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Bates Friends Forever
Great Depression Walking Tour
SAT, OCT 17 | 10:30AM-12PM
Bates Woods Park, New London
Join New London Landmarks and Bates Friends Forever for a tour examining New London during the Great Depression. Enjoy the fall foliage and learn how New London responded to widespread unemployment, and how federal relief programs connected national policy to work happening in the community.
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Eugene O'Neill Celebration
138th Birthday Party
SAT, OCT 17 | 11AM-2PM
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Enjoy free tours and birthday treats in celebration of America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright at his childhood summer home and the setting for his most famous plays. Tours will be offered on a rolling basis with no reservation required. The last tour of the day begins at 1:15PM.
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17th Annual Benefit Event
Thames River Cruise
SAT, OCT 17 | 12:30-3PM
Cross Sound Ferry, New London
Witness the fall foliage and sing sea shanties with The Jovial Crew! Perfect for the whole family. All guests will receive two drink tickets to onboard concessions. Cruise will set sail rain or shine. All proceeds benefit the New London County Historical Society’s mission of Education, Preservation, and Partnership through Community Service.
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New London History
Hempsted House Tours
SAT, OCT 17 | 1-4PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
The Hempsted Houses provides a window into urban life in Colonial New London. In his 18th-century diary, Joshua Hempsted recorded family and civic life and documented the life and labor of Adam Jackson, a man of African descent who Hempsted enslaved for decades.
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The Chapin Family LIVE
Harry Chapin's Greatest Hits
SAT, OCT 17 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Don't miss this unforgettable night of music! In the long rich history of Family Groups in American Roots Music, The Chapin Family has a special place. When these singers, songwriters and extraordinary live performers come together, magic happens.
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Live From the Art Park
Hygienic Jazz Fest
SUN, OCT 18 | 2PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Get ready for an afternoon of live jazz as the Hygienic Art Park comes alive with FOUR incredible jazz bands. There will be 2 stages bringing great music, good vibes, and plenty of New London energy. Gather your friends for a celebration of live music, community, and the creative spirit.
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LIVE Screening with RKO Army
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
SUN, OCT 18 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Celebrate The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a costume-filled, shout-along screening of the cult classic where Brad and Janet stumble into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s wildly unforgettable world. Experience the greatest cult movie of all time by having some serious fun at the Movie Palace!
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JIBBOOM Club #1
John Wilbur
TUE, OCT 20 | 1:30PM
Custom House M. Museum, New London
Join author John Wilbur as he talks about the Coastal Picket Patrol of World War II and his novel An Unusual way to Fight a War: At Sea with the Offshore Patrol. This monthly, friendly gathering highlights maritime speakers and is hosted by the New London Maritime Society. Free admission & treats.
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Author Talk in the Oasis Room
Peter King
TUE, OCT 20 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Join legendary NFL insider Peter King and bestselling author Jeff Benedict for a fascinating conversation exploring the stories, personalities, and pivotal moments that transformed the NFL into America's most influential sport.
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Moderated Panel Discussion
AI in Art, Film & Music
THU, OCT 22 | 5-7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Join HYG for a moderated panel discussion exploring the evolving role of AI in art, film, and music. Bringing together artists, filmmakers, musicians, and creative professionals, the conversation will examine how AI is being used in creative practice, where technology enhances the artistic process, and where it may challenge traditional ideas of creativity and ownership.
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Colonial Times Demonstration
Revolutionary Chocolate
THU, OCT 22 | 6PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
The Pewter Pot, a Salem, CT-based shop that crafts chocolate the way it was made 250 years ago, is bringing their expertise and chocolate! Attendees can sample and purchase additional chocolate during the event. Registration required, but free to public.
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Investigate the Unknown
Paranormal Tour
FRI, OCT 23 | 8:30PM
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Explore the home that inspired some of the greatest works in American theater in this guided experience featuring both the history of the house and some added stories about its ghosts. Paranormal investigator, Stephanie Sutera, will also conduct an investigation to document any supernatural activity during the tour.
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Hear Ghoulish Stories
Hempsted Halloween
SAT, OCT 24 | 4-7PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Get into the spirit of the season and experience the city’s oldest house at twilight. Meet the ghosts of New Londoners who have ghoulish stories to tell—talk with them if you dare! Admission is free, but donations always welcome.
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Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra
Shadow & Spirits
SAT, OCT 24 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The ECSO opens its 2026–27 season with an evening designed to thrill. Shadows & Spirits embraces the dramatic and the mysterious, pairing two works that pulse with dark energy and theatrical flair. An evening of drama, dazzle, and just a hint of the otherworldly. Don’t miss it.
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Singer-Songwriter Takes the Stage
Croce Plays Croce
SUN, OCT 25 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a special performance celebrating the timeless songs of his father, Jim Croce, alongside favorites from A.J.’s own acclaimed catalog. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and stories.
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Drop-In Library Program
Fall Crafts for Kids
WED, OCT 28 | 2-4PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Kids and their families can drop by to make cute and no-at-all spooky fall crafts. Visit the library to make a cute mummy and fall corn design. Recommended for ages 4 and up, while supplies last. Get festive!
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Art History Mini-Series
Looking Back, Looking Forward
WED, OCT 28 | 5:30-7:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join Barbara Zabel, Professor Emerita at Connecticut College, for a special four-part art history mini-series exploring the development of contemporary art. The first session explores the profound shift in the global art scene caused by World War II and Abstract Expressionism.
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Silly, Spooky Fun
Halloween Storytime
THU, OCT 29 | 10AM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Get into the spirit of the season with silly “spooky” stories, songs with live music, and a craft. Costumes are welcome! Geared towards birth to age 5, but open to all ages and their caregivers.
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Test Your Local Knowledge
250th History Trivia
THU, OCT 29 | 6:30-8PM
Tox Brewing Company, New London
In honor of the nation's 250th anniversary with Thames River Heritage Park and fellow Park member the Lyman Allyn Museum! Join us at Tox Brewery in New London for a free night of trivia focused on New London and Groton. Gather your team, test your local knowledge, and celebrate our region’s history with us!
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Family Fun
Halloween Town
FRI, OCT 30 | 5:30-8PM
Waterfront Park, New London
Come to the New London Waterfront Park in costume to experience a trunk-or-treat, family fun and food trucks. All ages are welcome to this community event that will highlight local organizations. Get spooky on the waterfront!
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Public Tours at the Cottage
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Public tours will occur every other Saturday through October 24th! Tours are 45 minutes long and kids 10 and under are free.
Book online today! Three tours will be offered each day the cottage is open: 11AM, 12PM and 1PM.
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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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Bill Memorial Library
Weekly and Monthly Programs
Wed, October 28 - Fall Kids Craft
Thu, October 29 - Halloween Storytime
Sat, October 31 - Halloween Trick or Treat
Mondays - Fall Story Time
Tuesdays - Music & Movement
Thursdays - Girls Who Code
EVENTS CALENDAR | 860-445-0392
| | 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. Sites can be found in New London, Groton and Waterford, CT. | | |
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Excursions for All Ages on the Thames River
Seasonal Fall Tours, Full Moon Cruises, Private Charters and MORE!
Types of tours vary each week. Take a look at the schedule below and book your seats aboard the Park's retired naval utility vessels.
Available through October 2026
| | Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors | | | | |
