<p>Hartford Pride Fest & Concert has always been the crown jewel of Connecticut’s lgbtq+Q+ calendar. The festival traces its roots to local organizers and community groups who wanted a safe, joyful space for queer folks, families, and allies to come together in the heart of the state’s capital. Over the years it has grown from a handful of tables and a few performers into a lively block party that spills down Pratt Street and Trumbull Street every September. In 2025 it returns on Saturday, September 13, from noon until 6 p.m., with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh creative team.</p>
<p>According to The Health Collective, which is taking over production of the festival from CLARO (Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities), PrideFest 2025 will infuse downtown Hartford with energy and colour【699181216900986†L88-L100】. The organization, formerly known as the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective, has partnered with CLARO to ensure that the festival continues to reflect the city’s diverse queer communities while offering resources and support. By anchoring the event at Pratt Street & Trumbull Street they’re keeping the celebration firmly in the heart of Hartford【699181216900986†L94-L100】. The day-long street fair runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., making it an accessible, family‑friendly affair rather than an all‑night rave.</p>
<p>The 2025 edition promises more than just a parade of rainbow flags. Organizers have already announced plans for a kid and family zone so younger visitors can enjoy age‑appropriate crafts and games【699181216900986†L111-L117】. Food trucks and local restaurants will line the street to serve everything from grilled cheese to vegan tacos, while vendors offer handmade crafts, queer literature, and information from community organizations【699181216900986†L121-L124】. A new VIP area will allow supporters to relax with a drink and get closer to the stage for headline concerts【699181216900986†L125-L127】. The stage program is being kept under wraps for now, but past years have welcomed drag performers, marching bands, dance troupes and well known musicians.</p>
<p>The shift in leadership is more than a logistical change. The Health Collective frames PrideFest as part fundraiser, part community outreach. Funds raised through sponsorships and on‑site donations help sustain its medical, dental, and support services for lgbtq+QIA+ people throughout Connecticut【699181216900986†L129-L135】. At a time when queer and trans communities still face gaps in healthcare and social support, the organizers see PrideFest as both celebration and call to action. Businesses, non‑profits and faith groups are encouraged to take part by hosting a vendor booth【699181216900986†L139-L143】, while volunteers are needed to set up, greet visitors and help keep the event running smoothly.</p>
<p>Beyond these practical details, PrideFest 2025 aims to keep the quirky, joyous spirit that has made Hartford’s celebration special. A blurb on Hartford.com describes previous festivals as “sashaying through Downtown Hartford like RuPaul on roller skates singing ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ — serving community, sparkle, and socially conscious slay”【66296109292105†L53-L59】. The Health Collective promises equal parts glitter cannon and grassroots grit, with programming that speaks to queer elders and teens alike. You might see costumed roller skaters weaving through the crowd, a church choir belting out pop anthems, or an activist offering voter registration forms. The mix of protest and party is deliberate; Pride was born as a demonstration, and the organizers are committed to keeping that spirit alive while also throwing one heck of a party.</p>
<p>Visitors come not only for the entertainment but also for the sense of belonging. Hartford Pride draws people from across Connecticut and neighbouring states, including families who make a day trip out of the festival and elders who remember the early days of the movement. The festival’s partnership with CLARO means there will also be programming that honours Latinx queer culture, with bilingual emcees and Latin American food vendors【699181216900986†L94-L100】. The diverse lineup underscores a simple truth: Connecticut’s lgbtq+Q+ community is a tapestry woven from many backgrounds, histories and identities.</p>
<p>Hartford Pride’s growth also reflects broader changes in the city. Downtown Hartford has seen new restaurants, galleries and green spaces in recent years, and PrideFest gives locals a chance to rediscover their city through a queer lens. Merchants along Pratt Street often decorate their storefronts with rainbow bunting, and some run specials for Pride attendees. While the festival officially runs until early evening, many visitors continue the celebration at bars and clubs throughout the city. Local organizations host after‑parties, drag shows and film screenings, turning a single day into a weekend‑long celebration of queer art and culture.</p>
<p>If you plan to attend Hartford Pride 2025, be prepared for crowds and plenty of colour. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and consider a reusable water bottle. Parking downtown can be limited, so organizers suggest using public transit or ride‑share services. Above all, come with an open heart. Whether you identify as lgbtq+Q+, have family or friends who do, or simply want to celebrate love and inclusivity, PrideFest welcomes everyone. In the words of the Health Collective, PrideFest is about creating “unforgettable moments” and building a more inclusive future for all of Connecticut【699181216900986†L88-L100】. See you on Pratt Street!</p>
