Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
A dynamic riverfront venue in Hartford, CT, renowned for hosting vibrant festivals, food celebrations, and cultural events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience vibrant festivals and markets.
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Best Time
Experience vibrant festivals and markets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic riverfront venue in Hartford, CT, renowned for hosting vibrant festivals, food celebrations, and cultural events.
"A nice place to visit in the downtown for walking, trailing, river kayaking, etc.. some public and other events are also happening here."
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Early bird tickets for popular events like Panda Fest sell out fast. Grab yours online to save money and guarantee entry!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between vendors and attractions, especially during festivals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panda Fest Connecticut
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Experience a vibrant Asian food and cultural festival with over 100 vendors, live performances, and panda-themed fun.
Riverfront Food Truck Fest
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Enjoy a diverse array of culinary delights from various food trucks, offering a taste of local and international flavors.
Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Savor authentic Caribbean cuisine and enjoy lively music and cultural displays at this popular annual event.
Scenic Riverfront Views
Along the Connecticut River
Enjoy picturesque views of the Connecticut River, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event-Centric Destination
Navigating Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Early bird tickets for popular events like Panda Fest sell out fast. Grab yours online to save money and guarantee entry!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between vendors and attractions, especially during festivals.
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking info can be limited. Research options beforehand or arrive early to find convenient spots.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The plaza offers scenic river views and is a designated cool spot for photos in Connecticut.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Early bird tickets for popular events like Panda Fest sell out fast. Grab yours online to save money and guarantee entry!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between vendors and attractions, especially during festivals.
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking info can be limited. Research options beforehand or arrive early to find convenient spots.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The plaza offers scenic river views and is a designated cool spot for photos in Connecticut.
🌙 Experience the Night Market
Panda Fest offers evening slots with cooler weather, DJs, and late-night eats for a unique vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is a well-loved venue, particularly for its vibrant events like Panda Fest and food festivals, offering diverse culinary experiences and scenic river views. While many praise the atmosphere and variety, some visitors note challenges with parking information and the cost of food at festivals.
"A nice place to visit in the downtown for walking , trailing , river kayaking , etc .. some public and other events are also happening here . Nice view and to walk over connecting few downtown landmarks."
Venkata Naga Aswanth Tunikuntla
"The banks of the Connecticut River, in Hartford and East Hartford were not maintained and overgrown. The area was under utilized despite the beautiful river view. In the early 80s, they cleaned up the area and connected four parks via the Riverwalk. This area gave me Waterplace Park Riverwalk, in Providence, RI vibes. The other parks are Charter Oak Landing, Riverside Park, and Great River Park. There is a bridge that connects the city with East Hartford, it goes over the river and connects it to the Great River Park.
I visited this place during the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. The place was clean and large with beautiful views of the river. The CT Science Museum is also connected. It's a great venue for different events; food trucks, vendors, and live bands. It was spacious and we enjoyed walking around and seeing the river."
Kim V.
"Just went for panda festival, it was awesome to try different foods all in one place. Cost to portion size was pricey went to 6 or 7 venders spent more than 150 but had a good time. Live music plus dj"
Chuck Cane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is located in downtown Hartford, CT. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options may be available. Parking is available, but can be a hike from certain venues, so research options beforehand.
Yes, parking is available, but information on specific lots and proximity to event venues can be limited. It's advisable to check event-specific details or arrive early.
Information on specific bus routes or train lines serving Mortensen Riverfront Plaza directly can vary. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for Hartford.
The Riverfront elevators are available from 7 am to 7 pm, but are closed seasonally in fall and winter. Check specific event details for accessibility information.
For major events like Panda Fest, consider ride-sharing services or public transport if available, as parking can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The plaza itself is generally accessible, but specific events held there, such as Panda Fest or food festivals, require tickets for entry.
Tickets for events like Panda Fest are typically available online through the event's official website or ticketing partners. Early bird options are often offered.
Yes, events like Panda Fest often have tiered ticketing, including General Admission and VIP options, offering different perks.
The plaza itself is open, but specific event hours vary. The Riverfront elevators operate from 7 am to 7 pm and are closed seasonally.
While some events might offer on-site ticket sales, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular festivals, as they can sell out.
📸 📸 Photography
The plaza offers scenic views of the Connecticut River, making it a great spot for photography. It's even listed as a cool place to take photos in CT.
During events like Panda Fest, you can find unique photo opportunities with giant panda inflatables, mascots, and themed decorations.
Absolutely! The plaza is situated along the Connecticut River, providing ample opportunities to capture beautiful riverfront photography.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check with the plaza management or event organizers for specific rules on drone photography.
Lighting varies throughout the day. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, while evening events can provide unique atmospheric lighting, especially during night markets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The plaza hosts numerous food festivals, featuring a wide array of Asian cuisines (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese), Caribbean food, and offerings from various food trucks.
Panda Fest and the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival are popular annual events. Check local listings for upcoming food festivals and markets.
With over 100 vendors at events like Panda Fest, you're likely to find diverse options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, though specific availability may vary by vendor.
Some visitors find the cost-to-portion size at festivals to be pricey, with spending over $150 for multiple vendors being common.
While the plaza is a hub for events, permanent dining establishments might be limited. Food trucks and festival vendors are the primary sources of food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, consider the seasonal operating hours of the Riverfront elevators if accessibility is a concern.
🍜 Foodie Travelers
Similarly, the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival provides an authentic taste of island cuisine. Beyond these major events, the plaza frequently hosts food trucks, offering diverse culinary options.
While the variety is a major draw, be prepared for potentially higher prices at festival vendors, as some visitors noted spending a significant amount for multiple tastings. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
During events like Panda Fest, the plaza transforms into a visually rich environment with unique installations like giant panda inflatables and cultural performances, offering plenty of creative shooting opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Panda Fest Experience
For those seeking a different atmosphere, Panda Fest offers evening slots that transform the plaza into a night market. These sessions promise cooler weather, late-night eats, DJ sets, and live performances, creating a magical ambiance.
Visitors have described the Panda Fest as awesome for trying diverse foods in one place, though some found the cost-to-portion ratio a bit pricey. Despite this, the combination of live music, DJs, and the overall festive atmosphere makes it a memorable experience.
Riverfront Plaza as an Event Venue
Past events have included the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival, known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere, and the Dragon Boat & Asian Festival.
However, some attendees have noted that the venue's website can lack comprehensive information, particularly regarding practicalities like parking, which can be a significant hike from certain performance areas. The plaza's connection to the CT Science Museum and its role in linking downtown landmarks further enhance its appeal as a central hub for activities and events in Hartford.
Photography Opportunities
Its urban setting combined with the natural beauty of the river provides a diverse range of photographic subjects. The plaza's revitalization has created a more appealing landscape, making it a pleasant location for capturing scenic shots. During special events, the photographic potential expands significantly. For instance, Panda Fest introduces unique visual elements like a giant 15-foot panda inflatable, a mascot, and themed decorations, offering fun and memorable photo opportunities.
The night market aspect of Panda Fest also presents opportunities for atmospheric evening photography, with DJs and live performances adding to the visual dynamism. While the river views are a constant draw, the plaza's role as an event venue means that visitors can often find vibrant scenes, colorful vendors, and lively crowds to capture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit