June 3 - July 31: Busker entertainment - musicians, jugglers, clowns - perform Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30-1:30pm on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford, FREE. No activity the week of July 1.
August 5 - September 11: Entertainers - musicians, jugglers, clowns - perform Tuesday and Thursdays from 11:30-1:30pm on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford, FREE.
Lunch available for purchase by Pretty Good Eats from 11:00 – 2:00. Menu includes hot dogs and daily specials.
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Location:Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Outdoor jazz concert featuring locally-based, nationally-performing jazz artists.
Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs for an enchanting evening of jazz with Greater Hartford area musicians, featuring Hartford’s New Jazz Workshop. NJW’s founders Lummie Spann (saxophonist) and Dezron Douglas (bassist) both trained under the legendary saxophonist, Jackie McLean, and will perform with fellow NJW collaborators Josh Evans (pianist), David Bryant (trumpeter), and Curtis Torian (drummer). Notable recordings include Douglas’ appearance on Brandford Marsalis’ “Marsalis Music Honors Michael Carvin” and Spann’s fourth CD release, “At First Sight.” Other event artists include New Britain’s Ace Livingston (bass guitarist), who just released “The Ace Livingston Project.” Event artists have recorded with the likes of Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut, and Pharoah Sanders and performed before live and studio television audiences all over the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.
This event is free to the public and sponsored by the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services’ Evelyn W. Preston Foundation, the National Black MBA Association Greater Hartford Chapter, and OneWorldEpic. Visit http://www.oneworldepic.com for more information.
FREE ADMISSION
Rain Date, June 8
Location: Great River Park
Event Schedule:
7pm Instruction
8:30-10pm Dancing
Games – Contests – Prizes – Food – Entertainment – T-Shirt & More
This event is FREE to the public!
“A Sporting Chance for Youth” will be offered on Saturday, June 14th by Riverfront Recapture at Riverside Park. Coaches and volunteers from all over Connecticut will offer clinics, demonstrations, and fun games to the participants. Each participant will have the chance to explore a sport he/she may have never participated in before. No registration is required.
Youth of all ages and abilities try rowing, fishing, orienteering, climbing wall, golf, volleyball, baseball, cricket, football, and soccer. The first 500 participants will be given a free t-shirt, raffle tickets, and a healthy lunch provided by the Connecticut Culinary Institute.
Don’t miss our performance by the players of the SoccerPlus CT Reds, who will be on hand to teach soccer skills, sign autographs, and hand out posters. Don’t miss your chance to show off your soccer skills with the Reds. For more information on the Reds go to http://www.soccerplusct.com.
Open to Youth Groups and General Public! No Experience Needed. Learn a new sport! Rain or Shine
For more information regarding Sporting Chance for Youth Day, email rjones@riverfront.org.
Location: Great River Park
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
This 5k RACE is a great way for young professionals to meet after work and enjoy the river! Not a runner? Come for the BURGERS, BEER & LIVE MUSIC!!! We do it again on Thursday, July 31 and August 28.
Register at: www.hartfordmarathon.com
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
| Event Description | Vendor Opportunities |
| Event Schedules | Riverfest 101 |
| Parking and Shuttles | FAQs |
| Handicap Access | Event Sponsors |
Join us on Saturday, July 5th for something special at RIVERFEST with Fireworks sponsored by Travelers. Free off-site parking and shuttle buses run a loop from Charter Oak Landing to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza on the Hartford side, connecting all 4 venues. Boaters are also encouraged to join us on the river.
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Charter Oak Landing
Great River Park
Founders Plaza, East Hartford
Rain Date: Sunday, July 6 (Fireworks only)
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
TO COME
Charter Oak Landing
TO COME
Great River Park
TO COME
Founders Plaza
TO COME
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Riverfest celebrates its 28th year in 2008. The festivities and fireworks are brought to you by Riverfront Recapture, a private, non-profit organization which is leading the effort to reconnect metropolitan Hartford with the Connecticut River and provide community access to the waterfront through four beautiful parks in Hartford and East Hartford. Riverfest is made possible through the generosity of corporate funding and private contributions, and would not be possible without the municipal support of the City of Hartford and the Town of East Hartford.
Riverfront Recapture is pleased to offer you this great event for the enjoyment of you and your family. To make a contribution to Riverfront Recapture, click here. Your support will ensure many years of Riverfest will be available for generations to come.
Parking & Shuttle Buses
East Hartford- There will be NO shuttle buses. Parking is available citywide.
Hartford- Mortensen Riverfront Plaza: Morgan Street & Constitution Plaza Garage and other area parking garages. Charter Oak Landing: Local Streets & the Shuttle Bus Parking Lot found on Huyshope Ave.
Hartford Shuttle: The Shuttle will go from the lot on Huyshope Ave. to Charter Oak Landing to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and back to the shuttle lot. Map coming soon.
Handicap Parking and Accessibility
All festival sites are handicapped accessible. Handicap parking can be found in designated areas in East Hartford and Charter Oak Landing and at the Constitution Plaza Garage for Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
Entertainment
A schedule of events for each site is posted under each site listing.
Kids Activities
FREE kids activity tents can be found at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Charter Oak Landing on the Hartford side and at The Family Fun Zone in Great River Park on the East Hartford side.
Alcohol Policy
Riverfest is a family friendly environment and is ALCOHOL FREE.
Boaters
Boaters are welcome to join us on the River. Riverside Park’s boat launch will be open, but launches at Charter Oak Landing and Great River Park will be closed. This year, the fireworks will launch from barges on the River, so the Coast Guard and local Marine Patrols will be on the River to guide and direct you to designated areas.
Location: Great River Park
Event Schedule:
7-8:30pm Lesson
8:30-10:00pm Open Dance Floor
Rain Date: September 12
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
An evening of music featuring some of the best international Latin Jazz and Salsa artists.
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Here’s your chance to experience opera with the moonlit Connecticut River as a backdrop. This year’s opera night will feature a Venetian Carnivale atmosphere in downtown Hartford, as talented opera singers perform with conductor Brian Sparks and the Hartford Festival Orchestra. You’ll be greeted on arrival by professional street performers, and invited to enjoy delicious Italian food and wine before settling down for an evening of popular arias under the stars.
A Riverfront Bocce tournament will be held at Riverwalk Downtown beginning at 3:30pm. Come cheer on your favorite bocce player.
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Rain Date: Sunday, July 27
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
This 5k RACE is a great way for young professionals to meet after work and enjoy the river! Not a runner? Come for the BURGERS, BEER & LIVE MUSIC!!! We do it again on Thursday, August 28.
Register at: www.hartfordmarathon.com
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Bring the family to this delectable day of Caribbean cuisine, culture, and music! There will be entertainment for everyone, including dominos, limbo, reggae and soca dancing. Taste of the Caribbean is produced by CAYASCO Inc. and the West Indian Independence Celebration Committee and is presented by Riverfront Recapture, Inc.
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Location: Great River Park
Event Schedule:
7-8:30pm Lesson
8:30-10:00pm Open Dance Floor
Enjoy the Hartford Pops, featuring the Hartford Pops Band, a 38-piece professional concert band featuring wind, brass and percussion instruments lead by energetic conductor Gary Partridge.
Location: Great River Park
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
The Riverfront Grand Prix – ChampBoat Series returns to the Connecticut River for their world-class F1 powerboat spectacular. During this 2-day event the 17’ boats and their derivers thrill audiences as their 380-horsepower engines propel enable them 140 mph down the CT River. Viewing and spectator services at two Riverfront locations.
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Location: Great River Park
Watch a clip of ChampBoat Series Races from Bay City 2007(click the arrow over the picture twice)
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
For information about downtown Hartford including accomodations, visit http://www.enjoyhartford.com.
Now familiar to local dance fans through its annual Bushnell seasons, Connecticut Ballet makes its first Riverfront appearance with a lively mixed bill, including an exciting classical opener, Brett Raphael’s ‘Upside Down, Right Side Up’ and a medley of Bob Fosse hits. Don’t miss it!
Rain Date: August 24
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
This 5k RACE is a great way for young professionals to meet after work and enjoy the river! Not a runner? Come for the BURGERS, BEER & LIVE MUSIC!!!
Register at: www.hartfordmarathon.com
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Don’t miss this sensational line up of local and international guitarists performing the gamut of musical styles. Food and Beverages available.
For full details: www.ccgs.org
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Event Schedule:
3-8pm Performances by members of the Connecticut Guitar Society
8pm Daniel Salazar, Jr. and his ensemble with the Hartford Festival Orchestra. The internationally acclaimed guitarist and Guitar Under the Stars founder will perform popular Spanish classics and new, original works, accompanied by an ensemble of international musicians and the Hartford Festival Orchestra conducted by Brian Sparks.
Rain Date: September 7
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
For information, please visit the website of the walk organizers at www.hhprostaterun.org.
Location: Riverside Park
The world-renowned, CT based dance troupe will perform a free, outdoor performance on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, captivating you with body contortions and movements that will leave you cheering, laughing and gasping in amazement!
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
The Dragon Boat Festival balances colorful and competitive Dragon Boat races with Asian entertainment, food, and culture. Start the day with the ancient Chinese art of Dragon Dancing as dancers lead the paddlers to boats decorated with Dragon heads and tails. See Chinese dancing, Japanese drumming, martial arts and other Asian arts. Entertainment begins at 10 a.m. at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in downtown Hartford.
For more information about Dragon Boat races, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&oldid=199952654.
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Join the Milan Cultural Association of Connecticut for a Charity Walk to benefit hungry children and their needy families in Connecticut. There will also be a day long festival about India and its music, food handicraft and entertainment!
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
This Celtic Music Festival celebrates eight years at the Riverfront with bagpipes, Celtic Fiddling, Scottish Drumming, Highland Games, Step Dancing and Kids Activities! Sponsored by The Olde Burnside Brewing Co., this year’s event promises a day filled with fun, flavor and world-class entertainment! CHEERS!
For the complete event information visit: pipesinthevalley.com
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Event Schedule: Coming Soon.
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
See over 2,000 rowers take to the river to compete in one of the largest rowing competitions in the Northeast. Cheer as your favorite high school, collegiate & adult teams compete for medals. Food and beverages available. Parking is FREE but LIMITED.
Location: Charter Oak Landing
On-site Marketing and Promotional Opportunities:
Riverfront events attract large numbers of patrons from all over New England. Riverfront events may be an ideal environment to market or promote your product, business, or service. If you would like more information on marketing opportunities at Riverfront events, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Food Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food vending. All food and beverage vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
Merchandise Vending Opportunities:
Riverfront Recapture programs a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events that include food and merchandise vending. Merchandise vendors are required to complete an application and receive approval from Riverfront Recapture. To receive an application, send your inquiry to vending@riverfront.org.
