The International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including theater, dance, concerts, lectures, and more. The festival was designed to fill the gap during summer when college students leave and tourists are scarce, and has become one of the top tourist destinations in Connecticut. The festival adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering online shows and distanced events. The festival offers dozens of events over 15 days, and some top ticketed events include “Macbeth Muet” by La Fille Du Laitier and “Kristina Wong for Public Office.” Baratunde Thurston is one of the keynote speakers.
Following The Hartford Courant, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven offers a diverse range of events that can be overwhelming for any attendee. However, this is the whole idea behind the festival. It was created over 25 years ago to fill New Haven with arts and excitement during a time of year when not much was going on. In mid-June, when the college year has ended and summer vacations are being planned, the festival offers a variety of shows and events that don’t usually come to the state, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Connecticut.
The festival has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering live shows and lectures for online consumption, as well as distanced events and curbside food tastings. After a few transitional summers of returning to large-scale events, the Arts & Ideas experience is now richer and fuller than ever.
With dozens of items on its 15-day schedule, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas can be tricky to navigate. Here are some tips to get the most out of the festival:
Top Ticketed Events
1. “Macbeth Muet” by La Fille Du Laitier: A text-free take on a Shakespeare tragedy using grand gestures associated with silent movies. The show runs from June 13-15 at Yale’s Iseman Theater.2. “Kristina Wong for Public Office”: A live performance by Kristina Wong, who often blurs the lines between theater, performance art, and reality. The show deals with the nature of campaigning and buying into “the system” and runs from June 24-25 at the Yale University Theater.3. Baratunde Thurston: A keynote speech by the celebrated podcaster, news commentator, and author of “How to Be…”.4. “The B-Side: Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons” by Carl Hancock Rux: A musical performance that explores the African American experience in the prison system. The show runs from June 15-17 at the Yale Repertory Theatre.5. “The Infinite Wrench” by The Neo-Futurists: A fast-paced show that features 30 plays in 60 minutes. The show runs from June 22-25 at the Yale Cabaret.
Free Events
1. Concerts on the New Haven Green: The festival offers a variety of free concerts, including performances by The Funky Dawgz Brass Band, The Afro-Semitic Experience, and The Sweetback Sisters.2. Talks and Lectures: The festival features a variety of talks and lectures on contemporary issues, including a talk by journalist and author Ta-Nehisi Coates.3. Art Exhibits: The festival showcases a variety of art exhibits, including the “New Haven 2023” exhibit, which features works by local artists.4. Family-Friendly Events: The festival offers a variety of events for families, including a performance by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and a puppet show.
Taking everything into account, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas offers a diverse range of events that cater to everyone’s interests. Whether you’re interested in theater, dance, music, or contemporary issues, the festival has something for you. With a little planning and research, you can get the most out of this exciting event and make memories that will last a lifetime.
