Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Hartford, Connecticut

Capital City Pride is the next evolution of Hartford Pride, held at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza along the Connecticut River. The day splits into two distinct experiences: Pride on Pratt, a daytime family-friendly street fair on Hartford's iconic Pratt Street, and PrideFEST—an adult-themed neon/glow party (5–9 pm) with live performances spanning multiple genres. Free parking available on-street; paid garage parking also nearby.

Massive 4-day horticulture show at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. ~40,000 attendees; 150,000 sq ft of exhibits. 200+ booths with plants, garden tools, art, food. Theme: "The Storybook Garden."

Held Tuesdays and Fridays in downtown Hartford at the Old State House, this seasonal market runs early June through mid-October and features Connecticut-grown produce and original hand-crafted goods from local artisans. SNAP and WIC benefits are accepted and doubled. Fridays include a free live music series (noon–1pm). Parking validated at State House Square Garage; convenient to bus routes and DASH shuttle stops.

Held in Hartford, ConnectiKids Summer Fair brings together vendors, crafters, musicians, and food vendors to support free youth programs. All proceeds benefit ConnectiKids' community work. Register for a table through their givebutter link.

Monthly market by Downtown Hartford Inc. focused on Hartford-area artisans plus farmers. 10'x10' stalls, $80 full season or $20/market; food trucks priced separately.

35th annual jazz festival in Bushnell Park. New England's largest free jazz event; ~100,000 attendees. Vendor spots include 10x10 tented booth, 6' or 8' tables, food vendor spaces (8 total, 3 tented). Portal closes May 25, 2026.

Held in Hartford at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, HARTBEATS & Eats is a three-day summer festival blending live music, food trucks, and local vendors along the riverfront. The newly reimagined festival (formerly Hartbeat Music Festival) prioritizes community — giving local musicians, artisans, restaurants, and vendors a platform to reach established crowds. Programming spans full bands, DJs, and acoustic sets across all three days.

Hartbeats & Eats is a three-day food truck and music festival held each July at Hartford's Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Vendors set up for all three days with overnight security provided — a solid logistical setup if you're looking to minimize load-in hassle. Food vendors, merchandise vendors, and marketing booths all participate alongside live music programming.

Held each August in Hartford, the Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival draws more than 70 teams from the northeast and beyond for traditional music and dance, hands-on art activities, food, and martial arts demonstrations on the upper plaza with community and club teams racing on the river. Registration is open for food vendors, merchandise vendors, and marketing booths at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard. The event is free and draws strong attendance—a proven draw for vendors looking for established crowds in mid-August.

Held in Hartford at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival draws around 7,000 attendees for Caribbean cuisine, music, dance, and cultural celebration. Running since 2006, the festival supports Hartford's revitalization efforts and welcomes food vendors alongside artisans. Vendor registration is separate from attendee registration.

Held annually in Hartford, the West Indian Independence Celebration is a one-day festival showcasing West Indian culture through a street parade, music festival, and vendor marketplace. The event draws crowds interested in Caribbean food, music, and crafts. Separate vendor applications for Arts & Crafts and Food categories.