Photographers: Judy Sirota Rosenthal and Eighty7Pixels
Neighborhood Festivals 2024
Hold space in your calendar for May and June 2024 to join your neighbors in celebrating over a decade of neighborhood festivals! Experience live music, family friendly activities, food, vendors, and more. The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is proud to support this annual series of one-day festivals programmed by the committee members, local arts and business partners, and volunteers within each neighborhood.
These events are FREE and open to the public. More details will be updated leading up to these events, but until then mark your calendar and invite your family, friends, coworkers and more!
The 2024 Neighborhood Festivals are made possible in part by the NEA Our Town Grant. Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts’ creative placemaking grants program. These grants support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes. Successful Our Town projects ultimately lay the groundwork for systems changes that sustain the integration of arts, culture, and design into local strategies for strengthening communities. Learn more here »
Upcoming Events:
Reimagining History: Long Wharf
Transport yourself to the past with "Reimagining History: Long Wharf"! Discover the captivating story of the 1831 College and visionary William Lanson, who left an indelible mark on New Haven. Imagine the possibilities had they thrived. Join us for an interactive journey into alternate history, brimming with creativity, enlightenment, and a dash of whimsy. Engage in imaginative exercises and prepare for a memorable exploration! Don't miss this chance to reimagine the past.
Fair Haven Day
Neighborhood Festival
Get ready to celebrate the heart and soul of Fair Haven at Fair Haven Day! Join us for a vibrant parade and festival honoring our diverse community, local artists, and entrepreneurs. Kick off the festivities with the lively Fair Haven Community Parade, led by the Mary Wade Home. Then, immerse yourself in a day of fun-filled activities at the Arts & Ideas Fair Haven Neighborhood Festival. It's a day packed with joy, creativity, and community spirit – see you there!
The Hill
Neighborhood Festival
Get ready to groove at The Hill Neighborhood Festival, an epic afternoon extravaganza packed with performers, DJs, and delicious food! Join us at Trowbridge Park on Saturday, May 19th, 2024, from 12pm to 6pm, as we celebrate our vibrant community and the theme of "Taking Back the Hill." This special event also honors Mr. Fred Harris and marks the 40th Anniversary of the Trowbridge Hip Hop Festival. With vendors, children's activities, and live music galore, it's sure to be a day filled with fun and festivities for all!
West Hills/West Rock
Neighborhood Festival
Join us at the West Hills/West Rock Neighborhood Festival on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, from 3 pm to 7 pm at West Rock STREAM Academy (311 Valley St, New Haven, CT 06515). Experience the joy of "Coming Back Home" with headliner Ms. Laeh, fantastic music, vibrant performances, diverse vendors, delicious food, and exciting field games. Don't miss out on this fun-filled community celebration!
Newhallville
Neighborhood Festival
Rev your engines and get ready for the ultimate neighborhood celebration at the Newhallville Neighborhood Festival! Join us at Basset Street Park on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, from 2pm to 6pm, for an afternoon packed with excitement. From a dazzling car show to toe-tapping music and performances, delicious food, and fantastic vendors, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Don't miss out on the fun – mark your calendars now!
Dixwell
Neighborhood Festival
Come celebrate with us! May 31 - June 2, 2024 “In honor of the Rich Black Heritage of the Dixwell Neighborhood” The Dixwell Neighborhood Festival Committee joins forces with the Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade Committee to present the Elm City Freddy Fixer Weekend.
Elm City: The Heartbeat of Connecticut
Embark on a cinematic odyssey that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of the Hill, Dixwell, Newhallville, Fair Haven, Long Wharf, and West Hills/West Rock neighborhoods. This compelling new documentary delves deep into the roots, evolution, and future prospects of these diverse communities. Join us for an enlightening Q&A session as we explore the cultural richness that defines our city. Don’t miss this captivating cinematic experience!
