Events
& Activation

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Our
Mission

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Our
Events

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Past Events
& Activations

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Press
& News

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Our Mission

Established in 2006, the Hartford Business Improvement District (HBID) is a 60-block non-profit 501(c)(3) special services district located in the commercial core of Hartford, Connecticut.

Projects and programs of the HBID concentrate on cleanliness and safety, community engagement, marketing, placemaking, beautification, outreach, and advocacy.

Working collectively with more than 100 property owners, the City of Hartford, and other organizations within the District, the HBID is dedicated to creating positive and lasting change by enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life for employees, visitors and residents within our District.

Events
& Activation

When spaces are activated through events, art installations, or recreational activities, they transform into lively hubs that draw residents and visitors alike.
 
The Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID) produces over 80 different events and activations each year such as live music, open mic, outdoor movie showings, seasonal caroling, artisanal craft fairs and parades. One of the most beloved events in Hartford, the Hartford.com Pratt Street Salsa Socials, continues to break records in attendance and is one of the most anticipated summer events in the entire city.

Ongoing Events & Activations

  • Monthly from May-September
  • Pratt Street Historic District

Hartford.com
Salsa Socials

The Hartford.com Pratt Street Salsa Socials are one of the most beloved and anticipated annual summer events held in downtown Hartford.

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  • June-September
  • Pratt Street Historic District

Pratt Street
Sounds

Pratt Street Sounds is a seasonal, weekly, and free outdoor music series. Enjoy a diverse lineup with a variety of musical performances.

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  • June-August
  • Pratt Street Historic District

Amplify Under 21 Open Mic

Amplify is a seasonal, monthly, and free outdoor open mic series held on the Pratt Street Historic District.

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  • July-September
  • State House Square

Audio Feed

Audio Feed is a free, lunchtime music series taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 12-1 pm.

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  • August-September
  • Constitution Plaza

Spooky
Popcorn

Spooky Popcorn is a free outdoor horror movie festival held annually in downtown Hartford.

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  • September

Bizarre
Bazaar

The Bizarre Bazaar is a Halloween themed artisan craft fair held annually in Downtown Hartford.

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  • February-March
  • State House Square Food Court

Winter
Blues

Winter Blues is a free indoor music series featuring six of the best blues guitarists from across Connecticut.

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Past Events & Activations

UConn Victory
Parade

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UConn Victory Parade

The Hartford BID coordinates and executes all aspects of the parade working with the Governor's Office, Capitol State Police, HPD, DPW, HFD, American Medical Response, Capitol Building staff, XL Center staff, Hartford Parking Authority, City Event Services staff, UConn staff, and several outside vendors/contractors, all while fundraising sponsorships to cover all expenses.

Holiday Caroling

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Holiday Caroling

The Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID) coordinated 11 holiday caroling performances throughout the holiday season in high foot-traffic areas in the District.

Pop-Up
Pie Shop

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Pop-Up Pie Shop

Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID) partnered with Granny’s Pie Factory to launch a pop-up pie shop series to activate a vacant storefront in Hartford’s central business district. 

Meditation
Mondays

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Meditation Mondays

Meditation Mondays was a weekly lunchtime series offering three 15-minute meditation sessions taught by the Hartford Mindfulness Center. Sessions took place on Constitution Plaza and The Wadsworth’s Avery Court.

Hooker Day Parade

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Hooker Day Parade

The first Hooker Day Parade was organized in 1991 to bring excitement to downtown Hartford, it grew from a procession with more marchers than watchers to a significant event in the city of Hartford. The Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID) began organizing this parade from 2008-2017, facilitating all efforts.

Hartford
HodgePodge

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Hartford HodgePodge

Hartford HodgePodge was an open air market with live musical acts, nearly 30 vendors, popular and innovative food trucks, fresh fruit and veggies, craft beer garden, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs. Rotating each week, this free event sought to boost economic development, sustain cultural programming, and provide a source of healthy produce to downtown residents.