Events in Westerly, RI

Enjoy food, drinks, and music at Sneekers Cafe with Chris Marolda.

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.

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.

This gaming day focuses on Advanced Squad Leader, the long-running tactical combat wargame introduced in 1985. The system offers notable flexibility and depth, allowing participants to recreate engagements across many theaters up to battalion scale. Command units at the level of 10 man squads and 5 man half-squads, along with individual leaders and vehicles, on more than 75 geomorphic boards or explore extended campaign games on detailed maps. It is suitable for both veteran players and newcomers. Tables are free to use and no reservation is required. For more information, contact carlhnogueira@gmail.com.

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.

Enjoy live music with surf, sand, and sun at The Windjammer Surf Club on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, RI. Spend time by the water listening to music in a beachside setting.

The inaugural City of Groton End of Summer Bonfire at the Beach brings a festive evening to Eastern Point Beach. Admission is free, with live music by The Hoolios, meals from Taqueria Cinco’s food truck, and beverages from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. Expect games and a glowing bonfire to celebrate the close of summer. Pack chairs for a relaxed, all-ages night by the shore. Plans are subject to weather conditions.

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.

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.

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

Get a close look at what goes into staging The Crucible with a Backstage Pass series event. Attendees can catch rehearsal moments, take part in talkbacks with directors, the cast, and the creative team, and enjoy light snacks and refreshments. The experience is designed to build a deeper connection to the production, offering more than just the performance and a view of the process before opening night. It welcomes theater lovers, curious minds, and anyone interested in how a show comes together. Season ticket holders receive a discount.

This class is for dog and handler teams with previous UKC, AKC Scent, or NACSW nose work experience who are already confidently searching for Birch in indoor environments. Training expands to Birch and Anise across a range of interior scenarios, including container searches, three-dimensional setups, and elevated hides. Teams practice working both accessible and inaccessible odor placements while learning to read subtle canine body language and applying scent theory to build a more engaged, resourceful partnership. K9 scent sports use target odors such as Birch, Anise, Clove, and Cypress to channel a dog’s natural scenting abilities through a structured game that develops odor imprinting, purposeful searching, clear indication, and precise source identification, all of which strengthens communication between dog and handler. Appropriate for many types of dogs, including high energy, cautious, and those with physical challenges. One dog works in the training ring at a time.

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.

Relive the 90s with Wannabe, a quintet of Toronto performers and real-life best friends paying tribute to the Spice Girls. With big personalities, costumes, accents and platform shoes, they channel Ginger, Baby, Scary, Posh and Sporty to create a lively celebration of friendship, creativity and girl power. The set draws on the hits that ignited global Spice mania and sprinkles in a few nostalgic 90s favorites, inviting everyone to get up, dance, sing along and make some joyful noise. The performance takes place in the Black Box auditorium with seating throughout. All sales are final and tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, and The United does not take responsibility for tickets purchased from third-party sellers.

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.

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.

Billy Gilman marks 25 years in music with an evening of signature hits, reimagined favorites, and soulful stories. Listeners can revisit songs they know by heart along with heartfelt classics and powerful covers shaped by his unmistakable style. The program honors the memories that have connected audiences across generations and the musical journey that continues today. An American country artist with more than 11 million albums sold, Gilman first rose to prominence as a young singer with the chart-topping One Voice and later reached new fans as the runner-up on The Voice with Team Adam Levine. His work spans country and bluegrass, includes long-standing support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and has earned recognition from the American Music Awards, the Grammys, the ACMs, the CMAs, and the Billboard Music Awards. This all-ages concert takes place in the UNITED Black Box Auditorium and is fully seated. Seating is guaranteed and selected at the time of purchase. Tickets are $35 with fees included. All sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged. The United is not liable for tickets bought through third-party sellers.

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.

Contributions for the Westerly Armory are welcome.

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.

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.

Explore the haunted side of Westerly, Rhode Island on a guided evening walk presented by Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours. Stroll through downtown and along the Pawcatuck River as a storyteller shares true accounts of deadly shipwrecks, rumored cursed pirate gold, mysterious lights, and witchcraft woven into local folklore. Hear chilling colonial-era legends and episodes from the town’s industrial past, including a tale of two spirits bound to one body, and learn about reported hauntings tied to long-standing downtown buildings. The route offers atmospheric river views and historic streets that set the scene for these enduring ghost stories. The experience lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with tickets priced at $30–$35 per person. Tours run rain or shine, and refunds are only issued if Seaside Shadows cancels due to weather. Photography is welcome, and pets are not permitted. The group meets in Downtown Westerly, with detailed instructions provided after booking. For questions, use website chat or email, as phone calls are returned only in emergencies.

Discover a fresh twist on Magic: The Gathering with an Iron Commander Tournament that challenges players to build a complete Commander deck from mystery cards, then put it to the test against others solving the same puzzle. The entry fee is $10. At the start, each participant receives three legendary creatures and selects one to lead their deck, with no trading of these commanders allowed. A playable promo card is also provided and may be traded. Decks are crafted from store bulk within a 1.5 hour window, and any card chosen for your build is yours to keep, along with your promo and commander. Collaboration during deck construction is encouraged and recognized with awards. Once decks are ready, players are placed into randomly assigned pods. Each round lasts 90 minutes, so keep the pace steady. Prize support depends on the number of participants. Basic lands are supplied for use during the event and must be returned afterward, and only lands sourced from the bulk boxes or issued as promos are permitted.

Try your luck at a meat raffle at Westerly Elks BPOE 678. The cost is $20 for 20 games worth of chances.

Monophonics brings an evening of high-energy psychedelic soul to Knick Music Lab, delivering the rich blend of heavy soul and vintage-tinged psychedelic rock that has defined the group since 2012. Fronted by vocalist and keyboardist Kelly Finnigan, the lineup features drummer Austin Bohlman, bassist Max Ramey, guitarist Aquilles Magaña, and a horn section led by trumpeter Ryan Scott with trombonist Jason Cressey on trombone. Known for dynamic live shows that spotlight intimate songwriting and soulful musicianship, the band has toured extensively across the United States, the UK, and Europe with performances in cities such as London, New York City, Athens, Los Angeles, Istanbul, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Paris. Their fifth studio album, Sage Motel, released on Colemine Records in 2022, continues their signature sound and has earned recognition from NPR Music, KCRW, BBC, and Shindig, reaching millions of listeners and selling thousands of records worldwide. This is an all-ages, general admission event. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the show, with fees included. All sales are final and cannot be exchanged. The United is not responsible for tickets purchased through third-party sellers. Pre-packaged concession snacks and soft drinks will be available, along with a limited bar offering pre-packaged beers, wines, and canned cocktails.

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.

Celebrate the free-spirited style of Mrs. Roper from Three's Company with a 70s-themed romp in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck. Dress in a bold caftan, pair it with a red or curly wig and chunky costume jewelry, and enjoy food, drink, live music, and shopping while taking to the streets. Muumuus and retro accessories fit right in, and costumes inspired by Stanley, Chrissy, and Janet are welcome too.

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.

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.

The Kyle M. Fedors Memorial Golf Tournament returns for its sixth year, with all proceeds supporting the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance. Online registration and additional details will be announced soon.

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.

Arthur Miller’s play brings Salem’s witch trials to life, tracing how fear can spread and turn neighbors against one another. The narrative follows layered characters facing tough choices as rumors escalate, trust unravels, and private truths clash with public judgment. Themes of honesty, conscience, and courage drive the conflict, revealing the harm that suspicion and betrayal can inflict. Its ideas continue to feel relevant, inviting reflection on moral conviction and what people hold onto when the pressure mounts.

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.

Rick from The Storytellers performs live at Windjammer Surf Bar RI, set against a beach backdrop of surf, sand, and sun at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Next Stop Comedy presents a stand-up showcase at Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery, featuring a brand new roster of comedians at each show. Look for talent with appearances on television and voices familiar from popular podcasts, delivering a fresh mix of acts every time.

Angelz Fury brings a surge of 80s metal to Windjammer Surf Bar, delivering sing-along hooks, blazing guitar leads, and beach-bar party energy that hits with the power of the surf. Frontwoman Tina Valenti leads a high-energy set that turns this boardwalk spot into a glowing rock arena made for loud vocals, hands in the air, and a night that keeps rolling long after the final note.

This second annual golf tournament benefits the Michelle Colucci Pinto Memorial Scholarship Fund and is hosted by the Misquamicut Club. Registration costs are $600 for an individual golfer and $2,200 for a team of four. For registration information, email mcpscholarshipfund@gmail.com.

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.

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.

Players must be 21 or older. Non-members will be charged an additional $5 to participate in bingo. The kitchen will be serving grinders from Reale's. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the lodge, including water bottles, soda, coffees and reusable cups. Coffee, bottled water and soda are available on site, along with a full bar. Purchasing snacks and beverages during the event helps support the lodge.

At Millwood Creek Disc Golf Course, this Connecticut bring-your-own-partner best disc doubles league event welcomes players of every age and experience level. The best disc format keeps things relaxed while encouraging more people to get out and play. Teams of two are the standard, but if you arrive solo, help is available to find a partner, or you can jump in on a 3s card or play Cali. Both partners are asked to RSVP. Scoring will run through UDisc Leagues, with paper backups if cell service is limited. To streamline check-in, join the Connecticut Best Disc Doubles League on UDisc ahead of league day. Entry is $10 per team, payable via Venmo to “DiscGolfZenSherry” or by bringing exact cash. From each entry, $6 funds closest-to-pin prizes, with the number of CTPs based on turnout. On most league days there are five CTPs after the course is set... two reserved for women, two for mixed teams, and one open to everyone. If there are fewer than five teams, three CTPs are awarded. Another $2 builds an ace pot that starts a new pot once it reaches $300. The remaining $2 supports a league fund dedicated to Connecticut disc golf projects. To suggest or vote on projects at season’s end, participants must attend at least three league events. The league plays in all weather and only considers cancellations for safety. Start times are prompt, so plan accordingly. By participating, players agree to release the league organizers and park services from liability and accept responsibility for any damage or injury they may cause before, during, or after play.

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.

A lively community cookout brings together families, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of fellowship, tasty food, and plenty of laughs. Burgers and hot dogs will be served, and kids can jump and play in the bounce houses. It offers a relaxed way to unwind, connect with others, and share time with the community. All are welcome.

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.

This event features food, beverages, and music.

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 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.

The third annual Halloween costume bash returns to Sneeker’s Cafe in Groton with good company, food and drinks, plus dancing and music. Costumes are the focus, and there is no cover charge.

EIGHTSIXTY returns to Groton at Richoni’s, bringing the rock back to town once more. The announcement expresses excitement about the return and sets an upbeat tone for the night.

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.

This event offers a raffle featuring meat prizes, with 20 dollars covering chances in 20 games.

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.

The Backstage Pass Series offers a behind-the-scenes experience for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, revealing how the story comes together before opening night. Attendees can expect glimpses of rehearsal, talkbacks with the directors, cast, and creative team, and light snacks and refreshments, all designed to deepen the connection to the production. It welcomes theater lovers, curious minds, and anyone seeking more than just the performance. Season ticket holders receive a discount. Subscribers who did not receive the email with details can contact the theater for assistance.

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.

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.

A Sunday sunset celebration showcases live music from Take It To the Bridge. There is no cover charge.

Bingo play is limited to ages 21 and up. Nonmembers will be charged an additional 5 dollars to participate. The kitchen will be offering grinders from Reale's. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the lodge. Coffee, bottled water, and soda will be available, along with a full service bar. Please plan to purchase snacks and beverages on site, and do not bring water bottles, sodas, coffees, or reusable cups.

Enjoy pizza and hot chocolate before heading downtown to welcome Santa.

A merry, chaos-filled comedy unfolds when the troublemaking Herdman kids seize control of the annual Christmas pageant and turn tradition upside down. The antics deliver big laughs and plenty of surprises, all wrapped in a warm message about the heart of the holiday season. Families can expect a lively production that blends humor with tenderness and shows how the most unexpected participants can make the holidays feel magical.

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.

I Petty the Fool is back at Sneekers Cafe with a night of rock music.

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.

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