This weekend in Waterford, CT

Stonington Soccer Club’s Junior Sharks offers a playful, age-appropriate soccer experience for children ages 3.5 to 8 at Taugwonk Field in Stonington, CT. Through game-based activities and movement, participants build coordination, balance, confidence, teamwork, and essential soccer skills in a supportive setting. It welcomes both newcomers and kids who already love kicking a ball, with a focus on the whole child... learning, growing, making friends, and having fun. Registration is open for birth years 2019 through 2023 and will remain available in each age group until capacity is reached. Last fall, more than 160 children from Stonington and nearby communities took part.

This rescheduled, free, family-friendly event raises awareness and understanding of perinatal mental health disorders while creating a welcoming space for parents and caregivers. Attendees can connect with local resources that support those who are pregnant or raising young children, including nutritionists, therapists, and nonprofit organizations. Expect opportunities to meet other mothers and families, engaging activities for children with face painting, a variety of vendors, and door prizes. Complimentary snacks and water will be available. Bringing a picnic lunch and a blanket is encouraged for relaxed family time. Registration is required so organizers can plan accordingly, though fundraising is not required.

Celebrate cats of every kind at a family-friendly show and costume contest at Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT. See up to 35 breeds and more than 140 purebred and household pet cats as they compete across four judging rings. Judging runs continuously, with separate classes for kittens, championship, premiership, and household pets, and each judge hosts their own mini show. You can settle in to watch the action at the judging tables or stroll the floor to visit with exhibitors between rings. A cat costume contest takes place each day for cats entered in the show. The first 100 children each day receive free cat coloring books. Vendors will be on hand with cat-themed merchandise for pets and people, and food will be available with a food truck planned. A cat rescue will be on site to meet attendees. Some exhibitors may be open to discussing kittens or adults that are waiting at home. Photography is welcome with courtesy, and some cats designated as Pet Me Cats enjoy being petted with permission and hand sanitizing. Tickets are sold at the door and can be paid by credit, debit, or cash. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors 60 plus, veterans, and children ages 5 to 12. Parking is free.

Discover the basics or refine your technique at a free miniature painting event for beginners and those looking to improve. A painting expert shares practical tips and techniques while you work on gaming minis. All materials are provided, including figures, paints, and tools, so the only thing to bring is creativity. This event recurs on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

On Shelter Island, a fly-in pairs a display of aircraft and classic cars with a hearty menu featuring brisket from the smoker, barbecue chicken, premium burgers, roasted corn, Italian ices from Ralph's, and fresh baked cookies. Early arrivals can grab hot coffee. Presented by the Shelter Island Pilots Association.

Celebrate the season by the water with a family-friendly pumpkin carving gathering at Three Belles Marina. Create a jack-o’-lantern to take home, whether the design is spooky, playful, or a detailed showpiece. The activity welcomes all ages and is priced at $5 per person. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of fall fun and make festive memories by the waterfront.

Meet authors from Waterford and neighboring towns at an author fair featuring conversations about their creative journeys and opportunities to share their work. Browse new titles, purchase books for yourself or as a gift, and get copies signed by the writers. This is a drop-in event. Light refreshments will be available. No registration is required. This free program is open to all.

At The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, Eastern Connecticut Ballet presents Ballet Spooktacular, a Halloween-themed program filled with imaginative costumes, graceful dancing, and chances for young attendees to join in the fun. Look for delights onstage and off as spellbinding ballet is paired with classical music and playful special effects. The spooky touches are designed to enchant rather than frighten, making it friendly for children. This 35-minute performance is recommended for ages 4 to 12 and offers an experience the whole family can enjoy.

At Foxwoods Resort Casino, Dinner in the Dark offers a sensory dining experience that supports Hope in Focus and its mission to advance treatments for inherited retinal diseases. Guests can look forward to a cocktail reception, a gourmet meal enjoyed blindfolded, live and silent auctions, dancing, and additional activities. Tickets are $175 per person, and a 20/20 Vision table for eight is $2,020. A free Hope in Focus IRD seminar is planned prior to the event, with further details to be announced.

Enjoy music from Chris Marolda at Fresca Tequila Bar & Grill, paired with food and drinks.

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

Branded's Halloween party highlights costume creativity with cash awards for the sexiest costume, the most original idea, and the best couple. Wear your standout look and invite friends for a fun night.

Families are invited to explore the legacy of Abstract Expressionist artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner with a guided tour of their home and studio led by Joyce Raimondo, Education Coordinator. Designed for children ages five and up with their adult companions, the experience continues outdoors where participants create their own drip paintings on the property’s scenic grounds. A $15 fee covers supplies, including an 11 x 14 inch canvas board and tempera paint.

Sunday All Skate welcomes all ages for an open skate session at GDC Roller Skate Rink in Greenport, NY. Rink staff are on hand to assist newcomers with balance and to help build confidence on wheels. Outside food is permitted, and the concession stand offers freshly made cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, snacks, and beverages. Groups can make reservations during any public session, and a contact form is available on the website.

Designed for dancers moving from beginner to improver and for improver students seeking extra support with more difficult footwork, this two hour workshop focuses on the steps needed to feel confident with higher level dances. The aim is to make the transition smoother, speed up progress, and add enjoyment in improver classes and at open dance sessions held here as well as at The Mishnock Barn. Please check the discussion section for what to know before attending, including the list of beginner steps. The fee is $30 per person. A 15 minute break is planned, so bringing a snack and a drink is encouraged. RSVP is requested, and the workshop will run with a minimum of six participants. Online sign up is available.

This Yugioh tournament has a $10 entry fee. The winner is guaranteed a box, and pack prizes increase based on attendance.

A treat truck will be at the yearly trunk or treat event, serving cool treats throughout. Visit the truck to trick or treat and enjoy something sweet while you are there.

Perfect for kids who cannot wait for Halloween, Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Spooktacular brings a playful mix of classical ballet, imaginative costumes, and special effects to The Kate, with little surprises onstage and off. Children are invited to be part of the action, and the atmosphere stays festive rather than frightening. The performance runs 35 minutes and is recommended for ages 4 to 12, and it is welcoming for the entire family.

Suzanne Vega brings her Flying with Angels tour to the UNITED Black Box Auditorium for an all-ages, fully seated concert that spans her celebrated career. Expect signature songs such as Tom’s Diner, Luka, and Marlene on the Wall alongside selections from her 2025 album, Flying with Angels. She will be joined by longtime collaborator Gerry Leonard on guitar, known for his work with David Bowie, and cellist Stephanie Winters. The new album and recent shows have earned strong notices from publications including Rolling Stone and Stereogum, with 2025 performances highlighted for intimate storytelling and a close connection with the audience. A leading voice of the 1980s folk revival, Vega is known for clear, expressive vocals and finely crafted narratives that draw on everyday city life, honed over decades of acclaimed recordings and sold-out appearances worldwide. Standard tickets are priced from $54 to $65, with VIP options from $110 to $195. The Soundcheck VIP Experience offers seating in the first five rows along with access before the show to soundcheck and a Q&A, plus an autographed tour poster, a commemorative laminate, and a keepsake ticket. The Premium Package includes a seat within the first ten rows, an autographed poster, and a commemorative ticket. All VIP elements take place before the performance and details and timing may change. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and the UNITED is not responsible for tickets purchased through third-party sellers.