New Haven Weekend Plans

The bigger Friday-through-Sunday picture

A wider lens on the weekend than the events list: restaurants worth the trip, outdoor spots, and the events that anchor the week. Pairs with our dedicated this-weekend events page.

58 events
Sarah Sze: Images in Translation
FridayOctober 30· 10:00 AM

Sarah Sze: Images in Translation

Yale University Art Gallery

A focused exhibition of new paintings and an earlier room-size sculpture by artist Sarah Sze. The show examines how painting, sculpture, photography, and installation intersect in her work.

Nguni: Migrant Nations of Southeast Africa
FridayOctober 30· 10:00 AM

Nguni: Migrant Nations of Southeast Africa

Yale University Art Gallery

This exhibition explores the art traditions that emerged from the Nguni diaspora of the early 19th century. It connects historical objects with oral traditions and major collections from South Africa.

Blade Runner Live
FridayOctober 30· 7:00 PM

Blade Runner Live

College Street Music Hall

Join us for a unique experience with Blade Runner Live at College Street Music Hall in New Haven.

FridayOctober 30· 1:00 PM

The Unhoused Activists Community Team (U-ACT)

Ives Main Library

A weekly community meeting for people advocating for the rights and dignity of unhoused people in New Haven. The group welcomes new members and allies interested in supporting its work.

Beinecke Library Tour
FridayOctober 30· 1:30 PM

Beinecke Library Tour

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.

Teen Game Club
FridayOctober 30· 2:00 PM

Teen Game Club

Ives Main Library

Hang out with friends and play against other teens with card games and video games available, including Switch and Xbox One. Open to grades 7-12 with no registration required.

Open Fridays with Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
FridayOctober 30· 3:00 PM

Open Fridays with Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Yale University Art Gallery

Drop by the James E. Duffy Study Room for an up-close look at works on paper from the Yale University Art Gallery’s collections. Curatorial staff will guide this informal one-hour open house and answer questions.

FridayOctober 30· 3:00 PM

Hypertension Awareness & Prevention Program at Yale (HAPPY)

Ives Main Library

This program offers free hypertension screenings and connects people with affordable, immediate medical care. It focuses on reducing barriers to follow-up care for underserved communities in New Haven.

“Beauties of My Style”: Errata and the Printed Mistake
FridayOctober 30· 4:30 PM

“Beauties of My Style”: Errata and the Printed Mistake

Sterling Memorial Library, 120 High Street, New Haven, CT 06511

This exhibition at the Hanke Gallery within Sterling Memorial Library surveys the history of errors in bookmaking and their cultural significance. It explores themes of censorship and misrepresentation in the written word.

Fall Opera Scenes
FridayOctober 30· 7:30 PM

Fall Opera Scenes

Morse Recital Hall

Yale Opera presents a rich mix of styles, languages, and eras with scenes from works including Lucia di Lammermoor, Pagliacci, Eugene Onegin, and The Ghosts of Versailles. It is an ideal introduction or rediscovery of beloved opera scenes in New Haven.

YAC Deadly Sins
SaturdayOctober 31· 10:00 PM

YAC Deadly Sins

TBD

Join the Yale Artists Cabaret for its fall mainstage, a song cycle of musical theatre hits featuring tales of gluttony, greed, wrath, envy, and more. The venue is listed as TBD, so the exact New Haven location is not yet confirmed.

Yale Artist's Cabaret 12
SaturdayOctober 31· 10:00 PM

Yale Artist's Cabaret 12

TBD

Join the Yale Artists Cabaret for its Fall Mainstage, a one-night-only song cycle of musical theatre hits. Auditions and the theme will be announced soon.

An Artist’s America: Toward a More Perfect Union
SaturdayOctober 31· 12:00 AM

An Artist’s America: Toward a More Perfect Union

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 Haven.

RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom)
SaturdayOctober 31· 12:00 AM

RUSUNUNGUKO (liberty / independence / freedom)

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 Haven.

Satire, Sympathy, and Social Critique: William Hogarth’s Progress Prints
SaturdayOctober 31· 12:00 AM

Satire, Sympathy, and Social Critique: William Hogarth’s Progress Prints

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

This exhibition draws from Yale’s Lewis Walpole Library collections to examine Hogarth’s moral progress prints and their lasting influence. It features six of the artist’s progresses along with archival context and later responses and reuses.

Beauty Unadorned: “Fire!!” and the Harlem Renaissance
SaturdayOctober 31· 12:00 AM

Beauty Unadorned: “Fire!!” and the Harlem Renaissance

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

An exhibition celebrating the centennial of the experimental magazine Fire!! and the artistic freedom of the Harlem Renaissance. It features correspondence, drafts, photographs, and artworks from writers and thinkers associated with the movement.

Cave Canem: A Home for Black Poetry
SaturdayOctober 31· 12:00 AM

Cave Canem: A Home for Black Poetry

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

An exhibition exploring the formation and impact of Cave Canem, the groundbreaking poetry collective founded by Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady. Archival materials and poems reveal how the organization changed the face of American poetry.

All Levels Saturday Morning Pottery
SaturdayOctober 31· 11:00 PM

All Levels Saturday Morning Pottery

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.

Kayaking Opening Day
SaturdayOctober 31· 2:00 PM

Kayaking Opening Day

Orange Street Canoe Launch

Join Kingfisher Adventures for walk-up kayak rentals on the Mill River in East Rock Park.

Saturday Drawing Club: Working with Color
SaturdayOctober 31· 2:00 PM

Saturday Drawing Club: Working with Color

Creative Arts Workshop

Infuse your drawing practice with vibrant color in the Saturday Drawing Club. Explore watercolor, gouache, markers, collage, and other mixed-media techniques while creating expressive, imaginative work.

Stay and Play at Stetson
SaturdayOctober 31· 10:00 AM

Stay and Play at Stetson

Stetson Branch

Join this early childhood program for stories, songs, and play at Stetson Branch. It is aimed at ages 0-4 with a caregiver.

SaturdayOctober 31· 11:00 AM

SPORT Academy Chess Club

Stetson Branch

Come play and learn chess at Stetson Branch. This New Haven program is for ages 12 and up.

SaturdayOctober 31· 11:00 AM

Fall and Halloween Story Time and Crafts

Ives Main Library

Enjoy a fall- and Halloween-themed storytime and craft at Ives Main Library. Costumes are welcome, and the program is recommended for ages 3-8 with a caregiver.

Getting StARTed
SaturdayOctober 31· 11:15 AM

Getting StARTed

Yale University Art Gallery

Join this family program for engaging activities that guide families in looking at art together. The 30-minute session focuses on a range of works from the Yale University Art Gallery collection.

Color Spot Oil Painting and Color Mixing
SaturdayOctober 31· 5:00 PM

Color Spot Oil Painting and Color Mixing

Creative Arts Workshop

This New Haven class focuses on mixing accurate color with oil paints and painting still lifes with fresh, clean color application. Students will work through a variety of color-mixing exercises.

Haunted Hallway and Halloween Demo Show 2026
SaturdayOctober 31· 1:00 PM

Haunted Hallway and Halloween Demo Show 2026

Sloane Physics Laboratory

This annual public outreach event from the Yale Department of Physics includes a Haunted Hallway and a Halloween demo show. It is presented in collaboration with Pathways in the Office of New Haven Affairs.

New Haven Go Club
SaturdayOctober 31· 1:00 PM

New Haven Go Club

Ives Main Library

Come learn and play Go at the Ives Main Library every Saturday afternoon. The club meets on the lower level by the nonfiction stacks and welcomes players of all experience levels.

Highlights Tours
SaturdayOctober 31· 1:30 PM

Highlights Tours

Yale University Art Gallery

Join our undergraduate guides for a conversational tour focused on a selection of objects from the Gallery’s global collection. No two students’ tours are the same.

SaturdayOctober 31· 3:00 PM

The Community Couch

Wilson Branch

An in-person community gathering at Wilson Atrium with information to be announced. The event is hosted at Wilson Branch in New Haven.

Teen Center Presents: Halloween D&D
SaturdayOctober 31· 2:00 PM

Teen Center Presents: Halloween D&D

Ives Main Library

Join NHFPL Teens for a spooky Dungeons & Dragons adventure at Ives Main Library. Registration is required, and the program is open to teens in grades 7–12.

Family Mixed Media
SaturdayOctober 31· 6:30 PM

Family Mixed Media

Creative Arts Workshop

This mixed media art class is designed for parent and child to work side by side on a new project each week. It is a family-friendly New Haven class at Creative Arts Workshop.

SaturdayOctober 31· 3:00 PM

The Morbidly Curious Book Club

Wilson Branch

This 18+ nonfiction book club explores the macabre and meets monthly at the Wilson Branch. This session will discuss Empire of the Scalpel by Ira Rutkow.

Spooky Gingerbread House
SaturdayOctober 31· 3:00 PM

Spooky Gingerbread House

Ives Main Library

Make a spooky edible gingerbread house out of graham crackers and candy at Ives Children's Program Room. Recommended for ages 4+ with a caregiver, while supplies last.

Create and Explore with Clay
SaturdayOctober 31· 7:30 PM

Create and Explore with Clay

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 and a great way to experience CAW’s.

test2
SaturdayOctober 31· 8:00 PM

test2

College Street Music Hall

test2

The Halloween Bar Crawl - New Haven
SaturdayOctober 31· 8:00 PM

The Halloween Bar Crawl - New Haven

PRIME BGR

A Halloween-themed bar crawl in New Haven with costumes and spooky festivities. The event invites guests to round up their crew and visit participating bars.

Sanctuary CT
SaturdayOctober 31· 9:00 PM

Sanctuary CT

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.

Yale Men's Soccer vs. Quinnipiac
SaturdayOctober 31· 9:00 PM

Yale Men's Soccer vs. Quinnipiac

Reese Stadium

Come support the Yale Men's Soccer team as they take on Quinnipiac in this exciting match. Admission is free, so bring your friends and enjoy the game!

YSO Halloween Show
SundayNovember 1· 11:30 PM

YSO Halloween Show

Woolsey Hall

The Yale Symphony Orchestra presents its Halloween show at Woolsey Hall. Tickets go on sale October 16, 2026 at 10:31 PM.

SundayNovember 1· Lunch & Dinner, November 1-7

New Haven Restaurant Week - Fall 2026

Various Restaurants

The fall edition of Restaurant Week brings more prix fixe deals and culinary adventures across New Haven's diverse dining scene.

EveryBody Dances with Sankai Juku
SundayNovember 1· 11:00 AM

EveryBody Dances with Sankai Juku

Schwarzman Center

EveryBody Dances at Yale Schwarzman Center brings local and visiting dance artists to teach community masterclasses in a range of styles. This session is a Semimaru Butoh Workshop focused on the connection between spirit and body.

Sunday Trivia Nights at Bobbi’s
SundayNovember 1· 10:00 PM

Sunday Trivia Nights at Bobbi’s

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 all participants.

Stuff to Art
SundayNovember 1· 5:00 PM

Stuff to Art

Creative Arts Workshop

A creative studio session at Creative Arts Workshop where participants can make something fun using provided supplies and materials. It is a relaxed, hands-on opportunity to get creative.

Stories and Art
SundayNovember 1· 1:00 PM

Stories and Art

Yale University Art Gallery

Families are invited to enjoy folktales, myths, and stories from around the world that highlight objects in the collection. The program is designed to help children of all ages experience art in new ways.

"Shaka iLembe"
SundayNovember 1· 3:00 PM

"Shaka iLembe"

Yale University Art Gallery

Screening of an episode from the South African television series Shaka iLembe inside the Nguni exhibition at Yale University Art Gallery. The series dramatizes the rise of the Zulu Kingdom and is being shown at the Gallery for the first time in the United States.

8 places
High GeorgeRestaurants

High George

Rooftop restaurant with retractable glass ceiling, city views, and Mediterranean small plates. Best sunset spot in town.

9 High St, New Haven, CT 06510
in Downtown@highgeorgenh
Wooster Square ParkParks

Wooster Square Park

A charming neighborhood park famous for its cherry blossom trees every April and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Chapel St & Academy St, New Haven, CT 06511
in Wooster Square
West Rock Ridge State ParkParks

West Rock Ridge State Park

Dramatic traprock ridge with panoramic views, hiking trails, and the famous Judges Cave. A hidden gem above the city.

Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
Edgewood ParkParks

Edgewood Park

Edgewood Park, located in the charming Edgewood neighborhood of New Haven, is a beautiful Olmsted-designed park that invites both locals and visitors to unwind and connect with nature. With its winding trails, serene ponds, and expansive open meadows, the park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a wonderful spot for families to spend quality time together, whether you're enjoying a picnic on the grass or watching the kids run free in the open spaces. The park is also dog-friendly, making it a great destination for those who want to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained paths or find a quiet bench to sit and soak in the scenery. Edgewood Park embodies the essence of community, where you can appreciate the natural beauty that New Haven has to offer while engaging with fellow residents and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to exercise, relax, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility, Edgewood Park is a welcoming retreat in the heart of the city.

720 Edgewood Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
in Edgewood
New Haven GreenParks

New Haven Green

New Haven Green is a historic 16-acre downtown park located in the heart of New Haven. This inviting space serves as a central hub for community life, hosting a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. As you stroll through the park, you’ll find plenty of open green space perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply soaking up the sun. It’s a welcoming spot for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors, and with its dog-friendly policies, your four-legged friends are invited to join in on the fun. The park’s layout encourages relaxation and connection, making it a great place to gather with friends or meet new ones. You might see local artists showcasing their work, families enjoying a game of frisbee, or couples sitting on benches, taking in the scenery. The New Haven Green truly embodies the spirit of community and offers a little something for everyone, all while being surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, spending time in this green oasis is a wonderful way to experience the charm of New Haven.

Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510
in Downtown
East Rock ParkParks

East Rock Park

Nestled in the East Rock neighborhood, East Rock Park is a beloved outdoor haven for both locals and visitors to New Haven. This iconic park offers stunning summit views of the city and the expansive Long Island Sound, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely hike or a family picnic. The trails wind through picturesque landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a workout or a peaceful stroll. Families will appreciate the park's welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of space for kids to run and play. It's also a dog-friendly destination, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, a scenic backdrop for a gathering, or an invigorating trek up to the summit, East Rock Park offers an inviting escape right in the heart of New Haven. With its combination of beautiful vistas and family-friendly amenities, it’s no wonder this park holds a special place in the community.

Cold Spring St & Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511
in East Rock
Shell & Bones Oyster BarRestaurants

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

Waterfront dining at its finest — oysters, seafood, and sunset views on the harbor. Connecticut Magazine's Best Oyster Bar.

100 S Water St, New Haven, CT 06519
in The Hill@shellandbones
Frank Pepe Pizzeria NapoletanaRestaurants

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Located in the heart of Wooster Square, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is an integral part of New Haven's culinary landscape. Since 1925, this beloved pizzeria has been serving up its iconic coal-fired pizzas, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience the unique flavors that have made it a staple in the community. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for families looking to share a meal together or friends gathering for a casual night out. As you settle in, you can take in the charming surroundings of Wooster Square, especially lovely during the warmer months when outdoor seating allows for a pleasant dining experience. The menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, with a particular focus on their renowned white clam pie, a dish that has garnered a dedicated following over the years. Whether you're a pizza aficionado or trying it for the first time, you can expect a deliciously satisfying meal that showcases the rich tradition of New Haven-style apizza. Frank Pepe's is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where memories are made over shared slices and laughter. The welcoming vibe and family-friendly environment make it an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious taste of New Haven’s pizza heritage.

157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
in Wooster Square@frankpepepizza