The countdown has begun for Capitol Groove 2025, and we are just 90 days away! With the full lineup announced, here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, how to plan your weekend, and why this festival should be on your summer calendar.

The Essentials
? Location: Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT
? Dates: June 28-29, 2025
? Tickets: Available now at thecapitolgroove.com

This festival keeps it simple and seamless—one stage, no schedule conflicts, no stress. Just show up and enjoy every single act! First things first, here is your line up:

Whether you’re into the laid-back grooves of Khruangbin, craving some high-energy indie anthems from Bleachers, or ready to dive into the funky depths of Thundercat, this year’s bill covers it all. There’s a seamless blend of styles that makes it feel like every corner of the music world is represented—soul, funk, indie, reggae, and blues. And well, for me, as an elder millennial, I cannot wait for the signature alt-rock vibes of Cake!

Tickets & VIP Options
Tickets are available HERE in both one and two-day passes for general admission and VIP packages. If you have already purchased GA tickets and are looking to upgrade to VIP access, you can do that too! Here’s what you get with VIP:

• Access to the festival
• VIP premium viewing area for all performances, including dedicated chair section & dedicated standing-only area in front of stage!
• Covered and elevated VIP Lounge with seating
• Air-conditioned restrooms with flushable toilets
• Premium bars
• Dedicated food vendors
• Shaded area with activities
• Dedicated Festival Merch Booth
• Discounted VIP tickets are available for kids 12 & under

If you were at last year’s festival, you already know—it’s well-run, easygoing, and built for fans who just want to experience great live music without the hassle. Whether you go with GA or splurge on VIP, you will enjoy clean festival grounds, a food truck alley with literally every option you can think of, and an assortment of vendors. The 2024 vendors included several local breweries, national vodka and tequila brands, and even energy drink companies handing out free samples. Most vendors have extra seating and yard games to enjoy while sipping on craft cocktails.

Your Packing List
You have your tickets, now what to bring?! This festival is smack-dab in the middle of summer, so pack and dress accordingly!

Here’s are the essentials:

• Empty Water Bottle: You will have to empty your water bottles before entering the festival grounds (map below); however, Capitol Groove provides filtered water stations with plenty of faucets, so there is little to no wait to fill up
• Sunscreen, Hat & Sunglasses: While trees surround the edge of the festival grounds and provide shade, you will wanna bring plenty of sunscreen and some shade for your face and eyes
• Lawn chair/blanket: There will be plenty of space to stake out your area for the day. If you go with a lawn chair, be sure to pack one that has a carrying strap. There is a short walk from local, downtown Hartford parking into the festival grounds.

And some nice-to-haves:

• Earplugs: When sitting in the lawn area, the volume is perfect and you shouldn’t need earplugs. However, if you decide to venture closer to the stage, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a pair.
• Portable phone charger: It’s two long days, plenty of pics and videos from your cell phone. Festival grounds will have lockers and charging devices for rent. So if you forget your charger in the morning, you are still covered!
• Rain Poncho/Light Jacket: New England Weather can changes in a matter of minutes. It won’t hurt to pack a rain jacket. The inaugural festival did get rained out for a couple hours by a major thunderstorm. Most people made their way back to their cars, a few of us took cover on the steps of the capitol building.
• Cash: Most vendors, including the Merch table will take cards and tap-to-pay. But some extra cash may come in handy!

What to leave at home:

• Coolers: – No outside food and drink is permitted (except for supplies for babies & medical reasons, be sure to bringa doctor’s note though!)
• Carts or wagons: You may have to carry your bags and chairs in, but hey, you are going to be there for the whole day, so no big deal!
• Professional camera (or camera’s with detachable lens): Leave that to us! The Concert Chronicles will be covering both days of The Capitol Groove, and we promise to bring you some memorable images to celebrate the weekend!
• Pop-up tents, canopies or staked umbrellas: Everyone gets a clear view of the stage!
• Pets (other than service animals)

You can read the full list of what’s allowed and not allowed HERE! I’ll leave you with this map of the festival grounds, including the VIP area! The Concert Chronicles can’t wait to see you there!