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September 16-30, 2026

Comedy in the Oasis Room

Mike Hanley

THU, SEPT 17 | 7:30PM

Garde Arts Center, New London


Get ready for a wild ride with Mike Hanley! The second Mike hits the stage, his trademark intensity takes over, captivating the crowd instantly. Whether you’re married or single, his hysterical takes on relationships, kids, and the everyday grind will have you laughing from start to finish.


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Opening Reception

New London's Whaling Era

FRI, SEPT 18 | 5-7PM

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London


Celebrate the opening of Isaac Sheffield: Portraits from New London’s Whaling Era with an evening reception at the Museum. This exhibition, the first to focus on the work of artist Isaac Sheffield, examines his portraits and portrait miniatures of the 1830s and 1840s.


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Guided Walking Tour

A Women's History of Cedar Grove

SAT, SEPT 19 | 10-11:30AM

Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London


Join New London Landmarks to walk among the graves of the women who helped shape New London’s history and discover the stories that too often have been left in the margins. Hear stories of local women whose lives, work, courage, and contributions helped shape our community.


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Playful Youth Music

Sound & Rhythm Workshop

SAT, SEPT 19 | 11AM-12PM

Custom House Museum, New London


Join South African producer and musician Sam Nizmela for a high-energy, one-hour rhythm adventure where ordinary household objects become extraordinary instruments. Armed with pots, pans, and plenty of imagination, participants will discover how rhythm can be found almost anywhere. Registration required.


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Festive Seasonal Gathering

Summer Garden Party

SUN, SEPT 20 | 3-5PM

Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton


Support education and historic preservation at the museum! Enjoy music of the American Revolution, artists Howard Park and Lisa Miceli's plein air painting process and explore a grand colonial home built by the Schellens family in 1916.


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America's 250

Selections from the Collection

WED, SEPT 23 | 5:30-7:30PM

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London


Join curator Tanya Pohrt for a gallery talk exploring the special installations for America’s 250: Selections from the Collection. The installation explores key moments in American history and highlights previously understudied voices. Reception prior to gallery talk!


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Fall Planting Session

How to Control Invasive Plants

THU, SEPT 24 | 6PM

Bill Memorial Library, Groton


Jim Natale, owner of WilderGardensLLC in Groton, will share how he gardens in fall, while reducing maintenance and providing for pollinators and other wildlife in this one-hour program. Follow the link or call the library at 860-445-0392 to register.


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A Soiree with Rich and Doc

Night of Sax and Song

THU, SEPT 24 | 6 & 7:30PM

Custom House Museum, New London


Join NLMS for an intimate evening as two New London favorites, Kenny Doc Frazier and Rich Sturmer, set the room aglow with a soulful blend of sax, song, jazz, blues, and groove. Unwind in a cozy atmosphere, with wine and nibbles, and an evening of smooth, soulful sounds!


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Friday Book Club

Literary Tea and Tour

FRI, SEPT 25 | 11AM

Harkness M. State Park, Waterford


Enjoy a delightful brunch and discussion of the book led by Lynne Rogers, Uconn English Professor at Eolia Mansion. The book of the month is Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton and copies are available at Waterford Public Library. Space is limited, register today!


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Travel Back in Time

Tour by David Rose

SAT, SEPT 26 | 10AM

Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton


David Rose, a tour guide with Friends of Fort Griswold, will take you back to 1781 in this informative tour of Groton’s Revolutionary battlefield. Attendance is limited and registration is required. Follow the link or call the library at 860-445-0392 to register.


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Live from the Art Park

Dogbite & Friends

SAT, SEPT 26 | 3PM

Hygienic Art, New London


Get ready for an afternoon and evening of live music, good vibes and rocking energy! Bring your friends, grab a drink, and settle in for an unforgettable day of live music! Featuring Arlene Wow, Ken Atkinson & The Honky Tonk Kind and Dogbite.


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Magic Rocks!

Illusionist Leon Etienne

SAT, SEPT 26 | 8PM

Garde Arts Center, New London


A high-energy, family-friendly spectacle of world-class illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and rock-and-roll showmanship that’s stunned audiences from Radio City Music Hall to international stages and hit TV shows like America's Got Talent.


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Shutter Talk

Todd Gipstein Photography

SUN, SEPT 27 | 1-3PM

Hygienic Art, New London


Award-winning photographer Gipstein brings more than 50 years of experience in visual storytelling. He will be giving a talk about his photographic experiences, what he looks for when shooting and what he looks for while jurying an exhibit. Questions are welcome!


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Raise the Vibration

Felicia Rose

SUN, SEPT 27 | 2PM

Garde Arts Center, New London


Mezza Stage and Studio and Garde Arts Center welcome you to an afternoon of mystical delight with singer-songwriter Felicia Rose and percussionists Tam Zezulka and Kevin Gallagher II of The Omies and Shakti Ma and the Rainbow Serpents.


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Monthly, Seasonal Tours

Hempsted Houses, New London


Tours provide a window into urban life in Colonial New London and occur on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Enjoy a guided tour of the property in the New London Historic District.


Saturday, September 19 from 1-4PM


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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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Local Open Mic Nights

Multiple Locations, New London


Find your voice at any one of these monthly Open Mic Nights in New London! Talents of all kinds are welcome.


Open Mic at the Museum | Custom House

Last Sunday of Every Month, 6-9PM


Christina's Open Mic | Hygienic Art

Second Sunday of Every Month, 6-9PM


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


Thursday, Sept 17 - Monthly Teen Program

Tuesday, Sept 22 - Girls Who Code


Mondays - Fall Story Time

Tuesdays - Music & Movement

Wednesdays - Preschool Cooking Class


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.

Avery-Copp House Museum

Bill Memorial Library

Cedar Grove Cemetery

Custom House Maritime Museum

Ebenezer Avery House

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Fort Trumbull State Park

Garde Arts Center

Groton Congregational Church

Groton Monument

Harkness Memorial State Park

Hempsted Houses

Hygienic Art

Ledge Lighthouse


Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Monte Cristo Cottage

Nathan Hale School House

New London Harbor Light

NL Black Heritage Trail

Old Town Mill

Pequot Chapel

Shaw Mansion

St. James Episcopal Church

Submarine Force Museum & USS Nautilus

US SUBVETS WWII National Memorial East

Ye Antientist Burial Ground

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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

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