June 2-10 in Hamden*
Beautiful. Diverse. Community.
Summer Spotlight: Hiking in Hamden on “CT Trails Day"
We kickoff the first Summer Spotlight of 2023 highlighting one of Hamden’s greatest treasures: the plethora of big parks with multitudes of hiking trails. Sleeping Giant State Park, Brooksvale Park, East Rock Park, West Rock Ridge State Park, Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Regicides Trail, Quinnipiac Trail, and Naugatuck State Forest all have numerous scenic trails to choose from — with varying levels of difficulty to accommodate hikers of all interests and abilities. Does any other town in the state have this many incredible big parks and trails?
Check out this story about the 30th Anniversary of the state-wide “CT Trails Day” celebration. And here are the Hamden hiking events scheduled for the celebration.
The ParkConneCT program, a collaboration of CTDOT and CT DEEP aims to provide transportation to within a 10 minute walk to Hammonasset Beach, Silver Sands, Osbornedale, Indian Well, Sleeping Giant and Sherwood Island State Parks.
Special Shout Out:
Congratulations to the first HECA graduating class!! Students in the Hamden Engineering Careers Academy @ HHS graduated with college degrees from Gateway this past week (before graduating from high school). Check out this very cool video clip:
HECA is an incredible asset and opportunity for Hamden students and families. Learn more about HECA here.
Friday June 2
Hamden Pride flag raising ceremony followed by community conversations dinner and forum. 5pm @ Hamden Memorial Town Hall. Link for more details.
NHSO performs Aretha: A Tribute @ the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts @ SCSU @ 7:30pm. Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark on the music industry with her powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and unwavering commitment to her craft. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra will celebrate this American music legend in Aretha: A Tribute. Link for tickets.
Described as one the most innovative dance companies to have achieved world acclaim in the last half century, the NATIONAL DANCE THEATRE COMPANY (NDTC) OF JAMAICA blends the lore, music and dance traditions of Jamaica, Africa and the American South with both modern and classical ballet forms, dance performances, training and engagement programs for all people. Link for tickets.
NHdocs Documentary Series @ BVFCC. Double Feature with 2 films on housing, followed by a moderated conversation with the film directors and Babs Rawls Ivy. 7pm. Beer, wine, cafe drinks and snacks available. Tickets at the door. Link for more details.
Saturday June 3
6th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta @ Canal Dock Boathouse. 8am-2pm. A great day of fun on the waterfront with music, friendly competition, food and beverages. Link for more details.
The Bonsai Society of Greater New Haven is hosting their annual show. FREE and open to the public. Edgerton Park Carriage House. 10am-4pm. Demo at 1pm. Link for more details.
“Toddler Tunes” @ BVFCC. 10:30am. Link for more details.
Join the Friends of East Rock Park and the Mill River Watershed Association for a 2-mile hike along the Mill River, beginning at the Eli Whitney Museum. 10am. Free. Details below.
Half Marathon and 5k Road Race. 9am and 9:30am, respectively. Link to register.
The Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Hamden municipal government have partnered again to present the 4th Annual Hamden Fest @ Town Center Park. 11am-7pm. Free parking and free admission. Check out the list of live music performances, family activities, arts & crafts, businesses, food trucks, local vendors, community services, and more… all detailed on the Hamden Fest website.
Sunday June 4
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for 3 fun ways to celebrate trails in Connecticut, at one of the state’s most beloved parks.
The main hike will start at 11 AM and you can register and see details HERE. We envision this being a moderate hike of 4-5 miles along the yellow, green, and/or orange trails
Early Bird Hike: Beginning at 8 AM, this easy hike is a great introduction to birding at the Giant. Additional details and registration are available HERE.
History of the Giant Hike: Beginning at 1 PM, this easy hike will teach participants about some of the Giant’s incredible history, and SGPA’s involvement in conserving the park. Additional details and registration are available HERE.
The Bonsai Society of Greater New Haven is hosting their annual show. FREE and open to the public. Edgerton Park Carriage House. 10am-4pm. Demo at 1pm. Link for more details.
Freddy Fixer Parade on Dixwell Ave. Link for more details.
Tuesday June 6
Tuesday Night Training: Intro to Fire Service. 6:30-8:30pm. Details below.
Wednesday June 7
Hamden Mobile Food Pantry. 4:30-5:30pm. Details below.
Thursday June 8
CT Classic Chevy Thursday Night Cruise. 5-9pm. Details below.
Friday June 9
A special “Pizza A Love Story” event @ Eli Whitney Museum. Doors/Pizza/Drinks: 6pm. Screening: 7:15pm. Q&A with director Gorman Bechard and producers Dean Falcone & Colin Caplan: 8:45pm. Link for more details.
Saturday June 10
The Town of Hamden and the Hamden PRIDE Committee invite you to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at the main event, Hamden’s Pride in the Park Festival at Hamden’s Town Center Park. 10am-2pm. Festivities at this free, family friendly celebration will include kid-friendly performances, various food trucks, a DJ, live musicians, over 35 vendors, and fun kids activities. Link for more details.
Fishing with the Chiefs @ Lake Wintergreen. Free. 1-4pm. Link to register.
Opening Day for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Link for more details and festival schedule.
ICYMI:
Sneak Peak: Summer '23 in Hamden*
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*Please confirm event details before attending any events listed in this newsletter. Some events require registration prior to attending. Some programs have limited enrollment.
*Community event submissions: thisweekinhamden@gmail.com