10/2-10/4: Beer, Wine and Harmonicas

By SCOTT BEAULIEU

Updated 7:45 AM EDT, Fri, Oct 2, 2009

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SPOOKY DOINGS: It's October, and that means the countdown to Halloween is on. And we have everything you need to scare yourself silly. We've posted Halloween events starting this weekend across the state here.

BEER FOR THOUGHT: Looking for a good brew? Connecticut has your back this weekend. Head to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford on Friday for a unique evening of entertainment and imbibement. "Tapping into Twain" lets people enjoy live music from Jeff Mainville's Acoustic Smackdown, while tasting a host of different beers from around the region. The drinks are being provided by John Harvard's, City Steam, Shipyard, Sea Dog and more. And you'll need something to wash the beer down with. Restaurants like Wood-n-Tap and Hook and Ladder will provide the snacks. It's $45 at the door. Event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Beer isn't just about taste, it's about a look into the history of this great country, (OK, the taste is important too). Head to Mystic Seaport on Saturday for a beer tasting that highlights the beverage's role in shaping America's history. Gregg Smith, a beer historian and author, share's his knowledge about the influence that brewing has had over the centuries. And of course, there'll be a tasting as well. Tickets are $30 for non-Seaport members. Event runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

FROM GRAIN TO GRAPES: Had enough beer? Try a little wine. There are plenty of chances to get your vino on. The Connecticut Wine Trail is back, giving you a chance to taste some of the best that our state's vineyards have to offer. There are 20 vineyards and wineries along the trail, including Bishop Orchards in Guilford, Chamard Vineyards in Clinton and Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford. Chamard and Gouveia offers live music on Saturday's and there's a Harvest Day at Gouveia Saturday starting at 8 a.m.

And, the Jonathan Edwards Winery is celebrating its annual grape harvest this weekend. The North Stonington vineyard will feature live music, gourmet food, pumpkin painting and hayrides for the kids and grape stomping contests for the adults. Tickets for the Harvest Fest are $20. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

CELEBRATING FALL: The second annual Fall Festival is all dressed up and ready to go on Saturday in Farmington at Tunxis Community College. The festival has everything from jewelry, candy and crafts to face-painting for kids and henna tattoos. Rocky, the Rock Cat's mascot, will even be there. All proceeds from the event will go to the Tunxis Student Emergency Fund. The event is rain or shine and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FOREIGNER RELATIONS: The 70s rock stars from Foreigner are still going strong after being together for more than 30 years. On Sunday night, they are taking to the stage at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. If you ask nicely, they'll probably play some of their hits like "Hot Blooded" and "Double Vision." Tickets are $48 to $75 and the event runs at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE'S JOHN POPPER WHEN YOU NEED HIM?: The blues harp will be on display this weekend. The Blues Harmonica Blowout series is coming to the Infinity Music Hall on Sunday night. Since 1991, Mark Hummel has been producing and starring in the show, and has drawn sell-out crowds wherever it stops. Some of the past participants include the likes of James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite and Huey Lewis. Sunday's show will include performances by Lee Oskar, Billy Branch and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (gotta love a blues musician with a nickname). Tickets are $25, $30 and $40. 7:30pm.