ATTEND the 2026 BWS FEST
August 9-16
New Haven's Black Wall Street Festival is a festival highlighting black and brown business owners and creatives. It is a catalyst for action toward dismantling systemic racism in New Haven, and a strategy to revitalize black and brown economic wealth across the city.
ATTEND the 2026 BWS FEST
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9th
New Haven Open Streets:
Open Streets Skate Day
SUNDAY AUGUST 9
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Curated by Sweets and Sounds & the City of New Haven Economic Development Department
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**Skates will be provided if you don't have your own!** Church Street becomes a skating destination as the New Haven Open Street Festival opens with its most electric weekend yet. A pop-up roller skating rink takes over the street, welcoming skaters of all ages and skill levels to lace up and roll through the heart of downtown. Whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping onto wheels for the first time, Skate Day is built for everyone — full of music, movement, and pure summer energy.
For all ages.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th
The Real Estate Family Meeting:
Let’s All Win Edition
TUESDAY AUGUST 11
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Curated by the Let’s All Win Company.
This event will bring together local professionals, investors, lenders, attorneys, and industry experts to openly break down three major pillars of real estate: how to identify and acquire a real deal, how to manage and scale a real estate portfolio as a landlord or long-term owner, and how to properly structure your assets through wills, trusts, and estate planning to create generational wealth and avoid probate.
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Happy Hour 6pm - 7pm | Food available to purchase from Chef Chrissy.
Ages 21+.
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Q House
Youth Lock-In
TUESDAY AUGUST 11
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Curated by Q House x LEAP.
The Q House Youth Lock-In is a late-night takeover built for youth ages 10 to 15. Doors open at 7:30 PM for check-in, and from 8:15 PM on, every activity room in the building is open. Youth choose their own adventure: shoot hoops in the gym, get on the mic in the Music Studio, catch a movie, hit the dance floor, make something in the Art Room, take it easy in the Quiet Room, or bounce between all of them. Pizza and snacks at 9:00 PM. Late night chill and photos before dismissal at midnight. Free to attend. Pizza and snacks provided.
Ages 10-15.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12th
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Zae France Live in Concert
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Curated by The Breed Entertainment.
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Born in North Carolina and raised in Connecticut, Zae France is an R&B singer and songwriter known for blending modern and classic influences through honest storytelling, soulful vocals, and cinematic melodies. His growing catalog—including the fan-favorite collaboration "Layin' Low" with Ne-Yo—has helped establish him as a rising voice in contemporary R&B.
Ages 21+
Youth Invitational Poetry Slam
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Curated by Leaders of the New Skool.
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Experience the next generation of storytellers at this Invitational Youth Poetry Slam, featuring talented poets ages 13–19 from across the region. Hosted by New Haven Poet Laureate Yex, the evening will showcase powerful spoken word performances, creative expression, and authentic youth voices competing for the title of Youth Slam Champion.
For ages 13+
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14th
ALL ACCESS
AUGUST 11-18
$200
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BWS Fest Opening Reception (Wednesday)
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The Power In Our Dollar Summit + Pitch Competition (Wednesday)
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Entrepreneur Party (Friday)
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BWS Fest Brunch (Sunday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Unlock the ultimate Black Wall Street Festival experience with our All Access Pass! Dive into a week full of vibrant culture, creativity, and community spirit. With this exclusive pass, you'll gain unparalleled access to a curated selection of events that showcase the best of black and brown excellence.​
SATURDAY AUGUST 15
Includes:
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(Monday) BWS Fest Film Screening
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(Tuesday) BWS Fest Artist Showcase
*Does NOT include BWS Fest on the Green VIP Ticket
ALL ACCESS PASS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16th
GENERAL ADMISSION
AUGUST 11-18
$200
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Access to BWS Restaurant Week
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BWS Fest Film Screening (Monday)
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BWS Fest Artist Showcase (Tuesday)
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BWS Fest Opening Reception (Wednesday)
-
The Power In Our Dollar Summit + Pitch Competition (Wednesday)
-
BWS Fest Fashion Show (Thursday)
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BWS Fest on the Green + Concert (Saturday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Experience the heart and soul of the Black Wall Street Festival with our General Admission Pass! This pass offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. Enjoy access to a wide array of events that highlight the richness of black and brown excellence throughout the week.
ENTREPRENEUR
PARTY
AUGUST 16
$50
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Access to the Entrepreneur Party (Friday): A fun day filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration among like-minded individuals and industry leaders.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Step into the heart of innovation and celebration at the Black Wall Street Festival's Entrepreneur Party! This exclusive ticket grants you access to a fun evening dedicated to the spirit of entrepreneurship, networking, and community building. Set for Friday, this event is a must-attend for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone passionate about the future of black and brown economic empowerment.
VIP Experience
(Add On)
AUGUST 11-18
$125
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Access to BWS Restaurant Week
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Exclusive Entry to the Entrepreneur Party (Friday)
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VIP Access to BWS Fest on the Green and Concert (Saturday)
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BWS Fest on the Green - VIP Tent Access (Saturday)
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VIP Entry to BWS Fest After Party at Jazzy’s Cabaret (Saturday)
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Invitation to BWS Fest Brunch (Sunday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Elevate your Black Wall Street Festival experience with our VIP Experience Add-On! This premium package is designed for those looking to enjoy the festival with exclusive perks and unparalleled access to special events. From the beginning of the week with BWS Restaurant Week to the grand finale at the BWS Fest Brunch, treat yourself to a truly VIP experience.
ALL ACCESS
AUGUST 11-18
$200
-
BWS Fest Opening Reception (Wednesday)
-
The Power In Our Dollar Summit + Pitch Competition (Wednesday)
-
Entrepreneur Party (Friday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Unlock the ultimate Black Wall Street Festival experience with our All Access Pass! Dive into a week full of vibrant culture, creativity, and community spirit. With this exclusive pass, you'll gain unparalleled access to a curated selection of events that showcase the best of black and brown excellence.​
GA
AUGUST 11-18
$80
-
Access to BWS Restaurant Week
-
BWS Fest Film Screening (Monday)
-
BWS Fest Artist Showcase (Tuesday)
-
BWS Fest Opening Reception (Wednesday)
-
The Power In Our Dollar Summit + Pitch Competition (Wednesday)
-
BWS Fest Fashion Show (Thursday)
-
BWS Fest on the Green + Concert (Saturday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Experience the heart and soul of the Black Wall Street Festival with our General Admission Pass! This pass offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. Enjoy access to a wide array of events that highlight the richness of black and brown excellence throughout the week.
Entrepreneur Party
AUGUST 16
$80
-
Access to the Entrepreneur Party (Friday): A fun day filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration among like-minded individuals and industry leaders.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Step into the heart of innovation and celebration at the Black Wall Street Festival's Entrepreneur Party! This exclusive ticket grants you access to a fun evening dedicated to the spirit of entrepreneurship, networking, and community building. Set for Friday, this event is a must-attend for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone passionate about the future of black and brown economic empowerment.
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BOOK YOUR STAY
Getting to the Black Wall Street Festival
Public Transit Options
Local Bus Services - CTtransit:
All local buses in the New Haven area stop at the New Haven Green. CTtransit's service extends to Milford, Derby, Waterbury, Meriden, and Madison.
For detailed transit schedules and route maps, please visit CTtransit.comNew Haven Line (Metro-North):
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Take the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line to State Street Station. From there, it's a pleasant 8-minute walk to the New Haven Green. (Note: not all New Haven Line trains serve State Street Station – consult the schedule before travel)
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Take the train to New Haven Union Station and connect to the free Union Station Shuttle to the New Haven Green.
Visit MTA for schedule information.
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CTrail Hartford Line:
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Take CTrail Hartford Line to New Haven State Street Station. From there, it's a pleasant 8-minute walk to the New Haven Green.
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Take the train to New Haven Union Station and connect to the free Union Station Shuttle to the New Haven Green.
Visit HartfordLine.com for more schedule information.
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CTrail Shore Line East:
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Take CTrail Shore Line East to State Street Station. From there, it's a pleasant 8-minute walk to the New Haven Green.
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Take the train to New Haven Union Station and connect to the free Union Station Shuttle to the New Haven Green.
Visit ShoreLineEast.com for schedule information.
Visit CTrides.com to view all transit options and plan your trip to the festival.
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VIP (Add On)
AUGUST 16
$80
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Access to BWS Restaurant Week
-
Exclusive Entry to the Entrepreneur Party (Friday)
-
VIP Access to BWS Fest on the Green and Concert (Saturday)
-
BWS Fest on the Green - VIP Tent Access (Saturday)
-
VIP Entry to BWS Fest After Party at Jazzy’s Cabaret (Saturday)
-
Invitation to BWS Fest Brunch (Sunday)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Elevate your Black Wall Street Festival experience with our VIP Experience Add-On! This premium package is designed for those looking to enjoy the festival with exclusive perks and unparalleled access to special events. From the beginning of the week with BWS Restaurant Week to the grand finale at the BWS Fest Brunch, treat yourself to a truly VIP experience.
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4th Annual Community Economic Development Summit: Further, Together.
THURSDAY AUGUST 13
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Curated by Communities for Generations, Inc and powered by The Elements of Abundance.
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The 4th Annual Community Economic Development Summit: Further, Together is a four-hour convening designed to move New Haveners from inspiration to action. This year's theme uplifts our history, civic power, shared voice and collective wealth.
For ages 18+
The Blueprint:
Fashion Show
THURSDAY AUGUST 13
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Curated by Strizz: The Selected.
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Attendees can expect to enjoy a night away from the normal Thursday, a chance to dress up or even just dress fly! The blueprint will be a fashion show for the local and upcoming brands in the ct area, with giveaways, raffles and other creative interactions for the event to be different from previous fashion shows in this space!
For ages 18+
EP Curated by Playlist
FRIDAY AUGUST 14
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Curated by Playlist CT & The Breed Entertainment.
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Celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship at The E.P (Entrepreneur Party), curated by Playlist. This exclusive event brings together visionaries, startups, and business professionals for an evening of networking, collaboration, and inspiration.
For ages 21+
5th Black Wall Street Fest
SATURDAY AUGUST 15
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Experience the vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit of our community at the BWS Festival. This event is a showcase of Black-owned businesses, artists, and performers, offering a day filled with live music, art, food, and fun activities for all ages.
All ages welcome
Black Wall Street Fest VIP Tent
SATURDAY AUGUST 15
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The VIP Tent offers a premium festival experience featuring catered brunch, a complimentary drink, comfortable seating, curated décor, exclusive bar access, and an elevated atmosphere designed for connection and celebration.
For ages 21+
Black Wall Street Fest Official After Party
SATURDAY AUGUST 15
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The celebration doesn't end when the festival closes. Join us at CITA Park for an evening of music, networking, culture, and community. Connect with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders, and changemakers while celebrating an unforgettable Black Wall Street Week.
For ages 21+
Brunching on Legacy: The BWS Experience
SUNDAY AUGUST 16
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Curated by The Chef Chrissy Experience.
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Brunching on Legacy is a celebration of culture, community, and connection, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and supporters for an elevated culinary experience. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu, exceptional hospitality, great music, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to Black excellence and economic empowerment.
For ages 21+