Under-21 Open Mic Returns to Downtown Hartford this Summer

Hartford BID to expand Amplify on Pratt Street

Hartford, CT, June 26, 2025 – The Hartford Business Improvement District and Hartford.com are pleased to announce the return of their youth-oriented open mic series in downtown Hartford. Amplify will now take place twice per month on Thursday nights in July and August. The series focuses on musicians, poets, dancers, and performance artists who are under 21 years of age. These events are free to both performers and attendees.

“Last year was our biggest year yet in terms of the number of performers we had come through”, said Chip McCabe, Director of Placemaking & Events for the Hartford Business Improvement District. “We also received a lot of feedback from kids and parents wanting more of these events. Continuing to offer inclusive spaces for young performers and to cultivate the next generation of artists should be a priority for the entire artistic community and it’s something we take a lot of pride in as an organization.”

Amplify will take place on Pratt Street on July 10, July 24, August 7, and August 21 from 6-8 pm. Any artists who are interested in performing can register in advance of each date at Hartord.com/Amplify. Walk-ups will also be accepted if time permits.

The Hartford Business Improvement District (HBID) is a 60-block non-profit 501(c)(3) special services district. Working collectively with the City of Hartford, as well as the more than 100 property owners and other organizations within the District, the organization is dedicated to creating positive and lasting change by enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life for employees, visitors and residents within our District. Visit www.hartfordbid.com

For any questions or more information, please contact HBID Director of Placemaking & Events, Chip McCabe at cmccabe@hartfordbid.com or 860-770-0788.