This Weekend in New Haven: July 24 – July 26

Updated Thursday, July 23, 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 July 24 – July 26:

• The Secret Music Documentary Society hosted by Gorman Bechard and Dean Falcone — Thursday, July 23, 6:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
• Salsa in Ninth Square — Thursday, July 23, 10:00 PM at Orange Street Promenade. Salsa in Ninth Square is perfect for beginners and experts alike! Enjoy free dance on our rainbow dance floor after learning from instructors.
• Metalsmithing/Jewelry — Thursday, July 23, 10:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Learn basic metalsmithing for making jewelry, developing new skills, or strengthening existing ones through weekly demonstrations.
• 2026 Grassy Strip Music Series - July 23 — Thursday, July 23, 11:30 PM at Madison Beach Hotel. Enjoy free, live outdoor shows every Thursday during the summer season, featuring a variety of musical acts.
• Rooted in Heritage: Art Across Yale’s Cultural Centers — Friday, July 24, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. This exhibition features Yale student artwork from multicultural communities, showcasing reflections on cultural identity and shared humanity. It is held at Yale Schwarzman Center.
• The View from Here: Accessing Art Through Photography — Friday, July 24, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. This exhibition at Yale Schwarzman Center amplifies the voices of New Haven youth through photography, showcasing their unique perspectives. The exhibition features the work of nin…
• West of the River — Friday, July 24, 8:00 AM at Yale Schwarzman Center. Photographer Christian Badach explores the emotional landscapes of rural environments in this exhibition at Yale Schwarzman Center. The exhibition showcases how landscapes influenc…
• Cushing Center Tour — Friday, July 24, 10:00 AM at Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. Join a guided tour of the Cushing Center to learn about its history and the work of Dr. Harvey Cushing. Tours are open to the public and take place every Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM.
• Keeping Alive the Remembrance: Commemorating America's Founding, 1776–1876 — Friday, July 24, 10:00 AM at Yale University Art Gallery. This focused installation at the Yale University Art Gallery commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary, showcasing works made between 1776 and 1876 that reveal how artists preser…
• Beinecke Library Tour — Friday, July 24, 1:30 PM at Beinecke Library. Join an introductory tour of the Beinecke Library, exploring its mission, history, architecture, and collections. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are open to the public wit…
• Exhibit | American Saints & Blesseds — Friday, July 24, 2:00 PM at Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Explore the lives of 13 Catholics canonized in America as part of the country’s 250th anniversary. This exhibit highlights their contributions and significance.
• Exhibit | Illustrating America: Columbia Magazine Covers — Friday, July 24, 2:00 PM at Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. This exhibit showcases illustrated covers from Columbia magazine, highlighting the evolution of American illustration from 1921 to 1988.
• Hallmark Stars Live – Presented by Michaels — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at College Street Music Hall. Enjoy a special evening with Hallmark Stars at College Street Music Hall, featuring Nikki Deloach, Andrew Walker, and more.
• Mac Saturn — Friday, July 24, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Catch Mac Saturn live at Space Ballroom for an unforgettable night.
• Tessa Brown / STUNT! / Ruby Leftstep — Friday, July 24, 9:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Catch Tessa Brown and STUNT! at Cafe Nine for an exciting night of music. Doors open at 9 PM.
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch — Friday, July 24, 12:00 AM at Yale Cabaret. Join internationally ignored song stylist Hedwig and her band, The Angry Inch, at the Yale Cabaret for a night of music and performance.
• An Artist’s America: Toward a More Perfect Union — Friday, July 24, 12:00 AM at Haas Family Arts Library. This exhibit at Haas Arts Library features artist books that document and interrogate American political history. It highlights socio-cultural observations and experiences of Ameri…
• RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom) — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Yale Schwarzman Center. Witness Mutiti's latest work, RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom) in The Dome Gallery at Yale Schwarzman Center. The exhibition is free and open to the public during bui…
• Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson’s Environmental Vision — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Beinecke Library. Explore the life and work of Rachel Carson at Beinecke Library, showcasing her contributions to environmental activism. The exhibition runs from May 18 through October 4.
• Tracing the Rosebud Orchid: Botanical Illustration and Ecological Awareness in 18th- to 21st-Century America — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Sterling Memorial Library. This exhibition at Sterling Memorial Library narrates the botanical history of the rosebud orchid, showcasing its decline and significance. It runs from May 4 to October 25.
• Unfurling the Flag: Reflections on American Patriotism — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Beinecke Library. Marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this exhibition at Beinecke Library explores the complex power of patriotism in the U.S. It runs from March 16 to…
• Yale New Haven Hospital at 200: Advancing Care into a Third Century — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM 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 in the Rotunda at the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library. The exhibition runs fr…
• Fuselaje with DJ Don Poncho — Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
• All Levels Saturday Morning Pottery — Saturday, July 25, 1:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. A relaxed, all-levels class for anyone interested in working with clay. Beginners will learn the basics of wheel throwing and hand building, while returning students can continue b…
• Summer Saturday Water-based Printmaking — Saturday, July 25, 1:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Explore print processes using safe water-soluble inks and unique plate solutions. Develop personal imagery using woodcut, linocut, monotype, monoprint, collagraph, Chine-collé, dry…
• Kayaking Opening Day — Saturday, July 25, 2:00 PM at Orange Street Canoe Launch. Kingfisher Adventures offers walk-up kayak rentals on the Mill River in East Rock Park. We are located at the northern end of Orange Street, across from Wilbur Cross High School.
• Exhibit | American Saints and Blesseds — Saturday, July 25, 2:00 PM at Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Visit the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center to explore the exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free except on select holidays.
• Steely Dead – A Sonic Fusion of The Grateful Dead and Steely Dan — Saturday, July 25, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Enjoy a unique musical experience with Steely Dead at Space Ballroom.
• Pinewood Derby Workshop — Saturday, July 25, 4:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
• Saturday Jazz Jam ft. Aquintet — Saturday, July 25, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join the Saturday Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine featuring Aquintet. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
• Free Program | Summer Family Fun Day — Saturday, July 25, 4:00 PM at Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Join us for our Summer Family Fun Day at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, featuring crafts and food for all ages.
• Handcrafted Pens: Wood Turning Workshop — Saturday, July 25, 4:00 PM at MakeHaven. Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging workshop at MakeHaven. A rewarding experience awaits!
• Digital Illustration Inside and Out — Saturday, July 25, 4:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Explore the beauty of plants and small found objects through digital illustration at the Creative Arts Workshop.
• Fermentation Fundamentals: Turning Veggies into Pickles, Kraut & Hot Sauce — Saturday, July 25, 5:00 PM at MakeHaven. Learn to turn everyday vegetables into flavorful fermented foods in this hands-on workshop at MakeHaven.
• "Americaring" — Saturday, July 25, 6:00 PM at Bregamos Community Theater. Experience a visceral exploration of the collateral damage caused by a failing healthcare system in this powerful performance at Bregamos Community Theater.
• Create and Explore with Clay — Saturday, July 25, 7:30 PM at Creative Arts Workshop. Spend your Saturday afternoon getting creative in the Creative Arts Workshop pottery studio! This fun, hands-on workshop is a fantastic introduction to pottery.
• Create & Celebrate / Let's Make Trashion & Dance -- Again! — Saturday, July 25, 8:00 PM at Bregamos Community Theater. Trash to Fashion’s biggest workshop & party of the year is a night you don’t want to miss! Join us for our 2nd annual trashion making workshop & ball at Bregamos Community Theater.
• Sanctuary CT — Saturday, July 25, 9:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Celebrate 10 years of DJs R.I.C.H.A.R.D and Azrael at Cafe Nine on July 25, 2026, with a night of goth, industrial, and darkwave music. Doors open at 8 PM for this 21+ event.
• Notorious I.F.C Presents: A French New Wave Screening — Saturday, July 25, 7:30 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Enjoy a classic French New Wave film screening presented by Notorious I.F.C at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. A treat for film enthusiasts!
• Judge / Bold — Sunday, July 26, 7:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Don't miss Judge and Bold live at Space Ballroom, featuring Ambitions and Last Order.
• Wayne Hancock — Sunday, July 26, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Experience the unique sounds of Wayne Hancock, the king of Juke Joint Swing, live at Cafe Nine. Doors open at 4 PM.
• Wayne Hancock / Audrey Mae — Sunday, July 26, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join Wayne Hancock, the king of Juke Joint Swing, for a night of music at Cafe Nine, featuring a blend of country, blues, and rockabilly.
• GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam — Sunday, July 26, 7:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Join us for a lively Bluegrass Jam session at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Bring your instruments and enjoy a night of music.
• Joudy / Death Valley Sun Troopers / Qween Kong / Egg! — Sunday, July 26, 8:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join Joudy and local favorites Death Valley Sun Troopers and Qween Kong at Cafe Nine on July 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM for a night of experimental rock and punk music.

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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