Location: Hartford
Top Things to do in Hartford
Things to do in Hartford, Connecticut (CT): The Best Concerts & Shows
From its origins as a Connecticut River trading post in 1633, Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world, with a slew of historical attractions, a thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens. It was here that the lovable Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer were born in the imagination of celebrated author Mark Twain and immortalized on paper during the writer's Hartford years. Twain's home and those of fellow literary figures Harriet Beecher Stowe and Noah Webster are open to the public. The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., houses Pilgrim-Century furniture, the Amistad collection and a special treasure hunt system to entice kids to explore the museum's works. If your timing is right (end of June, beginning of July), you'll catch the Elizabeth Park rose gardens in bloom, but fall is also great for brilliant leaf colors, and spring yields colorful gardens and blossoming trees. For a bird's-eye view of the city, visit the observation deck of Travelers Tower, where you might also spot two resident falcons.
Restaurants in Hartford
1. Hartford Stage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Hartford Stage, located in Hartford, Connecticut, is one of the nation's leading resident theatres, known for producing innovative revivals of classics and provocative new plays and musicals, including 68 world and American premieres, as well as offering a distinguished education program, which reaches more than 20,000 students annually.
Reviewed By mgsaulis - West Hartford, United States
I am very impressed by the Hartford Stage and their current show The Christmas Carole. The theater is small enough that you feel like you are on the stage with the show. The stage has all the technology to bring a dynamic experience with lights, floor openings, trapeze flying actors, snow falling, and quick scene changes. We sat in section B second row. My husband has a bad left knee so I chose the seat on the far left. There was only a small opening for him to rest his leg. I saw that the third row would have been better. There are no big stairs to deal with and the sound is excellent even when the actors are not facing you. The Christmas show has wonderful costumes and it moves along so you are surprised by something every few minutes. This is a great place for families (over 8ish years old) unless they are scared by ghosts.
2. Bushnell Center for Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Connecticut's leading venue for the performing arts is known for its community programs and being an important advocate of music, dance and theatrical productions.
Reviewed By DavidH16550
My wife and I were in Hartford this weekend to see the Banff Mountain Film Festival. The Bushnell is a great place to see a show. There is not a bad seat in the house. Plenty of room to mingle before the show, during admission, and after the show. Cash bar is available.
3. TheaterWorks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Hartford's professional Off-Broadway-style theatre.
Reviewed By Tenbiking - Longmeadow, United States
We've frequented Theaterworks for years, returning each time with even greater expectations, never disappointed. The intimate, newly renovated theater, includes a warm gathering hall and small art gallery, a snack bar with hot and cold beverages and comfortable, amphitheater seating which offers excellent viewing from every vantage point. Recent additions allow special effects and realistic staging. We attended "American Son" which takes place in a Florida police station where an interracial couple try to search for their missing son. Another excellent 5 star performance. We have found Theaterworks to rival Broadway plays and performances, convenience and affordability. Check out the 2019-20 season, you will not be disappointed.
4. Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By jjvgyhh
Great place to see a show. Staff is friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. Bar in the back can get backed up, but there is a huge bar on the street level and you can bring your drinks back to your seat. Sound is awesome. While the seats are the “fold up” type (for configuration flexibility), they are padded and very comfortable with cup holders. Park in one of the garage lots next to the venue for $5. Easy access from I-91 and I-84 in a cool section of downtown Hartford.
5. Sea Tea Comedy Theater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Sea Tea Improv is Hartford’s professional comedy company. We perform and teach improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy. Our performers and instructors have trained at the country’s premier comedy schools, including the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, Second City, ImprovBoston, and more. We’ve done hundreds of shows & classes for thousands of audience members & students since 2009. See our shows at Sea Tea Comedy Theater at 15 Asylum St. in Downtown Hartford! We teach comedy classes and workshops in our own comedy Studios on the 5th floor of 75 Pratt St. in Downtown Hartford. We’re also available for hire as your event entertainment. We can perform at your workplace, and even lead improv for business workshops.
6. Xfinity Theatre
7. Hartford Children's Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
8. The Webster Theater
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
