In the Spotlight

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Luck of the Irish St. Paddy’s Day [2025]

February 27, 2025

Each March for the past 183 years, Downtown transforms into a vibrant celebration of Irish pride for the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As Connecticut’s largest single-day spectator event, this beloved tradition has been drawing crowds since 1842. On Sunday, March 16, the St. Paddy’s Day parade returns with marching bands, festive floats, and high-energy Irish step dancers to the streets of downtown —along with plenty of Guinness [inside the pubs]  to keep the celebrations going. Step-off time is 1:30 pm.  With downtown buzzing from morning to night, this is one event you won’t want to miss.  Want... View Article

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Black History Month in New Haven [Feb. 2025]

February 1, 2025

February marks the return of Black History Month. New Haven is unique in this narrative, with its deep connections to the fight for freedom, justice, and equality. From the Amistad story to local trailblazers like William Lanson and the resources at the New Haven Museum, the city offers a meaningful lens through which we can reflect on our city’s Black history. Read more on the blog. 

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New Year New Haven [2025]

December 29, 2024

If you’re trading in the raucous champagne-fueled New Year’s Eve celebrations of your youth for a quieter event with your loved ones, please join us on the New Haven Green from 2:00-7:00 PM! “New Year New Haven” is the hottest family-friendly ticket in town (though there’s no ticket). This free event has it all – a Ferris wheel, ice sculptures, and festive programming for the kids. Find out more here →

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4 Signature Holiday Events Worth Checking Out

November 27, 2024

Downtown captures the magic of the season straight out of a holiday movie. Immerse yourself in a lineup of festive events and experiences that bring the spirit of the holidays to life. First up, on December 5th, the 112th Holiday Tree Lighting will spread cheer through live entertainment, amusement rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, and, of course, your neighbors.  The fun begins on the New Haven Green from 5 – 7:30 PM. But that’s not all. On December 7, The Shops at Yale will host the annual Ice Carving Competition and A Capella Concert. See professional ice carvers from New England... View Article

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Ready, Set, Go! New Haven Road Race, Closer to Free Ride, and New Haven Grand Prix! (2024)

August 29, 2024

September 2nd, 47th Annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race The half marathon race kicks off on the New Haven Green and includes a tasting platter of run styles for every level of athlete, including kids. New this year, cheer on the runners at the Chapel Cheer Zone, hosted by The Shops at Yale, located outside the Yale University Art Gallery. September 7th, Closer to Free Ride This ride for a cause offers five scenic, professionally-supported bike routes and kicks off with a powerful Olympic-style opening ceremony. Why do we love this ride? 100% of the proceeds go to research and care at... View Article

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Puerto Rican Festival & BWS Fest Return to Downtown [August 2024]

July 30, 2024

Our city thrives on its cultural tapestry, and this month, we unite to celebrate our vibrant diversity. Puerto Rican Festival Celebrate the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico on August 10 from 1 – 9 pm on the New Haven Green! Enjoy mouth-watering food from diverse food trucks, engage in fun family activities, explore unique arts & crafts, and groove to live music. Don’t miss this lively event honoring Puerto Rican heritage.  See more here. The BWS Fest The Black Wall Street Festival returns to Downtown New Haven August 12 – 17 for a six day celebration empowering black and brown... View Article

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Flights of Fancy Returns to Downtown July 11!

June 28, 2024

Clink, clink! Flights of Fancy, the city’s premier shopping, wine, and food crawl, returns to downtown on July 11, from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. The celebrated annual event brings together fashion-forward folk, foodies, and amateur sommeliers from across the state, plus thirsty locals. Attendees will be invited to sip, taste, and shop at 20+ local stores, taking home souvenir glasses, event bags, raffle prizes, and a new favorite summer blend. Tickets to this event sell fast, secure your spot today!

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Summer Fun in New Haven Parks (2024)

May 30, 2024

Each summer, our outdoor haven comes alive, and June is only the beginning. Across New Haven’s more than 2,000 acres of park space, neighbors and summer visitors will mix and mingle on the greens, sharing stories, sips, and sunshine. Your park day options include, but are not limited to… 🌳 East Rock Park: Known for its trails and unmatched views of the Long Island Sound, East Rock Park is the perfect place to bike, jog, and hike. Plus, the park is home to a number of canoes and rowboats, permitted on Mill River for fishing and crabbing. 🌳 Edgewood Park: Skateboarders, tennis players, and... View Article

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The 2024 Audubon Street Arts Festival

April 30, 2024

Downtown New Haven is home to many festivals; more than 15, according to a recent report from International Downtown Association, commissioned by Market New Haven, the New Haven Parking Authority, and Town Green District. One of those festivals makes its annual return this month on May 18, from 12 pm – 6 pm. The Audubon Street Arts Festival celebrates and amplifies the BIPOC creatives that makeup New Haven’s Arts District. The event, produced by The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, will feature live performances from such artists as Desiré Graham and Tyler Goldchain, educational workshops, and even a live... View Article

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Journey to the Past at the Yale Peabody Museum

March 28, 2024

We’re celebrating the much-anticipated reopening of Yale Peabody Museum.The Natural History Museum’s first comprehensive renovation since it opened 90 years ago is marked by new welcoming spaces for exhibitions, improved access to museum collections, expanded educational services for students, and greater accessibility throughout the property. The new Peabody features three floors of exhibitions, most notably the Burke Hall of Dinosaurs featuring Rudolph Zallinger’s famous mural, “The Age of Reptiles,” and the Central Gallery featuring giant fossils and rotating exhibitions covering ongoing research at Yale. Coming soon to the third floor of the Peabody is the Living Lab, featuring live plants... View Article