Compagnia TPO: +ERBA A Forest in the City

Presented in Partnership with The Legacy Theatre and part of the Gordon Geballe Environmental Series

In this interactive show, +ERBA invites children from the audience to join two dancers on stage to create an imaginary city. One dancer builds the houses and streets, while the other creates the insects, grass, and trees. Children from the audience help color and populate the city. The newborn city becomes a living environment as new characters and events are added. Dancers and audience members share the stage in this cross-collaboration of art and play.

Compagnia de’ Colombari: King Lear

Compagnia de’ Colombari’s KING LEAR, adapted and directed by Karin Coonrod, is a raw, primal, and potent “paper crown” Lear that strips down the Shakespearian classic to its essence. An ensemble of ten actors ranging in age and gender all embody King Lear at the beginning. One by one, they strip off their paper crowns, transform into other characters, and conduct a take-over of the text and the theatre space. Spreading across the play’s treacherous psychic cartography, the performers dig deep into the internal and external voyage of a mighty king who loses and then finds himself again after arduous challenges.

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water

Choral Fusion

Experience the transformative melodies of “Malhaar: A Requiem for Water” by composer Reena Esmail, presented by Yale Choral Artists. Inspired by mystical Hindustani raags invoking rain, this performance blends Latin requiem texts with Hindi poetry, exploring water’s beauty, loss, and renewal. Join us on a journey of hope with Mumbai vocalist Saili Oak, renowned for bridging Indian and Western classical music. Dive into a world of music and reflection on our relationship with water and the earth.

The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality

Presented in Partnership with Yale Schwarzman Center

All’s fair in love and war. You won’t want to miss this exhilarating performance with Montreal’s renowned arts collective, the 7 Fingers. In “Duel Reality” they combine acrobatics, theater, dance, multimedia, music, and storytelling, and present human stories with superhuman skills. Stripping down circus spectacle to its thrilling essence, they breathe new life into Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Witness a lively arena where two groups collide in playful competition and fierce conflict, all while star-crossed lovers steal the show, proving that love triumphs, even amidst rivalry. Don’t miss this thrilling blend of acrobatics and emotion!

Samara Joy

Soulful Jazz

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!

CONTRA-TIEMPO: ¡AZÚCAR!

Activist Dance Theater

Embark on a transformative journey through “¡Azúcar!” CONTRA-TIEMPO’s newest theatrical dance work leans into Celia Cruz’s music as inspiration and delivers explosive salsa dancing while taking us through a truly Caribbean narrative. ¡AZÚCAR! explores our complex relationship with sugar and is a celebration of ancestral wisdom, also serving as an exploration of Afro-Latiné ancestral movement. Conceived and directed by Ana María Álvarez, this immersive experience features a village of brilliant artists who work together to confront the past, heal collectively, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.

Grand Avenue Gastronomy Tour

Tantalize your taste buds and feast your eyes on the rich history of Grand Avenue with Lee Cruz's famous Gastronomy Tour! As you munch your way down this iconic street, you'll savor multicultural delights while uncovering the vibrant stories of New Haven's Fair Haven neighborhood. From Dominican delicacies to Puerto Rican pastries, every bite tells a tale. Led by Lee Cruz, prepare for a flavorful journey that nourishes both body and mind. Don't miss this delectable adventure.

Empanada Making (Madeline's Empanada)

Join us for a culinary celebration honoring the delicious diversity of empanadas! Chef Hazel invites you to an interactive class where you'll learn to craft authentic empanada dough and fillings inspired by Central American, Caribbean, and Spanish traditions. Get ready to stuff, fold, and bake your way to empanada perfection! Plus, we'll spice things up with cocktail making to complement these savory delights. Don't miss this fun-filled evening of flavor exploration and cocktail creativity!

A Slice (of What’s to Come)

New Haven is a pizza town. Or, more appropriately, apizza town. But what does this iconic American food — with roots in New Haven’s immigrant and labor communities past — say about our present moment, for our city and our culture? Join A Broken Umbrella Theatre (last seen at the Festival in 2013 with the award-winning Freewheelers), as they present A Slice, a preview of a larger work that will debut at Arts & Ideas 2025. A Slice includes a pizza tasting, a walk-through of New Haven pizza history with Taste of New Haven’s Colin Caplan, and a discussion with Broken Umbrella’s creative team about devising new work and why we love New Haven apizza!

World Food Bazaar

Join us on June 20th for a heartwarming celebration of World Refugee Day! Let's honor the resilience and strength of those forced to flee with a delightful culinary journey. Indulge in the rich flavors of Syrian, Afghan, and Senegalese cuisine at Sanctuary Kitchen, savor authentic Ethiopian dishes at Lalibella, and treat yourself to heavenly sweet delights and refreshing hibiscus tea at Havenly. Let's come together, share stories, and support our refugee communities with love and compassion.

Indigenous Cooking with Sherry Pocknett

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure with Chef Sherry Pocknett, a true pioneer and recipient of the prestigious James Beard award for the Best Chef in the Northeastern United States and the first Indigenous woman to win the award! Join us for an interactive session featuring Chef Pocknett's captivating stories and live cooking demonstration. Discover the rich heritage of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe while savoring the flavors of seasonal bounty with her delicious corn cakes and cranberry strawberry chutney. And don't miss your chance to be one of the lucky six to join in the cooking fun!

A Long Table at Gioia

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.

Outer Island Family Day

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.

A Taste of Westville

Join us for a delectable dining adventure exploring two Westville culinary gems: Manjares and Pistachio! Begin at Manjares, where Chef Ana dazzles with her mastery of Latin American cuisine, from mouthwatering pastries to contemporary delicacies. Then, follow Lizzy Donius from the Westville Village Renaissance to Pistachio for a delightful finish with coffee, tea, and scrumptious treats. Indulge in authentic flavors and warm hospitality on this fun-filled foodie journey through Westville.

Stir The Style: Destination New Haven

Join us for "Stir the Style – Destination New Haven" It's not just a storytelling event; it's a passport to adventure! Delve into a whirlwind of tales as we explore the diverse paths that led people to our vibrant city. From heartfelt memoirs to hilarious escapades, our storytellers will transport you through time and space using a variety of different storytelling genres. Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, tears, and endless inspiration. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!

Fair Haven Public Art and Food Tour

Join us on June 29th for a 2.5-mile walking tour through the colorful public art of our beloved Fair Haven community! Embark on a journey of discovery as we explore vibrant murals and installations while indulging in delicious tastes along the way. Don't miss out on the chance to savor Fair Haven Oyster's delectable offerings and quench your thirst with refreshing brews from Armada Brewing. Let's walk, talk, and celebrate art and community together!