORE NA: Intro to Google Analytics

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn how to identify the most meaningful metrics to support a strong SEO strategy.

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar but registration is required. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE NA: Agentic AI Intro, Part 1 - Moving Chatbot to AI Assistant

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn how AI agents differ from chatbots, and provide business content access in this Agentic AI session.

Contact Info: There is 1 $10 fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE NA: Ask Me Anything! For People Who Want to Form a Nonprofit

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Explore whether forming a nonprofit is right for your community vision, including funding, startup costs, governance, timelines, and alternatives such as fiscal sponsorship. Come with your questions for an engaging Q&A.

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

WBDC: CT Paid Leave 101 for Employers

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Join CT Paid Leave to learn what covered employers need to know to meet program requirements and support employees when they apply for benefits.

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE NA: Bookkeeping for Small Business

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn practical, real-world strategies for managing your own bookkeeping with confidence.

Contact Info: There is a $10 fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

Run the Runway-5K & Kids Fun Run

Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 8:45 AM
At Meriden Markham Municipal Airport

Description: Run the Runway – 5K & Kids Fun RunLace up and get ready to RUN THE RUNWAY! The Meriden Running Club, in partnership with the City of Meriden and Meriden Parks & Recreation, is excited to present RUN THE RUNWAY, a 5K and Kids Fun Run taking place at the Meriden Markham Municipal Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2026, beginning at 8:45 AM.This exciting community event offers runners, walkers, families, and children a unique opportunity to experience the airport while enjoying a fun and active morning together.Most importantly, proceeds from the event will benefit DAV – Keeping Our Promise to America's Veterans, supporting efforts that make a difference in the lives of our nation's veterans.Event Details Sunday, October 25, 2026 Starting at 8:45 AM Meriden Markham Municipal Airport 5K Run & Kids Fun Run???? Proceeds Benefit DAV – Keeping Our Promise to America's VeteransWhether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or looking for a fun family activity, RUN THE RUNWAY is a great way to get moving, enjoy the community, and support a meaningful cause.Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us keep our promise to America's veterans!

Location Info: 213 Evansville Ave, Meriden, CT 06451

Contact Info: Run the Runway-5K & Kids Fun Run 10-25-2026.

Girls Trunk-less Treat

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
At Girls Inc.

Description: It's your favorite fall event—indoors! Visit our center to learn about Girls Inc. programs while gathering treats, enjoying a spooky snack, and participating in a costume contest! Costumes welcome but not required. All are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT

SCORE NA: Introduction to the Federal Market and Small Business Certification

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn practical, real-world strategies for managing your own bookkeeping with confidence.

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.