Benefits, festivals, kickoffs and more.
Monday, May 11
Pasta for Pups, a fundraiser for Branford’s Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, offers a “delicious buffet of pasta, pizza and salad” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Apizza Abate at The Lodge in East Haven.
Tuesday, May 12
At St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elm City Swing & Blues presents Blues Basics w/ Nell, a 7 p.m. class meant to impart “a stronger understanding of blues movement” followed by an 8 p.m. “social dance.”
Wednesday, May 13
A 12:30 p.m. talk at the Yale University Art Gallery visits 19th-century Venice. “In September 1879, James McNeil Whistler (1834–1903), an American artist active in the United Kingdom, traveled to Venice at the behest of the Fine Art Society of London, but he remained well past his planned return. Exploring the backwater canals, secret arcades, and dilapidated palazzos off the Grand Canal—far from the bustling crowds of international tourists—Whistler sought to demonstrate how the city changed into a magical place after dark. Freyda Spira, the Robert L. Solley Curator of Prints and Drawings, discusses Whistler’s nocturnal scenes of Venice that strive to capture his own enchantment with the floating city and to represent what can barely be seen: its evanescence.”
Romance may also swirl at Armada Brewing, where a 7 p.m. dating event called The Date Deck promises “a fun, unique dating experience where friends use a short slide deck telling the audience why their friend is amazing and date-worthy. Not interested in being pitched? Come to the show, meet singles and see where the sparks fly!”
Thursday, May 14
From 5:30 to 9 p.m., the 30th Annual Leonardo Challenge, a benefit for (and at) the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop, revolves around “a vibrant art auction,” whose theme this year is “Water.” The event also features “live music and a delicious spread from local vendors,” including an all-you-can-eat, constantly refreshed pizza buffet from Big Green Truck.
Speaking of which, at the New Haven Museum, a 6 p.m. discussion between pizza expert Scott Weiner and local pizza documentarian Gorman Bechard examines The Science of Apizza.
Friday, May 15
Typically attracting thousands of attendees, the New Haven Night Market returns from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring “community activities and art-making, dozens of street vendors, food & food trucks, art gallery pop-up, flash tattoos, shopping promotions, live music on several stages, henna, podcasting, live mural painting, mahjong & board games, and MORE” centered around Orange Street downtown.
Meanwhile, at 8, the semi-open-air Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport hosts David Byrne for the opening concert of its 2026 season.
Saturday, May 16
Coinciding with Armed Forces Day, another, more ceremonial opening day happens at Fort Hale Park and its historic military installation, Black Rock Fort, starting with a short 10:30 a.m. parade followed by a flag-raising.
Starting at 2, the 13th Annual Hill Neighborhood Festival, presented by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, offers “music, food, dancing, vendors, kids’ activities, games” and more in Trowbridge Square Park.
Sunday, May 17
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Walnut Beach Association’s “first-ever” Beach Market & Car Show stars “vintage cars and affordable treasures.”
Starting at 1 p.m. at Goffe Street Park, the WEB (Whalley-Edgewood-Beaver Hills) Festival, also presented by Arts & Ideas, promises “a joyful day of music, food, a party bike, and other shared experiences,” including “live DJs and music performances, line dancing, games, and friendly competitions. Kids and families can take part in face painting and other hands-on activities, as well as exploring local vendors and community organizations.”
At 2, in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary year and a pair of relevant exhibitions to visit before or after, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center hosts America: Yesterday’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Hope, “a free concert by Canticum Novum that celebrates traditional American music, including folk tunes, hymn tunes, music from Appalachia, and spirituals. The concert will include the world premiere of a piece by Kenneth van Dyk.”
At 6, New Haven United FC, entering its second season as the city’s semi-pro soccer team, takes on the New York Shockers during its home season opener at Yale’s Reese Stadium.
At 7, Cafe Nine hosts Post-Punk Cabaret, “a night of noisy and raunchy entertainment” spanning burlesque, magic and live music.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image features the stands during a New Haven United match last season. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
