Yard Goats unveil 2026 promotional schedule featuring 10th anniversary celebration, fireworks, and David Ortiz Bobblehead

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced its 2026 promotional schedule for home games at Dunkin’ Park, highlighted by the 10th anniversary celebration of the award-winning ballpark.

The season will feature 23 postgame fireworks shows, scheduled after every Friday and Saturday evening home game. The Yard Goats open the 2026 season on April 2 at 7:10 p.m. against the Baltimore Orioles affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox.

As part of the anniversary festivities, the club will pay tribute to Hartford’s former Eastern League team by playing as the Hartford Rock Cats on May 27 and May 28. A David Ortiz “Big Papi” bobblehead will be given away May 28. Ortiz, along with Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, Justin Morneau, and Trevor Story, is among the notable players who once suited up for the Rock Cats.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top events in February — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our patrotic merch to celebrate America’s 250

Additional giveaways throughout the season include a Captains Hat (May 14), Adult Soccer & World Cup Jersey (June 23), Kids Hot Dog Jersey (June 25), Kids Dunkin’ Jersey (July 8), Roberto Clemente Pinstripe Hat (Aug. 15), Kids Pinstripe Jersey (Aug. 18), Adult Floridian Shirt (Sept. 2), Adult Capital Glow Jersey (Sept. 3) and Goat Horn Bucket Hat (Sept. 4).

The promotional calendar is anchored by the ninth annual Whalers Alumni Game on July 31, featuring postgame fireworks. The Yard Goats will wear hockey-style uniforms in tribute to the former NHL franchise, and former Hartford Whalers players will participate in autograph sessions and on-field activities.

Recurring promotions include Kids Run the Bases on Sundays and Baseball Bingo on Tuesdays. Jackie Robinson Day will be observed on April 15, with fans receiving a commemorative bracelet honoring the Hall of Famer who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier.

New theme nights for 2026 include Single Again in the City (April 14), ERA’s Night with DJ Swiftie (June 9), Wedding Vow Renewal Night (July 9) and True Crime Night (Aug. 18). Returning favorites include Bark in the Park (April 4), Star Wars Day (May 3), Unicorn Night (May 26), Dairy Day (June 14), Princess & Pirates Night (July 11), 90’s Night (July 29), Pajama Party Night (Aug. 1), Faith & Family Night (Aug. 19), Country Night (Aug. 20), Jewish Heritage Celebration (Aug. 23) and the Final Regular Season Home Game Celebration (Sept. 6).

Heritage nights include Irish Heritage Night (April 17), Italian Heritage Night (Aug. 13), and the inaugural Polish Heritage Night (July 7). The team will also play as Los Chivos de Hartford on May 13, June 23, July 11, and Aug. 15 as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión.” A Roberto Clemente Celebration on Aug. 15 will include a hat giveaway and fireworks.

On June 24, the Yard Goats will host a Celebration of Negro League Baseball and play as the Hartford Schoolboys, honoring Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, the first Black athlete to play professional baseball in Hartford.

Community-focused events include Deaf Awareness Night (April 16), Mental Health Awareness Night (May 12), Pride Night (June 10), Pink Out the Park (June 26), First Responders Night (July 30), Home Run for Heroes (Aug. 16), Military Appreciation Night (Aug. 21), Junior Fire Marshal Night (Aug. 23) and Organized Labor Night (Sept. 5). Four Most Improved Student Nights are scheduled for April 15-16 and April 29-30.

2026 Premium Giveaway Schedule

Jackie Robinson Bracelet (April 15^th), Captains Hat (May 14^th), Unicorn Headband (May 26^th), David Ortiz “Big Papi” Bobblehead (May 28^th), Pride Bracelet (June 10^th),Adult Soccer & World Cup Jersey (June 23^rd), Kids Hot Dog Kids Jersey (June 25^th), Pink Hat (June 26^th), Kids Dunkin’ Jersey (July 8^th), Roberto Clemente Pinstripe Hat(August 15^th), Kids Pinstripe Jersey (August 18^th), Adult Floridian Shirt (September 2^nd), Adult Capital Glow Jersey (September 3^rd), Goat Horn Bucket Hat (September 4^th).

2026 Theme Nights

Opening Night & 10^th Anniversary Celebration of Dunkin’ Park (April 2^nd), Bark in the Park & Bluey Night (April 4^th), Single Again in the City (April 14^th), Jackie Robinson Day (April 15^th), Most Improved Student Nights (April 15^th-16^th), Deaf Awareness Night (April 16^th), Irish Heritage Night (April 17^th), Most Improved Student Night (April 29-30^th), Star Wars Day (May 3^rd), Mental Health Awareness Night (May 12^th), Los Chivos Night (May 13^th), Unicorn Night (May 26^th), Hartford Rock Cats (May 27^th-28^th), ERA’s Night with DJ Swiftie (June 9^th), Pride Night (June 10^th), Dairy Day (June 14^th), Los Chivos Night (June 23^rd), Negro League Celebration (June 24^th), Pink out the Park (June 26^th), Polish Heritage Night (July 7^th), Wedding Vow Renewal Night (July 9^th), Princess & Pirates Night/ Los Chivos Night (July 11^th), 90’s Night (July 29^th), First Responders Night (July 30^th), Whalers Alumni Game (July 31^st), Pajama Party Night (August 1^st), Italian Heritage Night (August 13^th), Roberto Clemente Celebration & Los Chivos Night(August 15^th), Home Runs For Heroes (August 16^th), True Crime Night (August 18^th), Faith & Family Night (August 19^th), Country Night (August 20^th), Military Appreciation Night (August 21^st), Jewish Heritage Celebration (August 23^rd), Organized Labor Night (September 5^th), Final Regular Season Home Game Celebration (September 6^th).

2026 Post Game Fireworks Shows

April 3^rd, April 17^th, April 18^th, May 1^st, May 2^nd, May 15^th, May 16^th, May 29^th, May 30^th, June 12^th, June 13^th, June 26^th, June 27^th, July 10^th, July 11^th, July 31^st, August 1^st, August 14^th, August 15^th, August 21^st, August 22^nd, September 4^th, September 5^th

2026 Post Game Kids Run the Bases

April 19^th, May 3^rd, May 17^th, May 31^st, June 14^th, June 28^th, July 12^th, August 2^nd, August 16^th, August 23^rd, September 6^th

Click here for Hartford Yard Goats 2026 schedule

Don’t miss

• Post Malone, Jelly Roll bring “Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2” to East Hartford
• Great Wolf Lodge Mashantucket announces one-day $26 room sale
• Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook to host big game watch party on February 8

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

February events at Fairfield Theatre Company

2/6 – Couch
2/7 – Jackpierce
2/7 – Mystic Bowie / Bob Marley Birthday Bash Ft. Talking Dreads
2/13 – Gabe Dixon
2/13 – Mystic Dead
2/15 – Young Dubliners
2/18 – James Canning
2/19 – Mad Dogs & Englishmen
2/20 – Phoebe Katis
2/20 – Pink Talking Fish Ensemble
2/21 – Masters of the Telecaster
2/24 – Oscar Shorts – Live Action
2/26 – Matilda The Musical
2/26 – Oscar Shorts – Animation
2/27 – Matailda The Musical
2/27 – Zebra
2/28 – Matailda The Musical

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

Click here for more information.

February events at PeoplesBank Arena

2/6 – Ricardo Arjona, click here to purchase tickets
2/7 – Butler vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
2/7 – Providence Bruins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/20 – Utica Comets vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Boston College vs UConn Men’s Hockey, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Belleville Senators vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/25 – St. John’s vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
2/26 – Georgetown vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

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Yard Goats unveil 2026 promotional schedule featuring 10th anniversary celebration, fireworks, and David Ortiz Bobblehead