Samad Hakani, Photography Editor

The Yale-Harvard weekend isn’t just about football — it’s a chance for students to experience spirited competition, creative collaboration and lots of memorable moments. For Yalies making the trip to Cambridge, the weekend offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Harvard’s campus, connect with Crimson students and participate in events that go far beyond the stadium. 

Whether you’re into music, social scenes or the visual arts, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your arts guide for Yale-Harvard weekend. 

Friday, November 22, 2024 

Harvard-Yale A Cappella Jam, 6:00 p.m. at Paine Hall
An annual tradition that’s as much a part of the weekend as The Game itself, the Harvard-Yale A Cappella Jam brings together the best vocal groups from both schools. On Friday night, Yale’s Whiffenpoofs and Whim ’n Rhythm join forces — or rather, engage in friendly rivalry — with Harvard’s Krokodiloes and Radcliffe Pitches at Paine Hall. Tickets are $10 for Yale and Harvard students and $20 for general admission. 

It’s a chance to experience top-notch vocal performances while soaking in the camaraderie —  and a little competition — between the two schools. Kick off your weekend with this musical face-off, and you might just see some Crimson fans swayed to our side. 

Instant Gratification Players x Just Add Water’s Improv Comedy Show, 8:00 p.m. at Science Center Hall E 

Get ready for a night of laughter and spontaneity as Yale’s Just Add Water and Harvard’s Instant Gratification Players take the stage for an unforgettable improv comedy showdown! This high-energy event combines musical improv and long-form comedy in a friendly face-off that’s sure to keep the audience in stitches.

“It’s going to be such an interesting collaboration,” wrote Leila Hyder ’28, a member of JAW, in an email to the News. “JAW focuses on musical improv, while IGP specializes in long-form improv, so blending those styles will not only be cool stylistically but will also add diversity and a sense of friendly competition to the show.”

Head over to Science Center Hall E on Friday night to watch these talented student groups bring their sharp wit and quick thinking to life. Whether you’re a Yale or Harvard fan — or just someone who loves a good laugh — this show promises to be a highlight of the weekend. 

Yale-Harvard Joint Glee Club Concert, 8:00 p.m. at Sanders Theater
The Yale Glee Club, Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society will also come together on Friday night for their annual Joint Glee Club Concert. The performance will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. 

According to Kylie Berg ’28, a member of the Yale Glee Club, both groups will sing traditional Harvard and Yale songs together on stage. 

“It brings the concert to a nice ending that emphasizes collaboration and unity,” wrote Berg in an email to the News. “Music is special and different from the football game itself because there are no winners and losers!”

Whether you’re a longtime choral enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend your Friday evening, this performance is a must-see. The two-hour program is more than just a concert — it’s a testament to the power of music to unite even the fiercest of rivals. 

Central Square Theater’s “Galileo’s Daughter”
If you’re looking to take a quick break from the Yale-Harvard frenzy, head to Central Square Theater in Cambridge for “Galileo’s Daughter,” a captivating and thought-provoking play by Jessica Dickey. This drama brings together history and modern storytelling, as a contemporary playwright finds inspiration in the letters between Galileo and his brilliant daughter, Maria Celeste. 

Set between 1600s Tuscany and the present day, the play explores Maria Celeste’s genius and resilience as she secretly aids her father’s groundbreaking discoveries about the universe, all while navigating the constraints of her time. Directed by Reena Dutt and co-produced with WAM Theatre, “Galileo’s Daughter” offers a reflective yet gripping story about trust, compassion, and the courage to speak the truth. 

Running from Nov. 14 to Dec. 8, 2024, the production has a student matinee on Friday, Nov. 22, perfectly timed for The Game weekend. Tickets are $26 for students — an affordable price to enjoy professional theater without venturing too far from Harvard’s campus. 

Whether you’re a theater aficionado or just looking for a meaningful way to wind down, “Galileo’s Daughter” is well worth the short trip.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 

Body and Soul: Harvard-Yale Showcase of Black Artistry, 8:00 p.m. at Lowell Lecture Hall
The Kuumba Singers of Harvard College present Body and Soul, a bi-annual talent show celebrating Black artistry, creativity and community. The lecture hall will come alive with music, dance, spoken word and more as performers from both schools create a dynamic display of talent. 

Tickets are $12 for Yale students and $10 for Harvard ID holders who register ahead of time.  The admission fee is $15 at the door.

“Through song, dance, spoken word, and other forms of expression, performers and viewers from Harvard and Yale come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Black experience, offering a powerful reminder that, despite the friendly rivalry, we are united as one community,” wrote Madison Valley, president of the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, in an email to the News.  

This year’s two-hour showcase features Yale’s Rhythmic Blue, Steppin’ Out, Dzana Dance and Shades of Yale, as well as Harvard’s Omo Naija x Wahala Boys Dance Troupe, Expressions Dance Company, Harvard sophomore Gabrielle Greene and the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College.

From soulful singers to electrifying dancers, the evening highlights the richness of Black voices and artistry across both campuses. Whether you’re there to cheer on friends or immerse yourself in an evening of inspiring performances, Body and Soul is the perfect way to round out your weekend after the Game.

Harvard Square Pop-Ups
During the weekend of The Game, Harvard Square transforms into a lively hub of activity. The Harvard Square Business Association often organizes events during this time, including live music, street performances and art installations that pop up throughout the area. 

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at Harvard alum-owned Flour Bakery + Cafe, stumbling upon an impromptu jam session, or admiring the work of local artists at 25/8 Artspace, Harvard Square will offer a refreshing break from the weekend’s hustle. 

Take some time to wander through and discover the surprises the square has to offer — it’s all part of the charm of the Yale-Harvard weekend. 

Yale-Harvard is more than just a football rivalry. It’s a celebration of creativity, culture and connection that stretches far beyond the field. Whether you’re cheering on the Bulldogs, exploring Harvard Square, or soaking in the arts through music, theater or talent showcases, this weekend has something for everyone. So grab your ticket, take a stroll and immerse yourself in all the moments that make Yale-Harvard more than just The Game.

The American Repertory Theater at Harvard was founded by Robert Brustein in 1979, 13 years after he founded Yale Repertory Theater.