150+ events, one Festival. It all happens in New Haven, Connecticut.

Schedule of Events:

9:00am: Outer Island Family Day - Thimble Island Ferry
Boat Tour / 2 hrs 30 min

Capture small invasive crabs, observe herons, drag a net to collect small bait fish and algae, become a marine citizen scientist and so much more as you discover this island Refuge in Stony Creek. Must be ages 6+ to participate.

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3:00pm: Contra-Tiempo: Community “Get Down” - Festival Center on the New Haven Green
1 hr / Free Reservations

A joyous community dance jam where dancers lead participants in various Afro-Latin and urban forms, salsa, rumba, samba and hip-hop grooves. Together we embody joy as a tool to build community. Appropriate for all ages. No prior dance knowledge necessary.

3:00pm: Ely Center of Contemporary Art
Guided Tour / 1 hr / Free Reservations

Learn about the history of ECOCA (Ely Center of Contemporary Art) at 51 Trumbull Street in New Haven. Situated within an English Elizabethan style house built in 1902 by S. G. Taylor, ECOCA was home to John Slade Ely (1860-1906) and his wife, Grace Taylor Ely, who came to New Haven in 1897. Now it is one of New Haven’s premier contemporary art spaces, with a constant rotation of thought provoking and innovative art from local and national artists. This tour will explore both the home and the art center and view the exhibitions on display throughout its galleries.

The tour will feature an artist talk by Horacio Marquinez and a Keyhole Workspace Artist in Residence. Marquinez’s exhibition, America Unfiltered, is a series of photographs that he took while at the height of the pandemic, two immigrant filmmakers – one from Panama, the other from Russia – journeyed across the United States uncovering an unfiltered, unflinching portrait of America. What if we could better relate to one another and heal our nation’s divides by seeing that we share so much beneath the surface? What if we found the courage to ask questions and just listen, overpowering our natural instinct to react? In the second floor galleries is work created by ECOCA’s Keyhole Workspace Artists in Residence. This cohort of 5 artists, Ramón Bonilla, Esthea Kim, Adrian Panaitisor, Línda Perla-Giron, Emily Weiskopf, spent 2.5 months working in the former servants quarters of the ECOCA building developing work that touches upon the many levels of climate change.

5:00pm: A Long Table at Gioia - Gioia Cafe & Bar
1 hr 30 min

Join us for a delightful evening at Gioia's on Wooster St., where joy (or "gioia" in Italian) awaits! Savor a complimentary Arts & Ideas inspired Specialty Cocktail as you mingle during our cocktail reception in the market area. Don't miss Chef Avi's inspiring talk about the restaurant's origins and inspirations, adding an extra sprinkle of delight to this joy-filled gathering. Then, indulge in a family-style dinner service, where flavors and laughter abound. Come share the joy with us. This dinner is timed so that guests can enjoy the Samara Joy concert at College Street Music Hall following.

First Course:
GIOIA salad: of seasonal greens, lemon oil & parm (vegan w/no cheese)

Second Course:
Seasonal Vegan Dish (TBD closer to the event based on seasonality)
Fusilli Verdura: Mushroom, Tomato, Olive, Parm
Grilled Chicken: Salsa Verde & Crispy Potatoes

Third Course:
Chocolate Torte: Chantilly Cream (Gluten Free)
Chocolate Mousse (Vegan)

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5:30pm: The Sound of Music in New Haven - New Haven Green
Bike Tour / 1 hr 30 min / Free Reservations

New Haven has a diversity of music options available, and some of them are free. Ride with your hosts as they introduce you to some unusual but uniquely New Haven sounds.

Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: One road and mostly flat.
Distance: 12 Miles

6:00pm: In The Room with State Treasurer Erick Russell - Festival Center on the New Haven Green
Ideas Unleashed
1 hr / Free Reservations

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with John Dankosky, CT Mirror's Director of Events, and Erick Russell, Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer! With John's charm and expertise as a renowned radio personality and moderator, and Erick's historic achievement as the first Black LGBTQ person elected to statewide office, get ready for an engaging and inspiring discussion.

8:00pm: Samara Joy - College Street Music Hall
Soulful Jazz
1 hr 30 min

Come be swept away by the soulful sounds of two time GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist, Samara Joy. Still in her early 20’s, Samara’s soulful voice channels the essence of jazz legends like Sarah, Ella, and Billie, creating a fusion of classic vibes and contemporary flair. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the golden age of jazz, as Samara transports us with her timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this rising star of the jazz world - Samara Joy!

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