May 19-27 in Hamden*
Beautiful. Diverse. Community.
Spring Showcase: Hamden Speaker Series
New to Hamden this year, the “Hamden Speaker Series” at Best Video Film & Cultural Center is an outstanding idea for the community. The Land of the Sleeping Giant is full of experts on all varieties of interesting, important, unique and far-ranging topics. Professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, community activists, authors, musicians, scientists, filmmakers, artists, historians, and more all living in our neighborhoods across Hamden.
This ingenious idea gives them all a platform and space to share their knowledge and stories with our community in a cozy and comfortable Hamden venue. Here’s to hoping this is the beginning of a new Hamden tradition that carries forward for decades and generations. Link for more info and schedule.
ICYMI:
Hamden is a destination for many of the best Bluegrass musicians in the nation: Bluegrass in Hamden.
Friday May 19
Final Weekend: A new collaboration between Long Wharf Theater and Space Ballroom in Hamden. Live From the Edge is an experience unlike any other. The show blends a range of performance styles — from childhood rhymes to poetry, community rituals, hip-hop, gospel, and more. Enter an immersive musical that draws inspiration from headline news and builds off the energy of the audience to make you reimagine what theatre can be. April 27 - May 21. Link for more details and tickets.
Chosen Family monthly dinner @ Spring Glen Church. 5-7pm. A monthly LGBTQ+ gathering space over dinner.
Auditions for Whitney Players Theater Company. 5:30-9:30pm. All ages. Details below.
Saturday May 20
Madagascar the Musical at Shubert Theater. 2pm and 6pm. Link for tickets.
SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS!!! Just like when you were a kid, wake up early on Saturday morning, come to Best Video grab a bowl of Frosted Flakes, watch some Smurfs and Thundar the Barbarian in your pajamas (optional), and relive the days when Saturday mornings were a kid’s most anticipated time of the week (and grab a coffee too, reliving one’s youth is tiring). You can bring a kid or just show up and be a kid again. Original Nintendo Entertainment System games and very unhealthy cereal and Pop-Tarts will be served along with a big ol’ slice of nostalgia. And coffee.
Cyril the Sorcerer Environmental Magic Show @ East Rock Park’s Trowbridge Environmental Center. 11am. Free. Link to register.
The New Haven Family Stroll & Festival brings the community together for a day of family fun. The event kicks off with a drum-led stroll along the Quinnipiac River bridge loop. Back in the park, activities and entertainment include food trucks, face painting, parachute play, magicians, musicians, Zumba, bubbles, arts and crafts, and information, and information from over 40 resource partners. Link for more details.
Go Public Gardens Days is hosting a public event to honor local seniors. New public artwork will be unveiled. 10am @ Town Center Park. Local non-profit Interfaith Caregivers (IVCG), is working to bring elderly residents together in community gatherings. The latest event is called "the senior garden experience". During the past six months, three dozen greater New Haven seniors have met and helped create a public artwork, which will be unveiled at the event.
Season Finale performed in Hamden by The Haven String Quartet, including three meditative explorations from opposite ends of the stylistic spectrum. 7:30pm. Link for more details.
Sunday May 21
“Spring on the Farm” 11am-2pm @ Brooksvale Park. Kids and adults can come play, learn about the garden, ask questions, and take home a seedling or two to plant at home. Link for more details.
35th anniversary celebration for the Ethnic Heritage Center @ SCSU. Details below.
“Spring Introductory Hike” @ Sleeping Giant State Park. 1-3pm. Free. New to hiking on the Giant? Looking to explore some of the backcountry trails? Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for a guided hike designed specifically for hikers who want to know more about the trails on the Giant. Led by SGPA board member, Mick Martucci, this hike will take it easy, and teach participants about the extensive trail system, where to park, and insider information about specific trails and sights to see. Link to register.
Fishing with the Chiefs @ Lake Wintergreen. Free. 2-5pm. Link to register.
“Touch A Truck” @ JCC of Greater New Haven. 10am-2pm. Link for more details.
Expecting Expo @ JCC. This community-wide event is a wonderful way for families to learn about all the local support available to help them as they embark on this journey from pregnancy to pre-K. Expert presentations, breakout sessions, a Bump Booth (for photos), giveaways, a "Shalom Baby Café" and more! Link to register.
NH Comic & Collectibles Spectacular. 10am-3pm. Link for more details and tickets.
Monday May 22
Spring Cheer Clinics led by the Hamden Hurricanes youth cheer program. Details below.
2023 Hamden HS Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony. A night to honor Hamden High Schools Distinguished Alumni. 6-9pm @ Mikro Depot. Link for tickets.
Info Mtg for the HPD Cadet Program. Details below.
Tuesday May 23
The May Screening Series continues @ BVFCC. 7pm. Details below.
Kids Garden Club at Miller Memorial Library. Link to register.
Wednesday May 24
Group Guitar Lessons @ Brundage Community Branch Library. 6pm. Free. Link to register.
Hamden Food Pantry. Free for everyone. Details below. Volunteer opportunities as well.
Thursday May 25
The first cohort of the ConnCORP and Quinnipiac University Community Entrepreneurship Academy and Clinic will be featured in our first ever pitch night. Event will highlight and celebrate the hard work and dedication of local minority small businesses owners. Come out and explore the diverse group of business ideas, cheer them on as they pitch for awards, and honor their determination during the graduation ceremony.
Game Night in Ninth Square. 5:30-8:30pm. Link for more details.
Music & Movement for pre-school kids @ Miller Memorial Library. 10:30-11am. Link to register.
Dementia Resource Fair @ Arden House on Mix Ave. 11am - 4pm. Details below.
Hamden Speaker Series @ BVFCC. Professor Cat Balco on abstract painting. 7pm. Free. Details below.
Friday May 26
Happy Hour Jazz. 5:30-7pm. The Institute Library hosts a weekly gathering to listen to its collection of classic jazz LPs. Link for more details.
American Red Cross blood drive @ Whitneyville Cultural Commons. Every Friday 12:15-6pm. Walk-ins are welcome.
Saturday May 27
New Haven Ballet spring performance. 1pm @ Shubert Theater. Link for more details and tickets.
Spring Glen Art Walk. 11am-3pm. Accompanied by live music @ BVFCC. Details below.
Walk-in STEM projects @ Hamden’s Eli Whitney Museum. Free. 10am-3pm. For children ages 5-12. A museum apprentice will work with your child as they build a project and begin to experiment. Sessions last from 20 minutes to an hour. Projects change from weekend to weekend. Link for more details.
“Family Fishing Celebration” @ Beaver Pond Park next to SCSU. Free. Learn about fishing methods, gear, safety, pond ecology, sportsmanship, and where to catch your own fish. Link for more details and registration.
Hamden Food in the News:
Italian-American Heritage Dinner @ Cascade Fine Catering Event Venue. Details below.
More Hamden Programs:
Looking ahead: Hamden’s 85th Annual Memorial Day Parade & Remembrance Ceremony.
Free summer pass for Hamden teens at Planet Fitness. Link to register.
Live Irish Music every weekend @ The Playwright Pub.
More HPS Spring Concerts coming up this week.
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Please share with your Hamden neighbors, friends, and community groups. Thank you!!
*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