Free events in New Haven, CT

Settle in for a free outdoor film at Pitkin Plaza in downtown New Haven, part of a seasonal series of community screenings. Pack lawn chairs and picnic blankets, pick up takeout from a nearby spot, and enjoy a night under the stars with a mix of blockbuster hits, nostalgic throwbacks, cult classics, and family friendly picks. Admission is free, and a quick registration is required at the check in table upon entry. Complimentary light snacks will be available. Personal seating is encouraged, and a limited amount of bistro and lawn seating will be offered. Screenings are weather dependent, with updates shared on the event website and its Facebook event page. Viewer discretion is advised, so please review each film’s themes and content before attending with underage individuals.

Mr. Donald’s Farm sets up at the Orange Community Farmers Market at the Orange Country Fair Grounds with fresh eggs, housemade jams, granola, and other goods. Pies, cookies, and muffins are available only by pre-order and are not sold on site at this market. In addition to their offerings, the market features many vendors, music, and food trucks. Free concerts follow the market.

Music Bingo hosted by Wild Bloom’s Matty F takes place at Wood-n-Tap in Hamden. It is free to play. Instead of numbers, players listen to short song clips and mark their cards, with a video display showing the song title and artist to help. The format includes four rounds with a mix of patterns and categories, and each round’s winner selects the category for the next one. Prizes are awarded in every round. Enjoy an evening of music and games alongside food, drinks, and plenty of chances to win.

Enjoy Magic: The Gathering Commander open play in a relaxed, social setting. Play with friends and meet new opponents as pods form throughout the evening. Entry is free. Presented by Phantasm Gaming, a Wizards Play Network store that fosters a welcoming community for both casual and competitive tabletop players.

Mr. Donald's Farm brings homemade sweet treats to the Tony Inzero Farmers Markets at West Haven Beach. Look for farm fresh eggs, pies, muffins, jams, granola and more. Everything is baked fresh, so the selection may change. The market also features homegrown fruits and vegetables, additional baked goods, handmade crafts and more along the beach boardwalk. To secure favorites, pre-ordering is available through the farm’s website or by phone. If Saturdays are not an option, the farm also appears at the West Haven Green on Thursdays.

Set on the East Haven Town Green, this 2026 farmers market brings together full season, half season and pop up vendors, blending longtime favorites with new additions. Shoppers can explore Amelia’s Market with produce, subs, Liuzzi cheese, honey, eggs, Sopallata and breads, Beckett Farms with produce, lamb and jams, Cherie’s Sweet Treats with distinctive baked goods, and Disorbo’s Bakery with stuffed breads, cupcakes and Italian specialties. Elvira Cooks features freeze dried candy along with fruits and vegetables, Get Fizzy offers dirty soda, Hoffman Breads presents fresh loaves and danishes, The Nest hosts olive oil tastings and kitchen items, She Sells Sea Glass Art shares sea glass and seashell creations, Shoreline Nursery brings plants and trees, and Steffys Soaps and Candles provides handcrafted candles, soaps and fragrances. Part time vendors add even more variety, including Angela’s Sauce with pasta sauce and salsa, Between the Chapters with surprise book bundles and bookish items, Butterfly Hill Blooms with fresh cut flowers and custom arrangements, Euphoria Jewelry with permanent jewelry inspired by the shoreline, Heaven and Earth with handmade woven baskets, Lena’s Lunchbox with handmade pet treats, and Lynn’s Flavor Fusion with infused crackers and seasoned nuts. Pop up favorites rotate in with treats and gifts such as Auntie Momo’s Gluten Free Bakery, Baileys Shaved Ice, Branford Birdhouse with handcrafted birdhouses, feeders and planter boxes, Duckies Crumbcake, a selection of spice blends, Madison Rose Candle Co with handmade candles featuring wood wicks and wax melts that are crystal infused and horror themed, Maria Rose Authentic Italian Sauce, Megs Sweet Treats with freeze dried candy, Mouse Hole Farm with an author appearance, and face painting by Teach Art to Me. Civic groups also take part. American Legion Post 89 supports Wreaths Across America throughout the season, while rotating community partners share resources and activities, including the Community Dining Room, the East Haven Class of 2027 with bracket making, the East Haven Fire Dept Vol Co 1 Ladies Auxiliary with membership and fundraising information, a food pantry providing educational information and an activity, East Haven Youth Hockey with program details and swag, the East Haven Rotary with fundraising event information, the Girl Scouts with interactive activities, the Shoreline Garden Club with educational programming, and the Shoreline Trolley Museum with learning opportunities. The season includes themed market days that encourage festive displays, activities and giveaways, including Opening Day with a sports theme, a red white and blue celebration of 250 years, the Second Annual Family Fun Day, a kickoff for National Farmers Market Week, Celebrate Summer, Celebrate the World, a fall themed day, and Shopping through the Holidays. A central market booth provides information, monthly raffles and occasional giveaways.

All are welcome at a Fourth Sunday Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show with free admission, organized by the club. Those interested in participating as a dealer can email NHPS1914@outlook.com to be set up.

Learn the basics of Magic: The Gathering at Phantasm Gaming through a guided learn-to-play session that focuses on core gameplay and deck building in a clear, step-by-step format. The experience uses Welcome Decks and teaching materials to make first games smooth for newcomers, and it also suits current players who want to introduce friends to the game. Entry is free. As a WPN store, Phantasm Gaming supports a welcoming community space for tabletop enthusiasts.

This free-entry Magic: The Gathering Commander tournament at Phantasm Gaming welcomes both casual and competitive players and offers a friendly setting for pods of friends and for meeting new opponents. The host venue is a WPN store with a broad tabletop focus, including trading card games, roleplaying games, wargaming, and board games.