Next in the Park: October 2025 | | |
Art History Mini-Series
Dr. Robert Baldwin
WED, OCT 1 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Part one, of this two-part series, will be led by Dr. Robert Baldwin, Associate Professor Emeritus of Art History at Connecticut College. He will explore topics art of German Renaissance painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer in conjunction with LAAM's current exhibition Albrecht Dürer: Master Prints.
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Evening Hours at the Museum
Teacher's Night
THU, OCT 2 | 5-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Guests of all ages are invited to join this monthly evening art night. Each activity is inspired by a different exhibition, theme, or artwork. Grab your friends and join LAAM for evening hours while exploring the galleries and getting creative. Teacher's are free, everyone welcome.
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Explore the City
First Saturday NL
SAT, OCT 4 | 10AM-10PM
New London Cultural District
The upcoming October installment of First Saturday NL will highlight various weekend activities and events happening in New London. Walk, shop, eat and explore all that the city has to offer. This monthly program will also feature live music, NLAC's Art Stroll and more exciting opportunities for the early fall season.
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A Walk in the Park
Cedar Grove Cemetery Tour
SAT, OCT 4 | 11AM
New London Landmarks, New London
This tour will feature stories of some of New London's most powerful, politically connected and wealthiest residents, who now are permanent residents of Cedar Grove Cemetery. Part of Thames River Heritage Park sponsored series, A Walk in the Park. One of five tours at local heritage sites this fall.
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Free First Saturday
Paint a Pumpkin
SAT, OCT 4 | 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! October's theme is pumpkins! Also enjoy a Little Buddies Petting Zoo with Carly’s Critters and fall treats available for purchase from Sweet Wave Bakery.
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Step Into the Story
Cottage Tours
SAT, OCT 4 | 11AM-4PM
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Experience the historic charm of Monte Cristo Cottage, the boyhood summer home of America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill. Explore the home that inspired some of the greatest works in American theatre. Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique cultural outing.
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Annual Citywide Celebration
New London Art Stroll
SAT, OCT 4 | 12-4PM
New London Cultural District
The 2025 New London Art Council's stroll boasts 40+ artists and performers. Visit 30 locations across the New London Cultural District! Traditionally a summer event, the 2025 Art Stroll will have folks trading in bottles of water and tank tops for long sleeves and lattes.
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Tim Stawarz Memorial
Emerging Musician Fest
SAT, OCT 4 | 1-6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
This event will be a day filled with incredible live music from the freshest, most talented young artists! Tickets are only $5! Support the next wave of musical talent and experience the future of music. Come for the vibe, stay for the talent.
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Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra
Voyage of Passion
SAT, OCT 4 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Music Director & Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada’s 16th season leading the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will rousingly begin, as usual, with The Star-Spangled Banner. Join the ECSO’s season ticket holder family and experience the magic of live orchestral music all year long!
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Film Festival Screening
Manhattan Short
SUN, OCT 5 | 3PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Manhattan Short is the only film festival of its kind where you are the judge with audiences around the world and can chose the one film and actor that wowed you the most. Upon entry, festival attendees are handed a Voting Card and an Official Program. Votes are tallied by each host venue then emailed to our NYC headquarters.
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Locally Produced Film
What We Carry With Us
MON, OCT 6 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Premiering at the Garde, What We Carry with Us is a film set and produced entirely in Connecticut, featuring local cast, crew, and community talent. The evening will begin with a red carpet and reception. Following the film, stick around for a Q&A with Director Tyler Gorman and Lead Actress Ashley Reese Carley.
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Annual New London Tradition
Fall Food Stroll
WED, OCT 8 | 5-8:30PM
Downtown New London
Stroll through different restaurants, shops, arts and cultural institutions in downtown New London and enjoy bite-sized samples of dishes or drinks from local establishments. A variety of talent will also perform along the stroll route all evening. Purchase your wristband early for a discounted rate!
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Author Led Book Talk
Piles of Inspiration Everywhere
THU, OCT 9 | 6PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Visit the museum for an evening talk celebrating the newly released Barkley L. Hendricks: Piles of Inspiration Everywhere with authors Susan Hendricks and David Katzenstein. This book invites readers into the space Barkley and Susan shared for thirty-five years, offering readers a bold, detailed study of the artist’s life.
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All-Ages Conservation Program
Raptors of Connecticut
THU, OCT 9 | 6PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, learn about the owls and hawks that live in our area and meet some raptors up close. This program is open to adults and children but is most suitable for grades 3 and above. Registration is required to attend.
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Gallery Opening Reception
Allison Gildersleeve
FRI, OCT 10 | 5PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Celebrate the opening of Allison Gildersleeve: Here Somewhere with an evening reception at the Museum. Gildersleeve picks apart and reassembles the familiar, using the variability of memory as her guide. As she puts the pieces together, her work skips through time at an erratic pace, shuffling the monumental with the mundane and twisting landscapes and interiors into compositional mazes.
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The King Returns to the Stage
The Ultimate Elvis Concert
FRI, OCT 10 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The Ultimate Elvis Concert is an unrivaled multimedia production of The King of Rock n’ Roll’s career! Starring Internationally Acclaimed Ultimate Elvis Champion Cote Deonath backed by The Infinit-E Tribute Band. This is the most authentic Elvis tribute you’ll ever see — and it’s a show you don’t want to miss!
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Bring the Entire Crew
Fall Family Day
SAT, OCT 11 | 10AM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
This annual gathering will feature hands on activities for both kids and families. Walk around to each table to learn more about other museums, universities and local organizations. You can even register for the Cribbage Board Tournament in advance! Soak up the fall weather at the museum.
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25 Places to Visit After Retirement
Dr. Richard Benfield
SAT, OCT 11 | 1PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Dr. Richard Benfield, past chair of geography at Central Connecticut State University, is an experienced traveler, who has visited more than 137 destinations. Benfield will share slides and his experiences seeing Paleolithic cave art, the great cathedrals of Europe, majestic mountains, the Panama Canal and more. Register today!
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A Walk in the Park
Hempstead Historic District Tour
SAT, OCT 11 | 1PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Join Connecticut Landmarks to learn about one of New London's first African American neighborhoods and how it evolved around Joshua Hempsted’s House, built in 1678. Part of Thames River Heritage Park sponsored series, A Walk in the Park. One of five tours at local heritage sites this fall.
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Pattagansett Art Center
Gelli Print Workshop
SAT, OCT 11 | 1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Learn the basics of mono-printing through the fun and creative Gelli Printing technique. This process creates a single, unique image from a re-printable plate. Beautiful layers of color and texture are achieved because a Gelli plate is soft and pliable, which allows flexibility and experimentation in the printing process. Each participant will leave with unique fine art creations.
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Live Music in the Art Park
Triple Bill of Locals
SAT, OCT 11 | 3:30PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Kick back this Saturday and enjoy Ken Atkins & the Honky Tonk Kind, Dogbite and American Elm in the Hygienic Art Park. Live music outside has an expiration date eventually, but come enjoy the fall weather while supporting local artists. Tickets are $10 for a rocking afternoon.
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A Classical Crossover
Vitamin String Quartet
SAT, OCT 11 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. VSQ are one of the most popular string ensembles in the world with over 2 billion streams and seven albums charting on both Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.
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Art History Mini-Series
Dr. Robert Baldwin
WED, OCT 15 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Part two of this series will touch upon male anxieties about gender in conjunction with LAAM's current exhibition Albrecht Dürer: Master Prints. Also led by Dr. Robert Baldwin, it will begin with a short reception for both members and non-members.
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The Best of the Gipsy Kings
Nicolas Reyes
WED, OCT 15 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
With more than 14 million albums sold worldwide, the legendary Gipsy Kings, led by Nicolas Reyes, bring their fiery blend of flamenco, salsa, and pop to New London for an unforgettable night of music and passion. As active as this remarkable collective remains, they are also confident in the future of their legacy.
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Spooky Season is Here
New London Halloween Town
FRI, OCT 17 | 6-8:30PM
Waterfront Park, New London
The City of New London, in collaboration with the Downtown New London Association, invites families to immerse themselves in a spooktacular Halloween experience. Get ready for an enchanting evening of frightful delights and ghoulish fun for all ages. Attendees can look forward to an array of exciting activities!
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Walk Amongst History
Tour the Cottage
SAT, OCT 18 | 11AM-4PM
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Experience the historic charm of Monte Cristo Cottage, the boyhood summer home of America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill. Explore the home that inspired some of the greatest works in American theatre. Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique cultural outing.
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Hop Aboard the Cecelia Ann
Thames River Cruise
SAT, OCT 18 | 12:30-3PM
NLCHS, New London
Join the New London County Historical Society on their 16th annual fall cruise. Enjoy the foliage while singing sea shanties with this year’s musical entertainment, The Jovial Crew! Two complimentary drink tickets included with your ticket purchase, with onboard concessions available for purchase. Bring your family and friends!
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Dav Pilkey's Creations Come to Life
Dog Man the Musical
SAT, OCT 18 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.
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A Walk in the Park
Mamacoke Island Hike
SUN, OCT 19 | 2PM
Mamacoke Island, Waterford
CT Sea Grant's walking tour will be led by Connecticut College Arboretum Director, Maggie Redfern. Explore the cultural and natural history of the island and the surrounding tidal salt marsh. Part of Thames River Heritage Park sponsored series, A Walk in the Park. One of five tours at local heritage sites this fall.
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JIBBOOM Club #1
Captain Stuart Reininger
TUE, OCT 21 | 1:30PM
Custom House M. Museum, New London
This monthly, Jibboom favorite Captain Stuart Reininger is back to tell more tales of his maritime career. Each month, a local speaker will collaborate with the Custom House Maritime Museum to offer their expertise on a variety of topics. Free for all to enjoy!
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The Mighty Zep
Get the Led Out
THU, OCT 23 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before.
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A Walk in the Park
Ghosts of Groton Bank
SAT, OCT 25 | 6PM & 6:30PM
Avery-Copp House, Groton
Experience a Haunted Walking Tour at the Avery-Copp House Museum. Hear stories of Halloween traditions brought to Groton by Irish immigrants and stroll on Thames Street where haunted tales blend history and folklore. Part of Thames River Heritage Park sponsored series, A Walk in the Park. One of five tours at local heritage sites this fall.
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A Walk in the Park
Groton Bank Walking Tour
SUN, OCT 26 | 11AM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
Meet the whaling captains, shipbuilders and people of influence who made their homes on the Groton Bank of the Thames River. And tour the community where they lived and prospered. Part of Thames River Heritage Park sponsored series, A Walk in the Park. One of five tours at local heritage sites this fall.
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Live Music in the Art Park
Autumn Speakeasy
SAT, OCT 25 | 6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Round out the month with live music at the Hygienic. Their Autumn Speakeasy will be hosted by Scottish Dave! Featuring: Post Traumatic Jazz Disorder, Bernadette Golden, Robert Lighthouse, Brett Bottomly. Rain or shine, this show will jam on. Mark your calendars!
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Food Truck Festival
Spooktoberfest
SAT, OCT 25 | 12-8PM
SUN, OCT 26 | 12-7PM
Washington Park, Groton
The City of Groton is ready for all of the Halloween fun! Enjoy a Food Truck Convoy, Vendors, Live Bands, Trick or Treating, Bounce Houses and more at this family friendly event. Free admission to this two-day festival!
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All Talents Welcome
Open Mic at the Museum
SUN, OCT 26 | 6-9PM
Custom House M. Museum, New London
Hosted by Kenny 'Doc' Frasier, this monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or the opportunity to just state what is on your mind. Show up at 5:45 and get on the list to perform! Open to all ages and abilities for fun & camaraderie. It's a friendly crowd.
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Open Collections Day
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Third Thursday of Each Month
Visitors have an opportunity to see staff at work in the Museum’s Hendel Library and gain new access to the Lyman Allyn’s vast collection of original art, artifacts and objects. Collections staff engage with visitors while working on research projects.
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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 28th
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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Bill Memorial Library
Weekly-Monthly Programs
10/2 - Kids Cooking Class
10/6 - Fire Truck Story Time
10/16 - Monthly Teen Program
10/21 - Girls Who Code Kickoff
10/31 - Trick-Or-Treat at the Library
Mondays - Fall Story Time
Tuesdays - Music & Movement
EVENTS CALENDAR | 860-445-0392
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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.
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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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Become a Member
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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