First Night Hartford

10/01/2026

Welcome to October. 3 months until First Night 2027. Featuring the amazing photography of Andy Hart of the The Hartford News

Pre-orders for the 2027 calendar coming soon!

07/15/2026

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND! In 1976, Hartford Courant published a special Bicentennial edition of the Connecticut Courant’s July 15, 1776, front page printing the Declaration of Independence for all to read.

Newspapers are critically important for civic engagement and communication before and after the internet was invented. Thank you Hartford Courant for your media partnership on our capital city’s Semiquincentennial celebration at Hartford Bonanza 2026!

07/07/2026

Limited Edition!!! Order your Hartford Bonanza 2026 Semiquincentennial Commemorative Merch TODAY at firstnighthartford.org/2026merch

All proceeds support our independently produced and FREE community festivals: Hartford Bonanza 2026 + First Night Hartford 2027

07/05/2026

A clarification of yesterday’s cancellation of the Hartford Bonanza headlining concert and fireworks due to the sudden washout and expected storm.

07/03/2026

At the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Rebellious reflects on moments throughout Connecticut history when its people came together, pushed back, and sparked change to pursue their own visions of life, liberty, and happiness in America. Informed by the Museum’s vast collections, Rebellious unites 250 years of compelling Connecticut stories at local, state, and national levels. We are thrilled to have a pop-up version of Rebellious and the museum team with us at Hartford Bonanza in the America 250 Connecticut Assembly!

Rebellious is on view through November 1 at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, One Elizabeth Street, Hartford

07/03/2026

While you’re at Bonanza, visit the Veterans & Military Families Welcome Tent with hospitality sponsored by Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union! Stop by with your friends and families for shade, refreshments, and a place to rest, meet up,  and interact with veterans and veterans’ civic organizations invited by CTVets250. On this 250th anniversary of American independence, we honor you!

07/03/2026

John Mills will be telling the stories of Connecticut’s Black Patriots at Hartford Bonanza 2026 from 2-2:30 PM on the Trinity Street Stage. Come hear these incredible stories this Saturday July 4th in Bushnell Park from 12-10 pm!

07/03/2026

Your Full Festival Guide For Hartford Bonanza

07/03/2026

🎉🎉🎉 Thank you CTtransit for free buses July 4 & July 5 across the whole state!

CTtransit is ready to be your red white and blue ride to Fourth of July weekend celebrations throughout CT!

Big shout out to First Night Hartford's Hartford Bonanza! We hear it is going to be bigger, better, and “bonanzier” than ever this year for America 250, with music, history, fun, and food for all ages. The festival is free, and this year, so is CTtransit and CTfastrak!

All our buses are FARE-FREE on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5 — no ticket, pass, or tap required! Routes 101, 102, and 121 are adding extra trips on July 4 to get you to Bushnell Park and back home again without having to worry about driving or parking.

Celebrate in style. Ride clean. Let us take you to the bonanza! Learn more at CTtransit.com.

07/02/2026

Every Kinda Lady will be performing LIVE at Hartford Bonanza 2026 from 3:20-3:40 PM on the Trinity Street Stage. Come see them and so many amazing local talents this Saturday July 4th in Bushnell Park from 12-10 pm!