This weekend in New London, CT

Experience a bustling marketplace where skilled artisans and makers share handmade creations, flavorful local food is served, and live entertainment sets the tone. More than 150 vendors will be spread across multiple buildings, with a newly added building expanding the shopping and browsing experience. Explore pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and other thoughtfully crafted goods, then enjoy baked treats, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, and beverages. Food trucks will be on site both days, and local wines will be available. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet so you can come back throughout the weekend. Live music and outdoor tents add to the festive atmosphere. Cash is recommended for the smoothest experience, and only service dogs are permitted inside buildings.

Oktoberfest 2026 at Break Ground Fitness brings a spirited strength showcase that supports Emmy Drew Parker and advances Pompe Disease research through Grant’s Giants. Every registration and every pound lifted adds to the fundraising total, with sponsors pledging a penny per pound. Athletes of all ages, including adults, teens, and kids, can attempt a one rep max in the deadlift, bench press, and back squat, then take on Bavarian-inspired challenges like a truck tug for time, a keg relay, and a stein hold. Participants move through each station while spectators enjoy the action, and the celebration concludes with traditional Oktoberfest fare and good cheer. Registration includes entry to all six events, a 2026 Oktoberfest tee or tank, refreshments, and a contribution made in honor of Emmy Drew Parker and the Parker family. The event is open to members and non-members, with spectators welcome to attend and contribute to Grant’s Giants. The charity supports pediatric Pompe families with scholarships to the Pediatric Pompe Conference at Duke, advances research, advocates for newborn screening, and helps with medical equipment expenses. Sponsorship opportunities are available and play an important role in the fundraising effort.

Stonington Soccer Club’s Junior Sharks brings a playful, developmentally suited soccer experience to Taugwonk Field in Stonington, CT for children ages 3.5 to 8. Guided activities focus on movement and simple skills so young players build coordination, balance, confidence, teamwork, and a solid foundation in the game within a supportive setting. The program welcomes first-time players as well as kids who already love to kick a ball, with sessions offered across U4 through U8 age groups. Registration is open and will remain available for each group until capacity is reached.

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.

Get started with stained glass in a beginner-friendly class in New London, CT that focuses on crafting a sparkling spider web corner piece. No glass cutting is required. Learn foiling, soldering, metal caming, and finishing as you assemble 16 pieces of pre-cut, premium-quality textured clear art glass. All materials are included, and the finished piece is presented as suitable for gift giving. Participants must be at least 16, be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools, and wear closed-toed shoes. The class fee is non-refundable, so please plan accordingly.

Advanced Squad Leader offers a comprehensive tactical combat system introduced in 1985, known for its flexibility, wide scope, and challenging gameplay. It enables simulations of engagements across many theaters up to the battalion level, with players maneuvering 10-man squads, five-man half-squads, individual leaders, and vehicles. Battles unfold on a library of more than 75 geomorphic map boards, or as extended campaigns on dedicated campaign map sheets. The gathering welcomes both experienced ASL players and those discovering the system for the first time. Tables are free to use and no reservation is required.

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.

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.

Fly In - Brisket & Burgers features aircraft to admire alongside classic cars, paired with a hearty menu. Enjoy smoked brisket, barbecue chicken, top shelf burgers, and roasted corn, along with Ralphs Italian ices and freshly baked cookies. Fresh hot coffee will be available for early arrivals.

Costumes take center stage on the Mystic River as paddlers gather for the eighth annual witch themed paddle paired with a community coat collection. Wear a witch outfit or any Halloween look and bring your own boat, whether a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, or pedal kayak. This outing is for experienced paddlers, and no rentals will be offered. A properly fitted life jacket is required for every participant, and those on stand up paddleboards should also have a paddle and leash. Advance registration is required and walk-up entry is not available. The fee is 25 dollars per person. Participants are asked to bring a new or lightly worn coat for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. After check in and a safety briefing with a group photo, the group will launch for a shared paddle, then return for a Halloween party featuring a barbecue with a DJ. Food and drinks will include pizza courtesy of Mystic Park Ice Cream, burgers and hot dogs from Adventure Mystic, beverages from Schooner Beverages, and drinks for adults from Outer Light. Guests are welcome to contribute a side dish or snack. Costumes will be recognized with awards for the top three, with first receiving four passes to Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours, second earning four passes to Dark Manor Haunted House, and third taking home a Wood N Tap Restaurant gift card.

Enjoy a festive day of Halloween-themed activities for all ages at this 5th annual celebration. Stroll past pumpkins decorated by community members while sipping free cider, snacking on doughnuts, and taking part in games and hands-on fun. Expect lawn games, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of spots for photos. Costumes are encouraged for both people and pets, and everyone is invited to show off their looks during the Costume Parade. Cast a vote for your favorite pumpkins and watch as prizes go to the top entries. Those interested in participating in the stroll can register to submit a pumpkin. Free pumpkins are available at the library on a first come, first served basis, or you may bring your own, and decorated pumpkins must be returned to the library to be considered for the contest. This event is open to all ages. For more information, email reference@westerlylibrary.org or call (401) 596-2877 x306. If it rains, activities will be moved inside the library. Pumpkins and refreshments are sponsored by Benjamin Delaney.

Players must be 21 or older. Non-members will be charged an additional $5 to participate in bingo. The kitchen will be serving grinders from Reale's. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the lodge, including water bottles, soda, coffees and reusable cups. Coffee, bottled water and soda are available on site, along with a full bar. Purchasing snacks and beverages during the event helps support the lodge.

The 29th Annual Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night at The Windjammer in Misquamicut Beach features a staged retelling of Guy Fawkes’s trial by The Misquamicut Players, live performances by Caswell & The Peel N. Eats, the Westerly Morris Men, and the Kentish Guards Fife and Drum, and concludes with a large bonfire on the beach. Pre-show entertainment includes music from Wayne Holmes along with the Westerly Morris Men. Expect classic selections from The Guess Who and BTO woven into the program. Created by writer and director Caswell Cooke and presented by the Misquamicut Business Association, this long-running gathering marks the 29th local celebration and recognizes more than four centuries of Bonfire Night tradition. Admission is free, with the option to purchase reserved seating in advance. Presented in memory of Chris DiPaola and Brother Lou Amici.

Kathleen Madigan brings the Flying Cats & Marching Armadillos Tour to Foxwoods Resort Casino. Seating is reserved, so attendees must use the exact seats listed on their tickets. Shopping bags and backpacks are not allowed, and all bags will be inspected at entry. The Great Cedar Showroom and its surrounding areas are smoke free and vape free. Failure to follow venue and MPTN policies may result in removal without a refund. All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable, and buying tickets authorizes Foxwoods Resort Casino to contact purchasers by email. Public onsale, venue presale, and artist presale options are available.

The NFAC Chamber Players launch their 2026-27 season with a concert of three sonatas for violin and piano, performed by resident violinist Robert Chausow alongside pianist Eleonor Bindman. The program highlights music by J. S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Edvard Grieg. Advance tickets are discounted.

Aquanett returns to Brown Derby Lounge with a high-energy tribute to 1980s rock and metal. The night combines Mexican food with a full-scale show inspired by the sounds of Bon Jovi and Whitesnake and the Sunset Strip era of Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses. Look for concert-style lights, special effects, and the big hair, outfits, and attitude that bring an ’80s arena vibe to the stage. Cover is $10.00. Aquanett celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.

Mystic Aquarium’s annual Run Walk for the Penguins returns with options to complete a 5K run or a 2-mile walk, with every step helping to support conservation efforts for critically endangered African penguins. Registration includes admission to Mystic Aquarium on race day. The experience features visits from some African penguins before the start, music from 107.7 to keep spirits high, breakfast burritos from a local food truck, complimentary stretch sessions from Stretch Zone Mystic, and non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Company. Young supporters can take part in a Kids Fun Run, and original penguin artwork will be awarded to top finishers and fundraisers. Family-friendly activities and plenty of penguin-themed fun create a spirited atmosphere for runners chasing a personal best and walkers spending time with family and friends, all in support of one of the world’s most endangered penguin species.

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.

Deepen your Reiki practice with an in-person Reiki II training in Bozrah. Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and expand your healing work. Learn symbols to amplify energy, offer distance healing, and work with mental, emotional, and past life concerns. Practice by giving and receiving a session that integrates the symbols. Participants receive a manual and a certificate. The cost is $175. Register through the event link to receive confirmation and payment options.

This Walktober hike in Mohegan Park, Norwich, is sponsored by the Mohegan Striders. The route is about 2 miles, starting at the park center by the fountain, visiting monuments, then continuing on unpaved wooded trails with a chance to spot wildlife. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and consider bringing a camera. Plan for roughly an hour and a half. There is no admission fee and parking is free. No pets are allowed in Mohegan Park. To register, call Terrie or Tim Smith at 860-887-1518. This outing is part of the Walktober effort that encourages people to get outside and care for the land across The Last Green Valley, which features over 250 walks throughout the region.

A lively community cookout brings together families, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of fellowship, tasty food, and plenty of laughs. Burgers and hot dogs will be served, and kids can jump and play in the bounce houses. It offers a relaxed way to unwind, connect with others, and share time with the community. All are welcome.

Explore practical ways to support your well-being at a community-focused Health & Wellness Expo hosted at Hilton Mystic, steps from the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. Connect with local experts through interactive demonstrations, on-site health screenings, and informative booths, and pick up fitness tips and resources for every stage of life. The experience includes opportunities for nutrition and wellness consultations, product samples, and vendor giveaways in a family-friendly setting with easy parking. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Cruise Planners - Michael Musumeci, Five Star Bath Solutions, FREQUENSE, Key Travel Concepts (an affiliate of HMS Consulting), Leaf Guard, LeafFilter, Live It Love It Wellness, Long Home, Mary Kay - Donna Andrea-Ennis Independent Beauty Consultants, Renewal by Andersen, Seascape Reflexology, Shaklee, Still Becoming Mind & Body Coaching, Strength from Within CT, TriCore Physical Therapy and Wellness and Strength from Within CT, and Zen Zone.

Families can enjoy a festive indoor celebration at Ocean Beach Park. Kids can trick or treat among 50 local crafters and vendors, take in live performances, and step into costume contests. Free activity tables for children add hands-on fun and a family friendly vibe. A new highlight is the Kid Entrepreneur Area featuring businesses run by kids. The event takes place inside the Port and Starboard Ballroom.

Hosted by Colchester Dog Park at Priam Vineyards, Pumpkins & Pooches features pet-focused vendors, dog costume contests, raffle drawings, specialty cocktails, and wine. The event takes place alongside the Connecticut 2026 Food Truck & Wine Festival. Families, children, and dogs are welcome, and activities for kids will be available while supplies last. Dogs must be vaccinated and on leashes, and retractable leashes are not permitted. Pet-related vendors can request information at tagnobark@gmail.com.

A weekly all-ages open skate at GDC Roller Skate Rink in Greenport, NY welcomes skaters of every experience level to roll together. Helpful staff are on hand to guide beginners with balance and confidence. Outside food is allowed, and the concession stand serves fresh cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. Groups can make reservations during public sessions, and inquiries can be sent through the website’s contact form.

At Twisted Dog Yoga, this third annual community yoga class honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The session is co-taught by several instructors. Pink attire and bringing friends are encouraged, and after the practice there will be refreshments with a pink theme and raffles. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds contributed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

This weekly Yu-Gi-Oh event features a $5 entry fee. Prizes scale with attendance and are awarded in packs, with two OTS or UTP packs for each entry. The final event of each month is a win a box, with details provided in a separate listing.

Salt Marsh Opera presents Antonin Dvorak’s Rusalka on the Kate’s stage, a well-known Czech opera that follows a water spirit who gives up her voice to the witch Jezibaba in order to take human form and marry a prince. When he turns away from her for a princess from another land, she is bound to a spectral fate, and the tale concludes with a kiss that costs the prince his life.

Hosted at The Stonington Free Library, Operation Fresh Start’s annual Sip & Sign fundraiser brings together readers and writers for an evening of conversation, refreshments, and book discoveries. Guests can meet a lineup of authors, hear about new projects, and connect with fellow supporters while enjoying drinks and snacks. Throughout the night, attendees may purchase raffle tickets for prizes contributed by local businesses and community members and browse the authors’ books, which will be available for purchase. Each ticket includes one drink ticket with beverages provided by Rum Tropic Distillery, one raffle ticket for a basket of signed books, and hors d’oeuvres with sweet treats from local chefs. A silent auction rounds out the festivities, featuring two tickets to a UConn men’s or women’s basketball game, sea glass art from Stonington Sea Glass, a necklace from Simply Majestic, a painting by Del Bourre, a Michael Kors clutch with art by Alisha Luther, and an overnight stay at the Tabor from Tom Tabor.