Top Rated Attractions in Fairfield

Yale Repertory Theatre was founded by the Yale School of Drama in 1966 to engender a closer working relationship between faculty and students and the professional theater, and has helped launch the careers of dozens of now-famous actors. "Yale Rep" is located in the stunning former Calvary Baptist Church, which was built in 1868 and renovated to accommodate the theater in 1970. A landmark in downtown New Haven, the Yale Rep Theater stages everything: musicals, dramas, comedies and new works, both classics and fresh scripts. Yale Rep is an award-winning theater in the circle of renowned, established theaters in the greater New Haven area.

One of the great advantages of being in New Haven is that you don't have to drive all the way to New York City to see a Broadway quality performance; after all, the Shubert holds the title, "Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits." Many, many hits premiered at the Shubert before moving on to Broadway, including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sound of Music (and many other Rogers & Hammerstein productions) and My Fair Lady, to name a few. The Shubert is the region's cultural life, featuring the best of dance, opera, family productions and cabaret. The backstage tour of this architectural gem, built in 1914, is another highlight not to miss.

This theater has hosted many award-winning performances and enjoyed international recognition. Plays launched here have received numerous awards, from Pulitzer Prizes to Tony's. As you exit into the Long Wharf area, please note that the theater is on the loading dock where food terminals are housed. It can be tricky to find! More than 20 shows have gone directly from Long Wharf to Broadway or Off-Broadway in New York.

Located in the heart of Yale's campus, Gryphon's Pub at the Graduate and Professional Student Club at Yale is a popular spot for people looking for cheap drinks and a good time. This campus pub is always presenting some kind of special or event, whether it be pub trivia, martini night or DJ dance party.

Football fans everywhere are indebted to Yale coach Walter Camp for his 1879 codifying of American football as we know and love it today. Yale's Bulldogs play against other Ivy League teams from September through November, and, in alternate years, the renowned Harvard-Yale game attracts audiences and fans from afar. This is a big sporting event in New Haven and if you have the chance to catch a game, it is well worth it. Tailgate parties start the festivities prior to the match, so grab a picnic lunch and party in the parking lot before the big event. Games are played at Yale Bowl.

Originally a vaudeville hall, but later gutted out, the Lyric Hall is once again a premiere entertainment venue in New Haven. Today, restored to its former glory, the theater now presents musical performances by local as well as major artists. They also present special events like film festivals.