Hartford Taste Festival

Join US as this two-day FESTIVAL TAKES OVER THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN HARTFORD. Enjoy culinary adventures, experimental art, and musical vibes. Celebrate our rich cultural diversity and the TASTES THAT DEFINE WHO WE ARE AS A COMMUNITY. Gather with family, friends and colleagues from across the Greater HARTFORD REGION FOR A TRULY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Hartford Taste Festival Day 2 The Hartford Taste is more than just a festival—it’s a movement that brings together our community to celebrate diversity in food, music, and culture while making a meaningful impact on our region’s economy. As this two-day festival takes over the streets of Downtown Hartford, we invite you to experience a fusion of culinary adventures, experimental art, and dynamic musical performances—all while supporting the businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives who make Hartford thrive. Whether you're a food lover, an art enthusiast, a music fan, or a business leader, Hartford Taste is where we all come together to celebrate who we are as a community. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The Kitchen Table with Bears BBQ, featuring Owner Jamie McDonald A Conversationwith Bear's BBQ Owner Jamie McDonald INTERVIEWED by Richard Sugarman, Founding President of Hartford Promise and the CT Forum, about bringing Kansas City BBQ to the Capital City. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - The Kitchen Table with Max Downtown, featuring Chef Chris Sheehan Max Downtown Chef Chris Sheehan talks with Scott Dolch, President and CEO of the CT Restaurant Association, about his work for one of Hartford's most iconic restaurants. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - The Kitchen Table with Fire by Forge, featuring Pastry Chef Kerrigan Pothier and Barista Benny Rose An Interview with Fire by Forge's Pastry Chef Kerrigan Pothier and Barista Benny Rose chat while they are INTERVIEWED by Lifestyle Expert and Nachopreneur Alex Taylor about their respective crafts and the power of food to bring people together.