June 16th-30th: International Festival of Arts and Ideas

most of the events are free.

The International Festival of Arts and Ideas (ArtIdea.Org) begins June 16th.  There are tons of events (too many to list) but worth diving into their Calendar.

From Their Site:  
"The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is a 15-day festival of performing arts, lectures, and conversations that celebrates the greatest artists and thinkers from around the world. Each June, the Festival takes over the theaters, open spaces, and courtyards of New Haven, Connecticut with performances and dialogues that tickle the senses, engage the mind, and inspire the soul."

"More than 80% of Festival programs are completely free to the public, including events that feature some of the most prestigious jazz, classical, dance, and theater artists in the world. The Festival’s programs have an impact throughout the year, including engagement and educational programming such as the Festival Fellowship Program for underserved youth, and the Visionary Leadership Award held in autumn of each year." [source]


Check out their official website ArtIdea.Org for a full list of events and more information.  The festival runs for two weeks straight and there are dozens of events planned everyday.  There is also a comprehensive list of video previews to watch on their site.