The city of Hartford is gearing up for a busy weekend. Concerts and parades will take place and attract thousands of people to the capital.
Events this weekend include CT HorrorFest at the Connecticut Convention Center, the Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Festival and Parade, and a Post Malone concert at the Xfinity Theater.
There will also be comedy shows and other concerts, as well as a Hartford Athletic game.
“The Puerto Rican Festival is always a big highlight for the city to showcase the culture and diversity. It’s just great to have a mix of events that offer exactly what you expect from Hartford to show who we are,” said Jeff Auker, director of Hartford’s Department of Development Services. “We’re excited to see so many people from all over the city and the region come to see what we’re building here, get involved and hang out at the restaurants and bars.”
Sunday is the official first day of fall, and business owners are hoping the busy weekend will lead to a successful season.
“We love busy weekends here,” said Melissa Melonson, owner of Emrey’s Specialty Sweets & Sodas and The 196 Club. “It’s great to bring new people downtown who may not have been here in a while. They get to see new businesses like mine that they haven’t seen before.”
Scott Dolch, president of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said the fall and winter seasons are Hartford’s busiest, but the restaurant industry is still struggling.
“A lot of people travel in the summer and don’t come into town as much, so we’re hoping for a great fall and winter, but at the same time, it’s still challenging for all restaurants right now, especially in the city when you talk about inflation, rising costs and utility costs,” he explained. “Just keep supporting us, take a trip to Hartford, come by and support one of your favorite restaurants. Try a new restaurant.”
Hartford police said this weekend’s events will “severely impact traffic throughout the city,” so people should expect congestion and use public transportation.
The Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. Sunday. The parade begins at Park Street and Park Terrace, heads east on Park Street, north on Main Street and ends at Pearl Street.
The Park Street parade route will remain closed to all traffic during the parade.
