🎤 Anything Goes Open Mic
Musicians, comedians, poets, dancers, and storytellers take the floor with rotating hosts at this weekly open mic night.
The Buttonwood Tree · Monday, October 19 · 7:00 PM
Details →between the river and Route 9
Greater Middletown · week of October 19, 2026
A $30.4M school bond heads to voters
Hope the weekend treated you well, pole trouble on Washington Street aside. There's a big number headed for the November ballot, a stack of open houses that had people wandering through a 1928 Tudor, and a full week of low-key stuff to get you out of the house. Let's get into it.
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The Weekend in Middletown
🗳️ DEVELOPMENT: a $30.4 million bond authorization Middletown voters will decide on $30.4 million in school infrastructure bonding this November, with the mayor and superintendent already laying out what it would cover. If you've got kids in the district or just pay the tax bill, this is the ballot item worth reading up on before you vote.
🏡 OPENING: nine Middletown open houses Nine houses opened their doors this weekend, from a 1928 English Tudor to two new 55+ communities, with prices spanning from the high $200s to just under $700,000. Even if you're not buying, it's a decent read on what's actually for sale in town right now.
🚧 ROADS: a downed utility pole A utility pole came down on Washington Street Friday morning, closing a lane right in the middle of the commute. If Washington Street is your usual route, Friday was a mess and it's worth building in a buffer next time something like this happens.
🚧 HEADS UP: Route 66's reopening Turns out a truck striking that same utility pole is what caused the Washington Street closure on Route 66, which has since reopened. Good to know the road's clear again, but it's a reminder how fast one hit can tie up a main route through town.
🚂 GOOD NEWS: the Senior Center's trip to the Essex Steam Train The Middletown Senior Center took a group on a bus trip to ride the Essex Steam Train and riverboat on Thursday. A nice reminder of the kind of day trips the Senior Center keeps putting together for folks who want to get out of town for an afternoon.
This Week
🎲 Middletown Pride Gayme Night
The city's LGBTQIA+ Commission and Middletown Pride host a free game night with access to hundreds of board games. Seats are limited, so RSVP ahead.
Back Again Board Game Cafe · Monday, October 19 · 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Details →💃 Beginner Swing Lesson
Kira Eaton teaches a beginner-friendly swing lesson to kick off the week, no partner or experience needed.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Monday, October 19 · 7:00 PM
Cost: $5
Details →🎸 Robi Polgar Live
Singer-songwriter Robi Polgar returns with originals and covers built on British Invasion and classic rock influences, plus sharp harmonies.
Klekolo World Coffee · Tuesday, October 20 · 7:00 PM
Details →🧘 Chair Yoga
Gia Khalsa leads a gentle chair yoga class built for all fitness levels and ages, no mat required.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Tuesday, October 20 · 5:00 PM
Cost: $12
Details →🏛️ Wadsworth Historical Tour
Docents from the Friends of Long Hill Estate lead a guided walk through the mansion's history.
Wadsworth Mansion · Wednesday, October 21 · 2:00 PM
Details →💃 SyncoCize Dance Fitness
Sue Cox leads a dance fitness class open to all levels, turning Wednesday night into a workout with a beat.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Wednesday, October 21 · 6:00 PM
Details →🎉 Middlesex United Way President's Ball
The fourth annual President's Ball benefits Middlesex United Way at Wadsworth Mansion, a dressed-up night for a cause that reaches a lot of this county.
The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill · Thursday, October 22 · 7:00 PM
Details →🎭 Beginner Broadway Jazz
Lynn Agnew teaches classic jazz routines with Broadway flair. Jazz shoes required, enthusiasm optional but encouraged.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Thursday, October 22 · 5:00 PM
Details →Want more than fits in one email? The full week, updated daily: middletownpulse.com/events
On the Horizon
🎻 Trinity Stage Presents Caravan of Thieves at Music on Main Friday, October 30, Church of the Holy Trinity. Dark cabaret band Caravan of Thieves plays songs about ghosts and the afterlife the night before Halloween, worth getting tickets for now.