One of Hartford’s premier cultural events is the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. It has been held every August for the past seven years and features both the upper and lower areas of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza transformed into a Caribbean village. The whole family will enjoy the variety of music and dance performances as well as authentic Caribbean fare offered by more than 25 vendors. There is also a children's activity area, a Caribbean carnival, and salsa merengue lessons.
Make your way to the checkered flag–the one that signals you've arrived for a good time at Checkered Flag Raceway. Located in Berlin just a few minutes from Hartford, this is undoubtedly the best outdoor go-kart racetrack in all of New England. This challenging but fun ¼ mile track will find you revving up the engine in your kart as you put the pedal to the metal. Plus, there is an excellent arcade with all the latest video games as well as a snack bar. It's high-speed fun and recreation for the whole family!