Saturday, June 14th - Monday, June 30th | | |
Historical Boat Tours & Harbor Cruise Schedule
Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 15
Thames River, New London-Groton
In Our Nation’s Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | Nautilus Pier, Groton
SAT: 11am & 12:45pm | SUN: 2:15pm
Discover the Thames | Fort Trumbull, New London
SAT: 3pm | SUN: 12pm
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
Saturday & Sunday | 11AM-6PM
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Sweeping Views of the Thames
Free Admission
SAT, JUNE 14 | 9AM-5PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
The Fort Trumbull Visitor Center Museum and fort will be open to the general public at no charge in honor of CT Open House Day. Visit this state park and learn about the unique history of this area dating back to the Revolutionary War. *Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise & Historical Boat Tour Launch Site*
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Summer Kickoff with Submarines
Family Day
SAT, JUNE 14 | 10AM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
This free event will be filled with hands-on activities, augmented reality experiences and learning opportunities for all ages. You can even tour the USS Nautilus and explore all the museum has to offer. *Historic Boat Tours Launch Site*
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Maritime History on Display
Admission by Donation
SAT, JUNE 14 | 10AM-5PM
Custom House M. Museum, New London
Discover the stories of New London's waterfront that still shape the region today. Discounted admission for CT Open House Day! Art, artifacts and more on are on display at the incredible museum that is operated by New London Maritime Society. *Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise Launch Site (City Pier) in Walking Distance*
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Saturday in Groton Heights
Free Guided Tours
SAT, JUNE 14 | 11AM-2PM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
The Friends of Fort Griswold will host two guided tours to celebrate CT Open House Day. The tours will start at the Fort Gates at 11am & 1pm and are free to the public. The Monument House Museum will also be open for exploration and shopping.
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Take a Step Back in Time
Free Community Event
SAT, JUNE 14 | 11AM-3PM
Avery-Copp House, Groton
See special summer exhibits, play old-fashioned games and learn how make traditional crafts by The Dirty Blue Shirts crew. Come see the trades of the past that were once common on historic Groton Bank. *Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise Launch Site (Thames Landing) in Walking Distance*
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Connecticut Landmarks
Juneteenth Festival
SAT, JUNE 14 | 11AM-4PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Partnering with the New London NAACP and OIC New London, the Hempsted Houses are home to this yearly community event highlighting the African American history and the surrounding New London neighborhood. Engage in activities encouraging conversations about emancipation, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility.
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Community Day at the Museum
China from China
SAT, JUNE 14 | 1-4PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Celebrate the opening of new exhibit "China from China" with a fun afternoon of art, culture, and family activities. Learn about Chinese brush painting and create your own work, enjoy a tea tasting, witness a lion dance performance, and more! Free and open to all for CT Open House Day.
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Porcelain and Stories on Display
China from China
SAT, JUNE 14 | 5-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
With over a hundred examples of fine and decorative arts, this exhibition reveals how cultural and economic trade between China and the US helped to shape a young nation. A collaboration between the Lyman Allyn and the Dietrich American Foundation, "China from China" showcases the Dietrich collection of Chinese export porcelain and paintings. Snag your tickets today for the opening reception!
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An Opera by Anthony Davis
Amistad
SAT, JUNE 14 | 7PM
NL Custom House Pier, New London
After 8 years, CT Lyric Opera is proud to announce the Connecticut premiere of Anthony Davis's ground-breaking opera, Amistad. And to make it even more historic, they will be performing on Custom House Pier on New London's waterfront, the exact location where the Amistad was brought into port in 1839! Tickets include the post-show panel discussion.
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Local Stonington Historian
JIBBOOM Club #1
TUE, JUNE 17 | 1:30PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Harry Martin join's the museum to chat about his new book that was recently published by the Stonington Historical Society. It touches upon the life of Nathaniel B. Palmer, a 19th-century Master Mariner who 'discovered' Antarctica at age 21 in 1820. Jibboom Club is not a club, but a friendly gathering, with a speaker and refreshments, that is free and open to all!
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Summer Concerts in the Park
Eight to the Bar
FRI, JUNE 20 | 6:30-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
The annual concert series by City of Groton Parks and Recreation returns for the summer months. Bring your chair or blanket, have dinner from the food trucks and enjoy some great live music! This community event is perfect for all ages and co-sponsored by Groton Utilities.
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In the Art Park
Comedy Bebop
FRI, JUNE 20 | 7:30PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Resident comedian Dame Fk will host an array of hilarious comics from near and far, headlined by nationally touring comedian JT Moore! Please join the Hygienic for an unforgettable night of laughs. Drinks will be available at the full service bar.
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Return of the Original
Sinner's Circle
FRI, JUNE 20 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The popular songwriting series returns to New London with a performance from the “Original Sinners” Hugh Birdsall, Jim Carpenter, John Fries and Ben Parent. This performance will take place in the Oasis Room.
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Regional Celebration of Music
Make Music Day
SAT, JUNE 21 | All Day
Parade Plaza, New London
Make Music New London is part of the international celebration, Make Music Day. Featuring free, community-wide performances, the annual tradition is held on the Summer Solstice as a unique way to experience music in all its many forms. Live music can be found all across the city and downtown!
Participating Heritage Sites: Custom House Maritime Museum, Garde Arts Center, Hygienic Art, Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
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Invest in the Community
Jumble Shoppe Yard Sale
SAT, JUNE 21 | 9AM-1PM
St. James Episcopal, New London
The Jumble Shoppe is a second-hand thrift store that operates out of the back of St. James Episcopal Church. It has been in action since 1968 and serves as a community hub for all of New London. The funds raised by the yard sale will go to supporting the Lord's Pantry, the church's food distribution center.
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Summer Reading Kick-Off
Petting Zoo with Donkeys
SAT, JUNE 21 | 12PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
The library will host the donkeys of Tripledale Farm of Guilford along with a petting zoo on Saturday in support of their 2025 Summer Reading program. Summer Reading packets for kids birth - grade 5 will be available and will include a free book. The summer reading program runs through Saturday, August 2.
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Opening Sunday Service
Elder Tarishia Martin
SUN, JUNE 22 | 11AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian where all are welcome for all services and special events. A remnant of the historic Pequot Colony; the Chapel is a spiritual, social, and cultural center for the neighborhood and region. This week's service is lead by Elder Tarishia Martin from Shiloh New London.
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The Youth Engagement Partnership
Gaming Day 2: Reloaded
SUN, JUNE 22 | 1PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The Youth Engagement Partnership is back with a second program to bring together the youth of our community to offer a day of fun, connection and opportunity to learn some new games! There will be gaming challenges, prizes to win, snacks and drinks. Register your gamer for this free event today.
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Waves & Jams at the Beach
Cartell's Quartet
WED, JUNE 25 | 6-8PM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
Concerts all summer for this mid-week series will be held on the front lawn of the Zbierski House. Bring your chair and take in the beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and Thames River. The Snack Bar will also be open for all to enjoy during the live music performance.
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Summer Concerts in the Park
Take it to the Bridge
FRI, JUNE 27 | 6:30-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
The annual concert series by City of Groton Parks and Recreation returns for the summer months. Bring your chair or blanket, have dinner from the food trucks and enjoy some great live music! This community event is perfect for all ages and co-sponsored by Groton Utilities.
MORE INFO
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New London County Housing
Community Panel Discussion
SAT, JUNE 28 | 1-2:30PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Join CT Landmarks for a conversation regarding housing in the Black communities of New London and surrounding towns. The panel will share stories from their youth in New London County. Come together to discuss how we can all work in partnership with our communities to fix these issues.
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Live Music at the Fort
Mystic River Brass Ensemble
SUN, JUNE 29 | 2-3:30PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Mark your calendars for the Mystic River Brass Ensemble to reverberate the walls of Fort Trumbull with music. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park and CT DEEP. Bring your chairs and blankets!
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All Day Music Festival
Mitchfest
SUN, JUNE 29 | 2PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Mitchfest is an unforgettable day of music and community at the Hygienic Art Park. This all-star lineup of 5+ performers brings together powerhouse talent for one epic afternoon and evening of amazing music to honor the late, great Mitch! Bring your friends, grab a drink, and soak in the summer sounds.
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All Talents Welcome
Open Mic at the Museum
SUN, JUNE 29 | 6-9PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, the monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie! You can even Live Stream the event.
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Hit Songs of the 80's & 90's
Girls Night, the Musical
SUN, JUNE 29 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Share the laughter in this off-Broadway sensation as five girlfriends celebrate a wild night out! Featuring hits: “Lady Marmalade", “It’s Raining Men", “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and more. Be prepared for a party on stage and in the crowd.
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Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
Saturdays & Sundays | 11AM-6PM
Departure Locations:
- Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
- City Pier, New London
- Thames Landing, Groton
The water taxi operates in a continuous loop every hour, on the hour. Walk, shop, eat or cruise along the route while exploring Thames River heritage sites.
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New London Harbor Light Tours
NL Maritime Society, New London
Saturdays & Sundays | 12PM
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern for spectacular views of the Sound in the oldest and tallest lighthouse in the country. Tours occur each weekend of the year for groups of up to five people.
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City of Groton Farmers Market
Washington Park, Groton
Tuesdays | 3-6PM
June 10th-October 10th
A variety of vendors will line the green of Washington Park all summer long with handmade items, produce, food, live music and more. Shop local!
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Summer of Music & Family Fun
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Mondays: Cruise Night | 5PM
Wednesdays: Magic Show | 7PM
Thursdays: Boardwalk Dance Nights | 7PM
Friday-Saturday: Live Music
The park also has fireworks, festivals and one-off events all summer long!
EVENT SCHEDULE
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Yoga with Kim
Hygienic Art, New London
Every Sunday | 9AM
Start your Sunday with Kim for a yoga experience at Hygienic Art sponsored by Yale New Haven Health. Best of all, it's FREE! Don’t miss out on this unique experience to practice and unwind in downtown New London.
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Blissworks Yoga
Garde Arts Center, New London
Relocated from their Bank Street location, their classes now takes place in the spacious Garde.
Yoga Basics
Tuesdays | 9AM
Intermediate Yoga
Saturdays | 8:30AM
CLASS CALENDAR
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Gift Cards
Gift cards may be used for ALL historic and pop-up boat tours, Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises, Lecture Series, Docent Academy registration and merchandise.
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Season Pass
Season Pass holders enjoy unlimited boat rides for our Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise / Water Taxi service connecting New London's City Pier, Fort Trumbull and Thames Landing in Groton.
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Become a Member
Memberships start as low as $35 donation. Members receive a variety of special benefits, including recognition on our website to discounted tickets and season passes.
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Subscribe to Our Mailing List
Monthly Newsletters, Boat Tour Schedules, Heritage Site Updates and More
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Visit the Park's Heritage Sites
| Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come. | | Thames River Heritage Park Institutional Partners are organizations committed to preserving and promoting our culture and history but may not have a site to welcome visitors. They are historic or cultural associations, “friends” organizations, and educational institutions. | |
- Connecticut Maritime Heritage Fest
- Connecticut Sea Grant
- Downtown New London Assoc.
- Friends of Fort Griswold
- Friends of Fort Trumbull
- Groton Bank Historical Assoc.
- Ledge Light Foundation
- National Coast Guard Museum
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- New London County Historical Society
- New London Landmarks
- New London Maritime Society
- Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
- Southeastern CT Enterprise Region
- UCONN Avery Point Maritime Studies
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Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
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