Hartbeats & Eats, Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, & Salsa Meets Jazz

July 16, 2026

I want to share some great upcoming events at the Connecticut Riverfront and Bushnell Park! All of these events are free admission and open to the public.

Hartbeats & Eats Music & Food Truck Festival

Three days of incredible entertainment, delicious food vendors, local artisans, and beautiful riverfront views await at Hartbeats & Eats!

Grab a bite, catch some live music, relax in an Adirondack chair by the river, and make a day of it with us.

July 16–18, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford

FREE admission

Convenient parking is available in the Connecticut Convention Center Parking Garage right next door.
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is celebrating its 35th Anniversary! Gather your friends and family with your chairs and picnic baskets and head to Bushnell Park. There will be music, vendors, and a whole lot of fun.

July 17-19, Bushnell Park (see stage times below)

Friday is Fan Night! Come ready to dance to jazz, Afro funk, and Latin fusion. Bring your hand fans and kick off the weekend, celebrating homegrown talent who knows how to have a good time. Saturday and Sunday will be filled with smooth jazz to straight-ahead jazz, and more unique sounds in between.

NOTE: This is a rain-or-shine event!  Wear a poncho, bring an umbrella and rain boots, and dance in the rain. If there is lightning, thunder, or torrential rain, organizers will announce cancellation. 
Ramon Santiago's 15th Annual Salsa Meets Jazz Celebration

You do not want to miss Ramon Santiago’s 15th Annual “Salsa Meets Jazz” on July 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bushnell Park. The vibrant celebration of Latin rhythms and smooth jazz melodies brings together top musical talent and community energy.

This free celebration features live performances, including a set by Grammy-nominated trombonist William Cepeda.