Things to do this weekend in Connecticut include the 8th annual Tommy’s Tattoo Convention in Hartford, the HSO’s season opener concert “Rhapsody in Blue,” the Crazy Brew Bash at Mt. Southington, an OctHorrorFest dance party at Infinity Music Hall, an outdoor showing of “Poltergeist” at Constitution Plaza, and the Riverton Fair.
Tommy’s Tattoo Convention
More than 225 international, national and local professional tattoo artists — including Justin Coppolino of “Tattoos after Dark” and “Inkmaster” competitors Maddie Labelle, Holly Marie and season 2 winner Steve Tefft — cover the Connecticut Convention Center floor Oct. 11 to 13 for the 8th annual Tommy’s Tattoo Convention.
Entertainment includes tattoo and pinup contests, Mega Wrestling, live music and comedy. Hours are Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday noon to 11; and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door $20; 3-day pass $40. Children 12 and under free. The convention center is at 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford tommystattooconvention.com
Crazy Brew Bash
The annual Crazy Brew Bash returns to the Mt. Southington ski area Oct. 12 from noon to 4 p.m., with beer tastings, live music, cornhole, a Bloody Mary contest, raffles and food trucks. General admission tickets are $32.99 in advance; VIP tickets are $42.99 in advance and include early entrance at 11 a.m. and a VIP souvenir glass. (Ticket prices increase at the door.) Designated driver tickets are $22.99. crazybashes.com/crazy-brew-bash.
OctHorrorFest
A horror-themed electronica dance party and drag show, with laser light show, DJ MavRx, fills Infinity Music Hall Oct. 19 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Drag performance from 9 to 10; encore after midnight. Must be 18 to party; 21 to drink. $20. infinityhall.com.
‘Rhapsody in Blue’
The Hartford Symphony season opens Oct. 11 to 13 with works by three of the most popular composers of the last 100 years: Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” overture; George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and variations on “I Got Rhythm”; and Aaron Copland’s final symphony “Symphony No. 3.” The featured piano soloist is Gershwin specialist Kevin Cole (pictured). The Masterworks concerts in The Bushnell’s Belding Theater. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. $38 to $62. hartfordsympony.org
Spooky Popcorn
What’s better than watching a scary movie with friends? Watching a scary movie with friends outdoors. “Poltergeist” is shown Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. on Constitution Plaza in Hartford. Bring your friends, some blankets and chairs, but admission is free. The movie Oct. 24 is “Pet Sematary.” hartford.com
Riverton Fair
The last fair of the season (Oct. 12 to 14) kicks off Friday with garden tractor pulls and carnival rides, including a new giant Ferris wheel with LED light show. Classic fair activities continue Saturday and Sunday, including lumberjack competitions, oxen drawing, pie-eating contests and women’s skillet throws.
16 Main St., Riverton. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7. Children 12 and under are free. Ride bracelets are available all three nights. Free parking. rivertonfair.org
