Hartford Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Hartford, Connecticut - CT, USA)

Many of the biggest events taking place in the city of Hartford tend to be staged at the Connecticut Convention Center, which is located on the Columbus Boulevard and boasts a glass atrium, views across the Connecticut River and an adjoining Marriott hotel.

Staged each year, roughly in the middle of March, the Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade is worth looking out for, as is the Maple Festival in nearby Hebron, where thousands of people come to enjoy this maple syrup extravaganza. The following month, it is clear that spring has arrived when the Daffodil Fest comes to Hubbard Park.

The summer months are reliably a busy time in Connecticut's capital city, when the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz at Bushnell Park draws the crowds each June. Also of note at this time of the year is the Irish Music Festival in the neighboring town of Glastonbury, and the annual Taste of Hartford event, where restaurants around the city showcase their signature dishes and offer discount prices. In August, all ages are welcomed at the Keney Park's Family Day, while the August Bierfest is certainly more suited to grown ups!

Hartford Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Polar Bear Fair - held at Westmoor Park in West Hartford, on the first Saturday of the month. This winter fair is a fundraiser that is fun for all the family, with a marshmallow roast, hayrides and more.

February

• Connecticut Flower and Garden Show - Thursday to Sunday on the third week of the month, at the Convention Center. Visitors can enjoy various horticulture-themed demonstrations, seminars, landscaped gardens, exhibits, and a sale of garden equipment and plants.

March

• Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade - held on or around the 17th of the month. The parade route starts at the State Capitol and finishes at the Memorial Arch.
• Maple Festival - held on the second weekend each March, in nearby Hebron, within half an hour of Hartford. Local sugar houses open their doors for demonstrations on maple syrup production, with self-guided tours and lots of maple products available for purchase. The yearly Maple Fest also includes a birds of prey exhibition, a silent auction, an ice cream eating contest and more.

April

• Daffodil Festival - held during the last week in April, in Hubbard Park, Meriden. In addition to more than 60 different varieties of daffodils on show, visitors to this gathering can expect a parade, carnival rides, a firework display and plenty of fun for the family.

May

• New England Regional Chili Cookoff - held in early May, in Somers. This chili cooking contest features three categories, with an award being given to the People's Choice Chili.

June

• Celebrate West Hartford - held on the second weekend of the month at West Hartford's Town Hall grounds. This is a community fair with carnival rides, a juried arts and crafts show, and much more.

July

• Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz - Friday to Sunday on the third week of the month, at Bushnell Park. There are performances from international, national and local artists.
• Ice Cream Social - held at the Mark Twain House and Museum, in late July. This is a gathering where families can enjoy ice cream from local dairies, participate in lawn games, listen to live music and view the museum's displays, all for free.
• Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival - a three-day event held in late July, in nearby Glastonbury, within 20 minutes of Hartford. The music fest is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture, and includes a 'Men in Kilts' competition, Irish bread making and sheep herding demonstrations.
• Taste of Germany - a biennial festival (held odd years) in Newington, late July. Homemade tasty German dishes, including sauerkraut, bratwurst and potato pancakes, are all on offer.
• Taste of Hartford - taking place over a fortnight in late July and early August. Price-fixed tasting menus are available at over 30 dining establishments throughout the city.

August

• Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival - held at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza on the first Saturday of the month, with performances from international, national and local artists.
• Family Day Festival - mid-August, at Keney Park, with recreational activities including volleyball and Double Dutch, park tours, a petting zoo and much more.
• Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival - on the third weekend of August, at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. The event includes free entry, Asian cuisine, demonstrations of martial arts, activities for children and much more.
• Bierfest - organized by the Hartford Saengerbund organization, this is a biennial event (held even years) staged in Newington, in late August. The Bierfest features German dance demonstrations and Bavarian cuisine, including homemade pastries and of course, imported German beers.

September

• Connecticut Women's Expo - early September, at the Connecticut Convention Center. This event for women features fashion shows, beauty makeovers, health, nutrition and fitness demonstrations, and more.
• Envisionfest Hartford - late September at various locations, including GreenWalk, Bushnell Park and the downtown streets. The purpose of this event is to promote Hartford as a center for walking, culture and innovation. Highlights include a concert, free Bushnell Park carousel rides, and the Hodge Podge open market and street fair.
• Pipes in the Valley Celtic Music Festival - at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, on the last Saturday in September. Whiskey tastings are accompanied by sword fight demonstrations, interactive puppet shows for children, vendors selling Celtic items and 'Highland Games'.
• Oktoberfest - late September / early October (most years), held in Newington, within 20 minutes of Hartford, Oktoberfest is staged by the Hartford Saengerbund organization. Visitors can enjoy German culture, music, dancing and a Schnitzel dinner.

October

• Head of the Riverfront Rowing Regatta - early October, at Riverside Park. This competition has been running since 1998 for high school, collegiate, and 'masters' rowers.

November

• Festival of Light - late November to early January, in Bushnell Park. Crowds gather to marvel at the beautiful holiday lights and make use of the outdoor skating rink.

December

• First Night Hartford - December 31st, official celebrations for New Year's Eve take place at various venues within the downtown district, with wristbands and commemorative buttons enabling revelers to partake of festivities at all locations for just a small single fee.