Things to Do in Hartford: Hartford Arts, Entertainment, Dining, More
By Kim Knox Beckius, About.com Guide to Hartford
The Greater Hartford region offers residents and visitors a range of recreational, cultural and just plain fun things to do. From dining out at Hartford-area restaurants to entertaining the kids in Hartford to enjoying a romantic dinner or some "me" time at a spa, here's your guide to some of the best things to do in Hartford.
- Hartford Restaurant Guide
- Winter in Connecticut
- Free Things To Do
- Hartford Events
- Shopping
- Spas and Health Clubs
- Arts, Music and Entertainment
- Hartford Nightlife
- Recreational and Spectator Sports
- Family Fun
- Meet Others and Get Involved
- Plan a Wedding
Hartford Restaurant Guide
Here's your Hartford restaurant guide. It's your starting place for finding food, drink and dining options in the Hartford, Connecticut, area.
- Cheap Eats: 5 Places to Dine for Under $10
- Hartford Hibachi Restaurants
- Late Night Dining in Hartford
- Top Sports Bars in Greater Hartford
- Top Steak Houses in Greater Hartford
- 10 Great First Date Restaurants in Hartford
- The Traveler Restaurant: Eat Here, Get Free Books
- Churrascaria Braza: Prepare to Feast
- Mayor Mike's Restaurant
Winter in Connecticut
Winter may be central Connecticut's quiet season, but there are still plenty of reasons to head outdoors. Make the most of winter with these resources.
Free Things To Do
On a budget? Here are ideas for frugal fun in Hartford.
- 10 Free Things to Do in Hartford
- Riding Hartford's Free Star Shuttle
- First Sundays are Free at the Children's Museum
Hartford Events
What's happening in Hartford? Fill your calendar with fun happenings in the city and the region.
Shopping
Here's your guide to shopping in Hartford, Connecticut, and surrounding towns.
- Find Furniture Deals at IKEA in New Haven
- Fab'Rik: Bargain Jeans and Extra Bucks for Teens
- Buy All-Natural Dog and Cat Food Made in Connecticut
Spas and Health Clubs
Relax, unwind, get fit and take care of your well-being at one of the area's spas or health clubs.
- A Day Spa Where Even the Prices Are Comfortable
- A Somers Day Spa: Close to Hartford, Yet Oh So Far Away
- Hartford Area Health Clubs, Fitness Centers and Gyms
Arts, Music and Entertainment
From museums to theater to art galleries and more, Hartford has many arts and entertainment hot spots.
- Hartford Civic Center (XL Center): A Guide for Visitors
- The Best Places to Hear Live Music in Hartford
- Ticket Scalping is Legal in Hartford
Hartford Nightlife
Hartford isn't exactly the city that never sleeps, but if you're looking for entertainment after dark, here is your guide to clubs, bars and other nightlife in Hartford, Connecticut.
- The Best Hartford Bars with No Cover Charge
- Comedy Clubs and Shows in Greater Hartford
- Top Restaurants Open for Late Night Dining
- "Cinemeals" at the Gilson Theater in Winsted
Recreational and Spectator Sports
Follow Connecticut sports teams' victories and heartbreaks or find recreational opportunities of your own in Greater Hartford.
- UConn Huskies Basketball Schedule
- A Guide to State Parks in Hartford County
- How To Obtain a Connecticut Boating License
Family Fun
Got kids? Here are some ways to keep them entertained in Greater Hartford.
- See Eagles Vacationing in Connecticut
- Visit a Sugar House
- A Museum for Munchkins
- Play and Learn at Imagine Nation
- Top 5 Fun Things To Do On a Rainy Day
- Walk with the Dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park
- Jonathan's Dream: A Playground for All Kids
- West Hartford's Westmoor Park: A Fun, Free Place for Kids
- The First Company Governor's Horse Guards
- Go-Round Hartford on the Bushnell Park Carousel
- Coming Attraction: The Connecticut Science Center
Meet Others and Get Involved
Get involved in your local community and make new friends in the Hartford area.
- New to the Area? Join a Newcomers Club
- Resources for Connecticut Singles
- Charity Profile: Clothes Make the Man
- Volunteer Opportunities
Plan a Wedding
Planning a Connecticut wedding? Congratulations! These resources will help you plan your special day.

