Hartford Bonanza, produced by First Night Hartford, Inc., is proud to announce full programming for its sixth annual free Independence Day community festival to be held on Saturday, July 4, in Bushnell Park. Highlights include a music curatorial collaboration with legendary bassist Doug Wimbish and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra to co-present a spectacular America 250 Connecticut Commemorative Concert preceding the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks display.

The 7:30 pm headlining concert will be performed in three sets: a symphonic set by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, a WimBash band set led by Doug Wimbish featuring artists across generations from his groundbreaking career, and a collaborative set featuring HSO and WimBash artists together playing an iconic song selection before the 9:30 pm fireworks over the Capitol.

Through a two-year planning partnership with the America 250 | CT Commission, Hartford Bonanza is a cornerstone 250th initiative as the annual arts, culture & civics festival expands programming and prepares to host Connecticut’s statewide America 250 Independence Day commemoration and fireworks celebration.

A full day of music, art-making, fireworks, and family-friendly fun across Downtown Hartford

The collaboration marks the first in a series of initiatives as the state capital and Hartford Bonanza prepare to host Connecticut’s America 250 celebrations.

First Night Hartford brings the celebrations to the top floor, as it hosts its first Ball in decades at the beautiful Bond Ballroom this New Year’s Eve!

A full day of music, art-making, live entertainment, and community celebration featuring a Silent Disco, interactive art, fireworks, live bands & DJs, and more!

MEDIA RELEASE: First Night Hartford returns with a fresh, new, and warm, button design from Connecticut artist Sophie Groenstein!

On December 4, 2025 the doors will open at 6:00 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern for an unforgettable night of live music and local talent as ezEvent and First Night Hartford present a Battle of the Bands contest for a high-energy showcase celebrating creativity, community, and the vibrant Hartford music scene.

First Night Hartford, Inc., presents Hartford Bonanza 2025, the capital city’s free Independence Day celebration featuring Hartford-centric entertainment in Bushnell Park on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 4-10 p.m.

First Night Hartford, Inc., the independent nonprofit organization behind two of the city’s most cherished community traditions—First Night Hartford and Hartford Bonanza—is proud to announce an exciting evolution in its Board of Directors.

First Night Hartford, the capital city’s festive annual New Year's Eve celebration with live music, art, food, and two fireworks shows, today announced an innovative fundraising partnership with CLYNK that turns redeemable bottles and cans into cash for the arts.

FIRST NIGHT HARTFORD 2024 RETURNS ACROSS VENUES IN DOWNTOWN HARTFORD AND MAJOR STAGE ON TRINITY STREET WITH TWO TRADITIONAL FIREWORKS SHOWS

The main stage on Trinity Street – beneath the Soldier and Sailors Arch – makes its inaugural debut at this year’s First Night celebration, tomorrow December 31, 2021 from 2pm-12am.

First Night Hartford will be adjusting its lineup due to the omicron surge, but in-person and live broadcast fun continues! On Friday, December 31, 2021 from 2 p.m. to midnight, we’re leaning into outdoor activities with an art walk turned scavenger through downtown Hartford, focused on setting intentions for the new year.

First Night Hartford is back for 2022 with in-person and live broadcast fun. On Friday, December 31, 2021 from 2 p.m. to midnight, an art walk scavenger hunt leads you through a series of intentions to set the tone for the new year.

First Night Hartford is back and in person this New Year’s Eve, with expanding programming and a new live broadcast.

First Night Hartford 2021 collaborated with the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services to bring public service art to our communities.

For First Night Hartford 2021, the message is clear, Stay Home, Stay Safe, and Tune In.