Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that aspires for nothing less than to be your complete entertainment itinerary on a month-to-month basis. As your humble avian correspondent, the Raven’s been keeping a keen eye on the horizon, stretching his wings over the Pioneer Valley and down through the rolling hills of Connecticut to see where the best seeds are being sown for the summer season.
It’s that time of year when the air starts to lose its bite, the ground starts to give, and the local calendar starts to fill up faster than a pint glass at happy hour. If you’re looking for a reason to leave the nest and engage in some high-altitude socializing, the month of June is shaping up to be a trifecta of taste. We’re talking about a reimagined craft beer staple in Springfield, a culturally rich wine expansion in Somers, and a coastal culinary showdown at Mohegan Sun.
So, tighten your talons and prepare for takeoff. We’re diving into a June lineup that is, quite literally, "Worthy" of your time.
First on the flight path, the Raven is circling back to a familiar favorite—with a fresh perch and a fuller flock.
The Worthy Brewfest (tix and info at massmutualcenter.com) swoops back into downtown Springfield on Saturday, June 27 and while the spirit stays the same, the setting has shifted. This year, the Raven’s roost relocates to The Landing at the MassMutual Center, where river breezes, brick, and buzz promise a backdrop as refreshing as whatever’s pouring in your pint.
Mark the moment: gates open at noon and taps run till 4 p.m.—a tight, tasty window where wings flap fast and glasses fill faster.
Let’s talk tickets before they take flight. The early birds—the first 250—get in for $45. After that, the rest of the flock pays $55. Designated drivers, the true unsung heroes of the hop-heavy journey, can snag tickets for $20. And don’t get greedy with the gathering—four tickets per transaction keeps things fair in the nest.
Now to the nectar.
Worthy has never been about the boring brews you can bag at your local package store. No, no—this is where the mad scientists of malt and the high priests of hops come to play. Firkins, casks, concoctions that sound strange and sip sensational—it’s all part of the potion.
And the participating pack? It’s a proper murder of mash masters.
We’re talking Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Wormtown Brewery, Abandoned Building Brewery, Progression Brewing Company, Kismet Brewing Company, Great Awakening Brewing Company, Skyline Beer Co., Vanished Valley Brewing Co., Rustic Brewing Company, Fieldcrest Brewing Company, Arcpoint Brewing Co., Sloop Brewing Co., Incandescent Brewing, Back East Brewing, Swing Oil Beer Co., Seven Railroads Brewing Co., Bright Ideas Brewing, Citizen Cider and Two Weeks Notice Brewing Company—all converging in one crisp, curated corner of craft.
That’s a lineup loaded with lager legends, IPA innovators, and cider sippers, all ready to ruffle feathers and raise glasses.
So whether you’re a seasoned sipper, a casual cruiser, or just someone chasing a sunny Saturday with a side of suds, the Worthy Brewfest is once again worth the wingwork.
The Raven will be there—circling, sampling, and, as always, searching for the next great pour.
If your palate prefers pinot over pilsner, preen those feathers—there’s a perch waiting just over the border. On Saturday, June 20, Worthington Vineyards & Winery hosts the regional arrival of New England Noir, a premier Black wine festival experience spreading its wings into Connecticut.
This isn’t just a swirl-and-sip—it’s a Juneteenth-adjacent celebration of culture, community, and a more inclusive future for the wine world. Expect a well-balanced blend of multicultural vendors, live music, and vineyard vibes that feel equal parts refined and refreshingly welcoming.
The grounds set the scene for picnic-style elegance—blankets, baskets, and bird-approved bites encouraged. Wines are available by the glass or bottle, so leave the outside alcohol grounded—this is a vineyard, not a BYOB birdbath.
One more caw from the coop: this is a private, ticketed event, and as of press time, it’s fluttering toward a near sellout. For late-breaking details—or to see if you can still snag a spot on the branch—wing your way to worthingtonwinery.com.
Now, if you find yourself torn on June 20th because you’re also craving the salt air and the sound of a lobster cracker, don’t worry: Mohegan Sun has you covered. On the very same day that the wine is flowing in Somers, the Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun will be hosting the second annual Savor New England festival from 2 to 6 p.m.
If New England Noir is a celebration of the vine, Savor New England is a celebration of the coastline. This is where we transition from "Sips" to "Slurps." The centerpiece of the event is the Clam Chowder Competition. I’ve always said that chowder is the "Hunger Games" of New England cuisine: everyone has a favorite, and the rivalry between "Creamy" and "Clear" can get heated. Attendees get to sample entries from various vendors and cast their votes to crown the 2026 champion.
Beyond the bowls of bisque, the festival is introducing the "Reel Catch" food truck this year, which I’m told will be slinging coastal favorites like fish and chips and lobster rolls. For those looking to keep the "Sip" in "Savor," there’s an upgraded Sip & Savor experience for the 21-and-over crowd, offering unlimited tastings from regional breweries and wineries.
The entertainment lineup is equally appetizing, with live music from Juice Box and Souls on Fire. It’s the kind of relaxed, outdoor-style setting that makes you forget about the casino floor for a few hours and remember why we endure the winters here: for those perfect, breezy June afternoons.
As we look toward June, the message is clear: whether you are in Springfield, Somers, or Uncasville, there is no excuse to stay cooped up in the nest.
• June 20: Choose your adventure. Will it be the cultural richness and "peace and love" of New England Noir at Worthington Vineyards, or the competitive chowder-slurping of Savor New England at Mohegan Sun?
• June 27: Close out the month at The Worthy Brewfest, taking in the "reimagined" views at The Landing and discovering your new favorite experimental cask.
Each of these events represents a different facet of our regional identity: the innovation of our craft brewers, the diversity of our cultural celebrations, and the deep-seated traditions of our coastal cuisine.
Tickets for all three events are typically released in tiers, so don't be a "late bird" and end up paying more at the gate. Check the official websites for the MassMutual Center, Worthington Vineyards, and Mohegan Sun to lock in your spots.
Until next time, keep your beak clean, your glass full, and your itinerary "Worthy." This is the Random Raven, signing off until the next flight.
