HARTFORD TASTE

FRIDAY + SATURDAY

JUNE 5-6, 2025

12:00pm - 9:00pm

Street Festival
Pratt & Trumbull St Downtown Hartford

Hartford Taste: A Catalyst for Culture, Connection and Economic Growth

Hartford Taste is more than a food festival, it’s a movement grounded in community, creativity and commerce.

Now in its fifth year, the event has become one of the region’s most meaningful cultural and economic drivers. More than 60 local vendors and dozens of artists, chefs and entrepreneurs came together in downtown Hartford to share their culture, cuisine and creativity, transforming the city streets into a vibrant, living showcase of what makes Hartford special.

At its core, Hartford Taste is a gathering of small businesses and creatives who show up for one another. It’s a reminder of why these matter - connection, collaboration and community. The event creates space for vendors to not only promote their work but to build relationships and networks that will support their growth well beyond the weekend.

Tangible Impact

Small Business Support: Participating businesses receive direct financial support, free marketing and exposure to new audiences, strengthening their ability to grow and sustain their operations.
Economic Activity: The event generates regional economic impact across hospitality, retail, transportation and tourism, injecting energy and dollars into the local economy.
Extensive Media Coverage: With more than 100 media placements across outlets such as NBC, NBC Telemundo, FOX, WTNH, WFSB, iHeart Radio and major digital platforms, Hartford Taste offers wide-reaching visibility that benefits participants and the region alike.
Digital Engagement: With over 500,000 social media impressions and active influencer collaboration, the event creates a powerful digital presence that extends its impact long after the weekend concludes and fosters these networks affecting other activities and future growth.
Community Investment: Over $100,000 has been raised to date in support of Connecticut Foodshare, reinforcing the event’s commitment to food security and social good.

Hartford Taste continues to grow in scope and impact, making a statement about the power of place, people and partnerships. Fueled by the belief that when local businesses and communities come together, we all rise, Hartford Taste co of fun and surprises!

Testimonials

Artist

“Hartford Taste reminded me of why I create—to connect, to reflect, and to contribute.”

Restaurant

“As someone who loves connecting with people, I was completely blown away by how many folks showed up for Hartford’s 'Hartford Taste.' It was honestly such a beautiful sight to see everyone coming together, even with the rain trying to dampen the day.”

Guest

“The two-day Hartford Taste festival brings food, fun, music, and more to downtown Hartford every year in early June. It's a great way to kick off summer in the Capital City, and I look forward to enjoying it every year.”

Media

Sponsor

“Our collaboration with Hartford Taste highlights the strong connection between local businesses and community-focused events. Together, we are creating a space where people can come together, experience culinary discovery and support an important cause through Connecticut Foodshare.”

Partner

“In these challenging times, it was so uplifting to see restaurants, artists, creatives, and families all smiling and enjoying themselves. It really touched my heart to witness such resilience and togetherness. It’s moments like these that remind us of the strength and beauty of our community."

Social Media Influencer Post: 463k Views

Social Media Influencer Post: 25.3k Views

Social Media Influencer Post: 22.6k Views

Social Media Influencer Post: 9.4k Views

It all begins with an idea.
A desire to eat great food, listen to great music and support the community in which we live.
An event that fosters economic growth, is inclusive and celebrates the diversity that is us.

THIS IS HARTFORD TASTE

OUR IMPACT

Proceeds of this event support Connecticut Foodshare, the food bank serving Connecticut. As the exclusive beneficiary of this event, Connecticut Foodshare will receive essential funding to help support its work to provide millions of meals to people in need throughout the year. Connecticut Foodshare will be on-site at the event to provide information as well as answer questions about the work they do every day, maximizing access to nutritious food and other resources in its efforts to reduce food insecurity.

TESTIMONIALS

Hartford Taste was our most successful event of the season! The amazing energy and vibe of Hartford Taste extended well beyond the event itself. We connected with so many new people who didn’t know about us prior to the event. We had a non-stop line for hours! After chatting with us and trying our ice cream at Hartford Taste, many have become loyal customers and cherished members of our ice cream family. I sincerely believe that by having the opportunity to get to know the face and names behind our product combined with the opportunity to try it at Hartford Taste, made it a true win-win for us! Countless visitors have walked into our shop and said “The first time we tried your ice cream was at Hartford Taste and we came back for more!” We love that and we are counting down the days for next year’s Hartford Taste!

Small Business Owner

The exposure that we received in just two days was more than we often receive in one month! Our sales and exposure have definitely benefited.

Restauranteur
Events like these help us to shine the light on the diversity that exists within our restaurants, our talent both creative and business, and our overall community!

Hartford Chamber of Commerce
It was nice to take the kids to an event that they could also enjoy! My husband and I were able to do our thing, while the kids did theirs!

Attendee
Without a doubt our best experience so far... thankful for our amazing team and the Hartford Taste crew for a phenomenal job! We are ready for more, see you all next year!

Small Business Owner