Elizabeth Park

This monthly event listing includes arts and entertainment, civic engagement, academic, cultural, wellness, and other types of activities happening in Hartford during June. There is no intent to include all events — it’s curated, with preference given to what the widest range of Hartford residents can afford (free or low cost) and what sounds most interesting to us.

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of our knowledge. Keep in mind that events are sometimes cancelled or postponed, and that incorrect details are at times given to us. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises.

To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by June 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published.

June 1

  • The Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet will be giving a free lunchtime concert in Liam E. McGee Memorial Park (formerly “HartBeat Park– Garden Street, Frazer Place, and Myrtle Street ) 12-1 p.m. If it rains, this will take place on June 3rd.
  • Community Matters: Wrestling with Public Restroom Use & Other Laws Aimed at Excluding LGBTQs— YWCA Hartford Region (135 Broad Street) is hosting a conversation on this topic. Catherine Blinder will moderate. Dan Barrett, Legal Director at ACLU CT, and Cesar Aleman, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator at CT Fair Housing Center, will be participating in the discussion. This free event starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Soromundi Room.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Get HYPEd: gather at Firebox (539 Broad) for this month’s networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs. Show up whenever, stay as long as you’d like. No cover. Bring business cards and money for your own drinks. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

June 2

  • At 10 a.m. take a free tour of the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden. Meet at the Cottage.
  • Billings Forge Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Broad Street, between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Art on the Streets: from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., check out what Justin O’Brien (Asylum and Trumbull) and Tang Sauce (Phoenix Gateway [you probably know this area as Constitution Plaza]) have to offer. Free. (Can we stop with the Hxxxford nonsense now? Patently false! It never left.)
  • Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Drop by from 12-1:30 p.m. Call 860-232-6710 to confirm that rain has not cancelled.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • hARTford Art Show: artwork on the themes of identity, community, and Hartford, created by Hartford middle and high school students, will be on display at Butler-McCook House & Garden (396 Main), 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
  • The POSSM and Now for Ages will play at Peppercorn’s Grill (357 Main) starting at 8:30 p.m. No cover.

June 3

  • Witness the Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony at the Connecticut State Capitol at 12:30 p.m.
  • Opening reception for Headstrong by Marc-Yves Regis at ArtWalk Gallery, located in Hartford Public Library (500 Main Street). 6 p.m. Free.

June 4

  • Free admission to the museum galleries at Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth St.) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Participate in Connecticut Trails Day by going on the Tree Buffs Tour in Cedar Hill Cemetery. They say: “Tree expert John Kehoe leads this 2-mile walk featuring Cedar Hill Cemetery’s rare and notable trees. The tour, through the ornamental foreground and historic memorial sections, will highlight trees such as the beautiful European Weeping Beech, the unusual (for the Northeast) Umbrella Magnolia and the Huss Hemlock named for a resident of Cedar Hill.” This free tour begins at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet by the bridge near the entrance.
  • Stop by Elizabeth Park for the tulip bulb sale, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sporting Chance for Youth Day at Riverside Park offers kids (and adults) the chance to try out rowing, fishing, climbing, orienteering, cricket, mountain biking, golfing, and more. 10-3 p.m. Free.
  • Stomp the Violence: This cookout is a collaboration between community organizations (Hartford Communities That Care, 4 Unity) and the police with the goal of brainstorming effective changes to violence. The event will include a dialogue between police and Hartford residents, networking with Hartford agencies and organizations, a basketball tournament, and performances by Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum, & Dance Corp.., along with performances by The Gifted Onez, Hill House SOB, and New Creation Steppers. This free event is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the courtyard at Global Communications (85 Edwards Street).
  • Dr. Joyce Ashuntantang will be leading the Art on a Mission: Creating Poems for Social Change workshop at Hartford Public Library in the history center. They say: “Are you worried about climate change, domestic violence, environmental issues, racism, children’s rights, homelessness or even a problem in your life?  Let your poems speak for you!  In this workshop you will learn hands-on how to create beautiful poems that would not only help you to engage with your topic, but would also challenge readers to think critically about it and even encourage them to take action.” This free opportunity begins at 10:15 a.m.
  • Learn how to design and plant a fairy garden with Hartford resident Susan Peters. This free workshop is open to all ages and starts at 10:30 a.m. at 75 Laurel Street. RSVP to Emily Petersen, Community Garden & Education Manager (860) 951-7694 ext 28 or emilyp@knoxhartford.org
  • The Hartford Steel Symphony performs on the Hartford Public Library terrace, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free.
  • Take part in the Butler-McCook Street & Garden Tour, as part of CT Trails Day. Meet at 396 Main Street to go on a 1-mile walk that begins at 2 p.m.
  • Black Frame Vision Pop Up Show: Photography by Eaze will be featured in this exhibit at Hartford Prints! (42 Pratt), 6-8 p.m.  Free.
  • ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum St.) is hosting the 7th annual Art for AIDS fundraiser. General admission: $60.

June 5

29th Annual Connecticut LGBT Film Festival is June 3-11, 2016
  • Puerto Rican Day Ride Out: gather at Hartford Public High School at 9 a.m. and ride your bicycles to the Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade. Free.
  • Perennial & Shade Garden Tour in Elizabeth Park. Meet in the Herb Garden for the 10:30 a.m. tour. Free.
  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade: Parade starts at Wawarme and Wethersfield Ave at noon. The parade follows Main Street, and winds its way to Bushnell Park. Free.
  • Festival del Coqui: enjoy food and music following the parade! This is in Bushnell Park, 1-7 p.m.

June 6

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Billings Forge (Broad Street between Capitol and Russ) every Monday, 4-6 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern at 8 p.m. every Monday. No cover.

June 7

  • Art of the Streets: enjoy free art from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Khaiim Kelly will be at the Phoenix Gateway (Constitution Plaza/Riverfront area) with poetry; Justin O’Brien will be at State House Square with photography; and Tang Sauce will be at Asylum and Trumbull with live acoustic music.
  • West End Farmers’ Market opens for the season! This will take place again on the Clemens Green on Farmington Avenue (near the Mark Twain House), 4-7 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Ethnic Beauty Paint Night: Have some pizza, wine, and receive some instruction while painting your own canvas. Tickets are $35. This is at 942 Main Street. 6 p.m.

June 8

Elizabeth Park
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Green Drinks Hartford: every month, environmentally-conscious people meet up for drinks and to learn about a different person, organization, or initiative in the area. Today, Alexander High Williams of Blue Earth Compost will be giving a brief talk at 7 p.m. The happy hour is from 6-8 p.m. at The Spigot (468 Prospect Ave.)

June 9

  • Billings Forge Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Broad Street, between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Art of the Streets: enjoy free art from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m with Hong Hong at Phoenix Gateway, Constanza Segovia at State House Square, and Zoe Allison at Asylum and Trumbull.
  • Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Drop by from 12-1:30 p.m. Call 860-232-6710 to confirm that rain has not cancelled.
  • KNOW GOOD Market: Food trucks and live music, starting at 5 p.m., in the vicinity of 30 Bartholomew Ave. No admission fee.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Mary Falvey will lead a walking tour in Cedar Hill Cemetery in which you can learn about researching Civil War veterans. 6:30 p.m. $5 general; free for Let’s Go Arts and CHCF members.
  • It’s 2-for-1 night of the Connecticut LGBT Film Festival: buy one ticket, get one free. That’s Not Us screens at 7:30 p.m. Admission to this film at Cinestudio is $10.

June 10

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Community Health Services (500 Albany Ave.) every Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • A Taste of Latin Jazz Happy Hour: music by Espada, wine tasting, and drink specials. 5-8 p.m. $10 in advance. This is at The Russell (103 Pratt Street).
  • The MOuTH: storytelling at the Mark Twain House & Museum (351 Farmington Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. $5.
  • Sea Tea Improv & Friends Stand-Up Spectacular: comedy for mature audiences. 7:30 p.m. $10. This is in the Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Ave.)

June 11

  • Celebrate what would be Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 205th birthday, with free tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street). Play 19th century lawn games, eat cake, and enjoy other activities from 9:30-5 p.m.
  • Elizabeth Park Perennial & Shade Garden Tour: Free tour begins at 10 a.m. at the Cottage.
  • Tom Sawyer Day falls on CT Open House Day. The Mark Twain House & Museum offers free admission to the petting zoo, pony rides, and other entertainment, along with discounted tours of the Twain House. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • The Wadsworth Atheneum will be hosting its Juneteenth Family Day today, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Besides free admission to the museum, there will be face-painting and hands-on art activities. There will also be performances, tours, snacks, and more.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • Chapter & Verse: Film Screening and Community Conversation — film director Jamal Joseph will be present for a screening and discussion of his new film. This free event starts at 1 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library (500 Main Street).
  • Closet Monster screens at Spotlight Theatres (39 Front Street) at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20. Closing night party (included in admission) follows and will be at the Wadsworth Atheneum’s courtyard.

June 12

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.

June 13

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Billings Forge (Broad Street between Capitol and Russ) every Monday, 4-6 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern at 8 p.m. every Monday. No cover.

June 14

  • Art of the Streets: enjoy free art from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m with dancer Brittany Gauthier at Phoenix Gateway, poet Khaiim Kelly at State House Square, and visual artist Hong Hong  at Asylum and Trumbull.
  • The I-84 Hartford Project hosting another open planning studio — the ninth one — over two days. Today’s will be in English. No registration is required to attend the event in Pope Park Rec Center. The Public Advisory Committee Meeting is 12-1:30;  Urban Design Session, 1:30-3; Youth Activities (all ages), 3-6; and Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Session, 6-7:30 p.m. You do not need to stay for the entire day.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

June 15

  • This is the second part of the most recent Open Planning Studio by the I-84 Hartford Project. No registration is required to attend at Pope Park Rec Center. Today’s activities will be conducted in Spanish (FINALLY!). The Public and Local Business Presentation begins at 12:30; Youth Activities (all ages), 3-6, and Public Presentation at 6 p.m. You do not need to stay for the entire day.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.

June 16

  • Billings Forge Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Broad Street, between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Art of the Streets: enjoy free art from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m with Lindsey Fyfe at State House Square, Katherine Tolve at Church and Main, and Constanza Segovia at Asylum and Trumbull.
  • Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Drop by from 12-1:30 p.m. Call 860-232-6710 to confirm that rain has not cancelled.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

June 17

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Community Health Services (500 Albany Ave.) every Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • The Wadsworth Atheneum will be hosting the Asbury Shorts Film Program, a non-competitive short film exhibition. $9 admission. 7 p.m.

June 18

  • Go on a “butterfly hunt” at Cedar Hill Cemetery at 10 a.m. They say: “Hunt for butterflies with Roy Zartarian and the Connecticut Butterfly Association. Cedar Hill Cemetery supports a significant butterfly population, with nearly 20 species spotted here, including the elusive Hackberry Emperor. Connecticut Butterfly Association volunteers will help find and net butterflies for viewing. Appropriate hiking shoes, long pants and bug repellent are recommended.” Free.
  • Connecticut’s 29th Regiment Remembrance Ceremony: this ceremony honors African American Civil War soldiers and is sponsored by American Legion Post #142, Friends of Old North Cemetery, Hartford Communities That Care, Ebony Horsewomen, CT Commission of Veterans Administration, City of Hartford, and Harambee. This begins at 11 a.m. in Old North Cemetery (1821 Main Street).
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • If you’ve ever wanted to make your own zen garden, now’s your chance. Materials and instructions will be provided. This is free, but there’s a suggested $5 donation. Contact Laura at (860) 860.296.2338 ext. 104 or email her at lle@advocacyunlimited.org if you plan to attend. Toivo Center (399 Franklin Ave.) 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Summer Courtyard Concerts: Mariachi del Norte will be playing at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 2-3:30 p.m. Moves indoors if rain. Free.
  • Food for Fido: Have a 15-minute pet photography session with proceeds going to benefit Kenway’s Cause. Fees vary. Registration required. This is from 3-6 p.m. at Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street).
  • Hartford City Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty: The Riverfront Plaza becomes a dance class at 2 p.m.; live performances start at 6 p.m. If it rains, this will be postponed until June 19. Free.

June 19

  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Enjoy a free improv show for Father’s Day at City Steam Brewery (942 Main) at 7 p.m.

June 20

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Billings Forge (Broad Street between Capitol and Russ) every Monday, 4-6 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern at 8 p.m. every Monday. No cover.

June 21

  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.
  • Free salsa lessons and dance at Hartford Public Library in the atrium. No experience needed. 6 p.m.

June 22

  • Goza Latin Jazz Band will perform at the Dwight Branch of the Hartford Public Library (7 New Park Ave.) at 1 p.m. Free.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hand Drawn Hartford: This is a sketchcrawl at Cedar Hill Cemetery. There is a suggested $5 donation to exchange for a sketchbook, but you can bring your own art supplies. Bring your own folding chair and snacks. 5:30-8 p.m.

June 23

  • Elizabeth Park Rose Garden & History Tour: Free tour begins at 10 a.m. by the Cottage.
  • Billings Forge Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Broad Street, between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Drop by from 12-1:30 p.m. Call 860-232-6710 to confirm that rain has not cancelled.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

June 24

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Community Health Services (500 Albany Ave.) every Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Barcelona Christmas Night screens at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9.
  • Sea Tea Improv’s monthly longform showcase is tonight at The Studio at Billings Forge (563 Broad). Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10.

June 25

  • Learn about Connecticut’s wildlife and how human activities affect them. The New Children’s Museum will bring animals like turtles, chinchillas, ferrets, and lizards. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 general; youth under 12 free. Free for Let’s Go Arts and CHCF members. 10 a.m. This is at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
  • Free Yoga in Pope Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; dress for exercise. Instruction will be in Spanish and English. Meet by the pond.
  • Mommy & Me Paint Class: Have some snacks and get some painting instruction at 942 Main Street. $45 per ticket (one ticket per pair). 12-2 p.m.
  • Ratha Yatra Festival: Parade at noon, followed by Festival of India in Bushnell Park. Music, dance, magic, and vegetarian food. This is free and wraps up around 6 p.m.
  • Hartford Latino Fest: music, dancing cuisine, and kids’ activities along the Connecticut River. This free event is from 12-9 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza.
  • Summer Courtyard Concerts: Hartford Steel Symphony will be playing at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 2-3:30 p.m. Moves indoors if rain. Free.
  • Yoga Reaches Out: Take a restorative yoga class featuring the sounds of crystal singing bowls at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.) Admission: $20. Proceeds go to 108 Monkeys and Sandy Hook Promise. 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Farm-to-Street Dinner: Eat alongside 200 other people on Trinity Street in Hartford. Guests are asked to bring their own dinners, but a first course and dessert will be provided by ON20. Cocktails from Westford Hill Distillers, beer from Back East Brewing Co., and wine from T Edward Wines will also be provided. Tickets: $40. Proceeds benefit Hartford Food System. 6 p.m.

June 26

  • Walk Hartford: If you want to take a slow, meandering walk, meet up by the fish near the boathouse in Riverside Park. Walk begins at 10 a.m. This will go on trails and potentially the street. Dress for the weather. This is walking for exploration, fun, and socializing — not for aerobics or weight loss. It’s not a race. This is a Transport Hartford initiative. Free.
  • Free yoga in Colt Park at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the Wethersfield Avenue entrance.
  • Celebrate CT Historic Garden Day– take a walk through the historic garden at Butler-McCook House & Garden, 12-4 p.m. Free admission to grounds, but admission fee applies to house tours.

June 27

  • The Hartford Mobile Market stops at Billings Forge (Broad Street between Capitol and Russ) every Monday, 4-6 p.m.
  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern at 8 p.m. every Monday. No cover.

June 28

  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.

June 29

  • Free yoga in Bushnell Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn between the pond and Pump House.
  • Elizabeth Park will be hosting Simply Swing as part of its Summer Concert Series. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. If it rains, this is postponed until June 30th.

June 30

  • Billings Forge Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Broad Street, between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street.
  • Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Drop by from 12-1:30 p.m. Call 860-232-6710 to confirm that rain has not cancelled.
  • Free yoga in Elizabeth Park at 5:30. Bring your own yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Meet on the lawn near the rose garden.