|
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises Return for CT Trails Day
Saturday, June 7 - Sunday, June 8 | 11am-6pm
Thames River, New London-Groton
CT Trails Day aims to promote inclusive and local recreational activities for all to enjoy. Harbor Cruises on the Thames River return for the season in honor of this annual initiative. The park is also hosting Quest Scavenger Hunts at heritage sites to get folks outdoors over the weekend. You can partake in the self-guided activity via the Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise!
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
Purchase your tickets online or in-person and explore the park like never before. There are three departure locations between New London and Groton and you can hop on and off at all three at your leisure.
Just interested in taking a boat ride? No problem! Stay on the boat for the one-hour loop. Perfect for families and friends of all ages and well-behaved dogs. Walk, shop, eat or cruise along the route.
Your one-time ticket purchase becomes an All-Day Pass and kids ages 3 and under ride for FREE! Learn more about Season Passes and heritage sites you can explore at each departure location. Harbor Cruises will run every Saturday and Sunday through September 7th!
| | |
Thames River Quest Scavenger Hunts
The park is also celebrating CT Trails Day by inviting people to visit one or more of the four heritage sites where they can complete a Quest individually or with a group! Thames River Quests has participants follow a set of clues to different locations at each site to solve a word puzzle and learn about the region’s history and ecology.
Quest Locations:
Downtown New London Waterfront
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
Thames Landing, Groton
Those who register and complete the Quests on CT Trails Day will receive a promotional code for a complimentary Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise during the 2025 season. To access a promo code, share a photo of your completed scavenger hunt. Participants can tag @thamesriverheritagepark on social media OR email caseyhb@thamesriverheritagepark.org with a selfie!
| | |
Celebrate Locally
Pride Month Ceremony
MON, JUNE 2 | 10-11AM
Municipal Building, Groton
You are invited to join the City of Groton for a kick-off Pride Month celebration. Mayor Hedrick will start the celebration by reading a special Proclamation and will be joined by other guests. These community efforts shine a spotlight on a diverse city!
MORE INFO
| | |
A Tale as Old as Time
Charlotte's Web
MON, JUNE 2 | 10AM
TUE, JUNE 3 | 10AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Dominion Energy SchoolTime Performance Series returns to the Garde with E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
MORE INFO
| | |
Shine Onstage
Open Mic Night
THU, JUNE 5 | 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. First Thursday of each month and hosted by Hygienic artists.
MORE INFO
| | |
Summer Fun is Here
Let Loose Thursday
THU, JUNE 5 | 6-9PM
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 an early summer evening in New London to celebrate the joys of planting, growing, and gathering as a community! Look forward to food vendors, live music, petting zoo and a flower workshop with the Golden Owl.
MORE INFO
| | |
Movie Night at the Beach
Kung Fu Panda
FRI, JUNE 6 | 7:45PM
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
Celebrate summer with Groton Parks and Recreation with an outdoor movie night! Watch Kung Fu Panda on the lawn of the Zbierski House at Eastern Point Beach. Admission, popcorn and movie is free! Dance music starts at 7:45, movie starts approximately 8:15 pm. Bring your chairs and blankets.
MORE INFO
| | |
Teachers Make the Best Comedians
Eddie B.
FRI, JUNE 6 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Eddie B. is a comedian and former teacher of 13 years who speaks the honest truth about the public school systems around the world. He is an advocate for teachers and delivers his message in a hilarious, comedic fashion!
BUY TICKETS
| | |
Walk New London's Living History
Black Heritage Trail Tour
SAT, JUNE 7 | 10AM
New London Landmarks, New London
Nicole Thomas and Tom Schuch will conduct a walking tour of several NL Black Heritage Trail sites related to Prudence Crandall's Female Boarding School in Canterbury, CT (1831-1834). Special Guest, Dr. Jennifer Rycenga, will provide additional insights during the tour based on her book, Schooling the Nation: The Success of the Canterbury Female Academy.
REGISTER TODAY
| | |
New London Cultural District
First Saturday NL
SAT, JUNE 7 | 10AM-11PM
Cultural District-Downtown, New London
The New London Cultural District will once again 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
| | |
Free First Saturday
Word Art Craft
SAT, JUNE 7 | 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, express yourself by creating artwork that features words. Combine wit, humor, quotes, or other big ideas to make a standout piece. Open to all.
MORE INFO
| | |
CT Trails Day
Guided Walking Tours
SAT, JUNE 7 | 11AM-2PM
Fort Griswold Battlefield, Groton
During the summer and for special events, the dedicated volunteers at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park will be offering guided walking tours along park grounds. For CT Trails Day, tours will take place at 11am & 1pm. Tours are free and open to the public. Learn about the local history of Groton Heights with sweeping views of the Thames River.
MORE INFO
| | |
Schooling the Nation Book Talk
Dr. Jennifer Rycenga
SAT, JUNE 7 | 2PM
NL Public Library, New London
In "Schooling the Nation: The Success of the Canterbury Female Academy", Dr. Jennifer Rycenga focuses on the people like Sarah Harris, the Academy’s first Black student; Maria Davis, Crandall’s Black housekeeper and Crandall herself. Sharing their stories, she tells the forgotten story of remarkable women and a collaboration across racial and gender lines.
REGISTER TODAY
| | |
Cut and Capture
William Evertson & Lauren Correa
SAT, JUNE 7 | 6-9PM
Hygienic Art, New London
William Evertson uses collaged imagery, often blending historical art with modern references, he creates familiar yet irreverent scenes packed with socio-political commentary. Lauren Correa is an artist with a vision expressed through the lens. Her work in this exhibit is a transformative journey within one's self. All are welcome to enjoy the opening reception.
MORE INFO
| | |
Group Exhibition
Rooted
SAT, JUNE 7 | 6-9PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Viewers are invited to explore the foundational forces that shape creative identity. Featuring the work of current Hygienic Art Resident Artists, this show delves into the concept of “roots” — whether personal, cultural, natural, or newly forming. Each artist interprets what it means to be rooted.
MORE INFO
| | |
40th Anniversary Screening
The Goonies
SAT, JUNE 7 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
With brothers Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand’s (Josh Brolin) house slated for demolition by greedy land developers, the boys decide their only hope lies in finding a long-lost treasure. They uncover a treasure map and go on a fun-filled, fast-paced adventure. Take advantage of this classic film being on the big screen!
BUY TICKETS
| | |
Live Music in the Art Park
Grayson Hugh & Polly Messner
SAT, JUNE 7 | 8PM
Hygienic Art, New London
This acclaimed duo have brought the artistry of Grayson's songs to concert audiences throughout the U.S. and overseas. "If you love words, if you’re one of those people for whom heaven is a rainy day and a good book, then know this: Hugh doesn’t write words — he writes pictures." Outdoor shows are back!
MORE INFO
| | |
Summer Kickoff with Submarines
Family Day
SAT, JUNE 14 | 10AM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
This free event will be filled with hands-on activities, augmented reality experiences and learning opportunities for all ages. You can even tour the USS Nautilus and explore all the museum has to offer.
MORE INFO
| | |
Connecticut Landmarks
Juneteenth Festival
SAT, JUNE 14 | 11AM-4PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Partnering with the New London NAACP and OIC New London, the Hempsted Houses are home to this yearly community event highlighting the African American history and the surrounding New London neighborhood. Engage in activities encouraging conversations about emancipation, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility.
MORE INFO
| | |
Community Day at the Museum
China from China
SAT, JUNE 14 | 1-4PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Celebrate the opening of new exhibit "China from China" with a fun afternoon of art, culture, and family activities. Learn about Chinese brush painting and create your own work, enjoy a tea tasting, witness a lion dance performance, and more! Free and open to all.
MORE INFO
| | |
Porcelain and Stories on Display
China from China
SAT, JUNE 14 | 5-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
With over a hundred examples of fine and decorative arts, this exhibition reveals how cultural and economic trade between China and the US helped to shape a young nation. A collaboration between the Lyman Allyn and the Dietrich American Foundation, "China from China" showcases the Dietrich collection of Chinese export porcelain and paintings. Snag your tickets today for the opening reception!
BUY TICKETS
| | |
An Opera by Anthony Davis
Amistad
SAT, JUNE 14 | 7PM
NL Custom House Pier, New London
After 8 years, CT Lyric Opera is proud to announce the Connecticut premiere of Anthony Davis's ground-breaking opera, Amistad. And to make it even more historic, they will be performing on Custom House Pier on New London's waterfront, the exact location where the Amistad was brought into port in 1839! Tickets include the post-show panel discussion.
BUY TICKETS
| |
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
| | |
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
| |
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
| |
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
| | |
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
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
Subscribe to Our Mailing List
Monthly Newsletters, Boat Tour Schedules, Heritage Site Updates and More
| | |
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
| |
- 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
| | |
Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
| | | | |
