Highlights Tours at Yale University Art Gallery
2026-02-21 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Yale University Art Gallery, 111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
Undergraduate Gallery Guide Emiliano Cáceres Manzano, BF ’26, presents Sam Gilliam’s Haystack (1972) during a Highlights Tour. These conversational tours focus on a selection of objects from the Gallery’s global collection, with each student-led tour offering a unique perspective. Space is limited, and tours begin by the central column in the Gallery lobby.
Highlights Tours run weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from January 17 through February 21, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut.

Docent Tour | Painters, Ports, and Profits at Yale Center for British Art
2026-02-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Guests can explore the exhibition Painters, Ports, and Profits: Artists and the East India Company, 1750–1850 during a conversational docent-led tour that offers an engaging overview of its key artworks and themes. Led by volunteer museum educators, the tour encourages dialogue and provides deeper insight into the historical context and artistic perspectives represented in the exhibition. The tour takes place on February 21, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.

Cunningham Heirs & Hazards: A Murder Mystery Dinner at Lyman Homestead
2026-02-21 18:30 - 21:30 | Lyman Orchards Homestead, 3 Lyman Road, Middlefield, 06455, United States
The historic Lyman Homestead hosts an interactive murder mystery dinner where guests take on the roles of investigators in a live-action whodunit. Participants explore the Homestead, uncover clues, and question suspects while enjoying a buffet dinner. Each guest is assigned a character for the evening, with details provided via email two weeks prior to the event. The dinner includes one Lyman Orchards Apple Cider or Hard Cider, and a cash bar offers beer, wine, hard cider, and soft drinks. The event takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 6:30 pm, with drinks and mingling from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm and dinner and dessert from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $92 per person, and the event is for adults 21 and older. Seating is at tables of six, and guests purchasing separately should contact npeach@lymanorchards.com to ensure they are seated with their party. No refunds are available, and limited seating means tickets may sell out quickly.
The Lyman Homestead is located at 32 Lyman Road, Middlefield, CT. For additional information or ticket inquiries, email npeach@lymanorchards.com.

RENT in Concert at Shubert Theatre
2026-02-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street, New Haven, CT
The iconic music of RENT is reimagined in a symphonic concert presentation featuring an ensemble of accomplished vocalists and instrumentalists. This concert performance showcases Jonathan Larson’s full score, offering a fresh take on the beloved musical while preserving the emotional power and spirit that has resonated with audiences for decades. Favorite songs including “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème,” and “Take Me or Leave Me” are presented in a format that highlights both the music’s intimacy and its sweeping impact.
The concert takes place on February 21, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street, New Haven, CT.

An Evening With Itzhak Perlman at The Bushnell
2026-02-21 19:30 - 21:30 | The Bushnell Theater, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106, United States
A celebrated master of the violin takes the stage for an evening devoted to the classical tradition as Itzhak Perlman appears in recital at The Bushnell. Joined by longtime musical partner Rohan De Silva, the program highlights Perlman’s expressive artistry and enduring connection with audiences, paired with De Silva’s nuanced and fluid accompaniment. The performance offers an intimate exploration of timeless works delivered with warmth, clarity, and musical insight.
The recital takes place on February 21, 2026, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT.

American Enginuity at Garde Arts Center
2026-02-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Garde Arts Center, 325 State St, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Innovation and American achievement are celebrated in this Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra concert highlighting music inspired by ingenuity and progress. The program centers on Anthony DiLorenzo’s trumpet concerto American Enginuity, featuring ECSO Principal Trumpet Phil Snedecor in a work that pays tribute to milestones such as the transcontinental railroad, early aviation, the Model T, and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Additional selections include Elmer Bernstein’s iconic theme from The Magnificent Seven, Kenneth Fuchs’s American Rhapsody showcasing ECSO Concertmaster Stephen Tieszen, Antonín Dvořák’s American Suite, and Carmen Dragon’s arrangement of the folk song “Shenandoah,” offering a broad portrait of the American musical landscape.
The concert takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:30 pm at the Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT. Tickets range from $32 to $84 plus fees and are available through gardearts.org or ectsymphony.com. Additional information is available by calling 860-443-2876.

Chazz Palminteri – A Bronx Tale at Ridgefield Playhouse
2026-02-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT, 06877, United States
A powerful story of family, loyalty, and coming of age returns to the stage as Chazz Palminteri performs his acclaimed one-man show, A Bronx Tale. Based on his true-life experiences growing up in the Bronx, the performance traces the moments and characters that shaped his youth and later inspired the book, film, and Broadway adaptation. First performed at Ridgefield Playhouse before its worldwide success, the original one-man show has since been presented hundreds of times to sold-out audiences around the globe.
The performance takes place on February 21, 2026, at 8:00 pm at Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT.

Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven at Yale Schwarzman Center
2026-02-22 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-23 08:30 - 18:00, 2026-02-24 08:30 - 18:00, 2026-02-25 08:30 - 23:00, 2026-02-26 08:30 - 23:00 | Yale Schwarzman Center, 168 Grove Street, New Haven, 06511, United States
“Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven,” a new exhibition at the Yale Schwarzman Center in New Haven, will be on display from March 24, 2025, through March 8, 2026. This exhibition highlights the significant and often overlooked roles of Black individuals throughout Yale University’s and New Haven’s histories, emphasizing their contributions, resilience, and community-building. Visitors will view nearly 100 historic photographs, including images of Yale’s earliest Black students, custodians from prominent local families, and key historical events such as the 1960s establishment of Yale’s Afro-American Cultural Center.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Yale Schwarzman Center is located at 168 Grove Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Exhibition hours are Monday–Tuesday, 8:30 am–6 pm; Wednesday–Friday, 8:30 am–11 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm. For more information, visit schwarzman.yale.edu or contact (203) 436-4000, ysc.info@yale.edu.

Take me, take me, take me . . . to the Palace of Love at Yale Center for British Art
2026-02-22 11:00 - 17:00 | Connecticut
Rina Banerjee’s suspended installation reimagines the iconic form of the Taj Mahal through contemporary materials and perspective. Rather than marble and permanence, Banerjee constructs her palace from a steel and copper frame wrapped in translucent pink cellophane, challenging assumptions about luxury, history, and cultural legacy. Floating above the ground, the tentlike structure encloses objects that reference colonial histories, including an antique Anglo-Indian Bombay chair and a chandelier assembled from foam, plastic beads, synthetic elements, and artificial birds. The work reflects Banerjee’s distinctive practice of combining found objects with consumer materials gathered from markets near her New York home.
Banerjee, who received her MFA from the Yale School of Art in 1995, sees this work return to New Haven for its first display at the museum since its acquisition in 2023. The installation is on view from February 7 through July 26, 2026, at the Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT. The museum is open Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free.

Docent Tour | Going Modern: British Art, 1900–1960 at Yale Center for British Art
2026-02-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Guests can explore the exhibition Going Modern: British Art, 1900–1960 during a conversational docent-led tour led by volunteer museum educators. The tour offers an accessible overview of the dynamic changes in British art during the first half of the twentieth century, highlighting key works created during a period shaped by social change, new artistic movements, and evolving cultural ideas. The tour takes place on February 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.

Student Guide Tour: Collection Spotlight at Yale Center for British Art
2026-02-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Guests can explore In a New Light: Five Centuries of British Art during a Student Guide–led tour that focuses on a specific theme within the museum’s collection. Each tour is developed by a Student Guide and offers thoughtful perspectives on selected works, encouraging discussion and close looking. The tour takes place on February 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.

Docent Tour | The Architecture of the YCBA at Yale Center for British Art
2026-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Guests can explore the Yale Center for British Art’s iconic building during an in-depth docent-led tour focused on its architecture. Designed by modernist architect Louis I. Kahn, the building is examined through its materials, spatial design, and architectural philosophy, offering insight into how the structure shapes the museum experience. Led by volunteer museum educators, the tour encourages close observation and discussion of one of Kahn’s most significant works. The tour takes place on February 22, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at College Street Music Hall
2026-02-22 20:30 - 23:30 | College Street Music Hall, 238 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
Acclaimed songwriting and powerful musicianship come to New Haven as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit take the stage at College Street Music Hall. A six-time Grammy Award winner, Isbell is widely regarded for his ability to translate deeply human experiences into thoughtful, emotionally resonant songs marked by honesty and lyrical precision. Backed by the 400 Unit, the performance blends roots rock, Americana, and sharp storytelling into a live show known for its intensity and musical depth.
The concert takes place on February 22, 2026, at 8:30 pm at College Street Music Hall in New Haven.

Fairfield University Presents Jim Sciutto at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall
2026-02-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Dolan School of Business Event Hall, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, 06824, United States
A timely conversation on global affairs and national security comes to campus as the Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum welcomes Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst, on Monday, February 23 at 7:30 pm in the Dolan School of Business Event Hall at Fairfield University.
Titled “Reporting Foreign Affairs: How Does It Impact the USA?”, the program explores how foreign policy, national security, and international developments shape everyday life in the United States. Sciutto, anchor of The Brief with Jim Sciutto on CNN, reports on the military, the intelligence community, the State Department, and broader U.S. foreign policy. During the discussion, he will offer insight into the evolving global order and America’s role within it.
Over the course of his career, Sciutto has reported from more than 50 countries, including assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and across the Middle East. He is the author of four books, including the New York Times bestseller The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War, published in 2024, which examines shifting power dynamics among the world’s leading nations. His journalism has earned numerous honors, including the duPont-Columbia Award, Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, the George Polk Award, and the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Merriman Smith Award.
The event takes place at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. For full details, tickets, and registration information, visit quickcenter.fairfield.edu.

Artist Talk: What Is Here? at William Benton Museum of Art
2026-02-24 14:30 - 16:00 | William Benton Museum of Art, 245 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, 06269, United States
Contemporary drawing and the nature of perception are explored during this artist talk with Ray DiCapua, whose large-scale, intricate works investigate how images are seen, recognized, and understood. DiCapua discusses his artistic practice and the ideas that shape his approach to drawing and sculpture, drawing on a career that includes exhibitions at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Tacoma Art Museum. The talk also reflects on his experience as a longtime educator in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Connecticut.
The program takes place on February 24, 2026, from 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm at the William Benton Museum of Art in Storrs, CT.

Shucked at The Bushnell
2026-02-24 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-02-25 19:30 - 22:30 | The Bushnell Theater, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106, United States
A Tony Award–winning musical comedy brings big laughs and a distinctly American sense of humor to the stage with Shucked. Featuring a book by Robert Horn and a score by Grammy Award–winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the production blends sharp wit, country-inspired music, and playful storytelling into a high-energy Broadway experience. Known for its clever wordplay and unapologetically corny humor, Shucked delivers a fresh take on musical comedy while exploring themes of community, change, and resilience.
Performances take place at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, on February 24 through February 28, 2026, at 7:30 pm, with additional matinee performances on February 28 at 2:00 pm and March 1 at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm. The show is recommended for ages 10 and up and contains adult themes, moments of adult language, and comedic innuendo. Tickets are available through The Bushnell’s Broadway Series, with single-ticket on-sale information to be announced.

The Robert Cray Band at Infinity Music Hall Hartford
2026-02-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Infinity Music Hall – Hartford, 32 Front Street, Hartford, 06103, United States
Blues, soul, and rock converge in a live performance by The Robert Cray Band, led by one of American music’s most enduring and influential artists. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Robert Cray has shaped a singular sound marked by expressive guitar work and songwriting that reflects themes of love, resilience, and the human condition. Known for collaborations and tours with artists such as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Buddy Guy, Cray continues to deliver performances that honor blues tradition while pushing it forward.
The concert takes place on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm at Infinity Music Hall Hartford, located at 32 Front Street, Hartford, CT.

On the Move: Whistler and Venice at Yale University Art Gallery
2026-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Yale University Art Gallery, 111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
An exploration of James McNeill Whistler’s evocative Venetian works is the focus of this gallery talk presented by Freyda Spira, Robert L. Solley Curator of Prints and Drawings. The program examines Whistler’s 1879 journey to Venice and his fascination with the city’s quieter canals, arcades, and palazzos, where he sought to capture the atmosphere of Venice after dark. Through discussion of his nocturnal scenes, the talk considers how Whistler translated fleeting light, mood, and the city’s sense of enchantment into images that emphasize transience and perception.
The talk takes place on February 25, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven.

Adult Studio: Watercolor with Mary Smeallie at New Britain Museum of American Art
2026-02-25 13:00 - 15:00 | New Britain Museum of Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain, 06051, United States
The New Britain Museum of American Art invites adults to explore the art of watercolor painting in a multi-session studio class led by artist and instructor Mary Smeallie. Held on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm, this engaging course offers a relaxing and creative environment for artists of all levels to develop their skills and experiment with watercolor techniques.
Sessions will take place on November 5, 12, and 19; December 3, 10, and 17; January 7, 14, 21, and 28; and February 4, 11, 18, and 25. Participants will receive individualized instruction and guidance while working on projects that emphasize color, composition, and personal expression.
The New Britain Museum of American Art is located at 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Registration is required, and class sizes are limited.

Elihu Burritt 215th Anniversary Symposium at Central Connecticut State University
2026-02-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, 06050, United States
Central Connecticut State University will commemorate the 215th anniversary of hometown visionary Elihu Burritt with a special symposium on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2 pm to 4 pm in Founders Hall, located within Davidson Hall on campus, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, February 26.
Hosted by the Elihu Burritt Library, the program honors the New Britain native born in 1810 who became known as an abolitionist, pacifist, linguist, and global reformer. A passionate advocate for self-education, civic responsibility, and access to learning, Burritt remains a defining figure in the university’s intellectual heritage.
Scholars and students will explore Burritt’s political life and enduring legacy through a series of presentations and artistic tributes. Featured speakers include Dr. Robert Wolff on “Elihu Burritt in the United Kingdom,” Sherrod “Rod” Skinner, a Burritt descendant, offering reflections on the Burritt family ethos, and John Loughery presenting “Elihu Burritt’s Political Life and Our Historical Memory.” Loughery will sign copies of his new book, A Radical Vision: The Life and Times of Elihu Burritt, Abolitionist, Pacifist, and Linguist, following the program. Central students will also participate, with a poetry reading by Dr. Julien Strong and Dr. Eilyn Lombard-Cabrera, and an original song inspired by Burritt’s life performed by Dr. Simone Puleo.
The event is free and open to the public, and guests are invited to remain after the program to enjoy birthday cake in Burritt’s honor. Advance registration is requested at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=cMUpI4C1I0KAO0J9gA6Btg4oVM-1LapAutdRTT-Hi_FUMjNTMlA2NkJYMkhLNUI5TzVZSTVOUVhQVC4u&route=shorturl. For more information, call 860-929-1177.

Bridgeport Islanders vs. Charlotte Checkers at Total Mortgage Arena
2026-02-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Total Mortgage Arena, 600 Main St, Bridgeport, CT, 06604
Hockey action returns to Bridgeport as the Bridgeport Islanders face the Charlotte Checkers in an American Hockey League matchup. The game takes place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a 7:00 pm start time at Total Mortgage Arena.

Mariah the Scientist at College Street Music Hall
2026-02-25 20:00 - 23:00 | College Street Music Hall, 238 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
Introspective R&B and soulful songwriting take the spotlight as Mariah the Scientist brings her live show to New Haven. Known for her emotionally honest lyrics and independent approach to her career, the former biology major turned artist delivers music that prioritizes depth, intention, and creative control. Her work, including songs from the album Hearts Sold Separately, reflects a commitment to personal expression over trends, offering audiences a raw and intimate concert experience.
The concert takes place on February 25, 2026, at 8:00 pm at College Street Music Hall in New Haven. The event features general admission standing room on the floor and reserved seating in the balcony.

Zoo Tots: Staying Warm at Beardsley Zoo
2026-02-26 10:30 - 11:00 | Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT, 06610
Young learners can discover how animals stay warm during the winter months in this engaging Zoo Tots program focused on cold-weather survival. Through stories, songs, simple crafts, and encounters with animal ambassadors, children are introduced to the creative ways animals keep cozy when temperatures drop. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, the program encourages curiosity and learning through hands-on, age-appropriate activities in a supportive environment.
The program takes place on February 26, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT, and is held in the Kathy Brady Education Center. Zoo Tots is designed for children ages 22 months to 4 years, accompanied by an adult.

Paintball Thursday League Night at Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort
2026-02-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield, CT, 06455
Paintball enthusiasts can gear up for adrenaline-filled Thursday evenings during Paintball League Night at Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort in Middlefield. Held weekly from 6 pm to 9 pm, this five-week series offers players a chance to compete in NXL-style tournament play with rotating teams formed on-site each night.
Players are welcome to attend solo or with friends and can participate on any or all of the five nights. Each participant will fill out a player card indicating their skill level and preferred position, which helps team captains balance squads for competitive play. All skill levels are encouraged to join the action.
Admission is $25 per night or included with a season pass. Players must bring their own .68 caliber paintball equipment. Teams and individuals earn points each night, and the top scorer at the end of the series will receive a prize.
After the games, players are invited to relax and refuel at Fire at The Ridge. Season pass holders enjoy 15% off their food bill (excluding alcohol).
Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort is located at 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield, CT. For more details or to purchase a season pass, visit powderridgepark.com.

Black Violin Full Circle Tour at Shubert Theatre
2026-02-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street, New Haven, CT
Classical music and hip-hop intersect during Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour, led by Grammy-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus. The performance blends orchestral technique with contemporary beats, creating a sound that reflects both artistic evolution and a return to musical roots. Through dynamic compositions and storytelling, the concert invites reflection on growth, identity, and the paths that shape creative expression.
The concert takes place on February 26, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street, New Haven, CT.
