Greater Hartford Jazz Festival
JULY GREATER HARTFORD JAZZ FESTIVAL It’s the largest free jazz event in New England, bringing national and international mainstream, cutting-edge, traditional and contemporary jazz performers to Bushnell Park for three days of hot and cool jazz. Bushnell Park Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop
Three Kings Day Procession
JANUARY THREE KINGS DAY PROCESSION On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a beautiful and festive parade through Hartford. This parade sometimes has actual, live, parading camels. Photo lovingly borrowed from Andy Hart. 95 Park Street Hartford, CT Facebook Desktop
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
MARCH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE This long-running Hartford tradition celebrates the culture (and beer) of the Irish-American communities in the Hartford region with dance, music, costume displays, (and beer) from ten area towns. Photo lovingly borrowed from Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hartford, CT Facebook Desktop
O’Hartford 5K
MARCH O’HARTFORD 5K A 3.1 mile moving party through Hartford, the O’Hartford 5k and Wee Mile officially caps off the annual St. Patrick’s festivities in the city. Photo lovingly borrowed from Hartfored Marathon Events. Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop
Hartford Jewish Film Festival
MARCH hartford jewish film festival Through stories of Jewish history, spirituality, and culture, the power of film entertains, educates, challenges perspectives, and broadens the scope of Jewish life here and around the world. Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop
Chariot Festival of India
JUNE CHARIOT FESTIVAL OF INDIA The Ratha Yatra (Chariot Parade) is one of the most beautiful processions around. It is followed by a festival featuring Indian dance, yoga, meditation, a free vegetarian feast, henna, spiritual books and gifts, children’s activities, and a magic show. Bushnell Park Hartford, CT Facebook Desktop
Black-Eyed & Blues Festival
JUNE BLACK-EYED & BLUES FEST This summer tradition, hosted by Black-Eyed Sally’s, brings some of the best blues acts from around the state and country to Bushnell Park for an all-day free concert. Photo lovingly borrowed from Black Eyed Sally’s. Bushnell Park Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop
Riverfront Food Truck Festival
JULY RIVERFRONT FOOD TRUCK FESTIVal Dozens of food trucks invade Mortensen Riverfront Park and spend a three-day weekend filling your belly with as much deliciousness as you’re willing to consume. Stretchy pants not included. Photo lovingly borrowed from Riverfront Recapture. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop
Connecticon
JULY connecticon This is one of the largest pop culture events in New England, dedicated to comics, gaming, anime, board games, science fiction, fantasy and LARPing. It’s all about the cosplay so don’t forget your boffers. Photo lovingly borrowed from Connecticon. Connecticut Convention Center Hartford, CT Facebook Instagram Desktop Twitter
Dragon Boat & Asian Festival
AUGUST DRAGON BOAT & ASIAN FESTIVAL While 80 teams of dragon boat racers furiously paddle their way down the Connecticut River, the Asian Festival gives you dancing, live music, martial arts demos, kid-friendly activities, and tons of food. Photo lovingly borrowed from Andy Hart. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza Hartford, CT Desktop