This one-day course on the lathe will provide students with instruction on the intricacies of woodturning, from sharpening traditional woodturning tools to outside turning and inside turning. The course provides instruction on the lathe and grinder with a focus on spindle turning. Students will turn a goblet that they can take home after the completion of the course.

18+

For Spark Members: This class will provide lathe tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tool. Thanks to the generous support from the Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, these classes are reduced in price.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this happens, you will be contacted a week ahead of time, and the class will be canceled.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

You will learn Parametric CAD basics in this class. Enjoy learning to design a 3D object! This class will take you through the basics of using Onshape CAD software.

Specific topics covered in the class:

• Basic 2D sketching with constraints
• Extrude
• Revolve
• Loft
• Solid boolean operations (union, subtract difference)

Don't worry if you don't know these terms; this is a fun entry-level class! We'll teach you the lingo.

Each student must bring a laptop computer running modern Windows, Linux, or Mac OS and a real mouse. Doing CAD with a touchpad is next to impossible. Students must have Google Chrome browser installed.

This class is intended for students ages 16+

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

This one-woman play addresses how Jews and Muslims worldwide face a sharp spike in Antisemitism and Islamophobia. In America, the issue is politicized in the streets and on campus, and the Middle East is re-made as the world watches. Sandra Laub grapples with emotions anyone can recognize in a swirling maelstrom of events. This project is part of the New London Rotary Club and Rotary District 7980's Opus for Peace series, signalling Jerry Fischer, Rotarian and producer of the tour:

6/16 Carmiel City Hall

6/17 Moshav Kfar Yehezkel

6/19 Kibbutz HaNaton, Beit Tamar

6/21 Kibbutz Yakum

6/23 Kibbutz Shomrat, Moadon

6/26 Mevakshei Derech, Jerusalem

6/28 Jaffa Theater, Old Jaffa

Searching for a partner can be horrifically painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you've never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment with plenty of delicious options on tap. At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you'd like to date and a list of those you met that you'd like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other's e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Best case scenario: You find true love, discover some awesome board games, and make some new friends.

Bad case scenario: You accomplish only one of those three things, which is still pretty great.

Worst case scenario: There will be alcohol.

Space is limited- grab your spot here!

Join Michelle from Sips of Saffron in the taproom to create your own custom tea blend!

Come together and blend your own custom creation to take home, along with some goodies that pair perfectly. (You'll have over 30 herbs to choose from) 

Workshop includes:

Custom Tea Blending 

Tea Steeper

Charm Bar for your tea steeper

Tea Serving Spoon

Complimentary Tea during event 

Tea Cheat Sheets & Info Cards

Your first Tox pour!

Purchase your ticket here.

** Please note that this event may take place in our lower level which is only accessible via stairwell***

Calling all entrepreneurs! If you’re building a business and have a bold idea that can spark growth, apply to Ledge Light Launch’s first ever pitch competition sponsored by seCTer.

Join us on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the taproom, for an exciting Pitch Competition designed to spotlight the region’s most promising businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or already making waves, we want to hear your vision. The winner will receive $7,500, one year membership to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, as well as, other prizes to be announced.

Applications are open now and will be accepted until June 16, 2025. Businesses of all stages and sizes are encouraged to apply—from idea-stage startups to seasoned operations.

For more information or to apply to compete, click here.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Spark Makerspace is turning 10!

Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating a decade of making!

Saturday, June 28, 2025

7 PM to 10 PM

an evening filled with magic, artistry, and community spirit

Theme & Attire: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Let your imagination run wild! We encourage guests to dress in costume inspired by the whimsical and mystical world of Shakespeare’s beloved play. Whether you’re a fairy, a flower, or a donkey, you are bound to have a good time!

A Night of Delight Awaits:

Food & Drink: Delicious tapas and delectable desserts with a cash bar run by the Garde.

Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in music and theatrical performances.

• The Musical Talents of Alpacha Lunch
• Performances by FLOCK Theatre

Maker & Art Silent Auction: Bid on a diverse showcase of creativity, each made with care by our Spark artists and makers.

Norwich Camera Company will be producing “Mini” tintype. Each plate will have 2 images and will be cut in half. We are able to fit 2 people on one side of the plate making it perfect for couples. All plates will be ready for pickup a week following the event at Spark.

Each exposure will be $60. $15 of each booking will go directly to Spark Makerspace.

Tin Types- Created in 1850, tin types were considered the first widely available photographic process to the public. It was the standard process until the 1880s.

Spaces are limited and will sell out.

An open mic will begin the evening, followed by a performance by Jennifer Munro. Recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence Award, Jennifer Munro tells original stories about rogues and heroes that resonate with the frailty and courage of the human condition. She also puts modern spins on ancient tales, often combining them with personal experience. She has produced three award-winning CDs and a collection of short stories, Aunty Lily and other Delightfully Perverse Stories, also an award winner. Jennifer has performed at the National Festival and the Timpanogos Festival. Her most recent project, a tour-deforce performance of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, has been hailed by critics as “dazzling and spellbinding”.

Space is limited. To reserve your seat: ctstorytelling234@gmail.com

Join NM Sweets for Cookie Decorating in the taproom!

Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a beginner, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Ticket includes one beverage from the Tox Brewing Company Tap Room or Coffee Shop as well as 5 cute patriotic themed cookies and royal icing to decorate. Impress your friends and bring these cookies to any 4th of July celebration!

Don't miss out on this fun and tasty experience! Grab your friends and family and make some sweet memories together.

Purchase your ticket here!

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us for Mitchfest, an unforgettable day of music and community at the Hygienic Art Park, honoring the late great Mitch! This all-star lineup brings together powerhouse talent for one epic afternoon and evening of amazing music.

Headlining the event:

 Curtis Salgado – Legendary soul singer, harmonica master, and true force of nature on stage.

Bobby Christina’s Caravan Presents:

 A Tribute to Matt “Guitar” Murphy featuring:

The First Lady of Blues Toni Lynn Washington

The Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman

Texas guitar slinger Willie J. Laws

Dual drummers Fran and Bob Christina

The one and only Johnny Blue Horn (he needed the money!)

 Al Staehley Band

 Johnny and the East Coast Rockers

 Roy McLean

Hosted by the incomparable Ali Kaufman!

Bring your friends, grab a drink, and soak in the summer sounds. This is one you don’t want to miss.

The most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s

GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL has been thrilling audiences and earning raves from critics throughout North America since it began touring after its sensational Off-Broadway debut. This touching and hilarious ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends.

Audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and even find themselves singing and dancing in the aisles as some of the most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s make this musical a fan favorite!

Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out … and you’ll recognize a bit yourselves in every one of them!

It is described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” (Applause Magazine), “A boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue” (Wisconsin State Journal), “An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication (Hollywood Reporter) and “As funny and outrageous as Sex and the City!” (The Advocate).

GIRLS NIGHT is bursting with energy and is packed with hits “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive,” “We are Family” and many more.

Whether you’re a sushi newbie or a seasoned pro, this hands-on class is perfect for anyone looking to roll up their sleeves and dive into the art of sushi.

The 2-hour experience includes:

– Step-by-step instructions on how to make sushi

– All the ingredients and tools to create your sushi masterpieces

– Personal time with the chef

– Entertainment and engagement for all

– Tips on presentation and Instagram-worthy sushi

– Sauces and garnished for your sushi

– Fresh and quality Ingredients

– 1st Glass of Beer

This class is perfect for sushi beginners and enthusiasts! No experience necessary! 

Come solo, bring a friend, or make it a date night—everyone’s welcome! Reserve your spot today and get ready to roll!

*Please note that this workshop may be held in our downstairs event space which requires entrance via a flight of stairs*

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us in the Hygienic Art Park on Saturday July, 5 for the 4th Annual Multiplier Summer Party with support from Sky Island and DJ Ben Jammin.

Doors open at 7pm. Be sure to check out our array of local artisan vendors, hosted by ONA. Tickets are $15 online pre-sale and $17 at the door. Hope to see you there!…

MULTIPLIER

New London based live electronic band Multiplier creates a sonic landscape that is unequivocally club, but with a psychedelic flair. Multiplier’s sound is derived from house, edm, dub, electro funk, regular funk, breakbeat, hip hop and trip hop. Multiplier’s music is peppered with unexpected twists and turns inside of an unrelenting groove.

www.multiplierband.com/

Multiplier Instagram

SKY ISLAND

Sky Island is a live/electronic fusion of sounds, shimmering Hendrix-esque guitar and heavy bass. Frontman mason Lucas has collaborated with Random Rab, Aya Nereo, Wildlight, Leah Song, and Zach Velmer (of STS9). The bands current lineup features drummer J Curland, vocalist Matia Kali (formerly of the Hanuman Project) and Anna Lucas (poster girl of the Gigolo Aunts)

skyisland.bandcamp.com

Videos:

Birds2Fly

Stars Align

DJ BEN JAMMIN

DJ Ben Jammin' Instagram

ONA

https://www.instagram.com/annastarrlucas/

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join Brian Jones from Shoreline Clay Club in the taproom for this Sip n' Scratch cup decorating event! Enjoy a unique opportunity to personalize your own cup while sipping on a Tox brew (included in the ticket price). Come prepared with your own theme or decoration ideas or just let it flow! Brian will have cups already made and slipped so that you can draw and scratch your way to a unique pot that you can use at home.

All necessary materials to decorate your cup will be provided. This event is perfect for individuals looking to explore their artistic side in a relaxed and social setting at your fav local brewery!

***After the event, Brian will bring the completed cups back to Shoreline Clay Club to fire and return them to the taproom where you will be able to pick them up***

Tickets to this unique and creative workshop can be purchased here.

Pitch-A-Friend is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates friendship by allowing friends to give short slide presentations about their remarkable single friends to a lively audience of available singles. Whether you’re pitching a friend or just here to mingle, this night is all about meeting amazing singles and having a fantastic time.

How It Works:

Want to pitch your friend? Reserve a pitch spot by filling out the online form. Once you’re confirmed, create a 3-5 minute slide presentation showcasing why your friend is an incredible catch. Describe their best qualities, share a few fun facts, and include what they’re looking for in a relationship. This isn’t a roast but a chance to uplift your friend in a positive way, with the aim of helping them find a connection. You can see the guidelines and some examples here. Pitch slots are limited per event, so sign up in advance!

Just want to watch and mingle? Come hang out for free! Bring your friends along to enjoy the fun and meet other fantastic singles.

After the Presentations:

Stick around for our Single Mingle Mixer! This is your chance to chat, make connections, and maybe see if sparks fly. With around 6-11 presentations per event, you’ll have the chance to meet singles in a warm, friendly environment without any pressure.

Cost: Free to attend!

Don’t miss out on a night of great vibes, fun connections, and awesome memories!

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Bring the whole family for great music, food, and fun at Celebrate New London on Saturday, July 12th! The festival features two stages, local artisans, over a dozen food trucks, and exhibitors in downtown and along the waterfront. Our marquee attraction is The Mashantucket Pequot Thames River Fireworks Extravaganza!

For more information, visit CelebrateNewLondon.com.

Southern New England’s largest fireworks show is The Mashantucket Pequot Thames River Fireworks Extravaganza in New London on Saturday, July 12th at 9pm. Tune in to Big 100.9 for music synchronization to the fireworks and enjoy the complete audio visual experience.

For more information, visit CelebrateNewLondon.com.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Do you wish you could have more of the kinds of conversations you have late at night where for some reason, you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about?

Bring your friends (or come by yourself) and spend your Thursday night at an event where you know everyone else is there for the same reason.

We'll be offering "big talk" conversational prompts on them to get you started, and we'll have lots of structure to make sure that you actually talk to people and that it's not awkward. Not feeling like answering a particular question? No worries, we'll have plenty to choose from, like, "When are you the happiest?" and, "If you were going to become close friends with me, what would I need to know about you?" We'll give you ground rules to make sure you feel comfortable and safe sharing as much of yourself as possible while still feeling in complete control of how much you divulge.

Secure your spot here.

On this special evening, join artist John Boone to explore his exhibition John Boone– WHATSWHAT at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Learn about the inspirations and conceptual meanings behind the idioms showcased in his word-driven artwork.

Cost: Members $10 / Non-Members $15

Date & Time, Wednesday, July 16, Reception 5:30 pm, Talk 6 pm

RSVP to 860.443.2545 ext. 2129 or email us.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Image: John Boone (American, born 1951), Hands – Its Out of My Hands, 2018, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40 inches. Image courtesy of the artist.

Websites for Women Artists 101

This professional workshop series is designed for women, non-binary, and women-identifying individuals working within the arts sector, Wednesdays 7/16-7/30, 6-8p (last session Artist Talk date/time TBA). Focusing on informative discussion on enhancing artistic skills and creative opportunities, this will be a 3-Part Series, by the Pattagansett Art Center, in collaboration with Spark Makerspace, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Participants will learn from guest speakers covering essential topics in creative development. This program is generously sponsored by Breezeline.

The program aims to empower creatives by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive creative landscape, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration and growth. Sessions 1-3 are only open to 8 participants, so please please register early. The 4th session is optional and open to the Public.

Important:

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Ages 16+

The class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact make@sparkmakerspace.org in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Session 1: July 16, 6-8p

About the Creative: Biography and Statements

(Creating an about section through interactive activities)

Every website has an about section. This session will explore and engage participants and the power of short, succinct personal biographies. This is an essential framework for a creative practice and provides insight into intentions, themes, accomplishments, and context for an audience or viewer to experience your work. Through guided individual and group activities, we will engage in the creation of a general creative biography and a more body of work-specific statement. We will learn to better understand our own vision and motivations, along with important recommendations, as our artist journey evolves.

Session 2: July 23, 6-8p

The Impact of Visual Branding for Creatives

(Look, Branding, Documentation, Photo cube, lighting, documentation, pricing of your work)

In a digital world, elevating your creative look or aesthetic is an essential part of visual language. This session will dive into the importance of documenting artwork, developing a story, contemporary pricing, demystifying, and building a professional brand, and a touch on contemporary market analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of photographing artwork, creating a consistent style, and understanding the process of establishing an online identity.

Session 3: July 30, 6-8p

A Comprehensive Approach to Building Your Artist Website

(Building a website, and Digital Footprint)

Utilizing the skills and techniques from previous sessions, participants will learn how to build an effective artist website. This session will provide step-by-step instructions to navigate the process of website creation, uploading your artwork images, and promoting your practice. Websites can seem intimidating, but we will work to simplify and demystify this topic!

Session 4: TBA

Women in the Arts Open Community Forum

To celebrate this series, we are hosting a networking event and panel discussion at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. This Community Forum will feature participation from Suzie Ferras of the San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative IQ Studio & Gallery, alongside a panel of both established professionals and emerging local artists. Centered on the shared goal of uplifting and connecting creative women, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, build professional networks, and strengthen community ties both locally and beyond.