Connecticut Tax Free Week at The Shops at Yale: Aug. 17-23

The final stretch of summer is here – and with it comes a New Haven tradition that blends back-to-school buzz with downtown charm.

Connecticut’s Tax-Free Week returns August 17–23, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than The Shops at Yale. Whether you’re moving into your dorm, refreshing your fall wardrobe, or simply soaking up the end-of-summer energy, this is your cue to shop smart, support local, and embrace the season in style.

Here’s everything you need to know before you hit the sidewalks.

Back-to-School, New Haven Style

Tax-Free Week lands right when it matters most – just in time to get prepped for the school year without paying sales tax on most clothing and footwear under $100. But at The Shops at Yale, this week isn’t just about savings – it’s an experience.

From trend-driven dorm finds to new kicks for campus, you can check off your list with stops at Urban Outfitters, Sneaker Junkies, lululemon, Apple, and J.Crew. The best part? You’ll find it all in one walkable, vibrant downtown district where shopping meets culture, history, and great eats.

A Blend of Local Flavor and Big-Name Favorites

At The Shops at Yale, iconic brands meet one-of-a-kind boutiques. That means you can pop into idiom for a handmade accessory, score a vintage find at Soulful Threads, grab a campus essential at The Yale Bookstore, and swing by dwell for design-savvy dorm upgrades – all without leaving downtown.

With 30+ shops, 35+ restaurants, museums, galleries, and open-air patios, your shopping trip becomes a full-on city stroll. Park once, stay awhile, and make a day of it.

What’s Tax-Free This Week?

Most clothing and footwear under $100 qualifies for the sales tax exemption, which means you can stock up on fall staples (hello, layering season), splurge on a standout piece, get a head start on holiday gift ideas, keep it budget-friendly with secondhand gems from 2nd STREET, and more. It’s the perfect week to treat yourself while spending smart.

Scoop Up a Sweet Deal

Spend $50 or more between August 10–23, and you’ll score a free ice cream cup from Ashley’s Ice Cream, Arethusa Farm Dairy, or Vía Láctea.

Because every good shopping trip deserves a happy ending – and a scoop of something delicious.

What’s Next? Mark Your Calendar

Tax-Free Week is just the start. Fall at The Shops at Yale is packed with can’t-miss moments, including College Night on Broadway on September 15, New Haven Chalk Art Festival on October 11, and Holiday pop-ups and seasonal events starting November 28.

For full details and future happenings, head to theshopsatyale.com and follow along on Instagram.

Come for the Savings, Stay for the Vibe

Whether you’re a student stepping into your first semester, a local looking to refresh your closet, or a visitor discovering New Haven for the first time, Tax-Free Week at The Shops at Yale is the perfect excuse to explore, indulge, and support the heart of the city.

Can’t make it during tax-free week? No worries, many retailers offer year-round discounts, and downtown parking is always easy and convenient.

We’ll see you downtown. Don’t forget to grab that ice cream.