After a killer debut in 2024, the Capitol Groove Music Festival is back for its second year, bringing another stacked weekend of live music to Hartford, Connecticut’s Bushnell Park on June 28-29, 2025. If last year’s turnout was any indication—7,000 fans per day, seamless production, pristine event facilities, and a lineup that delivered—this year is about to be even bigger!
Capitol Groove is built for real music lovers. One stage, no overlapping sets, no stress. You can see every act without making those impossible festival trade-offs. Add in craft beer, solid food vendors, and a killer location right in downtown Hartford, and you’ve got a weekend that’s shaping up to be one of New England’s best live music experiences!
Tickets are already on sale, and kids 12 and under get in free—so if you’re a parent trying to introduce your kids to good music early, here’s your shot!
The @ryanreid.sound Check: I attended the inaugural Capitol Groove in 2024 and can tell you firsthand it was everything a festival should be—laid-back, well-run, and packed with incredible music. Bushnell Park was the perfect setting, with plenty of space to spread out, set up a lawn chair, and actually enjoy the day without feeling crammed in.
The lineup delivered from start to finish with My Morning Jacket, Dispatch, The Revivalists, and The Head and The Heart at the top of the weekend’s bill. Other amazing acts included Trampled By Turtles and Guster! My personal favorites were the performances by Shakey Graves and Trevor Hall—I snapped a few photos from my phone while sitting comfortably in the lawn area, which still offered a great view! I was fortunate to catch both artists later in 2024 when they returned to the Northeast on their respective tours; you can read my show recap of Shakey Graves here!
Beyond the music, what stood out most was how well the festival was run, even when the weather turned against us. When thunderstorms rolled in, the staff handled everything seamlessly, shutting down the show with clear, calm communication and making sure everyone got to safety without chaos. It could’ve been a logistical nightmare, but they kept it smooth and, when it was safe to return, the energy picked right back up.
That kind of organization matters. Capitol Groove proved in its first year that it’s not just about putting on a killer lineup—it’s about creating an incredible overall experience. If 2025 is anything like last year, this festival is on track to become a New England summer staple!
Here is the official video recap from The Capitol Groove, as well as the official 2025 Spotify playlist!
2025 CAPITOL GROOVE MUSIC FESTIVAL | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE |
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