Updated Thursday, September 3, 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 September 4 – September 6:
- Marble & Make: Leather Accessories — Thursday, September 3, 10:00 PM at MakeHaven. In this two-part workshop, participants will learn how to marble leather and create their own colorful, one-of-a-kind leather accessories. This event takes place at MakeHaven.
- [POSTPONED] Film | "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa" Screening and Conversation with Lhakpa Sherpa — Thursday, September 3, 6:00 PM at Luce Hall. This screening and conversation at Yale has been postponed and will be rescheduled for later in the fall or Spring 2027. The event was originally planned for New Haven and included…
- CCAM Open House & Exhibition Opening: "CCAM Thinking," CCAM ISOVIST Gallery | An Evening of the Arts Event — Thursday, September 3, 6:00 PM at Center for Collaborative Arts and Media. Yale’s Center for Collaborative Arts and Media is hosting an open house and exhibition opening in New Haven. Guests can tour the studio and lab spaces and see the fall exhibition C…
- Queer Film Club @ Best Video! — Thursday, September 3, 6:30 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Join the Queer Film Club for a night of film and discussion at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- Yale Women's Soccer vs. Hofstra — Thursday, September 3, 11:00 PM at Reese Stadium. Come support the Yale Women's Soccer team as they take on Hofstra. Admission is free at Reese Stadium.
- Cushing Center Tour — Friday, September 4, 10:00 AM at Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. This in-person tour will guide you through the Cushing Center, discussing the rich history of Dr. Harvey Cushing, the patients he helped, and the tumor registry.
- Beinecke Library Tour — Friday, September 4, 1:30 PM at Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, 121 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Join an introductory tour of the Beinecke Library to learn about its mission, history, and collections. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are free and open to the public.
- City Gallery Exhibit Features a DIVERSE ARRAY of Work by Robert Jacoby — Friday, September 4, 4:00 PM at City Gallery. Follow artist Robert Jacoby on his recent exploration of abstraction and the phases of creative dialogue in his new exhibit DIVERSE ARRAY. This exhibit is hosted at the City Galler…
- An Artist’s America: Toward a More Perfect Union — Friday, September 4, 12:00 AM at Haas Family Arts Library. Visit the exhibit at Haas Arts Library that explores artists' reflections on American history and the concept of the American Dream. This exhibition runs through November 8 in New…
- RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom) — Friday, September 4, 12:00 AM at Schwarzman Center. Explore the work of designer Nontsikelelo Mutiti at The Dome Gallery, focusing on the aesthetics of hair braiding in black life. This exhibit is free and open to the public in New…
- Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson’s Environmental Vision — Friday, September 4, 12:00 AM at Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Visit the exhibit at Beinecke Library showcasing the life and work of Rachel Carson, a pioneer in environmental activism. This exhibition runs through October 4 in New Haven.
- Tracing the Rosebud Orchid: Botanical Illustration and Ecological Awareness in 18th- to 21st-Century America — Friday, September 4, 12:00 AM at Sterling Memorial Library. Visit the exhibition at Sterling Memorial Library that narrates the botanical history of the rosebud orchid and its ecological significance. The exhibit runs from May 4 to October…
- Earth Tongue — Friday, September 4, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Catch Earth Tongue live at Space Ballroom.
- David Liebe Hart (Adult Swim/Tim & Eric) — Friday, September 4, 8:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join David Liebe Hart for a unique performance blending music, puppetry, and storytelling at Cafe Nine on September 4.
- First Friday Lounge Night — Friday, September 4, 5:30 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Kick off the weekend with First Friday Lounge Night at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- Yale Field Hockey vs. Sacred Heart — Friday, September 4, 10:00 PM at Johnson Field. Join us for a thrilling match as Yale Field Hockey faces off against Sacred Heart. Admission is free at Johnson Field.
- Yale Volleyball vs. Hofstra (Yale Invitational) — Friday, September 4, 7:00 PM at John J. Lee Amphitheater (Payne Whitney Gymnasium). Enjoy a thrilling volleyball match with free admission at the John J. Lee Amphitheater.
- John Zorn’s FLATLANDS — Saturday, September 5, 8:30 PM at Firehouse 12. Experience John Zorn’s newest project Flatlands, featuring a dynamic power trio at Firehouse 12.
- Kayaking Opening Day — Saturday, September 5, 2:00 PM at Orange Street Canoe Launch. Join Kingfisher Adventures for walk-up kayak rentals on the Mill River in East Rock Park.
- Broadway Rave — Saturday, September 5, 7:30 PM at Space Ballroom. Join us for a night of Broadway hits at Space Ballroom.
- Saturday Jazz Jam ft. Mike Coppola — Saturday, September 5, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Join the Saturday Afternoon Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine for a free admission event featuring Mike Coppola and an open jam session on September 5.
- Yale Volleyball vs. Manhattan (Yale Invitational) — Saturday, September 5, 5:00 PM at John J. Lee Amphitheater (Payne Whitney Gymnasium). Catch another exciting volleyball match with free admission at the John J. Lee Amphitheater.
- Global Groove ft. Fuselaje & FauxMenco — Saturday, September 5, 9:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Experience a night of world music with Fuselaje and FauxMenco at Cafe Nine on September 5.
- First Friday Lounge Night — Saturday, September 5, 9:30 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Kick off the weekend with First Friday Lounge Night at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- Yale Volleyball vs. Santa Clara (Yale Invitational) — Saturday, September 5, 11:00 PM at John J. Lee Amphitheater (Payne Whitney Gymnasium). Join us for the final match of the Yale Invitational with free admission at the John J. Lee Amphitheater.
- KENMUJO / ChopChopChopChopChopChopChop / Miserable Prick — Sunday, September 6, 4:00 PM at Cafe Nine. Experience an explosive performance by KENMUJO and local acts at Cafe Nine. This event promises a unique blend of noise and grind music.
- Sunday Markets on the Green — Sunday, September 6, 4:00 PM at Upper Green. Visit the pop-up market on the Upper Green featuring local artists and food vendors, happening twice a month.
- Pinewood Derby — Sunday, September 6, 5:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Participate in the Pinewood Derby event at the Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- 2nd Annual Best Video Pinewood Derby! — Sunday, September 6, 5:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Join us for the 2nd Annual Best Video Pinewood Derby at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- Grant Writing: Collaboration and Accountability — Sunday, September 6, 5:30 PM at MakeHaven. Join us for a collaborative grant writing session at MakeHaven, where you can work on your proposals in a supportive environment.
- Yale Field Hockey vs. University of Albany — Sunday, September 6, 6:00 PM at Johnson Field. Yale field hockey hosts the University of Albany at Johnson Field in New Haven. Admission is free.
- Pretty Boy Floyd — Sunday, September 6, 8:00 PM at Space Ballroom. Enjoy a night with Pretty Boy Floyd featuring John Fox and All Sinners.
- Sotto Voce (NYC), Calendula (CT), Cousin Oven (NYC) — Sunday, September 6, 8:00 PM at Best Video Film & Cultural Center. Enjoy a night of live music featuring Sotto Voce, Calendula, and Cousin Oven at Best Video Film & Cultural Center.
- Sunday Trivia Nights at Bobbi’s — Sunday, September 6, 10:00 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 fun for…
- New Haven Road Race — Monday, September 7, 8:00 AM at New Haven Green (Start/Finish). Thousands of runners take to the streets for this Labor Day tradition — a 20K and 5K race through the scenic neighborhoods of New Haven.
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.
Want this in your inbox every Thursday? Subscribe to The Weekly Sup.