This Weekend in New Haven: June 26 – June 28

Updated Thursday, June 25, 2026. This is our weekly recap of what's happening in New Haven this weekend — events, restaurants worth the trip, the spots that come alive on a Friday night.

The Headlines

Here's everything that landed on our calendar between June 26 – June 28:

• Salsa in Ninth Square — Thursday, June 25, 10:00 PM at Orange Street Promenade. Salsa in Ninth Square welcomes both beginners and experts for an evening of dance. Enjoy free dance on the vibrant rainbow dance floor in New Haven.
• Making Functional Pots — Thursday, June 25, 10:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. If you are interested in making ceramic pieces for the home, this class is for you. Making functional pots is important to all levels of students, whether you throw pots on the whe…
• Elm City's Finest: Drag Night! - SOLD OUT — Thursday, June 25, 11:00 PM at Elm City's Cabaret at the Shubert Theatre. The Shubert Theatre puts the spotlight on New Haven's local talent in our all-new Elm City's Cabaret. Patrons will be seated at tables to enjoy an evening of performance in an inti…
• Advanced Hand Bookbinding — Thursday, June 25, 11:00 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Veteran book arts expert Gisela Noack brings her many years of skill and experience in restoration and conservation to students working on their own advanced bookbinding or restora…
• SOMI — Thursday, June 25, 11:30 PM at University Theatre. Vocalist and composer Somi Kakoma performs at the University Theatre, showcasing her unique blend of jazz and storytelling.
• Matt Kampe & The Hub — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at New Haven. Join us for a high-energy performance by Matt Kampe & The Hub, a band known for their funk, rock, and soul fusion. Experience their unique sound live in New Haven.
• Cimafunk and La Tribu — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at New Haven. Cimafunk brings a unique blend of funk and cultural celebration to New Haven. Experience a performance that honors blackness and musical heritage.
• The Mercy Velvet Project — Friday, June 26, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The Mercy Velvet Project is an embodied re-creation of the 1999 album, Live in Vain by Mercy Velvet. This work explores our collective need for community to survive, featuring musi…
• Midnight North — Friday, June 26, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Join Midnight North with Molly Murphy for a night of captivating music at Space Ballroom.
• Rob Schneider: Live — Friday, June 26, 7:30 PM at Shubert Theatre. Shubert Theatre.
• Dagwood / Replica City / Fafa / Mildly Allergic / The//Moon — Friday, June 26, 8:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join Dagwood, a New Haven-based punk band, along with Replica City and others for a night of punk music at Cafe Nine. This event is sure to energize the crowd.
• An Artist’s America: Toward a More Perfect Union — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Haas Family Arts Library. This exhibit at Haas Arts Library features artist books that comment on America's radical roots and complex history, highlighting socio-cultural and environmental observations.
• RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom) — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. Witness designer Nontsikelelo Mutiti's latest work, which engages with the history and aesthetics of hair braiding in black life, at The Dome Gallery in Yale Schwarzman Center.
• Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson’s Environmental Vision — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Beinecke Library. This exhibit at Beinecke Library showcases the life and work of Rachel Carson, highlighting her contributions to environmental activism and literature.
• Tracing the Rosebud Orchid: Botanical Illustration and Ecological Awareness in 18th- to 21st-Century America — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Sterling Memorial Library. This exhibition narrates the botanical history of the rosebud orchid and its decline, showcasing illustrations from Yale University Collections.
• Unfurling the Flag: Reflections on American Patriotism — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Beinecke Library. This exhibition at Beinecke Library explores the complex ideological and political power of patriotism in the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Ind…
• Yale New Haven Hospital at 200: Advancing Care into a Third Century — Friday, June 26, 12:00 AM at Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. Explore the history of Yale New Haven Hospital as it marks its 200th anniversary with a new exhibition showcasing milestones in patient care and innovation.
• Rooted in Heritage: Art Across Yale’s Cultural Centers — Friday, June 26, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. Building community through photography, paintings, and more; Rooted in Heritage features Yale student artwork from the multicultural communities of Yale College. This exhibition sh…
• The View from Here: Accessing Art Through Photography — Friday, June 26, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. The View from Here amplifies the voices and perspectives of New Haven youth through photography. This exhibition features the work of nine student photographers who express their u…
• West of the River — Friday, June 26, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. In West of the River, photographer Christian Badach explores the emotional landscapes shaped by rural environments. His work uses visual cues from nature to convey psychological st…
• Centering with Clay: Focusing on Foundations — Friday, June 26, 1:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Are you looking to improve your throwing skills? This class offers an opportunity to work towards your goals in clay.
• DR. CATERWAUL'S CADRE OF CLAIRVOYANT CLAPTRAPS PLAY TOM WAITS: FOLK/WORLD MUSIC — Friday, June 26, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Experience a unique performance by Dr. Caterwaul's Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Enjoy folk and world music in a cozy setting.
• Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps play music of Tom Waits — Friday, June 26, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Join us for a night of music as Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps perform the works of Tom Waits at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
• Rob Schneider Live — Friday, June 26, 6:30 PM at Shubert Theatre. Continuing his worldwide standup tour, comedian Rob Schneider heads to the Shubert Theatre this summer. Schneider is also an accomplished actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, a…
• Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour — Saturday, June 27, 7:00 PM at College Street Music Hall. Join comedian Aziz Ansari for his Hypothetical Tour at College Street Music Hall. Expect a night of laughter and entertainment!
• New Haven Greenways 2030: Shoreline Greenway — Saturday, June 27, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. New Haven Greenways 2030 is a vision for active, connected, green transportation and recreation across New Haven. The Shoreline Greenway Trail aims to create a trail from Madison t…
• Lost in New Haven: A Cultural Scavenger Hunt — Saturday, June 27, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Lost in New Haven engages you with immersive exhibits and interactivity to present our shared American story within one city. Test your knowledge of New Haven history or come to le…
• The People's Place: Four Centuries of Gathering on the New Haven Green — Saturday, June 27, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The Green has long served the needs of citizens through various uses, including civic buildings and parades. This event explores the historical significance of the New Haven Green.
• Greg Mendez — Saturday, June 27, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Catch Greg Mendez with Scarlet Rae live at Space Ballroom for an evening of great performances.
• Saturday Jazz Jam ft. Aquintet — Saturday, June 27, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join the Saturday Afternoon Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine featuring Aquintet. Bring your instrument and enjoy a free jam session with local musicians.
• Sanctuary CT Presents: The Darts — Saturday, June 27, 9:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join Cafe Nine for a night of goth/darkwave/industrial music featuring The Darts. Enjoy a live performance and dancing with local DJs.
• All Levels Weekend Pottery — Saturday, June 27, 1:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Join a relaxed, all-levels pottery class where beginners will learn the basics of wheel throwing and hand building. Returning students can continue to build their skills in this cr…
• Bring Your Characters to Life! — Saturday, June 27, 2:00 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. In this 8-week class, students will learn the principles of character design while bringing their original characters to life from concept to finished design. This is a great oppor…
• Kayaking Opening Day — Saturday, June 27, 2:00 PM at Orange Street Canoe Launch. Kingfisher Adventures is hosting a Kayaking Opening Day with walk-up kayak rentals on the Mill River in East Rock Park. Join us at the Orange Street Canoe Launch for a fun day on t…
• Exhibit | American Saints and Blesseds — Saturday, June 27, 2:00 PM at Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free parking and admission. As of America’s 250th anniversary, 14 American Saints and Blesseds will be featured.
• The Amazing World of Animation — Saturday, June 27, 4:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Have you ever wanted to create animations like The Amazing World of Gumball or Steven Universe? This is your chance to bring your ideas to life in this hands-on workshop.
• American Icons — Saturday, June 27, 6:00 PM at New Haven Green. Dance the night away with music by Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis, and Whitney Houston as part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas!
• American Icons Featuring New Haven Symphony Orchestra — Saturday, June 27, 10:00 PM at The New Haven Green. Starring Capathia Jenkins & Ryan Shaw, this program will feature songs by iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston. Join the New Haven Symphony Orchestra…
• American Icons featuring New Haven Symphony Orchestra — Saturday, June 27, Evening at New Haven Green. Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw join the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for songs by Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder,…
• Contemplative Spaces — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Join us on a tour to discover quiet spots in New Haven where you can slow down and reflect. This event encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the city's serene spaces.
• Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Join a free curator-led tour celebrating the history and artistry of New Haven's Long Wharf Theatre. This immersive exhibition highlights the theatre's legacy in the community.
• Whose America? Perspectives on Identity and Belonging — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Join contemporary authors as they explore race, citizenship, and identity in America. This event features vital voices discussing how literature can shape our understanding of belo…
• Dzien Dobry! Polish Heritage in New Haven — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Discover New Haven’s Polish neighborhoods with a guided tour that unveils local immigrant history. Enjoy pierogi snacks while exploring the impact of urban development on the Polis…
• Memory as Museum: Curating the Self led by Antoinette Brim-Bell (Workshop) — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Join poet Antoinette Brim-Bell for a workshop exploring memory as a curated archive. Participants will engage in guided writing to examine how remembrance functions as architecture…
• Style and Power Demystified: Civic Architecture on and Around the New Haven Green — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at New Haven Green. Explore the evolution of civic architecture in New Haven, reflecting on the city's history from colonial times to the present. This event will delve into how the buildings around t…
• The Stories We Carry: A Conversation with Sandra Cisneros — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at New Haven. Join celebrated author Sandra Cisneros for an intimate conversation about belonging and storytelling. This event promises insights into her literary journey and the themes that res…
• Outdoor “Bike Themed” Screening — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Enjoy an outdoor screening at Best Video Film & Cultural Center with a bike theme. Bring your friends and family for a fun evening.
• Game Garden Hot Yoga — Sunday, June 28, 2:00 PM at East Rock Brewing Company. Start your Sunday with movement, mindfulness, and a well-earned post-flow drink. Join yoga practitioner, Tobey, for Hot Yoga in the Game Garden every last Sunday of the month.
• Escape to the Islands: A Caribbean Cultural Celebration — Sunday, June 28, Festival starts 2:00 PM; concert 6:00 PM at New Haven Green. New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival celebration with food trucks, island marketplace, cultural displays, storytelling, and live performances.
• GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Join fellow musicians and bluegrass enthusiasts for a jam session at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Bring your instrument and enjoy a night of music.
• Sunday Trivia Nights at Bobbi’s — Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM at Bobbi's. Trivia at Bobbi’s runs about 90 minutes and is played over five rounds. The game features a slideshow format with image-based and puzzle categories, making it engaging and easy to…

Friday Night

If you're looking for the move on Friday night, the answer almost always lives downtown. Start at one of the legendary bars on Crown Street — BAR, Ordinary, or one of the newer cocktail rooms — and let the night go where it goes. If you're a one-stop crowd, Wooster Square remains the most reliable single-block dinner-and-walk loop in the city.

For a quieter Friday: head up to East Rock for dinner at one of the neighborhood spots, then walk it off along Orange Street.

Saturday

Morning. The market at Wooster Square if it's running, otherwise Atticus or Willoughby's for coffee and a slow read.

Lunch. Apizza day, obviously. Frank Pepe's, Sally's, or Modern depending on the line. Our full pizza guide covers the rest.

Afternoon. The Yale University Art Gallery is the most underrated free museum in New England. Or, if the weather's right, East Rock summit by foot or car.

Dinner. If you want something special, the date-night list is where to start. If you want something easier, the general dinner guide has dozens of options.

Sunday

Sunday in New Haven is for slow brunches and longer walks. Our brunch picks are the working list. If the weather turns, the rainy day list has indoor backup plans.

Looking Ahead

Want the always-current version of this list? Bookmark /things-to-do/this-weekend — it auto-refreshes with the latest events. Or check all upcoming events for the bigger picture.

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