Here’s your curated Hartford event calendar for August 2023

What makes this list? Events that I would either attend or recommend to a good friend.

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  • FULL MOONLIGHT TOUR: Walk through Hartford’s Elizabeth Park at the best time to see it: night. You might find yourself noticing birdsong and the scent of nature much more than during daylight or when there are concerts. Wear sneakers, bring a flashlight, and meet up by the Pond House Cafe at 8 PM on August 1, 2023. Free. // Use the 72 bus Monday-Friday to access Elizabeth Park; there is bicycle parking next to the greenhouse and by the Pond House.
  • DOG IMPROV: Humans doing improv that is inspired by canines, not dogs doing improv. I think. August 4, 2023 at 9 PM (Too doggone late for me, but maybe you have the energy for starting your night then) at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). Tickets are $10. // This is a short walk from almost any bus stopping in downtown Hartford; there are bike racks on the Main Street side of nearby Old State House
  • TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN: The annual Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival returns to the Riverfront Plaza on August 5, 2023 from 1-9 PM. Enjoy the dancing and music for free, but if you want food — and when you smell it, you will — bring money. // A short walk via Constitution Plaza from nearly all downtown area bus stops; there is bicycle parking by the top of the staircase, and on the lower level, just north of the bottom of steps.
  • WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue) has been hosting free film screenings this summer. The July movie A Plastic Ocean is worth tracking down for those who have not seen it yet, even if you think you’re relatively informed about this issue. On August 9, 2023 they will be showing The Human Element, with gathering and snacks at 6 PM and movie starting at 6:30 PM. Props to this church for acknowledging environmental issues and climate change, and daring to have conversations about it. // Convenient to the 72 and 74 bus; several express buses stop nearby on weekdays; I have not observed a bike rack at this location.
  • FORTUNATE SONS: This performance was rescheduled due to whatever yucky weather (heat? smoke? rain? all of the above?) was happening that day. See this Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band play in Bushnell Park on August 9, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 PM. Free. // Almost any bus destined for downtown is a short walk and this is across the street from Union Station; there is bike parking by Corning Fountain.
  • CIMAFUNK: Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban musician Cimafunk will be performing at the Old State House (800 Main Street) on August 20, 2023 from 6-7 PM. Free. // This is convenient to almost every bus route in Hartford; there are bike racks on the Main Street side of the building.
  • YOUNG SOUL REBELS: Great to see that films have returned to the Wadsworth Atheneum after the pandemic pause on them. This one is Rated R. They describe it as a movie that “combines thriller and gay love story elements with a larger exploration of London’s political and cultural landscape in the late 1970s. The film follows two friends, Chris and Caz, who run a pirate radio station and share a love for soul music.” August 11-13, 2023 at various times. $10 general; $7 for Wadsworth Welcome (Hartford residents). // Almost any bus destined for downtown Hartford is a short walk.
  • SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Come down to Riverfront Plaza for a free performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on August 11, 2023 from 7-9 PM. // A short walk via Constitution Plaza from nearly all downtown area bus stops; there is bicycle parking by the top of the staircase, and on the lower level, just north of the bottom of steps.
  • BACK TO THE SKETCH SHOW: Improv based on Back To The Future at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), August 12, 2023 at 9 PM. Tickets are $10. // This is a short walk from almost any bus stopping in downtown Hartford; there are bike racks on the Main Street side of nearby Old State House
  •  CONSTELLATIONS OF CHANGE: The Barbour Branch of the Hartford Public Library is holding a workshop where adult participants will paint (acrylic) on canvas, guided by an artist. This is August 16, 2023 from 2-4 PM. // Use the 42 bus.
  • MARY POPPINS: Watch the 1964 version of Mary Poppins on the East Lawn of Elizabeth Park on August 17, 2023 at 8 PM. Bring your own seating and snacks. // Use the 72 bus Monday-Friday to access Elizabeth Park.
  • JOYLAND: Watch this film at the Wadsworth Atheneum. They say: “This film about the liberation of desire challenges the rigid gender roles and social norms that are deeply embedded in Pakistani society and shows people’s struggles when living outside of traditional expectations.” Catch it at various times from August 18-20, 2023. $10 general; $7 for Wadsworth Welcome (Hartford residents) // Almost any bus destined for downtown Hartford is a short walk.
  • DRAGON BOAT & ASIAN FESTIVAL: Watch martial arts demonstrations, dance performances, and the dragon boat races at Riverfront Plaza on August 19, 2023 from 8 AM to 4 PM. Free admission. // A short walk via Constitution Plaza from nearly all downtown area bus stops; there is bicycle parking by the top of the staircase, and on the lower level, just north of the bottom of steps.
  • HONORING THE PRESENCE OF TREES: Gather on the lawn of the Hartford International University  (Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street) to watch films of the Justice Dance Performance Project. Visitors are welcome to bring own seating and picnic to this free event, where there will be free ice cream. This is on August 22, 2023 from 6:30-9 PM. // It’s a 5-minute walk to any of the 60-66 Farmington Avenue buses; I have not observed a bike rack at this location.
  •  BRINGING UP BABY: Cedar Hill Cemetery will be hosting a free outdoor screening of this comedy on August 24, 2023 beginning at 7:30 PM. Bring snacks and something to sit on. // Take the 61 to the Maple and Fairfield stop and walk about two minutes to reach Cedar Hill Cemetery.
  • WARM WATER UNDER A RED BRIDGE: View this film at the Wadsworth Atheneum at various times on August 25-27, 2023. They say: “This beautiful and fantastical romance explores the search for true happiness in the most unexpected places. Brimming with magical realism, sensuality, and humor, the film follows Yosuke Sasano, an unemployed businessman who arrives in a remote fishing village looking for hidden treasure.” $10 general; $7 for Wadsworth Welcome (Hartford residents) // Almost any bus destined for downtown Hartford is a short walk.
  •  MUSHROOM WALK: Join Joe Lenoce of the Connecticut Valley Mycological Society at 10 AM on August 26, 2023 for mushroom education and collection. Bring a bag to carry your mushrooms home in. There is a $10 fee. // Take the 61 to the Maple and Fairfield stop and walk about two minutes to reach Cedar Hill Cemetery.

RECURRING THROUGH AUGUST 14
MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ! Every Monday get treated to two free musical performances in Bushnell Park through August 14, 2023. The first act starts at 6 PM, second act at 7:30 PM. Bring your own chair or lawn blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends. This isn’t exactly rain or shine, but they’ve usually stayed in the park if there’s light rain or passing showers. Anything more ominous will move the show indoors to Asylum Hill Congregational Church. // There is bike parking on the west side of the carousel, also next to the Corning Fountain. Almost any bus destined for downtown is a short walk from the park; this is directly across from Union Station.

RECURRING THROUGH OCTOBER
Free yoga every day of the week! Bring your own yoga mat and water.

  • Sundays: Colt Park by Wethersfield Avenue entrance at 10 AM
  • Mondays: Bushnell Park by Pump House Gallery at 5:30 PM
  • Tuesdays: Elizabeth Park by Rose Garden stage at 5:30 PM
  • Wednesdays: Bushnell Park by Pump House Gallery at 5:30 PM
  • Thursdays: Elizabeth Park by Rose Garden stage at 5:30 PM
  • Fridays: Keney Park by Woodland Street entrance playground at 5:30 PM
  • Saturdays: Pope Park near parking lot at 10 AM

See CTtransit for bus schedule. If you would like better bus service, contact CTtransit. If you would like bicycle parking at a venue, contact that venue directly.

CULTURAL ASSETS
For ongoing free education, entertainment, public art, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in and click on the icons for more information. Keep in mind that murals, take/give pantries, and free libraries are ephemeral; I try to keep this current, removing entries as murals are painted over or someone’s well-intentional food pantry abandoned. This was last updated in July 2023: