Events in Branford today

Group paddles are back at a new location, offering a relaxed outing on the water with sunset scenery for all experience levels. Participants can bring a kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or another human-powered craft, and bringing your own boat is free. Rentals are available, with single kayaks or paddleboards priced at $30 and double kayaks at $45. The paddle typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the group, weather, and conditions. Reservations are required, and drop-in rentals are not available. Those bringing their own craft should bring a personal flotation device and a whistle.

Phantasm Gaming hosts a Pokemon Junior League for players ages 12 and under. A Pokemon ID is required to take part, and staff can assist with creating one in store. Entry includes a pack for every participant. The entry fee is $5.

Phantasm Gaming hosts official local Pokémon tournaments for players, collectors, and fans of the game. Compete in a welcoming setting and browse the newest sealed releases along with a large assortment of singles. Entry is $10. In addition to tournament play, Phantasm Gaming is a community hub for tabletop entertainment that includes trading card games, RPGs, wargaming, and board games, supporting both competitive and casual experiences. The shop also buys cards.

Phantasm Gaming hosts a weekly Magic the Gathering Modern event where players can play with friends and meet new opponents. Entry is $10. As a WPN store, Phantasm Gaming supports tabletop communities for trading card games, roleplaying games, wargaming, and board games, with opportunities for both casual and competitive play.

Movies in the Plaza brings free outdoor film screenings to Pitkin Plaza in downtown New Haven. Settle in with your own lawn chairs and blankets, and consider grabbing takeout from a nearby spot for a relaxed screening under the sky. The lineup blends major hits, nostalgic throwbacks, cult favorites, and family-friendly selections. Admission is free with registration at the on-site check-in table, and complimentary light snacks are available. Personal seating is encouraged, with a limited amount of bistro and lawn seating on hand. Screenings are weather dependent, with updates shared on the event website and Facebook event page if conditions change. Viewer discretion is advised, and attendees are encouraged to review each film’s themes and content before bringing children.

Mr. Donald's Farm brings homemade sweet treats to the Tony Inzero Farmers Markets at West Haven Green. Expect farm fresh eggs, pies, muffins, jams, granola and more, with offerings varying since everything is baked fresh. The market also features homegrown fruits and vegetables, additional baked goods, homemade crafts and more.

Farmers, food trucks, live entertainment, and crafters come together at this community market. Explore vendor offerings, enjoy the performances, and discover handmade items. A weekly vendor lineup is available online.

Phantasm Gaming hosts a weekly Dragonball Fusion World TCG tournament for players looking for organized matches and a consistent place to play. The entry fee is $10, and registration is available through the Bandai TCG+ app. It offers a simple way to test decks, meet other fans, and enjoy regular tabletop competition.

Phantasm Gaming runs a weekly local tournament for the Gundam trading card game in a friendly setting that supports both competitive and casual play. Participants can try new deck ideas, face fresh matchups, and connect with other fans. Entry is $10, and registration is handled through the Bandai TCG+ app. The venue also serves a broad tabletop community, offering space for trading card games, roleplaying games, wargames, and board games.

Enjoy live music paired with half-price cheese and chocolate, along with specials on drinks.

Weather permitting, the Friday Night Cruise features door prizes, a 50/50, music, and awards including Best in Cruise. The event observes a 2006 model year cutoff, with a dedicated section available for specialty vehicles.

Enjoy open-play Commander for Magic The Gathering at Phantasm Gaming. Entry is free. The setting supports both casual and competitive games, with chances to play with friends and meet new opponents. The store is a Wizards Play Network retailer and a local hub for tabletop gaming, including trading card games, RPGs, wargaming, and board games. A community Discord is available for updates and conversation. The shop also buys cards.

Phantasm Gaming hosts weekly Digimon TCG tournaments where players face off in organized play. Prizing is awarded to the top 25 percent of participants each week. Entry is $10, and registration is handled through the Bandai TCG+ app.

Experience a refreshing yoga class on the sand at Walnut Beach, blending movement with fresh ocean air and a focus on community. This all-levels session is led by yoga instructor and personal trainer Grace Michaud and is designed to help participants stretch, strengthen, and recharge. Enjoy beautiful coastal views during practice and complimentary organic tea after class. Pricing options include a $25 drop-in or a $195 Summer Pass for ten classes. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel, a water bottle, and sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat. Bug spray is recommended. Registration is encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome. For questions, contact Walnut Beach Wellness at 203-693-3893 or Info@walnutbeachwellness.com.

Mr. Donald's Farm brings a changing lineup of homemade sweets to the Tony Inzero Farmers Markets, set along the beach boardwalk. Expect eggs from the farm, pies, muffins, granola and jams, with selections that vary based on what is freshly baked. Beyond their table, the market features seasonal produce, additional baked goods and handcrafted items from other vendors. Preorders are available through the farm for those who want to reserve favorite treats.

Gardeners at any level can connect with Kim, a Master Gardener intern, and Giulia, a Certified Master Gardener with UConn Extension, for plant problem solving, practical guidance, and conversation. Bringing plant cuttings or photos is encouraged to support identification and diagnosis. The event also shares details about online classes and the Master Gardener certification for those interested in expanding their knowledge.

Phantasm Gaming hosts a weekly tournament for Riftbound: League of Legends where players can fine tune their decks, bring friends, and connect with the local community. The entry fee is $10, and every participant receives a booster pack along with Nexus Night promotional packs. Advance registration is required to participate.

In New Haven, Family Day features food, arcade games, and family friendly fun in a welcoming setting. Children must be with a parent or legal guardian. Barcade will donate a portion of Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that brings recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

M60 is a fan convention honoring The Monkees and the 60th anniversary of the show’s first episode, hosted at the Clarion Inn North Haven Hotel. The centerpiece day offers daytime programming with special guests, vendors, authors, exhibits, panels, and a dedicated anniversary launch, followed by an evening of concerts and featured performers. The weekend spans three days, including a VIP party at the hotel the night before and a gala finale at The Underground Frodis Adventure, Connecticut’s Monkees Museum. Special guests scheduled to appear include producer Chip Douglas, photographer Henry Diltz, actress Valerie Kairys Venet, bassist John Billings, drummer Rich Dart, actor Greg Evigan sharing memories of Davy Jones, drummer Felipe Torres, guitarist David Robicheau from Davy Jones’ and David Cassidy’s bands, and musician Peppy Castro of Blue Magoos. The concert lineup features Foggy Otis with “I’ll Be True to Uke,” a surprise musical guest to be announced, Mick Lawless with “Loose Salute to Nez,” The M60s performing 60s favorites for the anniversary, and The Characters as the official convention band delivering well known hits and more. Authors connected to The Monkees’ history and scholarship will be on hand, including Joe Russo of the Monkees Pad Show, Ed Reilly of the Monkees Business fanzine, Fred Velez with his “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” volumes, Michael Ventrella and Mark Arnold with “Long Title: Looking for the Good Times” and “Headquartered,” Melanie Mitchell with “Monkee Magic: a Book about a TV Show about a Band,” and Charles F. Rosenay!!!, co author of “The Monkees Comic Book Book.” This is a family friendly celebration designed to welcome longtime fans and introduce new listeners to the music. Sponsorship opportunities are available at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, with benefits such as VIP access, souvenir shirts, recognition on official materials, vouchers usable at the convention, photo opportunities with special guests where available, and other perks. A signed and numbered first printing of a new Monkees collectors book tied to the convention launch is included with the voucher benefit. Presented by Charles F. Rosenay!!!

Phantasm Gaming hosts local YuGiOh tournaments that welcome both competitive and casual players. Prizing scales with attendance, with packs provided on entry and awarded as prize support. The entry fee is $10.

The 8th Annual One Love Cookout continues a New Haven tradition held every year to honor loved ones who rest in heavenly peace. This cookout focuses on remembrance and unity.

Hosted by the Four Seasons Car Club, this cars and coffee gathering offers a relaxed place to cruise and connect with fellow enthusiasts. There is no entry fee, and the scene is set with oldies music. Coffee and food are available, and a 50/50 raffle adds a bit of excitement. Classics and exotics are equally welcome. To keep things safe and enjoyable, revving, burnouts, and unruly behavior are not permitted. The focus is simple, bringing together cruising, coffee, and conservation.

Set amid the natural surroundings of the Ansonia Nature Center, the Four Seasons Classic Car Club kicks off an inaugural season of early morning car cruises. Expect coffee on hand, raffles held each week, and oldies playing to set the mood. Antique and exotic vehicles are welcome to take part, and volunteers are welcome. The series brings together cruising, coffee, and a focus on conservation.

A recurring Sunday market brings the Upper New Haven Green to life with more than 20 cottage food makers and artists. Visitors can get creative alongside local art groups, take part in exercise classes, and enjoy lawn and board games. Information tables highlight programs around downtown and across the city. A free picnic blanket library makes it easy to relax on the grass and enjoy the setting. The series is made possible with partners @thenewhavengreen and @newhavened.

So/Lo plays a quick show at Point Beach for Milford Porchfest East.

Porchfest will be held in Milford.

This gentle session offers a peaceful reset through a blend of guided meditation and sound therapy. It begins with 15 minutes of supportive guidance to quiet the mind, release tension, and invite inner calm. Next comes 45 minutes of crystal singing bowl sound healing, surrounding participants with soothing tones and vibrations that encourage deep relaxation and balance. The experience is crafted to ease stress, calm the nervous system, support emotional well-being, enhance mental clarity and focus, promote deeper, more restful sleep, and renew a sense of harmony. No prior experience is needed, and it welcomes all levels. The session is led by Alissa Affinito, a certified consulting hypnotist, sound healing facilitator and yoga teacher with FreeWill Hypnosis & Sound Healing.

Rockin' the Beach caps its 2026 season at Walnut Beach with a live set from The RumRunners, presented by Xfinity. Known across Connecticut as a go-to party band, The RumRunners deliver high energy, tight four-part vocals, and a blend of classic favorites and modern hits. With saxophone and keyboards in the lineup and plenty of playful interaction with the crowd, they keep the dance floor active. The group began with firefighters and their families from New Haven and Milford, and they have spent years performing while supporting charities, community groups, and local causes throughout the state. Admission is free. Beach chairs are welcome. Appreciation goes to supporting sponsors Weichert, Realtors® - On The Mark Property Management and the Walnut Beach Arts & Business Association. Beware of comments that claim to sell tickets, vendor space, or advertising, since those are scams. For any questions, contact the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce before making payments.

Labor Day brings the return of Some Hacks to the patio at Anchor Social Milford.

Enjoy a live performance as part of Porchfest East Shore.

A calm setting designed for focused journaling and personal admin. It offers a low-key, book-club-style feel, with space to capture thoughts, handle weekly to-dos, or explore the weekly writing prompt. A cozy drink adds to the atmosphere, creating dedicated time for uninterrupted productivity.

Phantasm Gaming hosts a weekly Lorcana tournament for players seeking friendly competition. Entry is $10, and all entry fees go directly into the prize pool. Store credit is awarded to the top finishers based on the number of entrants, and every participant receives a prize at the end.

Settle onto an anchored paddleboard for a calming session that blends gentle movement, seated stretches, conscious breathing, and guided meditation while floating at sunset. Surrounded by the scenery of Walnut Beach, participants unwind, release the day, and reconnect with nature on the water. The experience is guided by Scoot & Paddle with Kelly Warters of A Breath of Calm Yoga. Pricing is $35 per class with a board provided, or $25 per class if bringing your own board, with an anchor supplied. Reservations are required.