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.

Buy your tickets today!

Join us for the second season of Tree Tales, our lunchtime learning series featuring Hartford’s City Foresters and Bushnell Park Conservancy staff.

These free public talks explore the history, character, and stories behind Bushnell Park’s iconic trees, and highlight how we are caring for them as an essential part of Hartford’s urban forest.

Click the link below for dates and to pre-register.

This series is proudly sponsored by the Betty Knox Foundation, whose support helps us share the rich natural heritage of Bushnell Park with the community.

While attendance is free, we’ll kindly ask that you sign up in advance to help us plan for the gathering.

Tree Tales dates and free registration

Tours of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
Thursdays, May-October – 12-1:30 pm, FREE
An iconic symbol of the City and Bushnell Park, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch is Hartford’s monument to its 4,000 residents who fought in the Civil War.

Our volunteer Arch Guides will share the interesting history of the design and construction of the Arch and explain its symbolic carvings and statuary. Tours last 15-30 minutes. No pre-registration required.

Have only a few minutes? Skip the tour and climb the 96 steps to the top for the beautiful view of the Park and the State Capitol.

Please note:

  • If the weather looks iffy, our website will note if tours have been canceled for that day.
  • There is ample street parking around the Park… just remember to pay at the kiosk.
  • If your group is 6 or more, send an email (manager@bushnellpark.org) to reserve a date and 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.