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Here’s the thing: a string of 60-plus-degree days, an abundance of sunshine, and that glorious extra hour in the evening might make us believe that the dark, cold days of January and February were just a figment of our imagination. As the kids say, we are so back, and Hartford is here waiting for us to come out and play! So let’s do it.
Keep reading our guide to outdoor springtime activities in HTFD below.
Warm weather is a great motivator to get outdoors and move our bodies! We are lucky to have many places to sweat throughout the city (see our Fitness in HTFD guide for more), but we also wanted to highlight some ways to get movement outside, like…
This Hartford-based running group is an inclusive community that seeks to help people feel comfortable enough to challenge themselves. Every Tuesday (starting 3.26.24), the group will meet at the BLM Mural/Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park for a beginner-friendly 2-3 mile run/walk. At the end of every Tuesday session, all participants can enjoy a complimentary dinner with fellow runners at Red Rock Tavern.
Whether you’re training for the fall marathon or just getting into running, there’s a Hartford Marathon Event for you this season! With tons of races happening throughout the state, we’re excited that three big ones will be held in Hartford leading up to the Marathon day:
Warm weather means outdoor sporting events are BACK! We look forward to this moment all winter long.
Hartford Athletic
The Hartford Athletic season kicks off on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. with a home game against Birmingham Legion FC at Trinity Health Stadium. The full schedule, tickets, and more can be found here.
Hartford Yard Goats
And, of course, the GOATS ARE BACK! The Yard Goats Season Opener at Dunkin’ Park vs. the Bowie Baysox will be on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:10 pm. Head to Pratt Street beforehand for pre-game festivities featuring all your favorite bars & restaurants. Full schedule, tickets, and more can be found here.
Looking for a spot to sit, soak up the sun, and relax a little? We love Hartford for its numerous and unique parks. Our Guide to Parks will give you a rundown of our favorites and what makes each so special.
Elizabeth Park is home to over one hundred acres of gardens and greenhouses. From tulips around Mother’s Day to roses by Father’s Day, there’s always something in bloom at this historic and popular Hartford park. Check out their website for info on upcoming events and programs.
There’s always something to do at Bushnell Park beyond just having a picnic or taking a stroll, from riding the Carousel to the Annual Jazz Festival. Stay updated on all their upcoming events by following them on Instagram or visiting their website.
Are you looking for a fulfilling and unique volunteering opportunity? Keney Park Sustainability Project is a fantastic way to serve the Hartford community through programs that provide hands-on training, outreach, and community collaborations that help families and individuals become more self-sustainable and environmentally conscious.
The only thing better than live music is live music OUTSIDE. We’re gearing up for an exhilarating year for music in the City of Hartford. Here are just a few of the outdoor music events we’re looking forward to:
Saturday, June 22, 11 am – 9 pm | Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
The Hartbeat Music Festival is a free, family-friendly music and community celebration featuring local and regional bands on three stages, music-making activities, food, beer, and more.
June 29-30, 2024
Downtown Hartford’s premier music festival features big names like My Morning Jacket, The Revivalists, and Dispatch. More info and tickets are available here.
July 19-21 | Bushnell Park
This FREE, 4-day event at Bushnell Park brings amazing jazz musicians and people from all over to experience great music outdoors.