Basics of Crochet

Join Sparks Crochet Wizard Maritza Vargas and learn the basics of crochet to create your own scarf. This two-part class will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to start your crochet journey.

• First Class: We will cover three fundamental stitches: single, double, and half double. These stitches form the foundation for most crochet projects.
• Second Class: Learn how to adjust these basic stitches to create new decorative patterns, adding unique elements to your scarf.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start crocheting. All materials will be provided.

This is a two-part class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Beginner-Level Woodshop Class

Students will build a wooden cutting board. Students will start with mixed strips of wood and will glue, flatten, shape, groove, and finish the cutting board. This is a two-session class,( 5/22 & 5/27,) and at the end of the second class, students will take their project home.

This class will provide tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tools. (chop saw, router, & planer)

Ages 18+

Sign Up Today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in free activities, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

 Fireworks Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

Eddie B. soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity starting with his series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say”. In a matter of hours, those videos sparked the attention of educators all over the country when they realized that they were not alone and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud. 

Shortly after, Eddie decided to take his videos to the stage selling out comedy clubs, theaters, and arenas with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” in 2017-2018 and the “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour” in 2019- 2020. When the worldwide pandemic made it impossible for Eddie to see his fans in person he began performing his “Teachers Only” comedy virtually! Now that things are getting back to normal Eddie B is ready to give educators more of his unfiltered comedy beginning with his ” Teachers Only Summer Break Tour” in 2021! 

Eddie B has established himself as the official voice of teachers across the globe. Educators from America to Africa, Dallas to Dubai, New York to New Delhi (and beyond) are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s uncensored, raw, and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an actual teacher!

Students will learn the basics of origami corrugations, a style that allows them to create incredible, mountainous origami forms that bend the light in interesting ways with a single sheet of paper. Learn amazing things you can do with paper! No experience is necessary.

Origami has become increasingly a part of fields that the maker community touches: engineering, mathematics, the biomedical field, fashion, artwork, and the list continues. Starting the fundamentals with the artistic, participants can learn the foundations of origami design by playing with a few simple rules, and incredible origami corrugation patterns that can be used across many fields of study!

No experience with origami, mathematics, engineering, or "maker" activities required. The instructor can bend the content to match the interest of the participants.

We ask students to be 14+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This stained glass project is designed for first-timers and experienced glass artists alike. A simple yet elegant design, these air plant holders bring the tranquility of nature indoors and soothing color to a sunny window. A healthy air plant (“tillandsia”) is included to make your creation complete and a perfect gift! The holders are designed and intended to be hung.

In this workshop, you will learn to score glass, grind, foil, and solder. Sign up to make your air plant holder today!

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St. New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

No prior woodworking experience is required.

Build an outdoor folding chair in a day! Students will cut and drill parts to create a folding chair, commonly called a Kentucky Stick Chair. The chair, made out of cedar, is ideal for sitting on a porch or at the beach on a summer day. -Students will spend the day laying out, cutting, and drilling more than 40 parts to make the complete chair. The finished chairs will be taken home at the end of the day.

-Due to the use of cedar, a lung irritant, N95 masks will be required in the shop during the class. The class fee includes the cost of a mask, but students are encouraged to bring a well-fitted N95 mask or equivalent respirator.

This class is aimed at novice woodworkers, and all tools and materials will be supplied - no prior experience is required.

18+

For Spark Members: After successful completion, members will be able to use the chop saw, drill press, and router table independently. Thanks to a generous donation and grant support from the Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, these classes are reduced in price.

Sign Up Today!

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Learn the fundamentals of Inkscape! This course will go over the basics of vector graphics using Inkscape, a free and open-source program and a maker staple for integration with the various machines at Spark. You can create a design in Inkscape and turn it into a pattern to be laser cut or engraved in conjunction with Lightburn or cut on the CNC router with VCarve. But the first step is always a design program.

Class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop to bring to class, please write to electronics@sparkmakerspace.org to see if one is available to use during class. Please download and install the latest version of Inkscape before class. Click here to download.

Ages 14+

This workshop will go over: how to draw basic shapes, how to create paths, union/difference/intersection functions, snaps, alignment, and other essential operations. No experience is necessary, but if you have a project in mind, we can work on the operations that most closely relate to that project.

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320. Sign up today! Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Two-Day Beginner Workshop!

This is a perfect project for those with little or no experience working with stained glass. You will construct a colorful art glass strip panel up to 12 inches long, suitable for hanging in a window. You will be taught the techniques of the copper foil method of construction and learn to score, grind, foil, solder, frame and finish the entire piece in this 2-day workshop.

All materials included.

Please Note: Sufficient hand strength and dexterity are needed for scoring glass. Must be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn.

Ages 16+

This is a two-session class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Two-Day Beginner Workshop!

This is a perfect project for those with little or no experience working with stained glass. You will construct a colorful art glass strip panel up to 12 inches long, suitable for hanging in a window. You will be taught the techniques of the copper foil method of construction and learn to score, grind, foil, solder, frame and finish the entire piece in this 2-day workshop.

All materials included.

Please Note: Sufficient hand strength and dexterity are needed for scoring glass. Must be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn.

Ages 16+

This is a two-session class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sailfest July 12-13,2025

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, boats, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food!

Visit www.sailfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/sailfest/ for a complete list of events and times.

Visit the Official Sailfest website- http://www.sailfest.org/

Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sailfest

Follow us on Twitter- https://twitter.com/SAILFEST

Sailfest July 12-13,2025

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, boats, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food!

Visit www.sailfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/sailfest/ for a complete list of events and times.

Visit the Official Sailfest website- http://www.sailfest.org/

Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sailfest

Follow us on Twitter- https://twitter.com/SAILFEST

August 7th – Let Loose Thursday Touch -a- Truck, Petting Zoo, Live Music and Fireworks !

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in Touch-a-Truck, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

Carly's Critters - Petting Zoo

New London Police Department - Meet New London K9 officer.

New London Fire Department

Live music

 Fireworks - Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

 Food Trucks

Vendors

New London Youth Affairs- Free children's activities

New London Recreation- Free activities for families

A man like Dave Mason never leaves touring. Yet, at 78, there are no guarantees…so now is the moment to experience a legend! Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic artist live and may these 2025 performances become treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Dave Mason returns to touring in 2025 with ‘Let It Flow’, which isn’t just the name of a song but it’s his philosophy in life. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a producer, Dave has always put forth that great songs come from a state of being quiet enough to hear the flow of the music before it ever hits the page. He has devoted his life to developing a deep sense of inner listening and the gifted capacity to bring it all to life.

You don’t want to miss this legendary artist as he performs deep cuts and classic favorites that have been loved by legions of fans for more than half a century. Fans can expect a unique concert experience as all songs are interwoven with Dave’s rich storytelling of a history that encompasses over five decades in rock n’ roll.

Anyone who’s listened to Dave’s music, or has seen him in concert, knows that he’s playing because he loves it. He is authentic. You wouldn’t know that he’s shy and introverted by nature if you’ve seen his powerful performances. Dave has been described as a ‘gunslinger’, and what you’ll witness firsthand is a man dedicated to preserving the vitality of music, staying genuine and faithful to the spirit of excellence.

Ahoy there, mateys! Embrace the legend of Captain Kidd and the joy of pirate play. Don your pirate attire and gather with us at Parade Plaza by the Pirate Ship for a delightful photo session. Mingle with the swashbuckling crew, enjoy a shanty or two, and engage in conversations about seeking hidden treasures as we unveil hints on the exciting New London Pirate Adventure Map.

Ahoy, me hearties! The boisterous Bawdy Buccaneers are charting a course for the New London Pirate Festival on August 17th, right at Parade Plaza!

Embark on a musical voyage with Captain Lance D. Boyle of the Picaroon Princess and his trusty First Mate & "Cruise Director," Truly Scrumptious. They'll dock their vessel, The Picaroon Princess, at New London Parade Plaza, ready to welcome fellow pirates. Join in the merry exchange of tales and treasures, raise a chorus of beloved pirate melodies, or even learn a fresh tune or two.

Join the fun at the Parade Plaza!

6:30 PM**: Kids are invited to show off their best pirate costumes in our "Dress Like a Pirate" contest.

8:00 PM**: Adults can strut their stuff in the Pirate Pageant, also at the Parade Plaza.

Don't miss out on the swashbuckling excitement!

JESUS “AGUAJE” RAMOS (born 1951) is a Cuban trombonist,composer, arranger and musical director. He is best known as the original orchestra leader, composer and trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club. He has also served long stints in world class ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban Allstars. His musical journey and history is brought into focus throughout the critically acclaimed 1999 documentary “Buena Vista Social Club”

Ramos performed on the World Circuit recordings of The Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban Allstars and the solo albums of Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzales and Omara Portuondo. He was Gonzales’s musical director and has been touring extensively since 1997 with various Buena Vista Social Club projects. He was a prominent member and musical director of the renowned Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, which brought the music of the original Buena Vista Social Club back into international prominence during the incredibly successful ‘Adios’ Tour from 2014-2016.

The Buena Vista Orchestra, under the direction of Ramos and featuring key players from throughout the history of The Buena Vista Social Club, continued the legacy of the legendary group in 2024 with an exciting new stage production and repertoire pulled from the greatest hits (many of which Ramos composed) and deep-dive cuts. The group embarked on a massive tour across the USA starting in September 2024, spending 3 months on the road and playing for thousands of fans new and old. Their adventure culminated in the release of USA TOUR 2024 – 12 LIVE RECORDINGS on SSK Records, the first time in decades the group’s music will be available on CD and vinyl

Ramos is joined on the 2025 international tour to Canada, The United Kingdom, The EU, Brazil and beyond by an all star ensemble including original BVSC members “Betun” Luis Mariano Valiente Marin (Congas, Bongo) and Fabían Garcia (Bass).

To date, The Buena Vista Social Club and related projects have global sales that stand at over fifty million, making it the biggest-selling Cuban music project in history. As one critic put it, Buena Vista has become “world music’s equivalent of The Dark Side of the Moon.”

THE BUENA VISTA ORCHESTRA 2025

JESUS “AGUAJE” RAMOS – Trombone, Vocals

LORENA RAMOS DIAZ – Trombone, Vocals

GEIDY CHAPMAN – Vocals

YURI TEJADA RODRIGUEZ – Vocals

AMAURY TAMAYO – Trumpet, Vocals

ANDY ABAD ACOSTA – Piano

FABIAN GARCIA – Bass

ANTONIO RUBIO BORAYO – Timbal, Percussion

LUIS “BETUN” MARIANO VALIENTE MARIN – Congas, Bongo

MAIKEL OCHAO – Tres

Join us Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00 until 8:30 for a Signature New London Event!

The Downtown New London Assoc brings back a popular tradition of celebrating New London at its Annual Fall Food Stroll. Participants experience a vibrant downtown New London filled with people, music, good cheer and welcoming businesses.

Stroll through different restaurants, shops, arts and cultural institutions in downtown New London. Bite-size samples of dishes or drinks that range from seafood to sweets, organic to ethnic and everything in between at the District's finest eateries are yours with an advanced purchased wristbands as your ticket to taste! Premiere local talent will perform along the stroll route.

Do not hesitate to get your wristbands early - and save! We only have limited wristbands available.

All purchases are final. Rain or Shine Event. No Refunds.

• Advanced purchased
• Adult
• Military & Student must show ID upon Wristbands pickup at the office.
• Group 6+
• (for group purchases contact Downtown New London Assoc 860.443-3786 or bjneff1369@sbcglobal.net)

You will pick up your wristbands at Neff Productions Office - 2 State St, New London, CT -Call to arrange pickup 860-443-3786

Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Fresh off high-profile placements in Seasons 1 and 2 of the aforementioned streaming smash, VSQ has “reached a mainstream, global audience” (Variety) and “charmed the world with their classical covers” (Nylon). New York Observer wrote, “VSQ’s atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.”

On their latest tour, VSQ have created fresh arrangements of the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, performing spellbinding and innovative renditions of Swift’s music, alongside familiar hits from Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd to Daft Punk.

VSQ are one of the most popular string ensembles in the world with over 2 billion streams and seven albums charting on both Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

Celebrate Halloween at New London Waterfront Park: Halloween Town Event on Friday, October 17th from 6pm to 8pm

The City of New London, in collaboration with the Downtown New London Association, invites families to immerse themselves in a spooktacular Halloween experience at Halloween Town, an event set to take place on Friday, October 17th from 6pm to 8pm at the spooky New London Waterfront Park.

Halloween Town promises an enchanting evening of frightful delights and ghoulish fun for all ages. Attendees can look forward to an array of exciting activities:

Trick or Treating for Families: Children and parents alike will have the opportunity to stroll the waterfront, collecting sweet treats and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Costume Contest: A Costume Contest for ages Pre-K to 5th grade will take place at City Pier at 7:00 pm. Show off your creative costumes and stand a chance to win amazing prizes. This event is proudly sponsored by K-Hits 100.9 FM.

Roaming Entertainment: The event will feature lively roaming entertainment by Justine Nicole Entertainment, adding an extra dose of excitement and thrills to the Halloween festivities.

New London Fire Department Safety Trailer: The New London Fire Department will have a safety trailer on-site, providing valuable safety tips and information to ensure a secure and enjoyable Halloween experience.

Performance by Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre: Enjoy a captivating performance by the talented dancers from Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre, showcasing their artistry and adding a touch of grace to the Halloween celebration.

Join us at Halloween Town for a night of spooktacular entertainment and community spirit in the heart of New London. Let's come together and make this Halloween a memorable and safe celebration.

Small Business Saturday

This holiday season we hope you'll join us in supporting our small business community as you look for that extra something special for family, friends, loved ones, and maybe even yourself. New London has an eclectic and cool scene of retailers, galleries, artisans, restaurants, and bars that are all run and staffed by folks from our community. We hope you'll swing through and support them early and often!

We're kicking it off right with Small Business Saturday on November 29th. Shops will have specials, sales, and more including some entertainment options. We hope you'll join us.

Stay tuned to this space for more details from some of our shops and restaurants.

Santa Shopping Stroll - Grab a map and explore the charming streets of downtown New London as you shop for holiday gifts. Check out the list of special offers from the businesses participating on that day. Make sure to visit all the locations to collect Christmas stamps on your map. Turn in your completed map to Flavour of Life for a chance to win a fabulous DNLA merchant gift basket. Enjoy this delightful day-long holiday shopping extravaganza!

New London, CT., December 26, 2025- The City of New London and the New London NAACP will have a ceremony tonight starting at 5:00 pm at the Parade Plaza to light the Kinara for the first night of Kwanzaa. We invite the community to come out and enjoy the celebration.

The colors of each candle have symbolic meanings. The black candle represents the African people, the red candles symbolize their struggles, and the green represents hope for the future. The number of candles represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Together, the candles are called the mishumaa saba. The candles are lit according to the numbering of the Principles:

Umoja (1)- (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (2) - (Self-Determination)

Ujima (3) - (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Ujamaa (4)- (Cooperative Economics)

Nia (5) - (Purpose)

Kuumba (6) - (Creativity)

Imani (7) - (Faith)

The word kinara is a Swahili word that means candle holder. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. Red, green, and black are the symbolic colors of the holiday. During the week of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit on the kinara each day.