Next in the Park: August 1st-15th | | |
Pop-Up Tours and More on the Thames River
Discover the Thames
Saturday, August 2nd
Travel along both sides of the Thames to its mouth on Long Island Sound where you’ll get an introduction to the people, places, and events which shaped the region.
Captivating Books & Stories: Inspired by Sites along the River
Sunday, August 3rd
Cruise along the Thames River and hear about sites that sparked authors' imaginations to write their own stories.
Full Moon Cruise on the Thames
Friday, August 8th & Saturday, August 9th
Join us for a magical cruise down the Thames River to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound.
White Sails, Black Hands. African American Experiences on CT Waters
Saturday, August 9th
In collaboration with the Hempsted Houses of CT Landmarks, embark on an adventure on the Thames to hear untold stories of important black figures from the region.
Pop-Up Tour: Haunted Harbor History
Saturday, August 9th
The rich and varied history that surrounds the Thames River has unsurprisingly given rise to ghostly tales and spectral sightings along the storied waterway.
Well-Heeled and Wannabees. The Gilded Age on the Thames
Sunday, August 10th
View the summer cottages, elegant homes and estates while you hear stories of the wealthy vacationers who enjoyed the Thames River during the Gilded Age.
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Historical Boat Tours & Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
FRI, AUG 1
Nautilus Dock, Groton
In Our Nation's Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 11am & 12:45pm
Cruise past a Revolutionary battle site and learn how submarines are built in the Submarine Capital of the World.
BUY TICKETS
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Celebrate the City of Groton
City Day
FRI, AUG 1 | 5-8PM
Washington Park, Groton
Save the date! The 40th Anniversary City Day event will expand on past year's, offering more activities, games, and a Concert in the Park. There will also be interactive displays, giveaways, a cupcake eating contest, corn hole tournament, Kids Zone Entertainment, food and more! Join in on the fun with your group of all ages.
MORE INFO
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New London Cultural District
First Saturday NL
SAT, AUG 2 | 10AM-10PM
Cultural District-Downtown, New London
The New London Cultural District will host its monthly Saturday celebration featuring gallery openings, live music performances, workshops, boat rides, special sales and more at galleries, businesses and non-profits throughout the downtown and New London.
MORE INFO
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Free First Saturday at the Museum
Painted Paper Fans
SAT, AUG 2 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Each month on the first Saturday enjoy free admission all day at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum! Family artmaking takes place in the art studio. This month, take some time to cool down on a hot summer day by painting your own paper fan inspired by in-house exhibits. This event is open to all.
MORE INFO
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The Unusual Suspects
Gallery Sip & Stroll
SAT, AUG 2 | 3-6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Stop in and sip on frozen beverages while you peruse the current exhibit, The Unusual Suspects: Art from Unexpected Materials. This collection brings together a group of contemporary artists whose practices challenge traditional notions of artmaking by embracing unexpected, repurposed, or unconventional materials.
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Music & Prayer
Artist Marvin Espy
SUN, AUG 3 | 10AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian gathering space open to all. 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 of music and prayer features artist Marvin Espy.
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Summer Reading Closing Party
Dancing with Dogs
TUE, AUG 5 | 11AM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Come celebrate the end of summer reading with dancing dogs! Summer Reading participants can turn their reading log in for a free book and a cookie coupon from Paul’s Pasta. The live performance is open for everyone to enjoy. K-9 Musical Freestyle is dancing with dogs to music. It is a fun sport for the owners, their dogs and the audience.
MORE INFO
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New London Maritime Society
Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
WED, AUG 6 | 6:45PM
City Pier, New London
Tours out to Ledge Lighthouse resume through the New London Maritime Society for the summer! This 90-minute trip brings you out to the lighthouse, with an hour to explore the landmark itself. Due to a Veolia/NL Water Authority grant, all New London residents can visit for just $5. Purchase your tickets in advance!
MORE INFO
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Summer Fun is Here
Let Loose Thursday
THU, AUG 7 | 5-9PM
Downtown Plaza, New London
Whether you’re bringing the whole family or meeting up with friends, Let Loose Thursday is the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in New London. Fireworks, Touch-a-Truck, petting zoo, food vendors, live music and interactive activities with multiple organizations come downtown to celebrate the community.
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Your Time to Shine
Open Mic Night
THU, AUG 7 | 5:30-7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Poetry, comedy, spoken word...all talents are welcome to participate. Comedians and poets can hit the stage for a 5-minute time slot. Musicians can perform 2 songs total. There is no cover charge, but donations are always appreciated. Every first Thursday of each month, this event is hosted by Hygienic artists.
MORE INFO
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Animal Conservation Presentation
A Semester in Australia
THU, AUG 7 | 6PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
College student and BML staffer Ky Connal-Nicolaou will talk about their experiences studying conservation in Australia for a semester. Learn about Aussie culture and exotic animal species, see photos taken at the Great Barrier Reef and discover Australian cuisine. Space is limited and registration is required.
MORE INFO
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Historical Boat Tours & Cruises
Thames River Heritage Park
FRI, AUG 8
Nautilus Dock, Groton
In Our Nation's Defense. Military Stories on the Thames | 11AM & 12:45PM
Cruise past a Revolutionary battle site and learn how submarines are built in the Submarine Capital of the World.
BUY TICKETS
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The No.1 Tribute to Bread
Toast
FRI, AUG 8 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
TOAST presents a “feel-good” show that includes all of Bread’s top hits and brings all the memories flooding back quickly. This concert truly “rises” to the top as one of the favorite concerts of audiences everywhere! Purchase your ticket early for your choice of premier seating.
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Thames River Heritage Park
Full Moon Cruise on the Thames
FRI, AUG 8 | 7:45PM
SAT, AUG 9 | 7:45PM
City Pier, New London
Join us for a magical cruise down the Thames River to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound. Two evenings occur each month to catch the moon rising from the park's boats.
BUY TICKETS
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New London Maritime Society
Explore Inside Ledge Lighthouse
SAT, AUG 9 | 9AM
City Pier, New London
Tours out to Ledge Lighthouse resume through the New London Maritime Society for the summer! This 90-minute trip brings you out to the lighthouse, with an hour to explore the landmark itself. Due to a Veolia/NL Water Authority grant, all New London residents can visit for just $5. Purchase your tickets in advance!
MORE INFO
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Author Talk at the Monument House
Eric Lehman
SAT, AUG 9 | 2PM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
The Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park will host author Eric Lehman to discuss his book, “Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London.” This event is the first in a series to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Free to the public; registration is encouraged.
MORE INFO
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Music for Life
Mike Donehey & Matt Hammitt
SAT, AUG 9 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Join Mike Donehey and Matt Hammitt for an evening of song and devotion. These two singer songwriters take the stage to share their stories of hope and faith. This event is sponsored by Anchor of Hope. A life-affirming pregnancy center dedicated to serving women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies.
BUY TICKETS
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Sunday Service
Reverend Edson Way
SUN, AUG 10 | 10AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian gathering space open to all. 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 led by Reverend Edson Way. A retired Episcopal Priest of Lubbock, Texas.
MORE INFO
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Movies in the Park
Jumanji
FRI, AUG 15 | 8-11PM
Williams Park, New London
New London Arts Council’s "Movies in the Park" is a free, family-friendly outdoor movie event designed to bring the community together. This summer, celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jumanji with a special screening of this beloved family classic. Pre-show entertainment will feature short films and video work by local artists. Bring your own snacks & seating.
MORE INFO
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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.
MORE INFO
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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.
MORE INFO
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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!
MORE INFO
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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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Thursday Night Flickers
Hygienic Art, New London
Enjoy screenings of films in the Art Park for a $5 suggested donation. Film times vary throughout the summer depending on the sunset.
August 2nd: Frida
August 14th: Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace
FULL SCHEDULE
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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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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.
MORE INFO
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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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- NL 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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