Cultural passes are available to New Haven residents using their adult New Haven library cards. Passes are available on a first come, first served basis.
The Fine Print: Passes may be checked out for two days. One pass per card. Card must be in good standing in order to borrow a pass. Passes must be returned in person to the location where they were checked out and may not be returned in the book drop.
Museum and Aquarium Passes
Mystic Aquarium
Save 15% on an aquarium membership by using the NHFPL library coupon at the Mystic Aquarium ticket booth.
The Fine Print: Offer not valid on admission tickets. This offer cannot be copied or combined with any other offer. Pass can not be used for special events and programs. Pass must be presented at time of admission. Pass may only be used once per day.
Theater Passes
Long Wharf Theater
Long Wharf Theater (LWT) has revamped its longstanding free theater pass program. Together with NHFPL, they’re offering Library cardmembers the opportunity to attend LWT performances for free. Your nearest NHFPL location has 2 total passes available on a first come, first served basis for each on-stage, in the community Long Wharf production. Each pass can be redeemed for up to 2 free tickets to a single show date and time.
Seating is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
Reserving a pass is easy. Simply see a Library staff member at the Circulation desk for assistance, and enjoy the show!
Rules and Restrictions:
- Only the current (on stage) show is available for pass checkout. Passes will become available 1 week prior to the first performance for each show.
- This service is only available to New Haven Free Public Library cardholders. Out of town cards are ineligible for cultural passes.
- Passes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
- Successful checkout of a theater pass does not guarantee admission to the requested performance date/time.
- NO HOLDS: We cannot hold passes for any given date or time.
- 1 pass may be assigned per cardholder per play.
Click here or call the box office at (203) 693-1486 for more information on this season’s shows.
Yale Repertory Theatre
Yale Repertory Theatre is working with NHFPL to offer Library cardmembers the opportunity to attend Yale Rep performances for free. Each library pass is good for 2 adult tickets to each scheduled performance of the Yale Repertory Theatre season (some date restrictions may apply).
Seating is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
Rules and Restrictions:
- Only the current (on stage) show is available for pass checkout. Passes will become available 1 week prior to the first performance for each show.
- This service is only available to New Haven Free Public Library cardholders. Out of town cards are ineligible for cultural passes.
- Passes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
- Successful checkout of a theater pass does not guarantee admission to the requested performance date/time.
- NO HOLDS: We cannot hold passes for any given date or time.
- 1 pass may be assigned per cardholder per play.
Click here or call the box office at (203) 432-1234 for more information on this season’s shows.
Yale Summer Cabaret
Yale’s Summer Cabaret is offering 1 library pass per performance of the summer incubator production, The Interview, which runs from July 24-26. Each library pass is good for 2 adult tickets to each scheduled performance.
Visit the Circulation Desk at the Ives Main Library to borrow a pass starting Thursday, July 17.
Missed a chance at a free pass? No need to worry!
Yale Summer Cabaret is offering $10 tickets for everyone! Connect with the the box office at 217 Park St. for more info.:
Phone: (203) 432-6050
Online: https://summercab-tickets.yale.edu/
Email: [email protected]
Rules and Restrictions:
- Only the current (on stage) show is available for pass checkout. Passes will become available 1 week prior to the first performance for each show.
- This service is only available to New Haven Free Public Library cardholders. Out of town cards are ineligible for cultural passes.
- Passes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
- Successful checkout of a theater pass does not guarantee admission to the requested performance date/time.
- NO HOLDS: We cannot hold passes for any given date or time.
- 1 pass may be assigned per cardholder per play.
Admissions for Active Military and SNAP Recipients
Blue Star Museums program
*Saturday, May 17 through Monday, September 1, 2025
“Actively serving military members and their families have the opportunity to visit participating museums nationwide for free as part of the Blue Star Museums program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Blue Star Families (BSF) in collaboration with the Department of Defense” (https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2025/military-families-visit-museums-free-summer-part-blue-star-museums).
Browse participating museums and other institutions through the site’s directory.
Museums for All
*Year-round
“Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,400 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID” (https://museums4all.org/).
Browse participating museums through the site’s directory.
Free Activities
| Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center New Haven, CT | New England Civil War Museum Vernon, CT |
| Connecticut College Arboretum New London, CT | Submarine Force Library and Museum Groton, CT |
| Connecticut State Capitol Tours Hartford, CT | The William Benton Museum of Art Storrs, CT |
| Connecticut State Museum of Natural History Storrs, CT | Yale Center for British Art New Haven, CT |
| Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust Woodbury, CT *some programs have a fee | Yale Peabody Museum New Haven, CT Peabody membership is now free. Having trouble booking a visit? The New Haven Free Public Library has a limited quantity of museum passes available for NHFPL cardholders who live in New Haven. One-time use only. Call your local branch for more information. |
| National Helicopter Museum Stratford, CT | Yale University Art Gallery New Haven, CT |