Sun
Aug
31
Sun
Aug
31

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


8/31/2025
Repeating event
Outdoors & Nature
Seasonal Activities

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise on the Thames River

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames...
Sunday
Aug 31
@
11:00 am
-
6:00 pm
Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Tours, Cruises, Water Taxi Landing - Fort Trumbull State Park, New London in New London
Sun
Aug
31
Sun
Aug
31

Students will make a small box with a drawer out of a single piece of stock to be taken home at the end of the class. Students will be introduced to gluing techniques, several bandsaw techniques, and basic methods of finishing (shellac).

Students should expect to do a significant amount of hand sanding as part of the process.

Bandsaw certification is available for Spark members.

18+

This is a two-part class that meets Sunday, 8/24 and 8/31, 4-8p.

For Spark Members: This class will provide bandsaw tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tool. Because of generous support of Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, the price of our certification classes has been greatly subsidized. Making them more affordable to our membership.

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.

8/31/2025
Repeating event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Bandsaw Boxes Class (8/24+8/31)

Students will make a small box with a drawer out of a single piece of stock to be taken home at...
Sunday
Aug 31
@
4:00 pm
-
8:00 pm
Spark Makerspace in New London
More Events
Wed
Sep
3
Wed
Sep
3

Have you ever seen a quilt that was so beautiful that you just HAD to make it? Well, this is that kind of quilt block. Quilter Timna Tarr made the quilt I saw, and she has generously permitted me to teach it.

This block is quick, simple, and addictively fun to make. Each striped circle becomes unique based on your fabric choices. We’ll start with muslin circles and learn the flip-and-sew technique, followed by a bit of hand sewing, gathering, pressing, and appliqué. Before you know it, you’ll have a quilt block (or two!) ready to become part of a beautiful top.

Students are welcome to bring strips of fabric, approximately 1 ½ inches wide, if they have them, but it is not necessary.

All materials are included in this class.

We will be making one quilt block together, from start to finish. Quicker workers may make more, but there is no hurry. Everyone can work at their own pace.

NOTE: Basic knowledge of a sewing machine is helpful, but not required; students can learn through the project.

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

9/3/2025
Single event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Scrap Quilt Block Class (Striped Circle)

Have you ever seen a quilt that was so beautiful that you just HAD to make it? Well, this is that...
Wednesday
Sep 3
@
6:00 pm
-
8:00 pm
Spark Makerspace in New London
Wed
Sep
3
Wed
Sep
3

A new spin on sushi making classes! This September, pair sweet and refreshing fruit with nice cold beer! Roll With Us for unforgettable fun and enjoy a one-of-a-kind fruit sushi making class with The Sushi Class.

The 2-hour class includes 2 rolls, 1 strawberry-banana and 1 strawberry-kiwi for you to make with our sweet rice and soy wraps! Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants to try a different type of sushi!

Limited spots available- Sign up here and get ready to roll!


9/3/2025
Single event
Food & Drink
Cooking & Baking

Fruit Sushi Making Class with The Sushi Class

A new spin on sushi making classes! This September, pair sweet and refreshing fruit with nice...
Wednesday
Sep 3
@
6:30 pm
-
8:30 pm
Tox Brewing Co in New London
More Events
Thu
Sep
4
Thu
Sep
4

Open Mic Night

Sign Up available onsite at 5:30 PM

Poetry, comedy, spoken word, Bring what you got! All talents welcome!

5 Minute Time Slot for Comedians and Poets!

2 Song Time Slot for Musicians!

No Cover Charge - Donations Always Welcome


9/4/2025
Repeating event
Arts & Culture
Open Mic & Jam Sessions

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night Sign Up available onsite at 5:30 PM Poetry, comedy, spoken word, Bring what you...
Thursday
Sep 4
@
5:30 pm
-
7:00 pm
Hygienic Art in New London
More Events
Sat
Sep
6
Sat
Sep
6

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


9/6/2025
Repeating event
Outdoors & Nature
Seasonal Activities

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise on the Thames River

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames...
Saturday
Sep 6
@
11:00 am
-
6:00 pm
Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Tours, Cruises, Water Taxi Landing - Fort Trumbull State Park, New London in New London
Sun
Sep
7
Sun
Sep
7

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


9/7/2025
Repeating event
Outdoors & Nature
Seasonal Activities

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise on the Thames River

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames...
Sunday
Sep 7
@
11:00 am
-
6:00 pm
Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Tours, Cruises, Water Taxi Landing - Fort Trumbull State Park, New London in New London
Tue
Sep
9
Tue
Sep
9

Experience the Thames River like never before!


Join us for a magical cruise down the river to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound. Two evenings occur each month to catch the moon rising from the park's boats.


Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise!

Questions: 860-407-5655


Evening cruises sell out fast! Save $5 when you purchase your tour tickets in advance.

This tour departs out of City Pier located in downtown New London, CT.


Dates:

August 8th

August 9th

September 9th

September 10th


9/9/2025
Repeating event
Outdoors & Nature

Full Moon Cruise on the Thames

Experience the Thames River like never before! Join us for a magical cruise down the river to...
Tuesday
Sep 9
@
7:45 pm
-
9:00 pm
Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Tours, Cruises, Water Taxi Landing - New London Waterfront Park / City Pier in New London
More Events
Wed
Sep
10
Wed
Sep
10

Experience the Thames River like never before!


Join us for a magical cruise down the river to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound. Two evenings occur each month to catch the moon rising from the park's boats.


Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise!

Questions: 860-407-5655


Evening cruises sell out fast! Save $5 when you purchase your tour tickets in advance.

This tour departs out of City Pier located in downtown New London, CT.


Dates:

August 8th

August 9th

September 9th

September 10th


9/10/2025
Repeating event
Outdoors & Nature

Full Moon Cruise on the Thames

Experience the Thames River like never before! Join us for a magical cruise down the river to...
Wednesday
Sep 10
@
7:45 pm
-
9:00 pm
Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Tours, Cruises, Water Taxi Landing - New London Waterfront Park / City Pier in New London
More Events
Fri
Sep
12
Fri
Sep
12

Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time. Starring band members David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth (along with their incredible touring musicians), the live performance was shot at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater and features Talking Heads’ most memorable songs.


This live event features a public screening of the re-release and hosted by co-star Jerry Harrison who will deliver introductory remarks, post screening comments and audience Q&A.

9/12/2025
Single event
Arts & Culture
Film, Media & Digital Arts

Stop Making Sense: Live Event Hosted by Jerry Harrison

Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by...
Friday
Sep 12
@
7:30 pm
-
10:00 pm
Garde Arts Center in New London
More Events
Tue
Sep
16
Tue
Sep
16

Make Your Own Faerie Door with Wee Faerie Village Artist Vanessa Bunnell of Botanical Beauty Designs LLC

Step into a world of whimsy and wonder as you create your very own faerie door using natural materials, imagination, and a little magic!

● All materials are provided – twigs, moss, stones, bark, and other woodland treasures.

● Participants are encouraged to bring personal touches or found objects to incorporate into their faerie door masterpiece.

● Registration includes your first drink to enjoy while you create!

This unique class is perfect for crafters, garden lovers, and anyone who believes in a little faerie magic.

Spaces are limited, so reserve yours soon and let your creativity take root!


9/16/2025
Single event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Make Your Own Faerie Door Workshop

Make Your Own Faerie Door with Wee Faerie Village Artist Vanessa Bunnell of Botanical Beauty...
Tuesday
Sep 16
@
6:30 pm
-
8:00 pm
Tox Brewing Co in New London
More Events
Fri
Sep
19
Fri
Sep
19

The 53rd Brewfest at the Beach, Ocean Beach Park in New London. It will take place on Friday September 19, 2025 from 6pm-9pm. It will include hundreds of beer and other beverages to sample. Admission in advance is $30 pp and includes: 15 tickets for sampling, Brew friendly food and entertainment.

9/19/2025
Repeating event
Food & Drink

Brewfest at the Beach Rotary Club of New London

The 53rd Brewfest at the Beach, Ocean Beach Park in New London. It will take place on Friday...
Friday
Sep 19
@
6:00 pm
-
9:00 pm
Ocean Beach Park in New London
More Events
Sat
Sep
20
Sat
Sep
20

Join us for the Garlic Festival in an award-winning festival. Food Vendors & Refreshments, Farms, Bakers, Crafters, Artisans & Artists on September 20 & 21. Great Music & Family Fun! More details coming soon.

Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

9/20/2025
Ongoing event
Community & Family
Local Festivals

18th Annual Garlic Festival

Join us for the Garlic Festival in an award-winning festival. Food Vendors & Refreshments,...
Saturday
Sep 20
@
11:00 am
-
7:00 pm
Olde Mistick Village in Mystic
More Events
Sun
Sep
21
Sun
Sep
21

This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the relief process, the technique used in the oldest forms of printmaking. By creating a single-color linocut print, you will learn the basics of relief printing. We will explore types of carving blocks, inks, and papers, and you will learn how to prepare your carving block, transfer your design, and carve and ink the block. You will make several prints, both by hand printing and using the printing press. (After this class, members will be certified to use the press for relief printing.)


Please read through the relief printing handout (found here) before class, and bring a simple design no larger than 5x8 inches. A good beginner design has a bold image, thick lines, and no fine details. Keeping it simple will help you avoid frustration and allow you to focus on the fundamentals of printmaking. You can find some great ideas by searching for free black and white vector art. Several design options will also be available to choose from in class.

Certification for Members: Printing Press Members who demonstrate proper use of the printing press can be certified for independent access to the tool.

Thanks to generous donations from The Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, prices of our certification classes are greatly reduced.

Get your tickets today!

Ages: 15+

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable. Plan accordingly.

9/21/2025
Single event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Printmaking 101: Relief

This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the relief process, the technique used in the...
Sunday
Sep 21
@
1:00 pm
-
4:00 pm
Spark Makerspace in New London
Tue
Sep
23
Tue
Sep
23

Have you ever seen a quilt that was so beautiful that you just HAD to make it? Well, this is that kind of quilt block. Quilter Timna Tarr made the quilt I saw, and she has generously permitted me to teach it.

This block is quick, simple, and addictively fun to make. Each striped circle becomes unique based on your fabric choices. We’ll start with muslin circles and learn the flip-and-sew technique, followed by a bit of hand sewing, gathering, pressing, and appliqué. Before you know it, you’ll have a quilt block (or two!) ready to become part of a beautiful top.

Students are welcome to bring strips of fabric, approximately 1 ½ inches wide, if they have them, but it is not necessary.

All materials are included in this class.

We will be making one quilt block together, from start to finish. Quicker workers may make more, but there is no hurry. Everyone can work at their own pace.

NOTE: Basic knowledge of a sewing machine is helpful, but not required; students can learn through the project.

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

9/23/2025
Single event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Scrap Quilt Block Class (Striped Circle)

Have you ever seen a quilt that was so beautiful that you just HAD to make it? Well, this is that...
Tuesday
Sep 23
@
6:00 pm
-
8:00 pm
Spark Makerspace in New London
More Events
Wed
Sep
24
Wed
Sep
24

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***

9/24/2025
Single event
Hobbies & Crafts
Crafting Workshops

Sip n' Scratch Cup Decorating Workshop

Join Brian Jones from Shoreline Clay Club in the taproom for this Sip n' Scratch cup...
Wednesday
Sep 24
@
6:00 pm
-
8:00 pm
Tox Brewing Co in New London
More Events
Sat
Sep
27
Sat
Sep
27

2025 New London Harvest Festival at the Old Town Mill

Old Town Mill, 8 Mill Street, New London, CT

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Celebrate Fall in Historic New London!

Bring the whole family to one of New London’s most treasured historic sites for a festive autumn celebration you won’t want to miss! The 2025 New London Harvest Festival at the Old Town Mill is a free public event filled with music, food, fun, and fall activities.

Live Music

Petting Zoo

Local Vendors

Kids’ Activities

Harvest-Themed Fun

Guided Tours of the Old Town Mill

This beloved event captures the spirit of the season while highlighting the rich history of our community.


9/27/2025
Single event
Community & Family
Local Festivals

New London Harvest Festival at the Old Town Mill

2025 New London Harvest Festival at the Old Town Mill Old Town Mill, 8 Mill Street, New London,...
Saturday
Sep 27
@
11:00 am
-
3:00 pm
Old Town Mill in New London
Sun
Sep
28
Sun
Sep
28

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


9/28/2025
Single event
Arts & Culture
Concerts & Live Music

Jesus "Aguaje" Ramos & the Buena Vista Orchestra

JESUS “AGUAJE” RAMOS (born 1951) is a Cuban trombonist,composer, arranger and musical...
Sunday
Sep 28
@
7:00 pm
-
9:00 pm
Garde Arts Center in New London
Mon
Sep
29
Mon
Sep
29

Olde Mistick Village will be hosting Scarecrows in the Village this year from Saturday, September 27 through Friday, October 31st. Come explore what each merchant has in store for their scarecrow display and support local business! Voting will take place throughout the village using QR codes throughout October. Don’t miss out on helping announce “Best in Crow”, “Most Representative”, and “Most Seaworthy”, leading into yet another festive fall season! Scarecrows will be on display through October 31st!

#ScarecrowsatOMV


9/29/2025
Ongoing event
Community & Family
Local Festivals

Scarecrows in the Village

Olde Mistick Village will be hosting Scarecrows in the Village this year from Saturday, September...
Monday
Sep 29
@
10:00 am
-
8:00 pm
Olde Mistick Village in Mystic
More Events