Events in Waterford, CT

An evening of New England Trivia takes place at Waterford VFW & Auxiliary Post 6573 in Waterford, Connecticut. Teams of up to six players compete for prizes and bragging rights. Admission is $15 per person, and those on the mailing list receive a $5 discount. Entry includes a buffet dinner with pasta and salad. Ticket availability is limited. All proceeds support the Connecticut Yankee National Party, a political party focused on self-determination, integrity, democracy, empathy, and sustainability in government. Paid for by the CT Yankee National Party, Josh Kelly, Treasurer. The event is not endorsed or sponsored by the VFW, and it will be held in their space.

Open fencing sessions are scheduled, depending on weather and any scheduling changes. Please check for updates as plans may shift.

A weekly Pokémon league welcomes players of all experience levels. The $5 entry includes play within Juniors, Seniors, and Masters divisions. Prizes are determined by attendance and final standings.

Settle in for an intimate night of songs and stories with Bettye LaVette, accompanied by Etienne Stadwijk on keyboards. Celebrated as a master interpreter, she reshapes music from across genres until it feels entirely her own, earning praise as one of the finest soul interpreters of her era and recognition from peers who call her a singer’s singer. In this close-up setting, her voice and a single keyboard create a focused, deeply engaging atmosphere. Her journey began in Detroit in 1962 at age 16 with a debut single on Atlantic Records. Through the 1960s and 70s she recorded for major labels and took the stage on Broadway in Bubbling Brown Sugar alongside Honi Coles and Cab Calloway. A major resurgence in 2000 led to the R&B Foundation’s Pioneer Award, multiple Blues Music Awards, inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame and the R&B Hall of Fame, the Americana Music Association’s Legacy Award, and seven Grammy nominations. Producer Steve Jordan notes how she claims any song as her own, likening her artistry to icons such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis. Now 80 and in her 64th year in music, she remains one of the few artists who started at the dawn of 1960s soul and continues to perform and release vital work, a testament to remarkable perseverance and determination.

Discover New London on a guided stroll that highlights its seafaring past and the people who helped shape the city. Local guides lead the route through historic areas and along the waterfront while sharing stories of whalers, revolutionaries, and enterprising residents who left a lasting legacy. Whether seeing these streets for the first time or with fresh eyes, participants can expect engaging narratives, surprising details, and moments that bring the city’s history into focus.

Dreamfield Speedway hosts the second annual Guardrail Nationals, a two day season finale for the 1972oil Outlaw Predator Series. The program builds to the third annual Outlaw 50 Finale, awarding $1,000 to the winner.

This casual Friday Night Magic Commander event is played over three rounds, and includes achievement goals that award Gilt Leaf Games Prize Tickets. Entry is $5.

This event features a $10 entry and a prize structure that scales with attendance and final standings. Every participant is guaranteed at least two packs, regardless of placement, along with one current promo pack. The top finisher also receives an Origins Promo Pack, while supplies last.

An intimate acoustic set featuring multiplatinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the twin brothers behind the rock group NELSON. As seventh-generation performers, they carry forward a family tradition that stretches back more than a century. Their breakthrough arrived with the self-written debut album After The Rain, and the hit (I Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection helped secure a Guinness World Record for the Nelsons as the only family with number one records across three successive generations. Their career includes one number one and five additional Top 10 singles, four number one MTV videos, and more than five million records sold. Their heritage includes actress Harriet Nelson and bandleader Ozzie Nelson, and their father Ricky Nelson was a defining rock figure of the 1950s and 1960s with over 100 million albums sold and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Recent highlights include an appearance in the HBO series finale of Peacemaker in 2025, which director James Gunn titled Full Nelson as a nod to the brothers and the title character’s love of music. They also authored What Happened To Your Hair?, a self-penned book that reflects on fame, perseverance, and authenticity. This acoustic performance spotlights their songs, harmonies, and a legacy that bridges three generations of hitmakers.

Embark on a guided walking tour through Downtown New London that reveals little known stories behind its landmarks. Learn about the city’s maritime roots, its Revolutionary War ties, and the local legends that give the area its character. Along the way, hear about figures and places such as Nathan Hale, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, and playwright Eugene O’Neill. The experience wraps up at a neighborhood bar, where one final tale from New London’s colorful past is shared.

Designed for women riders, this intermediate mountain biking clinic at Bluff Point State Park focuses on building confidence and technique in an encouraging, hands-on environment. Part of the 2026 Women’s Mountain Biking Clinics, it welcomes participants ages 14 and up. Plan for roughly three hours of trail time at a friendly, social pace, so solid endurance is important. Please bring your own mountain bike. This clinic is free to attend.

Motorcycle riders will gather at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London for registration, then head out together to Devil’s Hopyard Pavilion in East Haddam. The ride is $20 per person, and proceeds support an Iraq War veteran with Stage 4 cancer, helping his family during a difficult time. An after party at Devil’s Hopyard Pavilion includes beer, raffles, and a 50 50. If you cannot make the ride, donations are welcome via Venmo at @AIVMC-CT. For additional details, contact a patch.

Back at Waterford Farmers Market, TSC Acoustic presents a lively, family-friendly performance mixing acoustic rock, blues, country, pop, folk, reggae, and Irish pub tunes played on guitar and ukulele. Suitable for all ages, the show will go on rain or shine.

Stroll through Nemadji Cemetery while actors in period clothing share the lives of those laid to rest there. Hear accounts of achievements, hardships, and pivotal moments that helped shape the surrounding area. Children under 18 receive free admission. There is no restroom on site. Water will be available for purchase.

Delivering Hope: A Benefit for Meals on Wheels gathers the community for an evening of great food, activities for attendees, and a shared purpose supporting the Meals on Wheels program. Guests can bid in both live and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting people in need within the community. The event focuses on raising funds that help provide nourishment and hope to those who rely on these services.

Dr. G and the Believers return to Lighthouse Inn in New London with their Blues Dance Party, delivering high-energy blues built for dancing. The venue complements the music with top-notch food and cold drinks, creating a lively atmosphere with plenty of chances to get up and move.

Celebrate the sound and spirit of Linda Ronstadt with a tribute led by American Idol star Tristan McIntosh. Backed by a skilled band, McIntosh delivers a faithful portrayal that reflects both the intensity and the nuance that defined Ronstadt’s signature style. The performance spans beloved favorites, with classics such as “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Blue Bayou,” along with many other hits that shaped a remarkable career.

This walking tour explores New London’s Black heritage through the lens of a seaport shaped by centuries of global seafaring and deep Indigenous roots. It traces the colonial period when Native peoples, European settlers, enslaved Africans, West Indians and free Black residents lived in the same community, and it addresses both hard history and milestones. Topics include an early local law that barred Black property ownership and the county’s unusually high proportion of enslaved people in the American colonies. The tour also recounts the first U.S. landfall of the Amistad captives and the lengthy legal fight that ended in their freedom. Additional stories highlight the first Black woman to seek admission to Prudence Crandall’s Canterbury school, the growth of a small abolitionist community and the role of men of color, who represented 10 percent of crews on every whaling ship as the city’s wealth and prominence rose. The narrative further acknowledges the hanging of a very young Pequot girl, believed to have had a developmental disability and considered among the youngest in the nation. Together, these accounts reveal lesser known layers of New London’s past.

A lineup featuring the Rich Badowski Blues Band alongside Brandt Taylor, Dennis Cotton, Max Samson, and Jeff Bousfield.

This weekly Yu-Gi-Oh event has a $5 entry fee. Prizes scale with attendance and are awarded in packs, with 2 OTS or UTP packs per entry. A win-a-box version is listed as a separate event.

An Elks tailgate features burgers and dogs, music, and plenty of fun.

Anthony Gomes brings a high-voltage blend of blues and rock with a modern edge, channeling the grit of the Delta and the flair of a seasoned performer. The Canadian singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer has reached number one on the Billboard Blues chart, earned praise from B.B. King, tallied tens of millions of streams, and filled venues across multiple continents. His recent chapter includes Praise the Loud, his 14th studio album on Rat Pak Records, and a set that moves from soul-deep blues to dust-kicked rock with searing guitar work and commanding vocals. He leans into the strengths he has honed over the years, shifting easily between both styles while staying true to his own voice.

At The Kate, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the Cowsills Trio brings the legacy of the family band that inspired the television series The Partridge Family. The group began with brothers Bill and Bob, later joined by Barry, John, and their mother Barbara, and became known for luminous harmonies and bright pop melodies. Their late 1960s run produced hits such as "The Rain, the Park and Other Things," "Indian Lake," and "Hair," with the first later featured in the film Dumb and Dumber. Along the way they appeared on national television programs including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, The Johnny Cash Show, Merv Griffin, and Mike Douglas, recorded the theme for Love, American Style, and made American Dairy Association milk commercials. The Cowsills continue to perform as a trio and with their full band, have released Rhythm of the World on Omnivore Recordings, their first new album in three decades, and are slated for an eleventh consecutive summer on the Happy Together tour in 2026.

At The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter Vanessa Collier brings a blues-rooted sound infused with funk and soul. Midwest Record has praised her for a compelling style that nods to the early vocal tones of Bonnie Raitt and Maria Muldaur. Her sixth album, Do It My Own Way on Phenix Fire Records, was captured largely with the band together on analog equipment to channel the classic Memphis aesthetic, drawing on the legacies of Stax, Hi Records, and the Staples Singers. The single Wild As a Rainstorm dives deep into soul, offers an empowering message for women and anyone who has felt left out, and appears on Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist, featuring Hi Records organ legend Rev. Charles Hodges. Collier describes the album as a warmer, darker, old-school-leaning collection shaped by soul, R&B, and blues, crafted with tube amps and analog gear and delivered with powerful, heartfelt vocals.

Ana Popovic brings her high energy blend of rock, blues, jazz, funk, and soul to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Recognized by major music publications for formidable guitar work and commanding stage presence, the Los Angeles based guitarist and singer continues a 25 year journey that began with her debut, Hometown. Her latest release, Dance To The Rhythm on Electric Heel Records, pushes boundaries with dance ready grooves, raw blues guitar, and vivid songwriting. The album spans the slinky pulse of Dance To The Rhythm and Sho Nuff, the soulfulness of Soul’ution, the swagger of Hottest Ticket In Town, the blues drenched Dwell On The Feeling and California Chase, a Steely Dan flavored arrangement on Sisters and Brothers, the contemporary sheen of Hurt So Good, and a clever reimagining of Paul Simon’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. On stage she fuses virtuoso solos with pocket deep rhythms that get crowds moving. Popovic has earned seven Blues Music Award nominations, her album POWER reached number one on the Billboard Blues Chart, and she has appeared alongside B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Robert Plant, and Gary Clark Jr. Expect an electrifying night of groove forward songs, soulful vocals, and boundary crossing guitar.

The Michael Cavanaugh Memorial Golf Tournament takes place at Pequot Golf Club. This charitable event honors Michael Cavanaugh and supports ALS United - CT research along with Sails Up 4 Cancer through event proceeds. The entry fee is $120 per player.

Bank Square Books presents an author talk and signing with David Borges for his book UConn Basketball: An Illustrated Timeline. The conversation centers on the Huskies’ rise from Yankee Conference roots to Big East prominence, highlighting six national championships earned by three different head coaches over 26 years. It covers consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, a record-setting collection of Big East crowns despite a seven year stretch outside the league, and the accomplishments that define the program’s standing in the modern era. The book profiles figures such as Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Jim Calhoun, while recounting All-Americans, pivotal games, and memorable moments that helped make Storrs a college basketball powerhouse. It also traces the program’s NBA pipeline since Jim Calhoun took over in 1986, including 17 lottery picks, 24 first round selections, and 40 total draftees. David Borges has reported on UConn men’s basketball since 2007 for the New Haven Register and Hearst Connecticut Media, a period that included four national championships and five Final Four teams. His background includes covering the 2004 Boston Red Sox title run, and his work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the National Sports Media Association’s Connecticut Sportswriter of the Year in 2019.

Nightshift returns to Centrale at Foxwoods Casino, set in the middle of the Fox Tower Casino. The performance highlights the band’s own Nightshift repertoire. The venue often fills quickly, so seating may be limited.

The Italian quartet 40 Fingers brings four guitars and a shared passion for fingerpicking to inventive reimaginings of rock and pop favorites, beloved film and TV themes, and their own original pieces. Their performances have reached a global audience with more than 100 million views online, and their arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody earned recognition from Queen, who featured it on their website. Collaborations have included duets with Andrea Bocelli, US singer Tory Kelly, and a special performance with Andy Summers of The Police on Bring on the Night. Onstage, the group pairs precision and interplay with a vivid visual production crafted by leading European lighting designers. The program draws from a wide-ranging songbook that includes versions of Sultans of Swing, Africa, The Sound of Silence, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Last of the Mohicans, and Libertango, along with medleys from Disney and Harry Potter and themes from John Williams’ work on Star Wars. The result is a journey across styles and borders led by four guitars in seamless conversation.

FRESH New London envisions a fair, resilient, and sustainable local food system that is inclusive and community focused, with the capacity to offer residents steady access to locally grown, culturally relevant foods while advancing social equity. This annual fundraiser shines a light on food systems and food justice initiatives in New London and across the state, bringing attention to efforts that reflect this mission.

A community breakfast supports programs at Veterans Rally Point. The cost is $10 per person, and children under 5 eat free.

Explore New London’s Revolutionary past on a guided walking tour that traces the city’s path from early resistance to British rule through the attack that left lasting scars. Walk between historic sites linked to the conflict and hear accounts of patriots and loyalists, daring privateers, and the local hero Nathan Hale. The experience culminates with the dramatic day when Benedict Arnold set the city ablaze, revealing how those events shaped New London’s role in the American Revolution.

Enjoy a performance dedicated to the music of The Cars, and there is no cost to attend.

A powerhouse voice and commanding bass anchor an evening of blues and soul with Danielle Nicole, a singer, bassist, and songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. Raised in a musical family, she drew early inspiration from parents active in the local scene, with a blues-playing father and a mother who performed with Little Eva and The Works. She went on to form the heavy blues band Trampled Under Foot with her brothers Nick and Kris, building momentum in the Midwest that led to more than a decade of international success. Her solo debut, Wolf Den (2015), reached number two on the Billboard Blues chart and has earned 7.5 million Spotify streams. The follow-up, Cry No More (2018), was nominated for a Grammy in the contemporary blues category, debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues chart, and has surpassed 10 million Spotify plays. Her latest, The Love You Bleed (2024) on Forty Below Records, has already topped 1.2 million streams in under a year. Along the way, she has received eight Blues Music Awards, including recognition as Bass Player and Female Contemporary Artist of the Year, and has been praised by outlets such as Guitar World, Blues Music Magazine, and The Kansas City Star. Expect soulful vocals, inventive musicianship, and songs shaped by a lifetime on stages around the world.

RED LIGHT brings its high energy party rock tribute to Milestone Mystic with a Hanging On to Summer show. The night features dinner, drinks, and dancing while the band spans modern country rock, classic rock, and pop rock. Expect three dynamic lead singers, four part harmonies, a powerful backbeat and rhythm section, and hard driven guitars for a set that keeps everyone moving from start to finish. The band has been recognized as one of Connecticut’s top acts for over a decade and was named Best Band in the 2025 New London Day readers’ choice awards. When the red light shines, the party starts.

Spend a day painting outdoors on the scenic grounds of Enders Island, surrounded by vibrant gardens, sweeping seascapes, and distinctive architecture. The workshop opens with a guided demonstration that covers how to design strong compositions, apply paint with confidence, and move from an initial block in to a finished piece. Under the instruction of Dan DeLouise, participants then receive individualized coaching with special attention to capturing the interplay of light and shadow while avoiding the tendency to chase shifting light. This experience welcomes artists of every skill level and offers a supportive setting to develop technique and grow an artistic practice. Participants may begin the day with Mass in the Chapel, and the workshop convenes in the Sacred Art Studio. A boxed lunch is provided. Please bring personal supplies. Suggested materials include a portable easel and palette, filbert and flat brushes in sizes 1 to 12, palette knives, and oil paints such as cadmium red, cadmium yellow deep, cadmium orange, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, sap green, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, titanium white, and Mars black. Linseed oil and turpentine or an equivalent medium with appropriate containers are recommended, along with canvas or gessoed boards sized 8 by 10, 9 by 12, or 11 by 14.

Set out on a guided walk through Downtown New London that brings the city’s past to life. Visit notable sites while hearing about seafaring heritage, connections to the Revolutionary War, and local legends. Stories highlight figures and places including Nathan Hale, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, and playwright Eugene O’Neill. The outing wraps up at a local bar with one final hidden tale tied to New London’s storied past.

This monthly Yugioh event takes place on the final Sunday of every month. Entry is $10. The top finisher earns a box, and extra prize packs are added according to player turnout.

American folk stalwarts The Limeliters bring rich vocal harmonies and playful wit to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Emerging during the early 1960s folk revival, they built their following in clubs and on college stages. Founders Alex Hassilev, Lou Gottlieb, and Glenn Yarbrough quickly became central figures of the era, buoyed by a run of RCA releases and frequent appearances on major television programs that made the group widely known. For three years they served as Coca-Cola’s musical representatives, and their rendition of Things Go Better with Coke became a national hit. Time Magazine famously likened the buttoned-down Kingston Trio to undergrads and cast The Limeliters as the faculty, capturing their polish and presence. Over time the lineup has welcomed standout new members while preserving the signature sound they pioneered, and they remain a vibrant and entertaining vocal act on tour.

Jeff Allen brings his My First Final Farewell Tour to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, a playful nod to the notion of slowing down without quite stopping. The show highlights his rapid-fire standup centered on marriage and family, along with a heartfelt segment inspired by his book Are We There Yet?, tracing a journey from difficult seasons to recovery, restoration, and redemption. Laughter sits alongside themes of hope and healing, grounded in his guiding mission of tikkun olam, the Hebrew idea of repairing the world, and a goal to create impact that lasts beyond the tour. A favorite with audiences of all ages, Allen has earned more than a billion online views and has appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net, Dry Bar Comedy where he is the most-viewed comedian with seven specials, America’s Got Talent, HBO, Amazon Prime, Huckabee, Pureflix, VH-1, and The Today Show. His film work includes Apostles of Comedy and My 7 Grandmas. He has performed for troops aboard carriers and ships in the Indian Ocean and at three Presidential Inaugural Galas, and a new series based on Are We There Yet? is in pre-production.

Selwyn Birchwood brings a boldly modern take on the blues, folding in groove-heavy funk, Stax-influenced R&B, psychedelic rock, and Southern soul. Praised by Rolling Stone for powerhouse guitar work and a soulful voice, and highlighted by Guitar Player, Blues Music Magazine, and Vintage Guitar for innovation and intensity, he pairs inventive playing with original songwriting and a commanding presence. Guided early on by mentor Sonny Rhodes, he honors the tradition while pushing it forward with vision and fire. His self-produced album, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, recorded in Florida, showcases ten focused originals, including The Church Of Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, Damaged Goods, and All Hail The Algorithm. Live, he connects with audiences through gritty, expressive vocals, memorable guitar lines, and electrifying moments on his signature lap steel that can lift a room to joyful heights. Blues listeners and jam band followers regularly take notice, and Joe Bonamassa has offered emphatic praise for the show.

TUSK brings a career-spanning tribute to Fleetwood Mac, covering both the biggest hits and rarely heard gems from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band. On the road since 2008 as The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute, the group draws on decades of study, stage experience, creative risk, and dedication to present faithful renditions of solo highlights and full-band favorites. Five seasoned musicians each step into the role of a member of the classic lineup, channeling Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood. Years of touring together power a high-energy stage presence and a finely honed sound that captures the spirit and detail of the originals.

An open mic celebrating Juneteenth spotlights spoken word artist and storyteller Phil C. Alexander. For him, poetry is a calling rather than a show. He aims to move listeners to feel before they think, then keep thinking after they feel. His work braids lived experience with social insight, using cadence and honest vulnerability to spark conversation and build connection. On stage and in community settings, he strives to turn language into light, revealing beauty, struggle, and the shared humanity that links people. Each poem serves as both a reflection and a loudspeaker, lifting untold stories and long-muted emotions. He shares his craft in the hope that someone recognizes themselves in the words and chooses to heal, question, or dream in new ways. Performers who would like to be added to the open mic list can contact @AnUrbanNerd on FB or IG. This gathering centers on poetry and creativity.

At The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, TUSK pays tribute to Fleetwood Mac with a set that reaches from well-known hits to deeper cuts across the band’s storied catalog. The group has toured the country since 2008, bringing together five seasoned musicians whose decades of training and stage work shape every performance. Each member channels one of the classic figures of the band, including Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, and they deliver faithful renditions of both Fleetwood Mac songs and the members’ solo work. Their tight chemistry and energetic stage presence reflect many years on the road together.

Veterinary Care Everywhere is teaming up with Thrive 55+ Active Living Center to offer an affordable veterinary wellness clinic for the community. Seniors, veterans, and individuals with physical disabilities pay 60 dollars per pet, and the general public pays 100 dollars per pet. Services include a wellness exam, rabies and distemper vaccinations, deworming medication, and a heartworm test for dogs only. Pre-registration is required.

Discover New London’s layered past on a guided walk led by local experts. The path winds along the waterfront and through historic streets, highlighting the city’s maritime roots and the people who helped shape it. Stories of whalers, patriots, and enterprising residents come to life where they once worked and walked. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years, these engaging tours offer fresh insights, surprising details, and memorable moments that deepen your connection to the city.

Part of Norwich’s America 250 commemoration, this public lecture explores how the Slater family influenced Greeneville, powered Norwich’s industrial rise, and shaped the community around it. Dayne Rugh, Director of the Slater Memorial Museum, leads the program and examines how the Industrial Revolution transformed the city and the lasting effects on its people. The talk takes place at Hotel Callista, once the home of industrialist John Fox Slater, creating a direct link to the history being discussed. Admission is free, and light refreshments are provided. Visitors can extend the experience with an overnight at the hotel, a ride on the Historic Greeneville Trolley Tour, and time exploring Norwich’s downtown, restaurants, and waterfront.

Since emerging from Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have carved out a lasting place in American rock with chiming guitars, tight hooks, and a blend of British Invasion melody and gritty garage bite. Founders Pat DiNizio, Jim Babjak, Mike Mesaros, and Dennis Diken built a songbook that spans modern rock staples and fan favorites. Their early rise came with Especially for You, home to “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” followed by Green Thoughts and 11 with charting singles like “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Too Much Passion.” The band became a presence on MTV, college airwaves, and rock radio, touring alongside Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders. Onstage they are known for powerful performances rooted in classic songcraft, and their catalog includes loving tributes to influences such as The Beatles and The Who. After the passing of frontman Pat DiNizio in 2017, Babjak, Mesaros, and Diken chose to keep the music alive, performing and recording with guest vocalist John Wesley Harding. Their most recent release, THE LOST ALBUM, draws from previously unheard sessions featuring DiNizio, highlighting a legacy that connects with longtime followers and new listeners alike.

Presented by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Committee, this free community festival highlights healthy living, education, and family-friendly fun while shining a light on local businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and community resources. Expect complimentary health screenings, food trucks, a car show, a spin-a-thon, shopping with local vendors and crafters, therapy animals, dog adoptions, children’s activities with face painting, giveaways and raffles, and live entertainment, with plenty more planned. Applications are open for vendors and crafters, health and wellness organizations, community businesses, sponsors, and volunteers. Thanks to 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.

This walking tour of New London spotlights quirky stories, surprising trivia, and hidden history that helped define the city. It features accounts of famous faces and unusual happenings, along with little-known tales hiding in plain sight. One stop reveals where Al Capone’s favorite New London restaurant once stood, and more secrets along the route offer a fresh look at the city’s past.

At The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Reverie Road brings a vibrant, contemporary approach to Irish tradition, uniting Solas founders Winifred Horan on fiddle and John Williams on accordion with former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Steinway Artist pianist Utsav Lal, known for jazz and raga. Celebrated as leading figures in traditional and virtuosic folk music, they share a global performance and recording history spanning more than three decades. The quartet shapes Irish melodies into a cinematic, deeply expressive experience, stretching the form while honoring its roots. Their program moves from tender airs and continental-style waltzes to driving reels and jigs. Chemistry is central, with two classically trained fiddlers who also have backgrounds as award-winning Irish dancers alongside two instrumentalists who rethink accompaniment and rhythm, creating a dynamic concert from start to finish. Their self-titled debut, released in early 2024, quickly made an impact in Irish traditional music and received Ireland Tonight's Debut Album of the Year during a 25-city national launch tour. Whether steeped in the tradition or exploring it for the first time, listeners can expect an exhilarating performance that lifts the spirit and gets feet moving.

Acclaimed singer songwriter Karla Bonoff brings her enduring catalog and heartfelt storytelling to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Her songs have become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt, and many of her ballads are regarded as classics. She continues to record and tour globally, with concerts known for understated arrangements that place her expressive voice at the center. Recent releases include Carry Me Home, a 16 song set that pairs fresh recordings of signature material with new songs by Karla and by Kenny Edwards, along with a take on Jackson Browne’s Something Fine first recorded for the tribute collection Looking into You. She followed with Silent Night, her first holiday album, recognized by the New York Times among the year’s best, later expanded with two additional tracks including a duet with Michael McDonald. Her ongoing work continues to draw attention across media. She appears in the Linda Ronstadt documentary The Sound of My Voice as the writer of several of Ronstadt’s notable songs, including the Grammy winning All My Life. She has been interviewed by Bob Lefsetz, performed and spoken with Mary Sue Toohey on SiriusXM’s The Village, sung on Acoustic Café, and inspired new renditions of her songs such as Trisha Yearwood’s version of Home.

At Mystic Museum of Art, Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways explores how textiles from southeastern Connecticut have developed and what they represent culturally. Rooted in the area’s historic velvet industry, the exhibition follows textile practices from before European colonization through the present, showing how craftsmanship, industry, and design have influenced changing notions of luxury. Created in collaboration with Historic Stonington, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Studio Art Quilt Associates, Connecticut Region, it brings together historic and contemporary beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, and fashion from loans and the museum’s own collection. The presentation looks at luxury through the lenses of labor, immigration, identity, and innovation, and highlights designers with Connecticut connections such as Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. Public programs and workshops accompany the exhibition. Admission is $12 for general visitors and $10 for New London County residents, seniors, and students. Entry is free for members, youth 17 and under, and military personnel including veterans.

A high-energy musical led by a remarkable youth cast brings real-world challenges to the stage with sincerity and hope. Through vivid storytelling, spirited performances, and original songs, it confronts bullying, champions inclusion, and celebrates the impact of kindness and human connection. The production encourages audiences of all ages to find their voice, look out for one another, and speak up with courage and compassion. Each scene and number is built to uplift and inspire, sparking conversations that continue long after the performance. At its heart, this is a tribute to resilience and empathy, showing how one person’s choice to be kind can influence many and help build safer, stronger, more connected communities.

Stand UP Speak OUT is a musical production presented at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

Bank Square Books presents an author talk and signing with Lisa Hall Brownell centered on her novel Vee’s Bracelet. The story begins at the start of the Great Depression as Vee Haines, a Midwest banker’s daughter, takes her father’s luxury car on a fateful drive west. Stranded on the edge of the Dust Bowl in northern New Mexico, she struggles to survive and to raise a son alone in a place called Starve-Out that is not on any map. Decades later, in the 2010s, her family discovers that the silver bracelet Vee has worn for most of her life holds the key to her deepest love and darkest secret, and it becomes her grandson’s task to uncover the truth. If attending is not possible, a signed copy can still be arranged by purchasing the book by phone or in person and including signing and personalization instructions with the order... they will do their best to accommodate the request. Lisa Hall Brownell is also the author of the historical novel Gallows Road from Elm Grove Press, published in 2022. She has presented to many book clubs, libraries, and other groups, and she is a Brown University graduate who divides her time between coastal Connecticut and the mountains of western Maine.

This event features good food and drinks along with music and dancing.

Take a walk through New London’s Whaling City to uncover stories of those who shaped the community and the curious tales of those who may never have left. Hear reports of encounters and unexplained moments connected to historic buildings, alongside the history that surrounds them. Learn how research brings former residents into focus, then consider whether their presence still lingers. Who might roam these streets or dwell in notable landmarks? Are these only legends, or is there more to the story? Listen to the accounts, explore the past, and decide for yourself.

The THE BAND Band is a nationally touring tribute devoted solely to the music of The Band, delivering meticulously faithful performances of their celebrated catalog. The set spans favorites like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” along with deeper album cuts and material tied to the group’s historic collaborations with Bob Dylan. Each song is presented with the drive and care that defined The Band, evoking the electric atmosphere of their iconic concerts captured in Martin Scorsese’s film The Last Waltz.

Set out on a guided stroll through Downtown New London to uncover lesser known tales tied to notable landmarks. Delve into maritime heritage, Revolutionary War links, and colorful local legends. Along the way, hear about Nathan Hale, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, and playwright Eugene O’Neill. The walk concludes at a local bar with one final story from New London’s past.

Presented by The Kate and the Florence Griswold Museum, Lucio Fontana: The Final Cut screens on the big screen at The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. This 90 minute documentary is the first devoted to the revolutionary Italian Argentine artist who cut through the canvas to rethink space, matter, and the meaning of art. With exclusive access to the Lucio Fontana Foundation, it blends reenactments, archival footage, and original interviews with leading artists and thinkers to link Fontana’s influence to current conversations about art, technology, and the infinite. Directed by Andrea Bettinetti, the film traces his journey from Rosario to Milan in a visually striking portrait of a 20th century master.

Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Eileen Ivers brings her trailblazing fiddle to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, presenting a sound that reaches beyond folk tradition into a dynamic, globally minded performance. Across more than four decades on stage, she has collaborated with artists such as Sting, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Hall and Oates, and The Chieftains, and has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and more than sixty symphony orchestras. Her career highlights include starring in Riverdance, featured playing on Back to Titanic, and contributions to film scores including Gangs of New York. Widely recognized by publications like Billboard, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Irish Times, she is a nine-time All-Ireland fiddle champion and among the most decorated All-Ireland champions on both fiddle and banjo. Born in the Bronx to Irish parents, Ivers continues to celebrate her roots as a performer, composer, producer, songwriter, bandleader, educator, and multi-instrumentalist, weaving American, Irish traditional, jazz, blues, and world influences into a cohesive concert program.

Beth Nielsen Chapman brings her celebrated songwriting to The Kate. The American artist has released 15 albums and penned seven number one hits, with songs recorded by Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Indigo Girls, and Keb Mo, and her work has appeared in film and television. Faith Hill’s hit This Kiss earned Chapman a Grammy nomination and was recognized by ASCAP as Song of the Year in 1999. She received another Grammy nomination in 2012 for The Mighty Sky, was named Nashville NAMMY Songwriter of the Year in 1999, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016. Informed by personal chapters of loss and recovery, she often explores the connections among thought, healing, and creativity, shaping songs that blend depth, humor, and wonder. Chapman is an ambassador for the Buddy Holly Foundation and has taught songwriting and creativity masterclasses at institutions including the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and the Berklee School of Music.

Dr. G and the Believers bring danceable blues to Steak Loft in Mystic, blending swing, funk, and lively rhythms. Food and chilled drinks from the venue complement the performance. A spirited start to the weekend.

Salt Marsh Opera brings Rusalka to the stage at the Kate, presenting Antonin Dvorak’s celebrated Czech opera. This dark fairy tale follows a water nymph who surrenders her voice to the witch Jezibaba to become human and marry a prince. When he turns to another princess, the enchantment becomes a curse that leaves her a restless spirit, and a final kiss seals the prince’s fate.

Explore a lively marketplace featuring more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, including a newly added space. Browse handmade pottery, woodworking, glass, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and other creations from Nova Scotian makers, while enjoying live music and outdoor tent setups. Food trucks will be on site both days, and you can sample local flavors such as baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, beverages, and local wines. Expect plenty of tasty treats and unique specialty products throughout. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet. Cash is suggested for the smoothest experience, and only service dogs are permitted inside buildings. All of this unfolds amid the coastal charm of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Women riders ready to build on their mountain biking experience can take part in a free intermediate clinic at Haley Farm State Park. Designed for participants 14 years and older, the session emphasizes improving technique and confidence in a friendly, supportive setting. Expect about three hours of riding at a social pace, and bring your own mountain bike. Participants should have the endurance to ride for the full session.

3HL brings a full-band acoustic set to the stage at Olde Mistick Village for the 5th Annual Apple Festival. The performance features unplugged renditions of their favorite covers and original songs.

The fifth annual Mystic Apple Festival celebrates all things autumn with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Browse vendors offering arts and crafts along with specialty hand-knit pieces, and enjoy seasonal treats featuring maple, pumpkin, apple, and caramel flavors. Families can enjoy the festivities at no cost.

Groton Public Library hosts the eleventh annual Bumpers & Books, a literary-themed trunk-or-treat in the back parking lot. Library staff, volunteers, and community members decorate vehicle trunks to celebrate books, authors, and Dewey Decimal call numbers while handing out treats. Activities include balloon artistry, crafts, face painting, temporary tattoos, and free snacks. Visitors can explore the Book Patch to pick a brand-new book to keep, take photos in the Picture Patch, and enjoy lawn games. This event is free and open to the public, and children are encouraged to come in costume.

Costumed paddlers take to the Mystic River for the 8th Annual Witch Paddle and coat drive, where witches, warlocks, goblins, and ghouls glide together in celebration. Participants wear their favorite witch or Halloween outfit and head out on the water in their own craft. Kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes, and pedal kayaks are all welcome. This gathering is for experienced paddlers only. Each participant must bring a personal flotation device, a paddle, and a leash, and there are no rentals available. Advance registration is required, with no walk-ups or day-of signups. The entry fee is $25 per person. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new or gently used coat to support the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. An after party barbecue with a DJ follows the paddle. Guests may bring a side dish or snack to share, and prizes will be awarded to the top three costumes. A rain date is planned.

This annual Boo Bash takes place indoors in the Port and Starboard Ballroom at Ocean Beach Park. Children can trick or treat among 50 local crafters and vendors, take in live performances, and participate in costume contests. Free activity tables for kids add extra fun for the whole family. New this year, a Kid Entrepreneur Area spotlights businesses run by young participants.

Explore practical ways to support your well-being at a community centered Health & Wellness Expo at Hilton Mystic. Local experts and wellness vendors will share insights on nutrition, stress management, fitness options, and holistic care. Interactive demonstrations, health screenings, and informative booths provide hands-on learning, and consultations offer personalized guidance. Attendees can enjoy product samples, vendor giveaways, fitness demonstrations, and mini classes. The setting is family friendly and parking is easy. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Ari Marie Photography, Cruise Planners Michael Musumeci, Key Travel Concepts, LeafGuard, LeafFilter, Long Home, Mary Kay represented by Donna Andrea-Ennis Independent Beauty Consultants, Renewal by Andersen, Strength from Within CT, and TriCore Physical Therapy and Wellness in collaboration with Strength from Within CT. Bringing a friend is encouraged so everyone can learn, move, and feel inspired.

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.

The Steel Wheels mark twenty years together with a performance that traces their journey from living rooms and listening spaces to clubs, theaters, and festival stages. This milestone also celebrates the release of their ninth studio album, The Steel Wheels, highlighting a group that continues to grow and push forward. Special guest Dam Tall Buildings joins the lineup.

Bank Square Books hosts an author talk and signing with Brittany Perham focused on her memoir Executrix. The book begins with a central question after more than a decade of estrangement: why did her father revise his will in the final weeks of his life to name her executor? Perham follows the work of settling an indebted estate through the language of foreclosure, tax audits, and medical records, while also shaping those fragmented details into a story about how memory functions. The memoir examines what it means to be the child of an alcoholic, how to contend with missing or partial recollections, and how truth operates within nonfiction. Balancing humor, tenderness, and bold formal choices, it investigates family histories and the memoir genre itself. Brittany Perham is the author of Double Portrait, winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize, and The Curiosities, and she collaborated with Kim Addonizio on The Night Could Go in Either Direction. Her writing has appeared in Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Gulf Coast, the Poetry Society of America, the San Francisco Chronicle, and other outlets, and her work 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. The event includes a conversation about the book and a signing.

Unwind with a detox footbath or handbath that lets you rest your feet or hands in warm water while charged copper coils are described as gently drawing out heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, along with oil based toxins. The session is brief, straightforward, and centered on comfort. The service is $50, with an optional add on of ear acupuncture or ear seeds in a comfortable chair for an additional $40. Microscopy sessions offer a close look at health using a high definition microscope and include an individualized health education consultation with Debbie Perry, RD. This service is $50. To reserve an appointment, call 860-536-3880 or text 860-851-6629.

A haunted history comes to life in a multimedia presentation that travels from local lore to legendary sites around the world. Guided by Jeff Belanger, the program draws on 25 years of research gathered through his books, podcasts, adventures, and television projects to explore stories of the unusual and the unexplained at Groton Public Library. Jeff Belanger is a storyteller, adventurer, and journalist known for investigating mysteries and paranormal legends. He has authored more than a dozen books published in six languages. He is the Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, as well as the weekly New England Legends podcast. He is the writer and researcher for the Ghost Adventures series, and he has appeared on outlets including History, Travel Channel, Biography Channel, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, BBC, and Coast to Coast AM.

Suzanne Vega brings a wide-ranging concert to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, featuring signature songs like Tom’s Diner, Luka, and Marlene on the Wall, along with selections from her latest album, Flying with Angels, released in May 2025 to strong praise. She will be joined by her longtime guitarist Gerry Leonard, known for his work with David Bowie, and cellist Stephanie Winters. A key voice in the folk revival of the early 1980s, Vega began by performing original acoustic material in Greenwich Village and has since played sold-out shows at notable venues around the world. Critics consistently point to the clarity of her voice, the emotional focus of her performances, and her storytelling about urban life and everyday people. Recent coverage from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and local reviewers highlights both the vitality of her new music and the intimate connection of her live shows.

DDXS celebrates the music and spirit of Duran Duran and INXS in a single concert that revisits the sounds of the 1980s and 1990s. The performance brings together hits from both bands, featuring songs like Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, New Sensation, Rio, and Hungry Like the Wolf. It is an evening designed for fans ready to dance, sing along, and relive an era of unforgettable pop and rock.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet that supports programs at Veterans Rally Point. This gathering takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Admission is $10 per person, and children younger than 5 eat at no cost.

Sister readies her classroom for a new year of catechism with a humorous lesson that examines Halloween lore through the Church’s perspective, touching on the Holy Ghost, ghosts, goblins, and more. Interactive activities are part of the experience, including a hands-on opportunity to practice assembling a Halloween costume that aligns with Catholic guidelines.

Taking the stage at The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Vintage Vixens celebrates the sounds and spirit of the 1960s with an all-female lineup and a high energy show. The group began when a longtime booking agent who loved the era picked up the bass to play her favorite tunes, then gathered like-minded musicians to bring them to life. Their set spans the decade, from soulful Motown rhythms to British Invasion favorites, delivered with powerful vocals, tight harmonies, and a lively presence. The band features Amy on guitar and vocals, Alice on keyboards, Carol on drums, Jasmine on lead vocals, and Linda on bass, channeling a flower power vibe that inspires smiles and singalongs.

FallFest is an annual meeting featuring a broad range of educational programming for adults, teens ages 13 to 18, youth ages 6 to 12, and childcare for children ages 0 to 5. This two day event takes place at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, Connecticut.

This paddle race on the Mystic River features two options, a three mile short course for recreational paddlers and a five mile long course for more competitive racers. Eligible craft include stand up paddleboards, prone boards, surf skis, and canoe and kayak classes C1, C2, K1, and K2. Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome, and this event is the final race of the season. It is convenient to the LI Ferry and less than two hours from Boston. Registration costs $49 and must be completed before race day, with no same day signups. A check in period and safety meeting take place before the starts, with the long course launching first followed by the short course. After the finish, participants can enjoy a barbecue with a DJ. Awards include a $50 cash prize for first place and gift cards and swag from local businesses for second and third. Those who register by the stated deadline are eligible for a race T-shirt.

The 2026 Tarzan Brown road race is planned. Additional information will be shared as details are finalized.

Fusion comes back in support of the annual Alewife Cove fundraiser, an event dedicated to raising funds for the cove.

Couples planning a celebration can attend the Mystic Wedding Expo at Hilton Mystic, with opportunities to tour the venue and speak directly with local wedding professionals. Exhibitors include Hilton Mystic, Earth & Heart, First World Real Estate, Jessica's Kitchen, LLC, M.D. Entertainment & Uplighting, Mary Kay Beauty - Donna Andrea-Ennis Independent Consultant, Never Enough Baks Shop, Petonito’s Pastry And Cupcake Shoppe, 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. It is a convenient way to gather ideas and explore services for a special day.

Total Mass Retain brings an immersive celebration of YES to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, presenting two landmark albums in full, The Yes Album and Close to the Edge. The set continues with additional epics and classics, including one side from Tales from Topographic Oceans. Recognized by YES Official and the YesFans community as the top YES tribute band, the group is known for faithful, high-energy performances that capture the spirit of the original music. The program is suitable for devoted YES listeners and progressive rock enthusiasts.

A special meeting will take place at Groton Public Library, with a Zoom hybrid option available upon request. The agenda begins with an opportunity for public comments, followed by reports, discussion of ongoing items, consideration of new matters, and communications, and will conclude with adjournment.

Dr. G and the Believers return to The Lighthouse Inn in New London with a blues dance party. The show features a spirited blend of uptempo, swinging, funky, danceable blues, along with food and carefully made cocktails. A lively evening made for the dance floor.

Savor food and drinks while BURDEN OF PROOF BAND provides music for dancing at La Luna Ristorante & Lounge.

Béla Fleck returns to bluegrass with My Bluegrass Heart, the next chapter in a long-running trilogy that began with Drive and continued with The Bluegrass Sessions. Known as a 15-time Grammy winner and a pioneering banjo artist, he has explored the instrument’s global roots and expanded what it can do, and this program reflects a homecoming to that sound. The lineup features Mike Cleveland on fiddle, Dom Leslie on mandolin, Jake Stargil on guitar, Mark Schatz on bass, and Jeff Partin on dobro.

Marshall Crenshaw brings the songwriting craft and guitar work that have shaped his life in music. Raised in Detroit, he first drew national notice in 1978 portraying John Lennon in Beatlemania, then moved to New York, recorded the indie single Something’s Gonna Happen, and signed with Warner Bros. His 1982 self-titled album drew wide acclaim and introduced the hit Someday, Someway alongside favorites like (You’re My) Favorite Waste of Time, Whenever You’re On My Mind, and Cynical Girl. Over more than three decades and 13 albums, he has earned Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, appeared on screen as Buddy Holly in La Bamba, and performed thousands of shows, building a loyal audience through artfulness, craftsmanship, and passion. He also hosts The Bottomless Pit on WFUV in New York and is developing a documentary about producer Tom Wilson. Also featuring Sarah Borges with Eric Ambel. Across nearly two decades, Borges has collaborated widely and written songs that capture everyday lives, connecting through a grounded presence and a dedicated following. Listeners who discovered her with the 2004 debut Silver City and those arriving for the first time can look forward to the same direct connection and spark.

Focus on wellness with a choice of a detox foot bath or hand bath. Soak your feet or hands in warm water while charged copper coils help draw out heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, along with oil-based toxins. The experience is brief, straightforward, and soothing, and the price is $50. You can enhance the session with ear acupuncture or ear seeds in a comfortable chair for an additional $40. Another option offers a close look at your well-being through microscopy using a high definition microscope. This one-on-one health education appointment is with Debbie Perry, RD, and costs $50. To reserve an appointment, call 860-536-3880 or text 860-851-6629.

Bank Square Books presents a weekend book signing with Kim Harrington and Ashley Cowan celebrating their holiday romances. Harrington will sign A Killer for Christmas, her adult mystery debut from Crooked Lane Books, which follows Kelsey Hendricks to Christmasville, Maine, where a fresh start as the town’s social media manager and two budding romances collide with a string of suspicious deaths. After an initial fatality is brushed off as accidental, more incidents point to a killer, and Kelsey steps into sleuthing mode to keep the town’s festive spirit alive. The story pairs cozy seasonal charm with building suspense. Cowan will sign Not Another Christmas Movie, a rom-com in which Annie Meyers wakes to find herself inside a made-for-TV version of her hometown. Her former situationship, Chris, is now a widower who runs a Christmas tree farm, and her once-nerdy neighbor, Nick, is not quite as she remembers. To get out, they agree to lean into classic romantic tropes, with Annie pursuing Chris and Nick rekindling things with Bailey. Festive hoedowns, ice skating outings, and cookie baking scenes complicate the plan and have Annie reconsidering where love and the season’s magic truly reside. Kim Harrington is also known for teen novels such as Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, and Forget Me, and for books for younger readers including Revenge of the Red Club, the Sleuth or Dare series, and the Gamer Squad series. She lives in Massachusetts with her family and holds an MBA. Ashley Cowan lives in Simsbury, Connecticut, is a graduate of Roger Williams University, and worked as an actor, writer, and director in New York City and San Francisco before returning to New England. She is a published playwright featured in The Applause Acting Series: 25 10-Minute Plays for Teens, and her plays have been staged in San Francisco venues as well as schools in Texas and at community centers across the tri-state area.

Santa arrives by water aboard Cross Sound Ferry’s tugboat, the John Paul. Families can gather by the Christmas tree in Mystic River Park where children can share their wish lists and spend a little time with Santa. Photo opportunities will be available, along with carolers, holiday-themed items, and a few surprises.

Crowds gather along both banks of the Mystic River as decorated boats glide by in this 23rd annual holiday tradition. The procession travels along the river and returns to Mystic River Park, where spectators and judges look on. Entries are evaluated for creativity and team spirit, with awards across five categories that recognize charismatic crews, inventive designs, standout presentation, abundant holiday spirit, and an overall grand vessel honor. Participation for boat owners is open to the public and involves a toy donation to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, which will be on site to accept contributions.

Now in its third year, the Holiday Magic Market brings a single day of festive shopping to Historic Haley Mansion in Mystic, showcasing local makers, artists, crafters, and small businesses. Attendees can explore the mansion while searching for unique, one of a kind gifts, and pick up seasonal treats and beverages available for purchase along the way. Admission is free. The focus is on shopping small and supporting local, with plenty of holiday cheer throughout the experience. Vendor registration will be handled exclusively through Eventbrite, and the Eventbrite link will be the only way to apply for a vendor space. Be cautious of scams or unofficial registration posts.

The Irish Tenors perform a program that blends cherished Irish melodies, sweeping popular selections, and spirited holiday favorites, all lifted by pure tenor harmony and a full symphonic sound. A defining force in Celtic music since a breakthrough public television special in 1998, they have released ten best selling albums and rank alongside The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli as major fundraisers for PBS. Their tours have reached renowned stages across the United States, from iconic New York venues to the Hollywood Bowl in California, and they have appeared before Presidents and Prime Ministers. Audiences of all ages regularly fill theaters and rise for standing ovations, drawn to the ensemble’s polished vocals, rich arrangements, and an evening that celebrates Irish heritage with broad, crowd-pleasing appeal.

The Irish Tenors bring the soaring harmonies and Irish spirit that have defined them since a breakthrough television special in 1998. With ten best selling albums and standing alongside The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli among PBS’s most successful performers, they continue to attract listeners of every generation. Their tours have reached audiences around the world and have included iconic American stages such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl, where capacity crowds and standing ovations are common. Known for concerts that weave beloved Irish melodies with wide-ranging secular favorites and festive holiday music, they deliver pure tenor harmonies enriched by full-bodied symphonic backing. Their audiences have included Presidents and Prime Ministers, and their success helped spark a renewed passion for Irish music in the United States while clearing a path for many other Irish groups.

A social event at Lighthouse Inn in New London, Connecticut offers food, drinks, music, and dancing.

Grammy-nominated singer Joan Osborne brings her celebrated interpretations of Bob Dylan’s catalog to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, showcasing a soulful approach that highlights both her distinctive voice and her skill as an interpreter. She first explored this material with an acclaimed studio release devoted to Dylan’s songs, then followed it with Dylanology Live, captured in front of an audience and featuring appearances by Amy Helm, Robert Randolph, and Jackie Greene. That live recording includes titles such as Spanish Harlem Incident, Buckets of Rain, Masters of War, Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You, and High Water (For Charley Patton). With a career spanning more than three decades and multiple Grammy nominations, Osborne continues to reveal fresh dimensions in Dylan’s writing through expressive, genre-spanning performances.