People have returned to doing that thing where they schedule events without checking in with what other similar organizations are doing, creating competition when there could be collaboration. Because this is a curated calendar, you won’t be subjected to that feel of being pulled in various directions.
ADD TO CALENDAR
- HOPGOOD/LORD SUMMER MUSIC SERIES: This is a brand new event series, featuring a range of musical acts that you can enjoy from the comfort of your lawn blanket/chair in Bushnell Park ever Wednesday night in July and August, 5:30-7:30 PM. This begins on July 7, 2021, and the lineup for the month includes, in order, The Harvest Band, Professors of Sweet Sweet Music, Michael Carabello Trio, and the Golden Scroll Soloists. It’s free, but bring cash if you want anything off the new ice cream cart.
- MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ: It’s back, live and in person! Each evening features two musical performances, beginning at 6 PM in Bushnell Park. This starts on July 12, 2021, with the lineup for the month including: King Porter Band and Rene McLean Band; Taylor McCoy Quartet and Camille Thurman Quartet; New England Jazz Ensemble and Steve Davis Correlations Band featuring Nat Reeves. Free. Bring your own seating.
- GREATER HARTFORD FESTIVAL OF JAZZ: Also returning this year, July 16-18, 2021 in Bushnell Park. This kicks off on Friday at 7 PM with performances by the Zaccai Curtis Afro-Cuban Jazz Quartet followed by Dennis Edwards’ Temptations Revue. Music returns on Saturday at 2:30 PM and finishing late late with the Amandla Band, Kevin Powell and Company, Adam Hawley, Eric Roberson, Art from Da Hart, and Mike Childs and Friends. The final day, Sunday, begins at 2:30 PM with Liviu Pop and Friends, Grace Kelly, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, and ending with Hiroshima. Expect food and other vendors. Admission is free; bring your own picnic set up. This is also in Bushnell Park.
- KARAOKE IN THE PARK: Friends of Keney Park bring another season of karaoke outside the Pond House in Keney Park. Bring your own picnic. The Edgewood Street entrance is closest to the event. July 20, 2021 from 5-8 PM. Free
- PRATT STREET SALSA SOCIALS: Literal dancing in the street. July 24, 2021 from 5-8 PM. Free.
- BOAT CRUISES: These are not free and not tied to any specific date, but I wanted to mention that there are indeed multiple boat rides on the Connecticut River starting from or going through Hartford.
- Hartford River Cruises: Narrated cruises depart from Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
- Lady Katherine Cruises: Departs from Charter Oak Landing
- Slipaway River Tours: Departs from Wethersfield Cove
CULTURAL ASSETS
For ongoing free education, entertainment, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in.
Jack Hale
Hi Kerri. Thanks for this. I think Lady Katherine is out of business for now, as relates to Hartford, anyway. Hartford River Cruises are due to get started shortly.