Events in Norwich today

An artist vendor accepted through the juried process will be part of the 68th Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival. Visitors can meet the artist and crew, explore and purchase artwork, and enroll in classes.

This free Meditation Walk is offered on the second Saturday of each month from April through October and welcomes all. Participants gather at the gazebo for a Qigong-inspired warm up and a brief meditative word, then set out on a silent walk around Spaulding Pond. The experience concludes with time to reflect on the walk together.

Join a hands-on soap making workshop that celebrates Haitian traditions and teaches you how to make natural soap using guided techniques. It’s an in-person session that runs for about three hours.

Now in its 68th year, this two-day juried celebration is recognized as the oldest outdoor art festival in the Northeast. A mile-long path of displays starts in downtown Mystic and follows the Mystic River, featuring close to 270 artists from across the country with fine art and fine craft in oils, watercolors, acrylics, photography, sculpture, woodwork, textiles, and more. The festival welcomes dedicated art lovers and casual weekend visitors from nearby communities, New England, the Tri-State area, and beyond. Admission is free, and there is something for every age, including a Children’s Art Park in the Engine Room parking lot, a community Children’s Art Installation, and a Performing Arts Stage in Mystic RiverPark showcasing local and regional dance, music, and theater. Presented by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.

An artist is happily returning to the Mystic Art Festival this year and looks forward to taking part again. Information about the exact spot at the event will be shared once it is confirmed.

This event offers a chance to meet available dogs and learn more about each one. Details about the dogs can be found on the organization's website.

Registration is required. Embark on a monthly Dungeons and Dragons tabletop roleplaying session where you can step into the role of a brave knight or a powerful magician. Choose a pre-generated character or build your own with guidance from Dungeon Master Miss Raven. Each meeting is a one-shot adventure, so the story starts and ends in a single session without needing to attend previous games to follow a campaign.

Bank Square Books hosts a storytime and book signing with Jane Carlson-Pickering featuring her picture book Have You Seen the Berry Monster. Told in rhyme, the story follows two children who investigate why their blueberries keep disappearing, using careful observation, science skills, and inductive reasoning to uncover the answer. Its inquiry-focused format gives parents, grandparents, and teachers a springboard for conversations about animals, habitats, the natural world, and how food chains work, keeping learning playful and engaging. The book also encourages young readers to see themselves as scientists who make everyday observations to solve a mystery. Carlson-Pickering brings 34 years of experience teaching from kindergarten through college, with a career centered on gifted education and on integrating multiple intelligences and technology, and she specialized in developing science curriculum for grades K–8. She lives in South County, Rhode Island, with her husband, and they have two grown children.

Explore the Connecticut Kids & Baby Expo at the Hilton, featuring a wide mix of kid and baby focused businesses offering shopping, services, birthday party ideas, and more. Mermaid costume characters from Sugar & Spice Fairytales add to the fun. A pirate theme sets the stage, highlighted by a free Best Pirate Contest with on-site registration, one winner in each age bracket of three and under, 4 to 7, and 8 to 12, and those older than twelve may also express interest in participating. Free tickets are available with sign-up. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Allie’s Naturals LLC, Bright Years Academy, BrightPath Kids, Carolyn M. Sepulveda, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PLLC, Dacia Vu Photograpy, Donna Andrea-Ennis Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants, Emma Guillot Photography, Faerie Apothecary, Hush Little Baby Cakes, Kutcher Travels LLC, Leaf Guard, Long Home, Majestic Beatz Entertainment, Montessori Discovery School, New York Life, Raised on Ridge, Salt Cove Publications, Sugar & Spic Fairytales, and Tree Trails Adventures Mystic.

SpiderGuyCT, a Spider-Man cosplay actor, plans to appear at TerrifiCon. Appearance times are to be announced. Guests can expect meet and greets, photo opportunities, and autographs. By appointment, he is available for vendor booth promotions, networking on collaborative business projects and special events, and professional cosplay character modeling for photographers. Group character photoshoots are also planned. For collaboration or booking inquiries, contact spiderguyct@gmail.com.

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at the winery with a day of pet photo opportunities, unique pet-focused vendors, live music, and a food truck serving delicious bites. Enjoy a glass of wine while your furry companion takes in the scene. This dog friendly outing is planned for both people and pups, offering relaxed summer vibes and plenty of chances to capture memories. Additional details will be shared soon.

At Lotus Games, experience a four day Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit prerelease built around sealed deck play. Participants build decks from a prerelease kit and earn one booster pack for each match win. Prerelease kits are in limited supply, and the special price applies only to those who participate. Kits are not issued if you do not play. If kits sell out, each player receives six booster packs for sealed deck play. Sessions run across multiple days with capped attendance. Advance entry is $35, and an email receipt is provided after purchase.

Catch Bryan Ruby at Ocean Beach Park in New London for an afternoon of pop country and acoustic country music. The show starts at 4:15 PM.

Savage Brothers Band performs at Centrale Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Billy Idol takes the stage for a live concert at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Experience Billy Idol at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

Jeremiah Hazed returns to the Roadhouse for a live jam. The band is back on stage for a set of music.

The Run the Vineyards series makes its debut at Priam Vineyards with a scenic 5K that uses chip timing on a course weaving through the vines and adjacent roads. The finish brings a festive gathering with awards, live music, food trucks, and the vineyard’s wines that have earned awards. All participants receive a tech race shirt, a keepsake wine glass, and a drink ticket, along with free parking and race photos. Open to participants of every age and pace.

Newfoundland dogs known for their strong working heritage practice water rescue skills at the Museum, offering a clear view of training in action. The Land & Sea Newfoundland Training Group leads the effort and focuses on keeping the breed’s abilities sharp in water tasks and in draft work.

Get started with Tamiya Mini 4WD at a welcoming introductory event designed for younger hobbyists and first-time racers. Open to ages 10 and up, participants build their own Mini 4WD car with guidance provided during assembly, then head to the track for friendly racing. The experience focuses on the essentials of assembly along with simple setup and preparation, all in a supportive environment that encourages learning and creativity. No prior experience is required. Bring your enthusiasm, build a car, race it on the track, and enjoy a fun first step into the world of Tamiya Mini 4WD.

Enjoy a free, family-friendly fishing day at the Mohegan Park Pavilion. Children of all ages can cast a line with help on hand to offer pointers and share tips. The first sixty kids to arrive will receive drawstring bags filled with Hooked with J stickers, temporary tattoos, and fishing-themed goodies. The first thirty who check in will get a free T-shirt while supplies last, and a tie-dye station lets them personalize their shirt to take home. Hands-on creativity continues with a make-your-own Rooster Tail lure activity for kids and their guardians, plus a color-your-own wooden fish ornament that is perfect for younger anglers. A hydration station serves drinks in a collectible cup with flavors like Toxic Waste, featuring green apple, and Ocean Water with blue raspberry. Boba add-ons are available in green apple, strawberry, or blueberry, and there are water and soda options for adults. Snacks include pizza, chips, cupcakes, and other treats at the Fish Food Station. Every child in attendance is automatically entered for free raffle prizes with plenty of surprises. A special appearance from the winner of the 2026 Hooked with J Bass Fishing Tournament is possible.

SpiderGuyCT, a Spider-Man cosplay performer, plans to appear at TerrifiCon. Attendees can expect chances to say hello, take photos, and request autographs. He is available by appointment for vendor booth promotions, networking on collaborative business projects and special events, and as a cosplay character model for professional photographers. Group character photoshoots are also planned. Specific appearance times will be announced. For collaboration inquiries, contact spiderguyct@gmail.com.

This weekly Yu-Gi-Oh event has a $5 entry fee. Prizing scales with attendance and is paid out in packs, with two OTS or UTP packs added to the prize pool per entry. A separate event post covers the monthly win-a-box edition.

Enjoy live country music with the Nick Bosse Duo at The Field at The First Congregational Church of Stonington, also known as The Road Church. Bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating, and plan to stay for fellowship and refreshments in the Parish Parlor. Admission is free, donations are appreciated, and there is plenty of free parking. The concert is rain or shine, with the performance outdoors when the weather allows, or moved inside the church if needed. Nick Bosse is an award-winning singer songwriter and Nashville recording artist with an authentic, soulful country sound. His influences span from Merle Haggard to Tyler Childers, and his music is grounded in tradition, storytelling, and heartfelt patriotism. With his band The Northern Roots, he has performed at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and his single What Happened To Country has earned more than two million streams.

Pick up a take-home activity or craft and complete it whenever it fits your schedule. A new project is offered each week for young makers in preschool through early elementary. Supplies are limited and available while they last.

Spend four days at a summer camp that blends archery training with practical life skills. Young participants build confidence on the range while exploring communication, online safety, boundary setting, and career planning. A certified instructor leads the sessions, safe practice is included, and all equipment is supplied. Newcomers and seasoned archers are equally welcome. Thanks to sponsorship, there is no fee to attend.

Join the Naturalists/Adventurers (ages 11-15) group for a giving-focused day working alongside the farmers and volunteers at the Giving Garden. It is a hands-on opportunity to help out and learn while pitching in.

A bubbly celebration to mark the close of summer, designed for children ages 2 to 5. To sign up for a goody bag, call the library at 860-537-7201.

Registration is required. This hands-on STEAM session invites participants to explore Earth’s moon through creative experiments and projects. Make realistic impact craters, use Oreo cookies to illustrate the phases of the moon, and design small rockets for launching. After a closer look at the moon’s surface, continue with activities that may include a fizzy moon rocks chemistry experiment, creating your own moon rocks, a crater craft, and programming Bee Bot robots to demonstrate lunar phases.

The Ledyard Public Library offers a Sewing Club that is part sewing circle, part support group, and focused on fun. Participants can make progress on projects they have set aside or start something they have been wanting to try, with encouragement along the way. Guidance is available for those beginning their sewing journey. No experience is required, making it a welcoming place to start sewing.

Grab a meal to go while contributing to a worthy mission. This lunch pickup is open to all and takes place every Tuesday. All proceeds support programs at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point.

A supportive postpartum group for parents offers a friendly space to connect with others raising infants and young children. It is designed to provide support and community for families throughout the first two years. Attendees are welcome to bring their babies, and partners are encouraged to come too.

Visit the library for a hands-on craft session to create a tie-dyed tote bag for carrying your books. All supplies are included. Capacity is limited, so advance registration is required.

One Piece Constructed Tuesdays is a weekly event. The entry fee is $10, and prizes are determined by attendance.

STEAM Summer Classes for Kids is a weekly, hands-on program that lets young learners explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through engaging projects and activities. Sessions are designed for students ages 7 to 15 and include age-appropriate lessons that encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Supplies are provided for students attending in person. Registration is closed for this date.

Introduce little ones to the joy of music, rhythm, and movement during a playful library session. This program welcomes infants up to five-year-olds along with their caregivers for an engaging, age-friendly experience. Drop in, as registration is not needed.

Bank Square Books hosts an author talk and signing with Jenn Bouchard centered on her novel Palms on the Cape. The story follows Rachel Sinclair, who has built a steady life after a difficult childhood. As she nears forty, her upscale beach bar, Palms on the Cape, thrives through the Cape Cod summer with a loyal team and close friends, including her best friend Carlos...who might be something more. When she discovers a move to take over her business, she must choose whether to partner with an unexpected ally or risk losing what she has created. Bouchard is the award-winning author of Palms on the Cape, Considering Us, and First Course, as well as several short stories. She has taught high school social studies for twenty-six years and also leads short story classes for adults in her community. She is an avid cook, volunteers for good causes, and is a devoted Red Sox fan. A graduate of Bates College and Tufts University, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two teenage children.

Wrap up summer with an event featuring games and crafts, plus other activities. It is designed for children ages 5 and older. To reserve a goody bag, call 860-537-7201.

Open fencing is available, with sessions proceeding only if weather and scheduling allow.

Enjoy a special summer storytime with author Liz Rosenberg at Gales Ferry Community Center. She will read from Giant Baby, a playful bedtime adventure, and share insights about being an author. Rosenberg has written five adult novels, four poetry books, and more than 30 works for young readers, including picture books, poetry anthologies, and YA biographies. She spent 25 years writing book review columns for the Boston Globe, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and Paris Review.

Bring a book of your choice to a relaxed book chat at Gales Ferry Library. Each month centers on a theme, offering space to explore new genres, revisit books you may have forgotten, or talk about titles you did not enjoy. This is a drop-in gathering for adults. Attendance is welcome whether or not the theme appeals to you or you had time to read this month, and all perspectives are appreciated.

This Pokemon league features organized play with separate divisions for Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. The entry fee is $5. Prizes are awarded based on attendance and final standings.

Featuring Dana St Pierre and Misty Ganoe from Twisted Dog Yoga, this serene experience at Priam Vineyards brings deep relaxation together with soothing, resonant sound. It offers a gentle opportunity to unwind as restful stillness and vibrational tones work in harmony.

The evening begins with a lively session of line dancing on the stage at the Roadhouse, then shifts to karaoke.

A two-part evening at Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun features a line dancing party followed by karaoke. The night is hosted by DJ J-KRAK.

Head to Strange Brew Pub in Norwich for the monthly August Open Jam. It is a free open mic and jam session with a house band that gets things started, and then you can bring your band, play solo, or team up with other musicians to collaborate. Check in begins at 7:30 PM, with music starting at 8:00 PM. This is an all-ages event? (The page specifies 21+.)

PLUSH performs at the Wolf Den, a non-smoking entertainment venue. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Guests may begin lining up no earlier than three hours before the show. One person may hold spots for up to four people in line, but seats are provided only to those who are present when seating begins. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Schedules and performers are subject to change. For the complete performance schedule, contact the venue.