E-Newsletter Archive

Temperatures drop, tinsel goes up, and 30,000 glimmering lights return to the New Haven Green for the 110th year in a row. The holiday season is upon us, and if you don’t believe us, check out the Green. There, you’ll find that 50 ft tall 7,000lb Norway Spruce waiting to be lit. Holiday Hallmark Charm… View Article

November 25th marks the return of a well-loved holiday in downtown New Haven – Small Business Saturday.  Five distinct shopping districts are located throughout the downtown neighborhood: Broadway, Chapel Street Historic, Chapel West, Ninth Square, and Whitney-Audubon – each featuring locally owned and operated retail businesses.  Click here for a list of downtown locally-owned retailer… View Article

The Thanksgiving holiday is marked by laughs shared, memories made, and dishes dirtied. Did you ever consider that a holiday meal doesn’t necessitate that third item? If you’ve ever been tempted to skip the culinary grunt work that goes into the Thanksgiving holiday and indulge in the creations of chefs more practiced than you, look… View Article

Fall is a time marked by crisp air, brewing holiday excitement, and endless Gilmore Girls rewatches. While the town of Stars Hollow does not exist, New Haven does. If you haven’t watched the series, it takes place in a quaint New England town much like our own, and one of the lead characters goes on… View Article

As we head into the holiday season, Market New Haven had the pleasure of speaking with Colin Caplan, New Haven resident, historian, author, and pizza historian, about everyone’s favorite holiday festivity – the 110th annual holiday tree lighting, which takes place every year on the New Haven Green. Read what he had to say about… View Article

New Haven is a haven for many. Academics find their home on the Yale campus and from the student section of the Yale Bowl. Nature enthusiasts find exploration across our more than 2,000 acres of green park land. The future of medicine, cuisine, music, and art lives here. Did you know your neighbor might be… View Article

Get ready to eat your heart out, the Elm City’s bi-annual New Haven Restaurant Week is back this fall and celebrating 15 well-shaken, well-plated, and well-fed years. From November 5 – 10, join 25 of the best downtown restaurants for all-new dining experiences and exclusive offerings. Participating restaurants will offer pre-fixe menus ranging from two-course… View Article

If you’re hunting for the best things to do in New Haven this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place. To celebrate the spooky season, the city is filled with haunted happenings. From paranormal ghost tours on hallowed grounds to mysterious ancient cemeteries, here’s the ultimate guide for where to get spooked in New Haven… View Article

In New Haven, leaf-peeping season is arguably the best season of the year. With fall foliage colors peaking now through November 8, there is no better time to plan an autumn adventure. From East Rock to Westville, we’ve narrowed down the best spots to take in nature’s fireworks show in New Haven. So grab your… View Article

If you ask us, October is the most wonderful time of the year.  Crisp weather, leaves changing colors, spooky season, and best of all – it’s National Pizza Month.  That’s right, an entire month to celebrate the Elm City’s most beloved food, and to visit the holy trinity of pizzerias (keep reading). New Haven is… View Article

On Saturday, October 14, the Shubert Theatre will present its second annual Elm City’s Finest, a very special performance series highlighting the amazing artists of the New Haven community. Last year’s inaugural event showcased talent from nearly every artistic form—music, dance, spoken word, visual art, and more. In the spirit of accessibility and community togetherness,… View Article

On October 21, local artists will convene in Downtown for the annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival. Taking place from 12-4 PM at The Shops at Yale, the day will be one marked by live music, impressive art, and family-friendly entertainment. Across the Chapel and Broadway districts, more than 75 of New England’s most talented… View Article

While Halloween may be October’s most recognizable holiday, did you know the month is also marked by another holiday? National Pizza Month, a tradition as integral to New Haven culture as any other holiday. Pizza is our thing. Rather, Apizzais our thing. This year alone, our city has been recognized by the likes of The… View Article

Summer turns to fall, kids grow into adults, and leaf peepers become trick-or-treaters become . October marks the official entrance into leaf-peeping season, with peak fall foliage color estimated to be on display from October 3 to November 8. Looking for the best spots to leaf-peep in New Haven? Check out our blog post! Whether… View Article

This month, the ever-popular New Haven Night Market returns to downtown! Mark your calendars for the fall installment on Saturday, September 30th, in the Chapel Street District [from College to York Streets]. The event takes place from 5-10 PM, but we recommend arriving early to experience the best of this historic neighborhood. From historic art… View Article

Eat, shop, explore, repeat. We get it, some days free time can be monotonous. This fall, spice up your leisure time in downtown New Haven by visiting one of our city’s beloved live music venues. Whether you like multi-piece jazz arrangements or head-banging indie rock, these five venues offer up atmosphere, cocktails, and music history…. View Article

There are few things better than summer days, maybe summer nights. As the days roll on, remnants of summer heat begin to break, and the leaves begin to change, one particular group of New Haveners are gearing up and preparing for battle. We mean the Yale Bulldogs, of course. Hear ye, hear ye, football season… View Article

In New Haven, theater is a regional pastime. Each year, the country’s most talented performers take to the stages of New Haven to perform classic revivals and cutting edge new productions. As the fall breeze leads to winter chill, the people of New Haven (and our neighbors across New England) start booking tickets and taking… View Article

You already know that Downtown New Haven is steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights. However, parts of this story still need to be told, corners of our city unseen and mysteries of our history unheard. Luckily, we’re home to a handful of local experts who share their knowledge with neighbors and visitors daily, embarking… View Article

Drum roll, please. New Haven Pride will return to the Elm City on September 23! The annual block party will take place on Orange and Crown Streets from 12 – 6pm and feature small businesses, community members, and an all LGBTQ+ roster of performing talent. Organized by the The New Haven Pride Center – one of Connecticut’s leading… View Article

September 15 Connecticut’s most anticipated cycling event returns for its 13th year on September 15, featuring a twilight bike race, a lively street festival featuring the city’s best food vendors, and live music from talented local artists. If you’re racing, don’t forget to stretch. If you’re spectating, the beer garden and Apizza feast open at… View Article

September 9 Another opportunity to race, this time for a great cause, this race welcomes riders of all levels and fuels necessary research and life preserving care at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. The race features five routes ranging in distance, from 10 miles to 100 miles long! Additionally, racers are invited to… View Article

The New Haven Night Market returns to downtown on Saturday, September 30. This popular event shines a light on downtown small businesses, amazing food, and talented performers. Come for an evening, leave with a drink, some street eats, and unique finds from vendors.

September 4 Taking place on Labor Day, the event will welcome racers and walkers alike to five different races: the 20k, the Half Marathon, the 5k, the Half Marathon Relay, and the Kids Fun Run. All of these races begin at the New Haven Green, the Kids Fun Run at 8:10 AM, and all other… View Article

Pay visit to the East Rock Market, New Haven’s first ever premier boutique food hall. Home to some of the best eats in the Elm City, East Rock Market features six food concepts and a full service bar, here’s what’s on the menu. Rockfish Sushi: Here, “nigiri is truth.” Stop by for high quality fish… View Article

Walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike, did you hear that starting bell? Lace-up your sneakers and hit the pavement, New Haven’s September races are right around the corner. These annual events aren’t just about beating your records, these days are a full-fledged celebration of history, community, and the thrill of friendly competition. Here’s everything you need… View Article

Backpack feeling a little light? The season of sharpened pencils and freshly bound notebooks is upon us. Parents have one last hurdle to mount before sending their kids off to school, the most taxing hoop to jump through – back-to-school shopping. Fear not, if you play your cards (read: calendar) right, this year’s shopping list… View Article

Want to enjoy the dog days of summer without feeling like a hot mess? New Haven is filled with unique, historical, and recreational treasures to help you keep out of the heat. Whether your cup of (iced) tea is exploring an educational exhibit at one of the world’s largest natural history museums, browsing local boutiques… View Article

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… View Article

August 19 marks another return to the city, the Black Wall Street Festival on the New Haven Green. The festival highlights black and brown business owners and creatives from across the city, catalyzing action toward dismantling systemic racism in New Haven, and a strategy to revitalize black and brown economic wealth throughout New Haven. This year’s event will… View Article

Thanks to the Elm Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare in the Park returns to New Haven this month. Completely free to visitors, the company will perform The Merry Wives of Windsor in Edgerton Park from August 17 to September 3. Pack a picnic and head to the park early to mingle with your fellow theater-goers. Performances begin at 7:30… View Article

Prefer to drink your calories, rather than scoop them? Grab a sweet cocktail with your neighbors as we celebrate the return of New Haven Cocktail Week, taking place from August 27 – September 2 at 29 locations throughout the city. The annual celebration honors the best in New Haven mixology and cocktail culture, featuring education, tastings,… View Article

In the hottest summer month, there is only one place to turn for respite – New Haven’s best ice cream shops. Arethusa Farm Dairy: Located in The Shops at Yale, Arethusa is a scoop shop featuring freshly made waffle cones and homemade ice cream from their dairy farm. Ashley’s Ice Cream: Ashley’s serves up delicious… View Article

August brings the return of the Amistad Freedom Schooner, which will be in port at Long Warf from August 2 – 21, and August 29 – September 5. While in port, the replica of this historic ship will be open for educational tours, teaching visitors about the ship’s creation, the story of the Amistad Rebellion, and… View Article

This summer, there is one name on everyone’s lips – Barbie. Whether you’re hunting down vintage dolls at EBM Vintage or preselecting front-row seats at downtown’s Bow Tie Cinemas, the summer has been Barbie-fied. So, what would Barbie do in New Haven? Would she laze on the Green or hit the beach at Lighthouse Point?… View Article

Sunday, July 16th marks an international holiday, celebrated by millions, mourned by the lactose intolerant – National Ice Cream Day. Celebrate the day in downtown, where you’ll find a variety of classic and artisanal scoops to satisfy any palette, whether you’re a traditional vanilla bean buyer or a moose tracks maven. Sprinkled throughout our city… View Article

Whether you’re vacationing, staycationing, or working from home, we all start our day the same way – with breakfast. Where do you entrust the most important meal of the day? Downtown New Haven’s breakfast and brunch scene offers a variety of modern and traditional tastes. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, something unique, or… View Article

Hit the beach at Lighthouse Point Park, known across New England for its stretches of warm sand and cool ocean water, splash pads and shaded pavilions, beloved bird sanctuary, and functioning vintage carousel, one of the only left in existence. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the park is a gem… View Article

What better to spotlight for the month of July than the light itself? Celebrate the 4th of July with us at the City of New Haven’s Annual Fireworks show. Taking place on Tuesday, July 4th from 9 PM to 9:30 PM at Wilbur Cross High School, the annual firework show will welcome visitors and locals alike to… View Article

Gather your group and reserve the Elm City Party Bike for a day. Socialize, exercise, and restaurant hop through downtown, East Rock, and Wooster Square. With the help of trained drivers, groups of 8-15 people can enjoy 2-hour rides through New Haven’s most popular, historic, and beautiful hubs. Elm City Party Bike is BYOB, so pack up,… View Article

Be it a rooftop or a patio, outdoor dining is in full swing in downtown. Layer on the SPF and pick your dining style, we’ve got it all. For Patios: 116 Crown, L’Orcio, Geronimo, South Bay and Tre Scalini For Sidewalk Cafes: Atelier Florian, Claire’s Corner Copia, olea and Villa Lulu For Rooftops: Elm City Social and High George For Waterfront Views: Il Gabbiano and Shell… View Article

July 20th marks the return of Flights of Fancy: Summer Sips, downtown New Haven’s beloved shopping, wine, and food crawl, presented by Town Green District. Kick off the evening at the Omni New Haven Hotel for registration, at which point you’ll receive a signature souvenir tasting glass – don’t lose it, you can’t crawl without it…. View Article

The season of the summer Friday is here, have you logged off yet? For the lucky few in the working crowd, summer brings office closures every Friday afternoon, giving employees a kick start into the weekend. If you’ve found yourself in that lucky few, spend the afternoon with your neighbors in downtown New Haven. From… View Article

Rich in history, innovation, and artistry, New Haven is bursting with historical landmarks for visitors and locals to explore. One site visitors can mark off their must-visit list this summer is New Haven’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Located on the 366-foot summit of East Rock – we promise we won’t make you hike up the… View Article

One place to be this summer – in truth, there are many of those in New Haven – is Lighthouse Point Park. Visitors and locals return each summer to this place across 82 acres of swimmable shores, walkable sand, hiker-friendly nature trails, and more. Where children make lasting memories in splash pads, where birdwatchers study… View Article

Walkable, loungeable, explorable, that’s New Haven. Our city is made of more than 2,000 acres of vibrant green parkland, and there’s no soul inside on the sunniest summer days (which, by the way, have arrived). New Haven has a park for every kind of explorer, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, a… View Article

New Haven is a city steeped in rich history, as  The New York Times highlighted earlier this year. Our history is a patchwork fabric of cultures and identities, coming together to form one collective haven. Established in 2015 by the Chatham Square Neighborhood Association, Fair Haven neighborhood, this event celebrates the historic Fair Haven waterfront… View Article

New Haven is a city steeped in rich history, as  The New York Times highlighted earlier this year. Our history is a patchwork fabric of cultures and identities, coming together to form one collective haven. Established in 1900 by the St. Andrew’s Society, this Wooster Square neighborhood’s annual event is among the oldest celebrations in… View Article

One of downtown’s most celebrated annual events, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Returning for the 27th year, the festival will run from June 10-25. This year’s theme? Rise. In the face of adversity, choose to rise and celebrate self-determination and the transformative power of creativity and diversity. This year’s programming features a mix of… View Article

New Haven is a city steeped in rich history, as  The New York Times highlighted earlier this year. Our history is a patchwork fabric of cultures and identities, coming together to form one collective haven. Established in 1962 by Dixwell neighborhood organizers, the parade honors the community’s shared goal of neighborhood beautification. Freddy Fixer is… View Article

Suppose your feed has been filled with aesthetic pictures of “European summers,” your friends sipping sparkling Prosecco, leaving you dreaming of the cobblestone streets of Italy and mouth-watering pasta. In that case, these restaurants in New Haven can satisfy your taste for authentic, handcrafted pasta. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply craving the soft… View Article

When it comes to how we talk about motherhood, it’s out with the old and in with the honest. There is no one size fits all for parenting, and there is no right or wrong way to be a mother. For a mother as particular, authentic, and special as your own, your Mother’s Day gift… View Article

A true taste of Italy exists here in New Haven, and it’s just behind the doors of Caffe Bravo. A hidden gem of the East Rock neighborhood, Caffe Bravo serves up fresh pasta and delicious Italian eats, from New York Style Calamari to rich Burrata Pomodorini. This month, we caught up with Giovanni Morra, Owner and… View Article

When The New York Times recently featured New Haven as a top destination for 2023, one of the gems in that crown was our city’s walkability. Between our distinct neighborhoods and sprawling historic Green, the sidewalks of our city tell many stories. This month, spend an afternoon with Walk New Haven, who lead cultural heritage… View Article

Snackers, minglers, and explorers alike – listen up! The New Haven Night Market returns Friday, May 12 from 5-10 PM. This neighborhood favorite event is open to all ages, free to attend and pet-friendly. Join us in exploring the northwest side of Chapel Street, tasting treats from local eateries like Menya Gumi & Tacos Los Gordos, shopping at… View Article

Cinco de Mayo Looking for Cinco de Mayo margs and elote? Visit Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill to join in the holiday fun. The bar and grill will continue their holiday tradition with lively music, exclusive food and drink specials, a new to-go margarita kit, and more. Mother’s Day Call your mother, it’s time for dinner…. View Article

Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend with friends, plan a date night to remember, or be a tourist in your own city, try looking at New Haven from a new perspective. You know our city from the ground level, so consider a new vantage point. Take your view of New Haven to new… View Article

World Book Day is April 23! Celebrate by exploring one of New Haven’s beloved bookstores and picking up a new beach read for the summer. Whether you’re a BookTok reader or have a taste for classic literature, there’s nothing better than scanning the shelves of your favorite bookstore. Here are four must-visit bookstores waiting for… View Article

Spring is in full bloom. Can you feel it? Have you seen it? We’ll show you the way.  Each spring season, the landscape of New Haven softens to welcome delicate petals and sprawling forest green leaves. Nowhere in our city is this on a more magnificent display than the blooming pink Yoshino Cherry Blossom Trees… View Article

Foodies, gather round. New Haven Restaurant Week returns to the Elm City this month, April 16-21. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Connecticut’s first and longest-running organized restaurant week program, and to celebrate, we’re inviting you to “eat like a local” at 24 of our city’s best spots.  This spring, visitors and locals can… View Article

Beginning her fashion career at Lord & Taylor and Neiman Marcus in Boston, Kimberly Pedrick is the owner of New Haven’s very own idiom Boutique and dwell. She brings her expertise, style and curated collection of goods to the Elm City’s retail community. idiom is in its 17th year of business, and dwell is celebrating… View Article

From East Rock to West Rock bike riders celebrate the city’s bikeability for the 15th Annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride  on Saturday, April 29th. This impactful event supports local environmental organizations and brings neighbors and visitors together to bike through New Haven’s most beautiful green spaces, from our city’s two highest summits. Not an expert… View Article

New Haven’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival returns to the Wooster Square Park on Sunday, April 16. This time-honored and resident-loved festival is a celebration of a seed planted 50 years ago – many, many, seeds actually. In 1973, the NewHaven Historic Commission and the New Haven Parks Department worked together to plant 72 Yoshino Japanese… View Article

Snackers and sommeliers, listen up! New Haven Restaurant Week returns April 16-21, featuring more than 20 of our award-winning and internationally diverse restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer a special pre-fixe multi-course menus and exclusive savings deals. Looking for a taste of Restaurant Week Spring 2023? Restaurants new to the promotion this spring include 9 Squared, 80 Proof,… View Article

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends since the new year, then it’s high time to take a moment for yourself. The holiday you never knew about, but now will never forget, National Self Care Day, returns on April 5th. Self care looks different for everyone, but there is no denying, we all… View Article

Maybe the kitchen is not your domain. Maybe you’re avoiding the cleanup aftermath of a baking day. Maybe you take the words “measure with your heart” too seriously to succeed. Does this mean you don’t deserve a decadent homemade dessert? Not on our watch. From decadent cakes to seasonal pastries, classic desserts to unique confections,… View Article

In New Haven, food is our culture and, here, the response to “where should we eat?” will never be “I don’t know”. New Haven continues to stand as a mecca for all things dining. With new restaurants moving in and veteran spots stacking up anniversaries, the Elm City streets are culinary treasure troves. One of… View Article

Whether it’s the St. Paddy’s Day spirit in the air or the lingering promise of springtime, the drink of the month is an ice cold beer. From drafts to crafts, lagers to ales, IPA’s to dollar Bud Lights, New Haven has it all. Across the Elm City, bars and breweries are cleaning the taps and… View Article

New Haven, the Emerald City at the end of the rainbow. Here, holidays and festivals are embraced with fervor, and on St. Patrick’s Day, our neighbors know where to find the best party in the state. For the last 181 years, we have been putting the march in March with the annual Greater New Haven… View Article

Celebrated each February, National Black History Month is a time to honor the triumphs and accomplishments made by the Black community, to remember those who have shaped our society through struggle and sacrifice, and expand our lenses of history to be more inclusive, more honest, and more hopeful. Throughout Black History Month, one name, one… View Article

It’s romance season in New Haven, and with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s high time to book some reservations for you and your loved ones. In truth, you can’t go wrong with a table downtown. That said, if you’re looking for a table at one of the most romantic spots in downtown, then look no… View Article

It is that time of year again, when you stop to smell the roses, hold your loved ones near and dear and maybe, take a quiz to find out what love language you are. (FYI, ours is Quality Time) And in case you forgot, here is your reminder: Valentines’ Day is fast approaching!Love comes in… View Article

New year, new you, right here in New Haven. We’re quickly approaching the end of January, a month marked by many as a “dry” one. Whether you’re still detoxing from the holiday eggnog and hot toddies, or looking to attend more alcohol-free activities this year, downtown New Haven has something for you. If you’ve never… View Article

Have you ever wondered how the Pulitzer prize winning, global journalistic powerhouse, national newspaper of record would describe New Haven, CT? Wonder no longer. “A home to tinkerers and rebels, and a treasure trove of contemporary art and architecture,” reads the billing of the 50th destination on The New York Times ‘52 Places to Go… View Article

If you’re looking for a classy spot to grab after-work drinks or in need of a festive cocktail recipe to serve at your next holiday gathering, then you’ve come to the right place. From pear-infused spiced rye to a barrel-aged black manhattan, make a toast to the holiday season with these delicious festive cocktails designed… View Article

‘Tis the holiday season with festive happenings in the heart of New Haven this year. From our exceptional entertainment scene to our endless variety of retailers and local boutiques, New Haven is delivering that “Hallmark movie” holiday feeling with our quaint New England charm. Visitors and locals looking to fill their calendars with joy and… View Article

This holiday season, we’re shaking things up. While traditional thanksgiving dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing are an absolute staple on the table every year, it may be time to wow your friends and family with the unexpected.  When he’s not serving innovative dishes at Olea in New Haven, Chef Manuel Romero also enjoys making… View Article

In New Haven, it’s no secret our culinary scene runs deep – from diverse cultural cuisines to the unique chefs at the helm of many of our beloved restaurants and eateries across the city. Let us introduce you to Chef John Brennan, the owner of not only one, but two restaurants in New Haven –… View Article

October is officially National Pizza Month – or if you’re a local, National Apizza Month. In New Haven, we take our pizza very seriously. Step aside New York and Chicago, the Elm City rests its case as arguably the pizza capital of the U.S., known for its famous Neapolitan-style apizza. In honor of National Pizza… View Article

Snackers and sommeliers, mark your calendars – New Haven Restaurant Week is back and better than ever this fall. From October 16 – October 29, 2022, join us downtown for all-new dining experiences and exclusive offerings at 23 restaurants across the Elm City. Participating restaurants will be offering pre-fix menus ranging from two-course lunch options… View Article

September 27, 2022 On the hunt for your first spooky fix of the fall season? Kick-off Halloween month with a visit to one of New Haven’s treasured historical landmarks, Grove Street Cemetery. Neighbored by Yale University, the cemetery is the oldest planned cemetery in the nation. Designed as a “City of the Dead,” complete with… View Article

September 20, 2022 Need to satisfy your late-night sweet tooth craving? New Haven local Kendall Thigpen, Chef at The Anchor Spa has you covered. With every great chef and recipe, there comes an even greater backstory. Growing up, you could always find him alongside his great-grandmother and grandmother in the kitchen cooking up meals for… View Article

September 6, 2022 Let’s talk brunch. Whether your plate is packed with chicken and waffles or a classic eggs benny, nothing pairs better with brunch than a cocktail. Make it a Bloody Mary or bottomless mimosas, a boozy brunch is the ultimate way to wrap up a weekend or begin a new week. Let’s raise… View Article

If you are undecided on your next meal and have trouble deciding if you want breakfast, a sandwich, or even have a craving for Mexican food, it’s time to pay a visit to Claire’s Corner Copia located Downtown. Owner Claire Criscuolo opened the restaurant, over 46 years ago, with her beloved late husband, Frank.  Claire… View Article

Hartford and New Haven: A Tale of Two Capitals Can you name the Connecticut state capital city? If you said Hartford, you’d be right — well, half right. At one point in time, the state of Connecticut was home to not one, but two state capitals, one of which was none other than New Haven…. View Article

16 acres long and made of nine symmetrical squares – downtown is made up of 9 squares, New Haven’s Green is made up of quadrants and pathways, the New Haven Green is the beating heart and soul of our city. The Green has lived many lives, once standing as a religious epicenter cloaked in the… View Article

Back in 1638, a group of English Puritans boarded a ship dubbed “The Hector,” and set sail for the future. They arrived in the heart of the New Haven harbor and settled into what was then known as Quinnipiac. Just two years later, the town of Quinnipiac was given a new name – New Haven…. View Article