🎤 Anything Goes Open Mic
Musicians, comedians, poets, dancers, and storytellers take the floor for this weekly open mic with rotating hosts. Sign up starts at 6:30.
The Buttonwood Tree · Monday, October 26 · 7:00 PM
Details →between the river and Route 9
Greater Middletown · week of October 26, 2026
Portland cannabis shop gets the green light
Hope your weekend had a little sunshine in it. Portland's getting a new cannabis retailer, Middletown just put a date on the calendar for leaf season, and a local veteran had quite the showing on a very tall building in New York. Here's everything from the weekend and what's worth your time this week.
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The Weekend in Middletown
🌿 DEVELOPMENT: Affinity Grow Affinity Grow got the green light to open a cannabis store in Portland. If you've been driving to Massachusetts or wherever for this, that's about to get a lot shorter.
🍂 ROADS: curbside leaf collection Middletown's curbside leaf collection starts in mid November, with crews making two rounds through the city before wrapping up in December. Rake accordingly and don't bag everything early, the trucks aren't coming for a few more weeks yet.
🚜 HEADS UP: brush and bulk waste collection The city has suspended brush and bulk waste collection entirely for this fall. If you were planning to finally haul that old couch to the curb, you'll need another plan this season.
🏃 GOOD NEWS: a Middletown veteran's age-group finish Middletown veteran Jerry Augustine placed second in his age division at the Empire State Building Run-Up, a detail Mayor Gene Nocera highlighted in his latest newsletter. That's 1,576 steps to the top, and it's a nice thing to see your own neighbor's name attached to it.
This Week
💃 Beginner Swing Lesson
Kira Eaton teaches a beginner swing lesson to start the week off, no partner or experience needed to show up.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Monday, October 26 · 7:00 PM
Cost: $5
Details →🎶 Open Swing
Open swing and blues dancing follows the lesson, with a different DJ spinning the floor every week.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Monday, October 26 · 7:45 PM
Cost: Free
Details →🎸 Shannon McMahon Live
Connecticut singer-songwriter Shannon McMahon returns to Klekolo Sessions with contemporary folk and plenty of storytelling between songs.
Klekolo World Coffee · Tuesday, October 27 · 7:00 PM
Details →🧘 Chair Yoga
Gia Khalsa leads a gentle chair yoga class built for all fitness levels and ages, no mat required to join in.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Tuesday, October 27 · 5:00 PM
Cost: $12
Details →☕ NAMI Greater Middletown's Candidate Breakfast
Ask local and state candidates where they stand on mental health over coffee and breakfast. It's free. Register ahead so no food goes to waste.
Community Health Center's Community Room · Tuesday, October 27 · 8:30 AM
Cost: Free
Details →📚 Kate Maupin, "Dead Batteries"
Kate Maupin stops by to talk about her book "Dead Batteries," a good excuse to spend an evening with a local author.
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore · Wednesday, October 28 · 6:00 PM
Details →🏛️ Wadsworth Historical Tour
Docents lead a guided tour of the Wadsworth Mansion's history and renovation. It's by appointment, so call ahead to confirm first.
Wadsworth Mansion · Wednesday, October 28 · 2:00 PM
Details →♟️ Chess Club
A new drop in chess club at the library welcomes all ages and skill levels, whether you've played for years or never touched a board.
The Space at Russell Library · Wednesday, October 28 · 5:30pm
Details →🔍 Mystery! Book Club
Russell Library's mystery lovers book club digs into its latest pick this month, open to anyone who wants to join the discussion.
Meeting Room 2 at Russell Library · Thursday, October 29 · 3:00pm
Details →🎭 Beginner Broadway Jazz
Lynn Agnew teaches classic jazz combos and routines with Broadway flair. Jazz shoes required, enthusiasm strongly encouraged.
Vinnie's Jump and Jive · Thursday, October 29 · 5:00 PM
Details →Want more than fits in one email? The full week, updated daily: middletownpulse.com/events