Who Knew Blog

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Elm Shakespeare presents Richard III

Elm Shakespeare Company’s 29th annual summer production, Richard III, directed by Rebecca Goodheart, Elm’s seasoned Producing Artistic Director, is set to be a landmark event at the Alexander Clark Playhouse Stage in Edgerton Park, running from August 15th to September 1st.  Goodheart, with over two decades of experience in directing, acting, and teaching Shakespeare, will explore the role society plays in creating villains and the cost of political violence on us all. Internationally renowned actress Lisa Wolpe, known for her groundbreaking work on Shakespeare and gender, will play the title role of Richard. Wolpe’s involvement is set to bring a... View Article

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2024 BWS Fest

The 2024 BWS FEST is produced by the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism in partnership with The Breed Entertainment, is a festival highlighting black and brown business owners and creatives.  Aug. 12 – The BWS Fest Artist Showcase: Plug & Play Edition Aug. 13 – The BWS Fest: Film Fest Aug. 14 – The BWS Fest: Investment Summit Aug. 15 – The BWS Fest: Fashion Show Aug. 16 –  The BWS Fest: Entrepreneur Party Aug. 17 – The BWS Fest Photo credit: BWS Fest

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Wooster Square Honors its Italian Heritage with a New Statue

Our city’s landmarks are looking a little different this summer. As a country, we continue to make new histories for ourselves, while looking back on our old histories through new lenses. In recent years, conversation has gained traction around the merit of Christopher Columbus statues across the country. In 2020, more than 33 statues were removed, a number that has continued to rise over the last four years. Why are they being removed? Well, the reality of Columbus’ place in global history is less shiny than it seemed back in elementary school. According to a 2019 study from the Quaternary Science... View Article

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6 Ways to Spend a Family Day in the East Rock Neighborhood

Looking for a fun-filled family adventure? Look no further than the neighborhood of East Rock, home to some of the best bites in town and some engaging activities for families of every size and age. This itinerary is complete with good eats, educational experiences, a bit of shopping, a walk around the park, and finally, a coal-fired pie. Here’s your Saturday, delivered.  Breakfast at Olmo for their original “New Haven style” bagels Visit the Yale Peabody Museum, recently reopened after a four-year renovation Go toy shopping at Pebbles, New Haven’s first-ever dedicated toy store Grab some soft serve at Elena’s... View Article

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Cool Off with an Iced Drink in Downtown

How do you cool off in the rising heat of summer? With temperatures nearing 100 degrees, it can feel like parking yourself in front of the AC vent is the only solution. We invite you to give your AC unit a break, head downtown, and grab an iced beverage. Downtown’s beaneries and tea havens bring diverse flavors, all served over ice. Here are four places to find delicious iced drinks. Common Grounds Coffee Claire’s Corner Copia Loose Leaf Boba Company Willoughby’s Iced Coffee Originally published 8/2/23

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Summer Shopping Essentials: 4 Places to Shop in Downtown

Summer is here, and there is no better time than now to shop in and around downtown. Our shopping districts have all the best summer essentials. Be it a beach day or a summer dinner party, you can get absolutely anything you need right here in the Elm City. Our locally-owned shops and boutiques sell the most unique finds in the state, and you can find all of your national favorites at The Shops at Yale, from Lululemon to J. Crew. Let’s go shopping! Protect your eyes from the sun’s rays with a pair of sunglasses from Kennedy & Perkins... View Article

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Introducing Pebbles Toys and Gifts, New Haven’s Only & Finest Toy Store

There’s a new neighbor in East Rock. Pebbles Toys and Gifts celebrated their grand opening in late May, bringing the only dedicated toy store to New Haven. To help make the introduction, we sat down with Owner Alex Kleiner to talk all things Pebbles, New Haven and the toys of the year. Kleiner is a lifelong New Haven native and Pebbles’ General Manager Lauren Coleman, a retail professional with years of experience in children’s books and toys. Read on to learn more about the business, the humans behind the toys, and how Pebbles will fit into the New Haven community.... View Article

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The Legacy of the Atlantic Oyster, The Pearl of New Haven

New Haven is known for many things. We’re the Pizza Capital of the nation, the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich, the home of the Bulldog, and a hub for acolytes of the Atlantic Oyster. Long before we put meat between buns and pies in pizza ovens, our city’s food culture centered around something entirely different – and best enjoyed raw.  Dating back to 1638, the Atlantic Oyster was a staple in the New England diet, with the hard-shelled bivalve playing an integral role in the fledgling Quinnipiac colony. In fact, shallow, pristine beds along the Long Island Sound were so... View Article

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Five Free Ongoing Events in Downtown this June (2024)

🥬 CitySeed Farmers Market Wooster Square, 9am-1pm | June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 🍿 Movies in the Plaza Pitkin Plaza, 8-10:30pm | June 5, 12, 19 & 26 🌈 Orange Street Promenade Orange, between Crown & Center, 6-9:30pm | June 6, 13, 20 & 27 🍻 Happy Hour in the Plaza Temple Plaza, 5-7:30pm | June 14 & 28 🎟 Movies in the Plaza Summer Sundays Pitkin Plaza, 4-6:30pm | June 9 & 23 Be sure to check out our info new haven calendar and follow us on Instagram for all there is to see and do in downtown and beyond.

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IFAI Spotlight: 5 Free International Performances on the New Haven Green

With more than 150 events in one festival, the International Festival of Arts and Ideas has returned to the Elm City in grand fashion. Featuring a wide array of completely free and ticketed events for visitors and locals, the 2024 festival’s theme reads, “Move With Us.”  The included events spotlight undersung cultures, illuminating the world’s most historic and beautiful traditions and practices. If that sounds like your thing, read on for five completely free international performances taking place on the New Haven Green in June.  New Haven Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate New Haven Taking place on June 15 at 8 PM,... View Article