Bushnell Park is the site of jazz concerts and other entertainment events in the spring and summer. Nearby West Hartford's Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, the nation's first municipally owned rose garden, also is the site of summer concerts. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza plays host to concerts, festivals and performances.
The official Connecticut state fish is celebrated in May at the Shad Derby Festival in Windsor with a fishing tournament, a parade and family-oriented activities.
In mid-June, Elizabeth Park Rose Weekend coincides with the blooming of some 15,000 rose bushes. In late June, the TPC River Highlands in nearby Cromwell is the site of the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship PGA Tournament .
Southington's Italian Festival , held in late July, offers an Italian mass, a procession with the Madonna della Strada statue, arts and crafts, entertainment, food and wine.
Southington salutes the local bounty with arts and crafts, bed races, a carnival, entertainment, fireworks and a parade the first two weekends in October during the Apple Harvest Festival . Also in early October is the Head of the Riverfront Rowing Regatta , one of New England's largest rowing events with high school, collegiate, individual and masters rowers racing on the Connecticut River.
Middletown is the location for the Wesleyan Potters Exhibit and Sale in late November and early December. More than 200 juried artists offer their work in fiber weaving, metalworking and pottery. In late November through December, Bushnell Park is transformed into a winter wonderland during Winterfest Hartford , with ice-skating, holiday light displays and photos with Santa Claus among the festive offerings.
See all the AAA recommended events for this destination.