It’s Weekend Time Hartford

Ahhh, there is nothing like the Connecticut River, especially in summer.

And that, dear Hartford, is where the action is this weekend.

The annual Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 16  and Sunday, Aug. 17  and along with the action on the river, there will be an Asian Beer Garden, food, children’s acitivites and more along the Mortenson Riverfront Plaza.

Admission is free with boat races from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and plaza activities both days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information go here.

Did we mention that Theaterworks has opened its production of “Woody Sez” featuring the songs and story of the famed Woody Guthrie?

Well, they are upping the fun by adding “hootenannies,” those sing-along session, on Sundays beginning Aug. 17. Everyone (even if you don’t go the show) is invited to meet with the cast after the afternoon matinee (around 4:45 p.m.)   and encouraged to bring along their instruments to the post-show get-together. For information go here.

But hey, get in the spirit of the weekend and the election season a little early  by heading over to the Mark Twain House on Thursday, Aug. 14.

 Outspoken consumer advocate, lawyer and author Ralph Nader wand  Bill Curry, two-time Democratic nominee for governor of Connecticut and a White House advisor in the Bill Clinton will be featured.

Tickets are $30 / $25 for members. $65 includes pre-reception with Ralph Nader starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information go here.

For those who like competitive entertainment with a twist, head over to Rentschler Field  on Saturday, Aug. 16,  for the annual Zombie Run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Human runners take on Zombies in the sports event that features strategy and endurance.There is a charge for participants but you can watch for free. For more information go here.

And like it or not, summer is on the wane but fair season has arrived. The Wolcott Country Fair at the Wolcott Fairgrounds on Wolcott Road runs this Friday to Sunday. The annual fair includes  farm exhibits, animal shows, petting zoo, pony rides, carnival rides, racing pigs, arts and crafts, live entertainment, fireworks display each night, and much more. Admission: After 4 p.m., Fri.-Sun. $8. Before 4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. $6. Seniors $6, children (10 and under) free. For more information go here.

Don’t forget the Caribbean Carnival and Parade in Middletown and fairs in Somers, Lyme and the Shoreline Wine Festival in Guilford over the weekend. For more information go here.

The Connecticut Historical Society will host a free outdoor screening of the Katherine Hepburn classic, “The Philadelphia Story” on the grounds at 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford on Thursday, Aug. 14 beginning at 8 p.m. Those planning to attend can also get a free peek at the society’s “Katherine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen” exhibit before the show  from 7 to 8 p.m.

And finally, what’s the weekend without a Happy Hour?

At the New Britain Museum of American Art on Thursday, Aug. 14,there  will be an evening of art and a presentation by James Schantz, director of Schantz Gallery in Massachusetts. Happy hour  is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Or you can also head over there on Friday night, Aug. 15, for its Museum After Dark Party and silent auction beginning at 8 p.m. For information go here.

At Butler-McCook House & Garden and Main Street History Center in Hartford it will be cocktails and art galore on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Featured will be the latest exhibition from artist Lindaluz Carillo with  live music by Dave Mack. For information go here.