Events in Waterford today

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.

Turn tummy time into a high-energy play session with a neon-themed baby rave filled with dancing and bouncing. Expect a cheerful atmosphere, lively movement, and upbeat music to stimulate babies’ brains, along with familiar lap bounces and finger plays. This special program takes place on the last Monday of each month.

A spooky Halloween party fundraiser takes place at Mel's Downtown Creamery Colchester in support of the CES PTO. Enjoy sweet treats in a festive setting where costumes are welcome but not required. Halloween games, treats, and crafts will be on hand for extra fun, and the creamery will donate a portion of all sales to benefit the CES PTO.

Free Magic: The Gathering Commander games are hosted at The Citadel Game Cellar. Sessions are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There is no fee to participate or to use a table. Attend with friends or come solo to meet other players. Beverages are available for purchase, and you may bring your own drinks as long as they are non-alcoholic. Decks and bulk cards are also available to buy.

This casual book club gathering at TAQUERIO in Mystic, Connecticut centers on a discussion of this month’s selection, and also offers a playful, spooky vibe for those who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere.

A welcoming postpartum parent group at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT provides a friendly space to connect with others caring for newborns and little ones. It centers on offering support to families through the first two years of a child’s life. Babies and partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Pick up a convenient lunch to go, open to all. Every dollar from sales helps fund programs at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point.

Get into the Halloween spirit with a mix of spooky science and playful make-believe. Kids and families can explore eerie experiments, bubbly potions, and magic wands while educators lead demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the event. All activities are included with Museum admission. Wear a costume to receive $1 off Museum admission.

Turn Around Tuesdays focuses on giving back by offering a workshop space and garden for community enrichment programs. It features the Rock Steady Group’s open beginners AA meeting.

Residents of East Lyme, Niantic, and Waterford are encountering coyotes more often in their neighborhoods, which raises understandable questions about safety and how to respond. This seminar offers straightforward guidance on what to do when a coyote is seen and when concern is warranted. Dr. Mark Karaska, a former Connecticut State Park Ranger as well as a wildlife enthusiast and naturalist, leads an informal, informative look at the coyotes living alongside people. The discussion covers how to protect pets and minimize conflicts, practical steps to make yards less appealing to coyotes, how to react if one approaches, and the reasons behind their howls, barks, and cries, including what different sounds can signal. The program also highlights the intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability of these wild dogs, encouraging a clearer understanding that can make coexistence safer for families and local wildlife. Open to all.

Settle in for some reading time with Dune at Bill Library. This therapy dog frequently visits libraries and schools in the area with handler Lauren Rugh, a veterinary technician. The experience is open to the first ten families, and each family will have six minutes with Dune. Dune and Lauren are Ledyard residents, and they visit the library on a monthly basis.

One Piece Constructed Tuesdays is a constructed-format event with a $10 entry fee. Prizing is based on attendance.

This recurring event features a $10 entry fee. Prize support depends on turnout and is awarded as Gilt Leaf Games Prize Tickets.

Step into a Halloween trivia night at Jealous Monk if you dare, where playful chills meet festive fun. The quiz celebrates the season with questions on haunted homes, iconic creatures, trick-or-treat customs, spooky and family-friendly films, costumes, candy, and supernatural lore. Expect a wide range of topics that span traditions, folklore, pop culture, history, haunted attractions, and the moments that have made Halloween beloved. Familiarity with jack-o'-lanterns and pumpkins, ghosts and witches, vampires and werewolves, as well as figures like Dracula and the Headless Horseman, could come in handy... and so might knowing the difference between candy corn and caramel apples or a black cat and a full moon.

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.

Take part in a monthly senior book discussion at Ledyard Senior Center, where each gathering centers on a different title. Expect lively conversation and a chance to explore new reads together. Check back regularly to see what the next book selection will be.

An energetic storytime tailored for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers, featuring stories, fingerplay rhymes, and music, along with additional activities to keep little ones engaged. No registration is required.

Free Magic: The Gathering Commander games take place at The Citadel Game Cellar. Play is completely free and there are no table charges. Participants can arrive with friends or on their own to connect with other players in the community. Beverages are offered for sale, and bringing your own nonalcoholic drinks is allowed. Both decks and bulk cards can be purchased on site.

Celebrate autumn at Cormaria’s annual fall fundraiser, featuring a cordial gathering and a thoughtfully prepared menu by Chef George Hirsch. The luncheon supports Cormaria Retreat Center.

Create your own interpretation of a Tiffany stained glass masterpiece using paper, markers, and paint. The activity includes a brief lesson about Tiffany and the stained glass work that inspires the project.

Enjoy an evening featuring bingo along with other games. The event is open to everyone, and participation is entirely optional. Attendees may take part in the games or simply watch.

Enjoy a recurring games night held on the first Wednesday of each month. This event is intended for ages 14 and up. To register, email ashawayfreelibrary@gmail.com or call (401) 377-2770. For additional details, please check the website.

An author talk at Ledyard Public Library spotlights Karen Warfield, a Connecticut native, U.S. Army veteran, and graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She will discuss her novel, The Emancipation of Hannah Faythe Winslow, which unfolds in 17th century southeastern Connecticut. The story follows Hannah, orphaned during the Mohegan and Pequot war, who is compelled to live with her amoral neighbor.

Enjoy a relaxed night of Casual Commander with a $5 entry. Each Wednesday in October features a raffle for an MtG Play Booster Box, with prizes rotating through Reality Fracture, Marvel: Super Heroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Bloomburrow. Additional prizes may be raffled depending on attendance. Participants must play to be eligible for any giveaways, and there are no awards based on placement.

Preschool Storytime features a playful blend of read-alouds, music, and rhyming activities created for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Participants meet in the children's room at Gales Ferry Library before the session begins. Registration is not required.

Timed for the Halloween season, this program explores the world of bats with expert Julia Chase-Brand. Known to many from Nickelodeon as the Bat Lady and recognized as a pioneering distance runner, she also made history as the oldest person to earn a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University. Growing up in Groton, Connecticut, she spent more than a quarter century studying bats in the mountains of Trinidad and the rainforests of Australia. The discussion delves into myths and realities, explaining why blind as a bat is a misconception. Bats in the Americas use echolocation, and research shows they also depend on vision for navigation, avoiding obstacles, escaping danger, and even recognizing patterns when it suits their needs. A vivid range of species takes the spotlight, including red, white, and striped bats, bats that fish, bats that build tents, bats that eat frogs, and even frogs that prey on bats. Field stories introduce other unforgettable animals too, from an amorous gorilla to a tarantula measuring seven inches and a friendly capybara that liked to curl up with people. The program engages both children and adults and highlights a lifetime of exploration, discovery, and learning. Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve. WLT members and youth may attend at no cost, and not-yet members pay $10 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and space is limited.

Take part in a Pokémon League event featuring separate divisions for Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. The entry fee is $5, and prizes scale with attendance and placement.

Entry is $30. Costumes are welcome for those who want to dress up, and regular attire is perfectly fine. Choose whatever makes you comfortable.

Greg Dwyer presents a Halloween-themed magic and mind reading experience that invites audiences to venture into the shadows and explore the secrets of the season. The program blends history with mystery as the origins of Halloween are illuminated through feats of mentalism and stage magic, prompting questions about what is genuine and what is carefully crafted illusion. Look for a clever, eerie, and captivating atmosphere where the past takes center stage and imagination becomes part of the act. Registration is required.

Priam Vineyards presents a Halloween-themed pairing that showcases five Priam original wines alongside five classic Halloween candies. Each match is designed to highlight complementary flavors and add a festive twist to the season. Two seatings are offered. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

This bingo event features cash prizes that depend on sales and attendance, with payouts expected to be higher than the Tuesday games. All are welcome and payment is cash only. You may bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks. Alcohol is not permitted and the bar will be closed. For questions, call Earl at 516.901.3228.