Photo by hartfordmural via Instagram

Kids Bowl Free 
Monday, April 16-Friday, August 31 
Silver Lanes in East Hartford offers free bowling for kids all summer long! Just sign them up for this national program and your kids will receive two free games of bowling daily. The program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe and fun way for children to spend their summer vacation. 

Butterfly Hunt
Saturday, June 16
Help the Connecticut Butterfly Association track local butterflies and learn about more than 20 different species at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Appropriate hiking shoes, long pants, and bug repellant are recommended.

Hartford Latino Fest
Saturday, June 23
Celebrate the past, present, and future of Hartford's Latino community and Latin culture. Enjoy performances, games, a festive atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. 

Riverfest Food Truck Festival

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Thursday, July 12 - Saturday, July 14
Food trucks have become quite an institution across the Nutmeg state. Head down to the Hartford riverfront to sample some of the sumptuous fare being served up on four wheels.

26th Annual Greater Hartford Jazz Festival
Friday, July 20 - Sunday, July 21
The largest jazz festival in New England features more than a dozen jazz bands, more than 40 food and marketplace vendors, and over 40,000 fans. Head to the beautiful and historic Bushnell Park for the 2018 event. 

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival 
Saturday, August 4 (rain date: Sunday, August 5)
Feel the island rhythms and feast upon Caribbean cuisine. The day features music, elaborate costumes and dance, children's activities, and dozens of food vendors. 

Dragon Boat & Asian Festival

Photo by jkmgarofano via Instagram

Saturday, August 18
Enjoy Asian food and drink while you watch competitors race a 500-meter boat course along the Connecticut River. 

Check out the Riverfront website for many other free events scheduled throughout the summer