By Mia Hall
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is hosted annually on the New Haven Green. The atmosphere is relaxing and carefree despite the hard work that goes into preparing for such a huge festival. Last year, the festival welcomed artists such as Ruth B. and Amir ElSaffar. Time can be spent experiencing art in the form of film, photography and music from all around the world. Since the weather is warm, there are also opportunities to roam around and discover local restaurants, all while surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Yale on the park’s border.
Cost: Free events are scheduled.
Date: June 8–22
Hamden Free Summer Concert Series
The Hamden Town Center Park is the site of free concerts each summer. Toward the end of the summer, families and friends gather from the early afternoon into the night to enjoy free music and a family friendly atmosphere. People can gather on the lawn with blankets and coolers filled with snacks and beverages. Each concert features a different artist or band that performs. Previous years featured multiple artists from the past decades and local artists. The event includes food trucks. The site is located a few minutes from Hamden Middle School and Hamden Town Hall.
Cost: Free
Date: Summer 2019
New Haven College Nights
New Haven College Nights occurs downtown every fall and spring. The event promotes the surrounding shops on Broadway. Every store on the strip takes part in celebrating the new semester by hosting events and helping students benefit from sales during the back-to-school season. While walking down the strip, there are often opportunities to win free items such as donuts from Donut Crazy, samples from Ashley’s Ice Cream and cookies from Moon Rocks. The event is a great way to connect with students from different universities, discover talented local bands and explore the unique shops. The trip is around a 20-minute bus ride from campus and a six-minute drive. The event starts at 4 p.m. and there is free parking at the Yale Gym, located on Grove and Ashum streets. Or simply opt to pay to park on the island.
Cost: Free for college students.
New Haven Restaurant Week
New Haven Restaurant Week is the perfect event for food lovers who have an interest in trying new foods and unique dishes. Find new restaurants to fall in love with in the bustling streets of New Haven. This week caters to the promotion of local restaurants and is also in partnership with the Connecticut Food Bank; which collects non-perishable foods. Even throughout a meal, there is an opportunity to give back to the community as well as discovering what makes New Haven special. Cost: Discounted lunch and entrée prices
Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular
This year, West Haven is hosting the Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular. The event is being held at Bradley Point Park at 9 p.m. Before the fireworks, there is time to spend relaxing at the West Haven beach. There are restaurants along the shoreline, so there are options for food before the big show. There are also seafood options like Jimmies of Savin Rock or Turk’s Seafood Restaurant. (In case of a weather emergency the event will be postponed to July 5.)
Cost: Free
Date: July 3
Contributor
(Meghan Olson/ Crescent Magazine)
