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Looking for fun things to do in Hartford this fall? Whether you’re from the area or you’re coming in for a night or two from out of town, we’ve got you covered. From local nightlife to upcoming events, there’s no shortage of fun fall activities for you to do with friends and family. Keep on reading this guide so you can make the most of fall in Hartford!
More than just a brewery, City Steam offers a lively atmosphere, full bar, restaurant, and comedy club. If you’re a child at heart, City Steam has enough games to keep you occupied all night long — billiards, corn hole, arcade games, you name it. Be sure to check out Comedy Night at City Steam on Saturdays in September and October.
Chez Est is Hartford’s only LGBTQ+ bar and cabaret. Featuring many events every night of the weekend, including open stage, themed nights, drag performances, karaoke, trivia, and more – there’s something for everyone at Chez Est. Chez Est has a bunch of upcoming events throughout the fall, including a Halloween Drag Show at the end of October.
When in doubt, go with what you know — Vaughan’s Public House is a classic Irish pub with a warm atmosphere, a great beer selection, friendly bartenders, and delicious comfort food.
If you’re visiting Hartford at the end of October, don’t miss The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl, kicking off at Vaughan’s on October 30th.
Dates: September 9 and September 23
Start your fall weekend in Hartford on Thursday, so you don’t miss Picnic in the Park! This unique and safe experience benefits local restaurant partners and the Bushnell Park Foundation. Purchase tickets in advance for a picnic basket made for you by a local Hartford restaurant, bring a blanket, and enjoy your meal in Bushnell Park while listening to live music.
Fall dates for Picnic in the Park are Thursday, September 9th, and September 23rd.
Dates: October 16 and October 30
True fall-lovers hoping for something spookier than foliage and pumpkin-spiced goodies will find precisely what they’re looking for at Cedar Hill Cemetery. This historic cemetery offers an Autumn Tree Tour on Saturday, 10/16, where you can explore the grounds and learn more about its 2,000+ trees that represent over 100 different species and varieties. On 10/30, the cemetery offers a Hallowed History Lantern Tour, where character actors share stories about the cemeteries' most tantalizing residents.
Dates: October 21st - 30th
Hartford’s Annual Outdoor Movie Festival, Spooky Popcorn, is back with seven spooky movies playing at 6:30pm from October 21st through the 30th. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to Constitution Plaza and get ready to be spooked!
More information, plus the complete list of movies, can be found online here.
Dates: October 23rd and 30th
In conjunction with Spooky Popcorn, there will be a “Bizarre Bazaar” hosted on Pratt Street on October 23rd and 30th. In the spirit of Halloween, this market will offer a mix of unusual items from antiques, oddities, artwork, handmade crafts and more.
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center has been around for over 90 years and has been a fixture in the Greater Hartford arts scene. The Bushnell is offering a variety of shows and performances throughout the fall, including:
Hartford’s professional comedy company, SeaTea Improv, performs and teaches improv, sketch and stand-up comedy in an 80-seat underground theater located on Asylum Street. If you’re looking for a night full of laughs this fall, a show at SeaTea Improv is perfect for you. Check out their upcoming shows: