This weekend in Waterford, CT

Enjoy a family-friendly event with free fun for kids, including a moon bounce along with complimentary activities and crafts. Additional make-and-take projects are available on a pay-as-you-go basis, and there will be food trucks and a craft fair. Look for a kids’ market alongside an adult craft show. The marketplace highlights local and growing businesses with original, handmade goods, quality craftsmanship, local flavors, and occasional vintage finds. Food trucks will serve meals, beverages, and desserts. Admission and parking are complimentary, and dogs are welcome. Vendors and makers can inquire about participating by sending a message or emailing tamaramort6@gmail.com.

Help care for Bates Park by collecting litter, tending to trails, and pitching in on park improvements. Gather at the container marked with the BFF logo near Animal Control, then head out with the group. Participants can move at a comfortable pace and are welcome to wrap up early if needed. Tools and gloves will be provided, and bringing personal gear is fine. Be sure to bring water.

This free meditation walk begins at the gazebo with a warmup inspired by Qigong and a brief meditative word. It continues with a quiet loop around Spaulding Pond and concludes with time to reflect on the experience from the silent walk. All are welcome.

Noel Paul Stookey, known as the Paul in Peter, Paul and Mary, appears for a performance that reflects a long journey through folk music, activism, and community life. His beginnings include an award winning high school R&B band in Michigan and emcee work at Michigan State University, followed by a steady slot at the Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village where he came to the attention of Albert Grossman and joined the trio that helped power the 1960s folk revival with songs about peace and social justice. The group’s milestones include early hit albums, five Grammy awards, multiple Top 10 singles, and a historic appearance at the March on Washington. He later renewed his Christian faith, launched a solo career with the Wedding Song written for a friend’s marriage, and directed its royalties to the Public Domain Foundation, which has generated more than two million dollars for charitable causes. Life in Blue Hill, Maine brought the creation of Neworld Media in a converted henhouse, support for emerging artists, and the launch of community station WERU-FM. He co-founded Music To Life with his daughter to help artist activists, and his songwriting continues to address global issues and personal stories, including the collection Just Causes that pairs each track with a related organization. Ever inventive, he also developed the Manulenjo, an instrument that blends elements of the African banjo, Italian mandolin, and Portuguese ukulele, crafted by David LaPlante as a salute to America’s diverse musical roots, and he introduced it in a 2023 hometown show with a narrative song about a divided Congress and a musician inviting people to dance.

Orleans brings its signature 70s pop rock sound to The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, highlighting the beloved hits Still The One, Dance With Me, and Love Takes Time. Celebrating 54 years together, the band draws from a catalog that spans more than 17 albums and four DVDs, a legacy that has kept them in demand for live performances across five decades. The touring lineup features co-founder Lance Hoppen with his brother and longtime member Lane Hoppen, joined by Brady Spencer, Tom Lane, and Tony Hooper. Their set presents the music with conviction and refinement, honoring the songs that made Orleans a staple of classic pop rock.

Vettes at the Beach takes place at Ocean Beach Park and features a full day of food and music, raffle prizes, trophies, and takeaways that include a dash plaque, T-shirt, and goodie bag. Admission is &20, while spectators are free. The club with the strongest participation will receive a $1,000 donation directed to the charity it chooses. Presented in memory of Jan D. Christiansen. For details, contact Markcjan@yahoo.com or 860-705-3473.

Celebrate beluga whales at an all-ages gathering that connects the Arctic, where these whales live, with experiences close to home. Explore activity stations, try engaging projects, and discover everyday and larger steps that support community resilience. The program highlights ongoing research and conservation work in Cook Inlet, Alaska, showing how these Arctic whales can motivate action for a healthier planet. Admission is covered by regular Aquarium entry.

Explore New London’s connection to the sea on a walking tour that traces the people, ships, businesses, and pivotal moments that shaped this historic waterfront city. The route moves through downtown and along the shoreline, highlighting stories that span from Indigenous travel on local waterways and the Revolutionary War to privateers, whaling captains, naval figures, submarines, and the longstanding role of the United States Coast Guard. Along the way, hear about heroic rescues, notable vessels, periods of wartime service, and the men and women whose lives were influenced by the Thames River and the city itself. Suited for history fans, maritime enthusiasts, and the simply curious, this experience offers a respectful salute to a maritime legacy that continues today.

Stonington Pride partners with Bank Square Books for a welcoming Dungeons & Dragons campaign that celebrates creativity and inclusion. Hosted at Bank Square Books, the table is limited to seven players with a dedicated Dungeon Master, so registration is required due to limited capacity. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and both newcomers and seasoned adventurers are welcome. The bookstore is wheelchair accessible.

A spoken word open mic on second Sundays where poets can share original pieces, novelists can read excerpts in progress, and readers can present works by favorite authors, poets, or songwriters. Participants may share their own writing or read the words of those they admire.

Mike DelGuidice performs with his band in an all-original music show at The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. A singer songwriter known for powerful vocals and an engaging stage presence, he has spent more than three decades performing across Long Island, Manhattan, and the Tri-state area as a solo artist and with his bands, building a devoted local following through eclectic songwriting and extensive touring. Since 2013 he has also toured worldwide as a full-time member of Billy Joel’s band, appearing regularly at Madison Square Garden where Billy Joel spotlights his voice. Along the way he has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, and Adam Levine. His work has been featured on NBC’s Today show and CBS This Morning, as well as in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, CNN, and other major outlets.