Make time to visit Bushnell Park
Get out and enjoy a picnic in the park, ride the carousel, visit the playground, run, walk, do yoga, or just relax….
Looking for Carousel hours? Click here.
Upcoming 2026 Conservancy Events:
For the first time since 2019, our signature fundraiser Summer Solstice in the Park is back. After a seven‑year hiatus, we’re thrilled to welcome the community on Thursday, June 11 for an evening that blends celebration with meaningful support for Bushnell Park.
This year’s event features a festive outdoor cocktail reception on the Performance Pavilion, complete with beer, wine, light bites, desserts by LuAnn’s Bakery, and a curated auction filled with one‑of‑a‑kind items. Every ticket purchased directly fuels the Conservancy’s mission to care for and enhance Bushnell Park year‑round.
Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale
Early bird pricing is available through May 15:
- $75 per ticket until May 15
- $100 per ticket beginning at midnight on May 15
- $150 for VIP tickets, which include a pre-event reception on top of the Arch!
Secure your spot early and join us for a memorable night under the early summer sky.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you on June 11.
Join us for Tree Tales, a lunchtime talk featuring Hartford City Forester Sophia Rodbell and BPC Executive Director Morgan Fippinger. These free public events will explore the history and care of the hundreds of trees in Bushnell Park. Discover their stories and learn how they’re being preserved as part of Hartford’s urban forest.
2026 Dates and meeting locations coming soon. If there is rain, the events will be held in the Dollard Pavilion room of the Carousel.
While attendance is free, we’ll kindly ask that you sign up in advance to help us plan for the gathering.
CT Rail Day – August 15 (subject to change)
Tours of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
Thursdays, May-October – 12-1:30pm
Tours lasts 20-30 minutes; no reservations needed unless you are a group of 6 or larger. Larger groups, send an email (manager@bushnellpark.org) to reserve your time.
2026 Special Events of Interest
Please click on links for more information, as these are not Bushnell Park Conservancy events. All information should be on organizers’ websites or Hartford.com.
Hartford Dance Festival – June 6
Hartford Bonanza/America 250 – July 4
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz – July 17 -19
Black-eyed & Bluesfest – August, Date TBA
West Indian Independence Celebration – August, Date TBA
Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival de Coqui – Date TBA
Eversource Marathon – October 10
Winterfest Hartford – November 27 thru early January
WEEKLY EVENTS
Mondays & Wednesdays April thru mid-October – Free yoga with Yoga In Our Cities
Tuesdays April thru October – Running or Walking with EightSixGo
Tuesdays April thru October – Kids Running with 2-4-1 Hartbeat Youth Run Club
Thursdays April thru October – Kids Fencing with 2-4-1 Sports
Are you interested in booking your own event in the Park?
Whether you are planning a company meeting, wedding, birthday party, shower, concert, or festival, America’s first publicly funded park makes a beautiful backdrop for your gathering. Visit our event planning page for information on renting the Carousel, Pump House, or other park venues.