There’s no more classic way to celebrate autumn that with a good old-fashioned harvest festival: the sort of seasonal soiree with legitimately timeless appeal.
Even as you soak up the cosmopolitan pleasures of downtown Hartford as a guest here at the Goodwin, you’re within easy reach of one of Connecticut’s best-known versions of this fall tradition, and it’s coming up before you know it.
Glastonbury’s Apple Harvest Festival at Riverfront Park
We’re talking about the Apple Harvest Festival in Glastonbury, which this year marks its impressive 42nd edition. Held in Riverfront Park this October 13, 14, and 15, the event serves as a wonderful excuse to embrace the season while enjoying great food, great libations, and great live tunes in the company of thousands of fellow festivalgoers.
There’s something for all ages at Glastonbury’s Apple Harvest Festival, not least a very respectable collection of amusement rides. An army of food trucks serve up tasty eats (with apple products naturally well represented), while the cheery Angry Orchard Harvest Pub sees topnotch local craft beer, ciders, and wines flowing. You’ll also find more than 120 arts-and-crafts vendors arrayed for the proceedings.
Musicians, Dancers, & Pyrotechnics on the Apple Harvest Festival Stage
Dozens of musicians take the Apple Harvest Festival stage during the course of the weekend. This year’s lineup includes Savannah & the Kinds, the Balkun Brothers, Pat Stone & the Dirty Boots, and Among the Acres. Performances by some fine local talent—the Glastonbury Dance Center, the Mulcahy Academy of Irish Dance, and the Glastonbury High School Choir—round out the onstage entertainment.
Evening fireworks over the Connecticut River put the finishing touches on the festive atmosphere at Riverfront Park.
Friendly Competition: the Angry Orchard 5K and Kids Fun Run
The Apple Harvest Festival also hosts the Angry Orchard 5K and Kids Fun Run, which’ll enjoy its 15th “run-through” on Sunday, October 15. The 5K run/walk kicks off at 9:30 AM, followed up by the Kids Fun Run a half-hour later. Runners receive a souvenir pint glass and (for 21-and-over participants) a free glass of Angry Orchard cider over at the festival pub at noon: a well-deserved reward, we’d say!
Don’t Miss the 42nd Annual Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival
All in all, Glastonbury’s Apple Harvest Festival is a thoroughly delightful autumn shindig, so if you’re in the mood to really immerse yourself in the spirit of the season you should definitely consider a visit. You’re only about a 15-minute drive to Riverfront Park from the Goodwin Hotel, after all!
