Events in Groton, CT

This Pokemon league event features age divisions for Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. The entry fee is $5, and prizes are awarded based on attendance and final standings.

A workout at the Fort features a routine that changes each week while keeping the same goal. It is free, welcomes men, and emphasizes finishing stronger than when it began.

The Michael Cavanaugh Memorial Golf Tournament takes place at Pequot Golf Club, with a fee of $120 per player. Proceeds support ALS United - CT research and Sails Up 4 Cancer.

Discover wellness offerings focused on relaxation and personalized insight. Choose a foot or hand detox soak in warm water with copper coils, designed as a calm and easygoing experience. Enhance it with ear acupuncture or ear seed placement in a comfortable chair for an additional $40. Another option is a high-definition microscopy appointment that offers individualized health education with Debbie Perry, RD. Each primary service is $50, with the ear treatment available as an add-on. To reserve a spot, call 860-536-3880 or text 860-851-6629.

Bank Square Books hosts an author talk and signing with David Borges, highlighting his book UConn Basketball: An Illustrated Timeline. The program traces UConn’s journey from regional contender to national powerhouse, detailing six national championships earned under three different head coaches within a 26 year span. It examines how the Huskies collected more national titles than any other men’s team in that period, amassed the most Big East championships despite seven seasons out of the league, and captured consecutive crowns in 2023 and 2024, becoming the first repeat champion in 17 years and only the third to do so since the UCLA runs of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The story features figures such as Ray Allen, Jim Calhoun and Dan Hurley, and charts the program’s NBA pipeline, including 17 lottery picks, 24 first round selections and 40 overall. Borges brings the perspective of a veteran beat writer who has covered UConn since 2007 for the New Haven Register and Hearst Connecticut Media, reported on four national championships and five Final Four teams, previously chronicled the 2004 Boston Red Sox title that ended an 86 year drought, and earned recognition as the National Sports Media Association’s Connecticut Sportswriter of the Year in 2019.

An elegant gala honoring heritage while looking toward what comes next, this special evening lifts up the stories, voices, and artistic traditions that have shaped both the nation and the local community. The program features a lively cabaret-style Auction Karaoke showcasing standout talent from The Granite Theatre, with the audience choosing the songs in real time. Guests can also bid on distinctive experiences and treasures, including a producer credit for next season, a Foxwoods getaway, passes for a waterpark and golf, fine art, jewelry, and more. Proceeds fuel The Granite’s mission to deliver high-quality theatrical productions, expand educational opportunities, and nurture a welcoming home for artists and audiences.

This casual, three round Commander event uses an achievements system that rewards participants with Gilt Leaf Games Prize Tickets. Entry is $5.

Free Magic: The Gathering Commander play takes place at The Citadel Game Cellar, with Friday sessions among the regular offerings. There is no fee to enter or use tables. Attend with friends or arrive on your own and connect with other players in the community. Drinks are available to purchase, or bring your own nonalcoholic beverages. Decks and bulk cards are also available for sale.

Riftbound Nexus Night features a $10 entry with prize support that scales based on attendance and final placement. Every participant is guaranteed at least two packs regardless of standing, plus a current promo pack. First place also receives an Origins Promo Pack while supplies last.

Friday nights at Misfit Club pulse with low lights, thumping bass, and an electric room made for letting go. Show up as you are, dressed to dazzle, to express, or to unwind, because every style fits and the crowd embraces all. Expect sweat, sparkle, and joyful chaos in the best way as the Misfits community takes over the dance floor. This happens exclusively at Misfit Club. Mystic, get moving.

Enjoy a breakfast that supports programs at Veterans Rally Point. This recurring event takes place on the last Saturday of every month. The cost is $10 per person, and children under 5 eat free.

FRESH New London works toward a fair and sustainable food system in New London that centers community. Its vision is for every resident to have dependable access to locally grown, culturally meaningful food, while building resilience and advancing social equity. At Mercer St Community Garden, the organization presents an annual garden walk fundraiser focused on food justice. The event spotlights food systems and highlights initiatives taking place in the city and across the state.

Explore New London’s Revolutionary War past on a guided walk that traces the city’s journey from early resistance to British rule to the fiery raid of September 6, 1781, when Benedict Arnold set the city ablaze. Along the route, visit historic spots linked to the conflict and hear accounts of patriots, loyalists, and privateers, with the story of local figure Nathan Hale woven in. This experience brings to life the people, places, and turning points behind one of the most consequential days in the city’s history.

Curious about painting tabletop miniatures or ready to refine your technique? This free, hands-on session welcomes beginners as well as experienced hobbyists. An experienced miniature painter will demonstrate practical methods, share helpful tips, and answer questions along the way. All materials are provided, including figures, paints, and tools, so you can simply bring your creativity and dive in. If you cannot attend this session, watch for additional opportunities held regularly.

DRIVE brings the music of The Cars to First Light Casino with a live tribute performance. Admission is free.

Red Light brings a hang-on-to-summer show to Milestone Mystic, pairing dinner and drinks with a full night of dancing. The band is a tribute to party rock, spanning modern country rock, classic rock, and pop rock. Highlights include a 2025 Best Band honor in the New London Day readers' choice awards and long-running recognition as one of the top bands in CT. Expect three lead vocalists, tight four part harmonies, a powerful rhythm section, driving guitars, and a high energy performance that keeps the crowd moving from start to finish.

Spend a full day painting on the beautiful grounds of Enders Island, surrounded by gardens, coastal vistas, and distinctive architecture. The morning features a live demonstration that explores composing a scene, effective paint handling, and working from an initial block-in to a finished piece. In the afternoon, artist Dan DeLouise provides individualized guidance with an emphasis on reading light and shadow and avoiding the tendency to chase changing light. This workshop welcomes artists of all experience levels and supports steady growth in technique and vision. Participants may begin the day with Mass in the Chapel, and the session meets in the Sacred Art Studio. A boxed lunch is provided. Please bring your own materials, including a portable easel and palette, Filbert and flat brushes in sizes 1 through 12, a palette knife, linseed oil and turpentine or an equivalent medium with containers, and canvases or gessoed panels in 8x10, 9x12, or 11x14. Suggested oil colors include cadmium red, cadmium yellow deep, cadmium orange, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, sap green, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, titanium white, and Mars black.

Set out on a guided walk through New London’s downtown to uncover little known tales behind notable landmarks, its maritime roots, and ties to the Revolutionary War. Along the way, hear stories about Nathan Hale, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, and playwright Eugene O’Neill, blending history with local legend. The tour wraps up at a local bar, where one last hidden story offers a fitting finale to the city’s colorful past.

Compete in a Win-A-Box Yugioh event with a $10 entry fee. First place is guaranteed a box, and additional prize packs are awarded based on attendance.

A neon themed Baby Rave turns tummy time into a lively, baby-friendly dance session with upbeat music and gentle movement that encourage early development. Enjoy lap bounces and fingerplays alongside the beats. This special program takes place at Gales Ferry Library on the last Monday of each month.

A Juneteenth-themed open mic spotlights spoken word, featuring Phil C. Alexander. Phil approaches poetry as purpose, not just performance, bringing a storyteller’s voice that invites people to feel first and reflect after. His pieces weave personal truth with social awareness, using rhythm and vulnerability to spark conversation and connection. On stage and in community spaces, he aims to let language illuminate beauty, struggle, and the shared humanity that connects us. Each poem serves as both reflection and amplifier, lifting up untold stories and unspoken emotions in the hope that someone recognizes their own experience and chooses to heal, question, or dream in new ways. Those interested in performing can contact @AnUrbanNerd on FB or IG to be added to the open mic list. This gathering centers poetry and creativity.

Explore New London’s past on a guided walk with local guides who bring the city’s maritime legacy and dynamic history to life. The route moves through historic streets and along the waterfront, highlighting the stories of whalers, patriots, and enterprising residents who shaped the Whaling City. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years, expect vivid storytelling, surprising details, and moments that make the city’s history feel close and alive.

The Stonington Literary Festival spans several days devoted to literature, music, and big ideas, marking the 100-year milestone of poet James Merrill. Rooted in historic Stonington, it gathers acclaimed writers, artists, scholars, and readers for readings, discussions, performances, and gatherings with the community.

As part of Norwich's America 250 celebration, this program explores how the Slater family influenced Greeneville, Norwich's industrial growth, and the community that formed around it. Dayne Rugh, Director of the Slater Memorial Museum, examines how the Industrial Revolution reshaped the city and the lasting effects on its people. The lecture takes place at Hotel Callista, the former home of industrialist John Fox Slater, creating a direct connection between the setting and the history being shared. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public, and an email RSVP is requested. Visitors can turn their time in Norwich into a historic weekend by staying overnight at Hotel Callista, riding the Historic Greeneville Trolley Tour on Saturday, and exploring local restaurants, downtown, and the waterfront.

Experience Revolutionary-era New London on a guided walk that brings to life the events of September 6, 1781, when Benedict Arnold’s forces burned the city. Follow the arc of the community’s role in the American Revolution, from early protests against British rule to the attack that reshaped New London. Along the route, hear accounts of patriots, loyalists, and privateers, and learn about local figure Nathan Hale while stopping at places connected to this chapter of history. The tour offers a vivid look at one of the most dramatic days in the city’s past.

Presented by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Committee, the 2026 GNACC Healthy Living & Family Fun Festival is a free community celebration focused on wellness, education, and family activities. Guests can connect with local businesses, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and resource groups while enjoying complimentary health screenings, a variety of food trucks, a car show, and a lively spin-a-thon. The festival also includes local vendors and crafters, visits with therapy animals, dog adoption opportunities, children’s activities with face painting, live entertainment, and plenty of giveaways and raffles. Support from presenting sponsors Mohegan Tribe and Mohegan Sun, along with community partners including the Mohegan Tribal Health Department, Backus Hospital, Norwichtown Rehabilitation & Care Center, and the CT State Three Rivers Community College Nursing Program, helps bring this community event to life.

Enjoy Pokémon fun with friendly battles, a chance to show off your card collection, themed crafts, and conversations about all things Pokémon. For ages 5 to 18. No registration is required.

Take on a unique MTG Commander challenge that has everyone building a complete deck on site and then competing with it. The entry fee is $10. Each player receives three legendary creatures to choose from for the tournament and these cannot be traded. A playable promo card is also provided and may be traded. Decks are built from the store bulk during a 1.5 hour build window, and any cards selected can be kept afterward along with promos and commanders. Collaboration during deckbuilding is encouraged, and there will be awards for it. When construction ends, pods are assigned at random. Each round lasts 90 minutes, so maintain a pace that lets you finish. Prize support is based on participation. Basic lands are supplied and must be returned after the tournament, and special lands are only allowed if they came from the bulk boxes or were issued as a promo.

This guided walk explores New London through offbeat tales, surprising tidbits, and little-known history that helped shape the city. Hear about notable personalities and odd happenings, and uncover the overlooked stories tucked into everyday streetscapes, revealing a side of New London not often told. Wondering where Al Capone’s favorite New London restaurant was? That answer, along with many more local secrets, is uncovered along the way.

Create a unique fall decoration with quilled paper art using simple strips of paper. Design seasonal pieces such as ghosts, pumpkins, ghouls, or falling leaves, with plenty of room for imagination. Registration is required.

Visit Mel's Downtown Creamery for a community fundraiser benefiting the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. Treat yourself to something sweet and your purchase will support the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of sales during the event is donated directly to TBBCF.

At Gales Ferry Library, this workshop blends journaling, art, and simple meditation to support a calmer, more present mindset while strengthening self-connection. Beginners learn what journaling is, how it can help, and practical ways to make it a habit. Experienced journalers explore new techniques and approaches to deepen an existing practice. All supplies are provided, including a journal to use during the session. The program is led by Rashmi Sharma, a certified coach in journaling and art therapy. Registration is required. For additional details, check the library’s events page.

At Mystic Museum of Art, Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways traces how textiles in southeastern Connecticut have developed across centuries, beginning with the region’s velvet mills and extending to contemporary fashion. Historic and modern beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, and designer looks are presented through a combination of loans and works from MMoA’s collection. The exhibition considers how craftsmanship, industry, and design influence ideas of luxury, while also examining the roles of labor, immigration, identity, and innovation. Organized in collaboration with Historic Stonington, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, and Studio Art Quilt Associates, CT Region, it highlights designers with ties to the state, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. Public programs and workshops accompany the exhibition. Admission is $12 for general entry, $10 for New London County residents, seniors, and students, and free for members, youth 17 and under, and active duty and veteran military.

Celebrate Banned Books Week with a creative painting activity that uses tape to hide a message while you work. Design and paint your own piece, then lift the tape to uncover the message waiting underneath. Registration is required.

Bank Square Books hosts a conversation and signing with Lisa Hall Brownell focused on her novel Vee’s Bracelet. The story opens at the dawn of the Great Depression, when Vee Haines, a Midwestern banker’s daughter, takes her father’s luxury car and heads west. She ends up on the margins of the Dust Bowl in northern New Mexico, where she works to survive and raise a son on her own in a place called Starve-Out that does not appear on maps. Many years later, in the 2010s, her family comes to understand that the silver bracelet she has worn for much of her life holds clues to a powerful love and a long-hidden secret, leaving her grandson to uncover what really happened. Brownell is also the author of the historical novel Gallows Road, published by Elm Grove Press in 2022. She has spoken to many book clubs, libraries, and other groups, is a graduate of Brown University, and divides her time between coastal Connecticut and the mountains of western Maine. Those who cannot attend can still obtain a signed copy by ordering in person or by phone and noting any signing and personalization requests in the order comments, which will be accommodated when possible. RSVPs are requested.

The Kyle M. Fedors Memorial Golf Tournament returns for its sixth year at Shennecossett Golf Course. Proceeds will support the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, helping advance its mission and programs. Online registration and further details will be shared as they become available.

Enjoy good food and drinks with music and dancing. A casual, friendly gathering for those who want to eat, sip, and move to the music.

Stroll through the Whaling City’s historic streets to trace the lives that helped shape New London while exploring accounts of presences that may never have left. Along the way, hear reports of unusual experiences and unexplained happenings tied to notable buildings, presented with historical research that brings former residents into view. Consider who might still walk these streets and inhabit significant places. Are these only stories passed down over time, or is there something more beneath the surface? Hear the narratives, learn the history, and make up your own mind.

This free meditation walk welcomes everyone. It begins at the gazebo with a Qigong-inspired warmup and a brief meditative word, then continues with a silent walk around Spaulding Pond. The experience concludes with time set aside to reflect on the walk and the moments of quiet.

This guided walking tour explores downtown New London through lesser known tales and notable sites. Guides share maritime heritage, connections to the Revolutionary War, and lighthearted local legends. Stories touch on figures and places such as Nathan Hale, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, and playwright Eugene O'Neill. The experience concludes at a local bar with one final hidden tale tied to New London’s past.

Designed for readers with eclectic tastes, this book club features a fresh pick each month. Copies of the monthly selection can be picked up at Gales Ferry Library or Bill Ledyard Library. Watch for updates to see which title is coming up next.

Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley, and Boober set out to recover the shattered Celebration Stone, a legendary treasure said to bring everyone together for the greatest party. Their adventure leads through fresh corners of Fraggle Rock and beyond, where unexpected magic and teamwork guide the quest to reunite its missing pieces. Inspired by the Emmy-winning series on Apple TV, this live, family-friendly stage production mixes comedy, dancing, and music with colorful walkaround Fraggles, new puppet versions of the industrious Doozers, a visit from a giant Gorg, and original creature characters crafted by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. With songs fans love, dynamic visual effects, and a playful spirit of nostalgia, it welcomes audiences of all ages into a joyful Fraggle Rock experience. Written and directed by John Tartaglia, the show features immersive in-theater special effects, interactive moments, heartwarming scenes, and plenty of laughs for longtime fans and young first-time theatergoers.

Create a festive crocheted pumpkin for your seasonal decor in a hands-on session suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Registration is required, and sign-ups will open in advance.

Kick off the weekend with Dr. G and the Believers bringing lively, dance-ready blues to Steak Loft in Mystic. Look for swinging grooves, funky rhythms, and plenty of hip-shaking energy. Pair the music with tasty food and cold drinks for a night focused on fun.

A bustling market experience brings together talented artisans, flavorful local fare, and live entertainment, all set amid the coastal charm of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Explore more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, including a newly added space that expands the showcase of creativity. Food trucks operate both days, and outdoor tents and live music add to the lively atmosphere. Find handmade pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home décor, jewelry, and other unique pieces from Nova Scotian makers. Savor baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, beverages, and local wines. A weekend pass bracelet is included with admission. Only service dogs are permitted inside buildings. Cash is recommended for the smoothest shopping experience. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

At Haley Farm State Park, this intermediate women’s mountain biking clinic focuses on skill development in a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. Designed for riders ages 14 and up, it emphasizes sharpening technical abilities while encouraging a positive experience on the bike. Plan for roughly three hours of riding at a social pace and be ready with the endurance to sustain it. The clinic is free, and participants must bring a mountain bike.

3HL performs a full-band, unplugged acoustic set at Olde Mistick Village's 5th Annual Apple Festival, mixing favorite cover songs with original material.

Groton Public Library presents its eleventh annual Bumpers & Books, a literary trunk-or-treat held in the back parking lot. Library staff, volunteers, and community members will hand out treats from vehicle trunks decorated to highlight books, authors, or Dewey Decimal call numbers. Activities include balloon artistry, crafts, face painting, tattoos, and free snacks. Visitors can wander the Book Patch to choose a free new book, take photos in the Picture Patch, and enjoy lawn games. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Children are encouraged to wear costumes to enhance the festive atmosphere. For details, contact Kim Balentine at (860) 441-6750 or kbalentine@groton-ct.gov.

Now in its fifth year, the Mystic Apple Festival highlights the spirit of fall with vendors offering arts and crafts, specialty hand-knit pieces, and seasonal foods featuring maple, pumpkin, apple, and caramel. The festival offers free fun for families throughout the weekend.

Celebrate a spooky tradition on the Mystic River with the eighth annual Halloween-themed paddle and coat drive. Costumes are encouraged, so witches, warlocks, goblins, and ghouls can take to the water in festive style while supporting a warm cause by bringing a new or gently used coat for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. This is a bring-your-own craft outing, welcoming kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and pedal kayaks. A personal flotation device, paddle, and leash are required, and no rentals will be available. Participation is limited to experienced paddlers. Advance registration is mandatory, with no walk-up or same-day entries, and it closes the night before. The cost is $25 per person, and a registration link will be shared soon. After the paddle, a barbecue with a DJ is planned, and guests may bring a side dish or snack. Prizes will be awarded to the top three costumes. A rain date is planned.

Connecticut’s bring-your-own-partner Best-Disc doubles league comes to Millwood Creek Disc Golf Course with a welcoming vibe for every age and skill level. The aim is simple, to get more people out enjoying disc golf in a laid-back Best-Disc format that lightens the pressure on teammates. Bring a partner, whether that is a spouse, family member, friend, or someone new to the sport. Players arriving solo are welcome too, and can be matched with a teammate or play 3s or Cali. Both members of each team are asked to RSVP, and private messages are accepted. Organizers strive for an on-time start so plan accordingly. Scoring is handled through UDisc Leagues, with paper cards available if cell service is unreliable. To speed up check-in, participants are asked to join the Connecticut Best Disc Doubles League on UDisc before league day. The entry fee is $10 per team, payable via Venmo to "DiscGolfZenSherry" or in exact cash at check-in. From each team’s entry, $6 funds Closest-To-Pin prizes. The number of CTPs depends on turnout, with most league days featuring five total, allocated as two for women, two for mixed, and one open to all. If fewer than five teams participate, there will be three CTPs. An additional $2 goes to an Ace Pot that grows over time, and when it reaches $300 a second pot begins building. The remaining $2 supports a league fund dedicated to disc golf projects in Connecticut. At season’s end, the group will review the fund and suggest how to share it, and anyone who has attended at least three league events may propose and vote on projects. Play continues in all weather and will only be called off for safety reasons. By taking part, players agree to release the organizers and relevant park services from liability, and accept sole responsibility for any damage or injury they may cause before, during, or after the event, including throws made in practice or competition.

A community-focused Health and Wellness Expo brings local experts together for interactive demonstrations, health screenings, wellness vendors, fitness tips, and resources for every stage of life. Explore guidance on nutrition, stress management, fitness options, and holistic care while connecting with professionals and finding practical ways to support overall well-being. Look for screenings and educational booths, individual consultations, fitness demonstrations and mini classes, along with product samples and vendor giveaways. The environment is family friendly with convenient parking, and the activities are designed to help participants learn, get moving, and feel inspired. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Ari Marie Photography, Cruise Planners with Michael Musumeci, Key Travel Concepts, an affiliate of HMS Consulting, Leaf Guard, LeafFilter, Long Home, Mary Kay with Donna Andrea-Ennis, Independent Beauty Consultants, Renewal by Andersen, Strength from Within CT, and TriCore Physical Therapy and Wellness with Strength from Within CT.

Discover how thermography uses heat patterns to provide a gentle, noninvasive look at the body without X-rays or compression. Rather than showing structure, this imaging focuses on physiology and stress responses, highlighting inflammation and other temperature changes that may point to potential dysfunction. It can be applied for both men and women and is presented as a tool that may identify concerns earlier than some other exams, including early breast cancer detection. The information shared explains what the exam measures, what the images can reveal, and how results can guide timely lifestyle decisions.

Enjoy music from Chris Marolda at Sneekers Cafe, along with food and drinks.

Bank Square Books hosts a conversation and signing with Brittany Perham focused on her memoir, Executrix. The book opens with a pressing question after years of estrangement from her father, who, shortly before he died, named her the executor of his estate. Perham traces the painstaking work of settling a debt-laden estate, drawing on the vocabulary of foreclosure, tax audits, and medical records. As executor she turns scattered facts into a clear ledger for creditors, and as a writer she shapes those same fragments into a narrative accountable to memory. Along the way she examines what it means to grow up with an alcoholic parent, how to live with gaps and silences in recollection, and how truth functions in nonfiction. With a blend of humor, tenderness, and bold formal choices, the memoir probes family histories and secrecy while testing the edges of the genre. The event includes a signing. Perham is also the author of Double Portrait, which received the Barnard Women Poets Prize, The Curiosities, and a collaborative project with Kim Addonizio titled The Night Could Go in Either Direction. Her work appears in publications such as Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Gulf Coast, the Poetry Society of America, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has been supported by the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, the Hemingway House, the James Merrill House Foundation, Vermont Studio Center, the Wallace Stegner Fellowship Program, and Yaddo. She lives in San Francisco.

Health Day offers two wellness options focused on relaxation and education. Enjoy a warm footbath or handbath that uses energized copper coils with the soak, described as drawing out heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium along with oil-based toxins. The experience is simple and soothing, and the session is $50. An optional add-on of ear acupuncture or ear seeds in a comfortable chair is available for $40 to enhance the visit. Another option is microscopy, where you can explore your health through a high definition microscope during a personalized education session with Debbie Perry, RD, for $50. Appointments can be reserved by calling 860-536-3880 or texting 860-851-6629.

At Groton Public Library, Jeff Belanger presents a ghostly multimedia program that explores haunted places near home and around the world. Built on 25 years of research across his books, podcasts, adventures, and television projects, the program shares stories of the unusual and the unexplained. Belanger is a storyteller, adventurer, and journalist widely known for investigating the paranormal. He is the author of more than a dozen books available in six languages. He is the Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer behind the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, as well as the weekly New England Legends podcast. He also contributes writing and research to Ghost Adventures and has appeared on numerous television and radio outlets, including History, Travel Channel, Biography Channel, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, BBC, and Coast to Coast AM.

Sails Up 4 Cancer trivia is a chance to put your knowledge to the test with a trivia game.

Guests can enjoy a breakfast that supports programs at Veterans Rally Point. It is held on the last Saturday of every month. Admission is $10 per person, and children under 5 eat free.

Explore miniature art with a hands-on project at Gales Ferry Library, where you will paint on a palm-sized canvas. Registration is required.

The fun returns to Groton with another night built to rock. It is always a great time, with high energy from start to finish. Excitement is already building to see everyone again.

FallFest is an annual meeting offering a broad mix of learning opportunities for all ages. Adults can attend educational sessions, teens ages 13 to 18 have dedicated programming, youth ages 6 to 12 have activities of their own, and childcare is available for children ages 0 to 5. The gathering takes place at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, Connecticut.

The Tribridge Challenge brings paddlers to the Mystic River for the season’s finale, featuring a 3 mile short course for recreational racers and a 5 mile long course for more competitive athletes. A wide range of craft are welcome, including SUP, prone, surfski, C1, C2, K1, and K2. Registration is $49 and must be completed in advance, since same day sign ups are not available. Entries received by the race T-shirt cutoff include an event shirt. Check in and a safety briefing take place before staggered starts, with the long course heading out first and the short course following. A post race barbecue with a DJ caps the day. Awards include $50 for first place, with gift cards and swag from local businesses for second and third. The location is near the Long Island Ferry and is less than two hours from Boston.

A Tarzan Brown road race is scheduled in Downtown Mystic, Connecticut. More information about the event will be shared as plans are finalized.

Explore wedding ideas and services at a dedicated expo hosted at Hilton Mystic. Attendees can tour the venue and meet a range of local wedding professionals who offer support for every part of the celebration, from ceremony details to beauty, entertainment, food, and decor. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Bridesbyizzy & Obbo Weddings, Bryan Anderson, Justice of the Peace and Marriage Minister, Earth & Heart, First World Real Estate, Jessica's Kitchen, LLC, Living with the Magic Vacations, M.D. Entertainment & Uplighting, Mary Kay Beauty, Donna Andrea-Ennis, Independent Consultant, Never Enough Baks Shop, Petonito’s Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe, Pink Wave Designs, Renewal by Andersen, Rich Productions, Shuck Yeah Oysters, Sunrise Floral Creations, Tessa’s Pastries, The Casual Reply, The Collins Center, and The Stately Rose Beauty Studio.

A special meeting will take place at Groton Public Library, with a Zoom hybrid option available upon request. The agenda includes an opportunity for members of the public to share comments, followed by reports, discussion of old and new business, and communications before adjournment.

At La Luna Ristorante & Lounge, enjoy food and drinks while the Burden of Proof Band provides live music for dancing.

Dr. G and the Believers return to Lighthouse Inn in New London with a blues dance party built on high energy, upbeat, swinging and funky, hip-shaking blues. The evening features dancing, food and cocktails while the band keeps the music rolling.

Experience a wellness-focused day featuring two personalized services. Settle in for a warm water soak for either your feet or hands that uses charged copper coils intended to draw out heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, along with oil-based toxins. Sessions are designed to be simple and calming and are priced at $50. You can add ear acupuncture or ear seeds while seated comfortably for an additional $40. Another option is a microscopy appointment to explore your health using a high definition microscope during a one-on-one education session with Debbie Perry, RD, for $50. Appointments can be reserved by calling 860-536-3880 or texting 860-851-6629.

Bank Square Books hosts a weekend signing with authors Kim Harrington and Ashley Cowan, highlighting two holiday romances. Harrington will be signing A Killer for Christmas, a seasonal love story woven with a murder mystery. After losing her job and boyfriend, Kelsey Hendricks heads to Christmasville, Maine, to manage the town’s social media. Surrounded by lights and candy canes and caught between two charming contenders, she seems to be living a movie… until a string of deaths threatens the town’s cheer. Determined to restore the festivities before visitors back out, she follows the clues through a snow-dusted investigation. This novel is Harrington’s adult mystery debut with Crooked Lane Books, and she is also known for teen and younger reader titles such as Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, Forget Me, Revenge of the Red Club, the Sleuth or Dare books, and the Gamer Squad series. Cowan will be signing Not Another Christmas Movie, a rom-com where thirty-something Annie Meyers wakes up inside a TV-style holiday film set in her hometown. Her former almost-boyfriend, Chris, is now a widowed Christmas tree farmer, and her once-dorky neighbor, Nick, isn’t so dorky anymore. To break free, Annie and Nick agree to play along with classic rom-com beats… she will pursue Chris while he reconnects with Bailey. After holiday hoedowns, ice skating, and cookie-baking montages, Annie begins to wonder if love and seasonal magic are closer than she thought. Cowan is a Connecticut-based playwright with work in The Applause Acting Series: 25 10-Minute Plays for Teens, and her plays have been staged from San Francisco theaters to Texas schools and community venues across the tri-state area.

The sixth annual Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Lighting showcases a one-of-a-kind tree built from traps and illuminated by thousands of colorful lights. More than 170 professional artists and 40 local families have decorated it with hand-painted buoys, creating a vibrant display. Visitors can step inside the structure to see the landmark from within and capture memorable photos. Admission is free.

Take part in this blood drive and receive an ice cream pint as a thank-you for donating a pint of blood.

Santa makes a waterfront entrance to Downtown Mystic aboard Cross Sound Ferry's tugboat John Paul. Families can gather by the Mystic River Park Christmas tree, where children can tell Santa what they want for Christmas and pose for photos. Carolers add to the festive atmosphere, with Christmas themed items available and a few surprises in store.

Spectators gather along both banks of the Mystic River to watch a fleet of festively decorated boats glide by in the 23rd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. The vessels cruise past the crowd, then return to Mystic River Park where judging takes place. Entries are evaluated for creativity and team spirit, with prizes presented across five categories: most charismatic crew, innovative vessel, best dressed vessel, most holiday spirit, and the Miss Mystic Vessel of Grandeur distinction. Those wishing to participate with a boat may do so, as the parade is open to the public, and a toy donation to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center will be collected on site as the entry requirement.

Now in its third year, this festive marketplace turns the historic Haley Mansion in Mystic into a lively holiday shopping destination for one special day. Explore rooms filled with creations from local makers, artists, crafters, and small businesses, and discover distinctive gifts while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere. Seasonal food and beverages will be available for purchase, and admission is free. Vendor registration will be handled exclusively through Eventbrite, and the official Eventbrite link will be the only way to apply for a space. Please be cautious of scams or unofficial registration posts.

Enjoy delicious bites and beverages as lively music sets the tone for plenty of dancing. A simple, feel-good mix of food, drinks, and rhythms for a fun time.

Now in its 13th year, the WinterFest 5K welcomes participation through running, volunteering, or fundraising. A free FitKids race kicks things off, the 5K follows, and the celebration continues afterward with awards and photos.

Community members will work together to pick up litter in Bates, maintain trails, and enhance the park. Participants will meet at the container with the BFF logo near Animal Control, then set out shortly after. Everyone can work at a comfortable pace and leave early if needed. Tools and gloves will be provided, and bringing your own is welcome. Be sure to bring water.

The annual WHS Holiday Market returns inside the WHS field house and lobby with more than 75 makers and artisans offering handmade goods for the season. Browse a wide range of unique gifts and support small businesses during your holiday shopping. Visitors can enjoy refreshments at the concession stand, try their luck with raffles, keep children engaged with creative craft activities, and take advantage of on-site gift wrapping. Photo opportunities with Santa are also planned. This is a juried market.