New London Halloween Town
Waterfront Park
Friday, October 18th | 6PM-9PM
The City of New London, in collaboration with the Downtown New London Association, invites families to immerse themselves in a spooktacular Halloween experience at Halloween Town. This enchanting evening of frightful delights and ghoulish fun is for all ages.
Attendees can look forward to an array of exciting activities: trick or treating for families, costume contest, roaming entertainment, dance performances and more!
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Cedar Grove Cemetery Walking Tours
Saturday, October 19th | 10AM-5:30PM
Cedar Grove Cemetery & New London Landmarks are joining forces for an all-day event! Uconn professor Gail MacDonald and historian William Hosley will lead you through the intricacies of whaling history, colonial-era stories and gravestones of New London!
Proceeds will aid the restoration of historic monuments at the cemetery, a Thames River Heritage Park partner site. Purchase tickets online in advance or with cash in-person on event-day.
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Eugene O'Neill's 136th Birthday Party
Monte Cristo Cottage, New London
Saturday, October 19th | 2PM-4PM
You’re invited to celebrate the incredibly influential, Eugene O’Neill, in his childhood summer home, the Monte Cristo Cottage. Tour the cottage with O’Neill Scholars, Rob Richter and Steve Bloom, as your guides to learn about the O’Neill family, Eugene O’Neill’s plays, and how they have impacted society. Donations welcomed, free admission, no reservations required.
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A Look Behind the Scenes
Open Collections Day
THU, OCT 17 | 10AM-3PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Open Collections Days provide visitors with an opportunity to see staff at work in the Museum’s Hendel Library. Collections staff engage with visitors while working on research projects. Visitors will gain new access to the Lyman Allyn’s vast collection of original art, artifacts and objects. Free with admission on the third Thursday of every month.
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
THU, OCT 17 | 5:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
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Friends of Fort Griswold
Quarterly Meeting
THU, OCT 17 | 7PM
Fort Griswold, Groton
Friends of Fort Griswold meets regularly to support its mission to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds, known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Email Friends of Fort Griswold to learn how to get involved!
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Blissworks Yoga
Intermediate Practice
SAT, OCT 19 | 8:30AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
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NLMS Lighthouse Tours
Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
SAT, OCT 19 & SUN, OCT 20 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
The weather is perfect for visiting Long Island Sound's oldest and tallest lighthouse. Thanks to a grant from friends at Veolia-NL Water Authority and at the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit with a $5 ticket through December, 2024! Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern for spectacular views of the Sound.
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Leisure in the Age of Sail
NLCHS Thames River Cruise
SAT, OCT 19 | 1PM-3PM
Cross Sound Ferry Pier, New London
Join NLCHS for a step back in time aboard the Cecilia Ann as they voyage up the Thames River. Become a historical mariner for the afternoon, as they sing sea shanties and hear tales from the sea, while exploring historical maritime entertainment. Food and beverages will be offered. Featuring Fiddling Craig Edwards & Friends.
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Colorado Film Festival
Mountainfilm
SAT, OCT 19 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Founded in 1979, Mountainfilm is one of America’s longest-running film festivals. The annual festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, CO. Mountainfilm is a dynamic nonprofit organization and festival that celebrates stories of indomitable spirit and aims to inspire audiences through film, art and ideas.
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A Night of Laughter
Comedy Bebop
SAT, OCT 19 | 8PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Get ready for a hilarious night at Hygienic Art featuring Josh Mandl Boston's Comedian of the Year & Rising Star New England Winner as our headliner and hosted by the one and only Dame Fk! Grab your friends, come early for the best seats! This is a night you won't want to miss.
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Zen for All
Yoga with Kim
SUN, OCT 20 | 9AM
Hygienic Art, New London
Start your Sunday with Kim for a yoga experience at the Hygienic Art. Location will be weather dependent. 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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Sunday Family Program
Author Winsome Bingham
SUN, OCT 20 | 2PM
Custom House Museum, New London
Ms. Bingham will read The Walk, illustrated by E. B. Lewis, followed by a conversation with families about empowering the children in their lives, and how we can foster and encourage them to make choices. The Walk is not only about voting and democracy. It is about community, love, and conversation. Space is limited, so please register online. Donations always welcomed.
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
TUE, OCT 22 | 9AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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Local Goods Await You
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, OCT 22 | 3-6PM
Washington Park, Groton
Primarily an agricultural market, Groton Farmers Market also includes a variety of local baked goods, seafood/fish, meats, poultry/eggs grown in Connecticut. Foods and food products must be identified as organic, or not, and include place of origin. The aim of the market, which runs weekly through October, is to make accessible, affordable, healthy, locally-produced food available to the community.
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Paranormal Activity Investigation
When the Dead Speak
TUE, OCT 22 | 6:30PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Presenter Traci Boiselle, lead investigator and case manager for The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), will share basic theories of the paranormal and will introduce attendees to the TAPS method of investigation. She will also share her first-hand experiences from some of her favorite local investigations and will answer questions. Registration is required!
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Author Talk & Book Signing
Ryan C. Walker
THU, OCT 24 | 2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
A comprehensive micro-historical exploration of Henry Breault's life, celebrating his legacy as the first submariner to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Walker's book, The Silent Service's First Hero, recognized Breault for his acts in 1924 for rescuing a fellow sailor from their sinking submarine. Walker will sign copies of his book and have copies for sale at the event. Bill Memorial Library will also host this author for a book signing and discussion on October 28, 2024.
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Blissworks Yoga
Intermediate Practice
THU, OCT 24 | 5:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
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Gallery Talk & Reception
Louise McCagg
THU, OCT 24 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join the LAAM for a gallery talk for Louise McCagg: The Artist’s Eye, now on display. Led by Louise McCagg’s daughters, artist Xanda McCagg and author Tory McCagg, and Curator Tanya Pohrt, this program will offer insights to the artist’s work, collection, and friendships.
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Around the Neighborhood Series
Catfeather Art and Music
THU, OCT 24 | 7PM
Fort Trumbull, New London
This years program focused on interesting presentations which shed a light on those who play a role in improving our day-to-day lives. Next up is Dawn Indermue and Rick Spencer of Catfeather Art and Music. This speaker series is free to the public and take place in the Visitors Center at the park. Please come early as seating is limited.
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Fun For the Family
Trunk or Treat
FRI, OCT 25 | 6PM-8PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
Local organizations will be present at the annual Halloween event at the US Navy Submarine Force Museum! Wear your costumes, collect treats from 20+ trunks and enjoy the fun that the holiday brings!
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Blissworks Yoga
Intermediate Practice
SAT, OCT 26 | 8:30AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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NLMS Lighthouse Tours
Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
SAT, OCT 26 & SUN, OCT 27 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
The weather is perfect for visiting Long Island Sound's oldest and tallest lighthouse. Thanks to a grant from friends at Veolia-NL Water Authority and at the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit with a $5 ticket through December, 2024! Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern for spectacular views of the Sound.
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Halloween Food Truck Festival
Spooktoberfest
SAT, OCT 26 & SUN, OCT 27 | 12PM-8PM
Washington Park, Groton
This free event has everything to offer in honor of Halloween! Live music, food trucks, haunted maze, scare zones, trick or treating, bounce houses and more. Live music on both days will be from 4pm-7pm with a DJ spinning the rest. All activities are family friendly!
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Opening Night Extravaganza
ECSO Returns to Stage
SAT, OCT 26 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The opening program of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-25 season, its 15th under Music Director & Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada, spans two centuries and two continents. Kick off the return of ECSO to the Garde in style!
TICKETS
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Zen for All
Yoga with Kim
SUN, OCT 27 | 9AM
Hygienic Art, New London
Start your Sunday with Kim for a yoga experience at the Hygienic Art. Location is weather dependent. 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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Let Your Light Shine
Open Mic Night
SUN, OCT 27 | 6PM-9PM
Custom House, 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 from home.
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Haunted History House Tour
Ghosts of Groton Bank
SUN, OCT 27 | 6:30PM-8PM
Avery-Copp House, Groton
The chill in the air means Halloween is approaching. Tour the Avery-Copp House Museum and explore some history of the macabre. Hear some local ghost stories from the book of Ghosts of Groton Bank. Discover Victorian funerals, séances, the origins of Halloween and more. Reservations are required.
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
TUE, OCT 29 | 9AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
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The Last of the Fall
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, OCT 29 | 3-6PM
Washington Park, Groton
The end may be in sight for the outdoor farmer's market, but Groton will host a seasonal one indoors throughout the fall and winter. Keep an eye out for the new monthly schedule for a place to get your holiday goods and favorite treats! Supporting local businesses is good for the soul.
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Lafayette Lecture
Dr. Manisha Sinha
TUES, OCT 29 | 6:30PM
Custom House Museum, New London
As they continue celebrating the bicentennial of Lafayette's 1824-1825 tour of the United States, the New London Maritime Society welcomes renowned historian Dr. Manisha Sinha to the Custom House. Dr. Sinha will present a talk entitled Lafayette in the Abolitionist Imagination.
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Blissworks Yoga
Yoga Basics
THU, OCT 31 | 5:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Class covers basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and more for all levels of practice. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness.
REGISTER
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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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