101 Events in Mystic Country - 2016

101 EVENTS YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIGGEST & MOST UNIQUE EVENTS IN EASTERN CONNECTICUT 2016

howard t. brown park  norwich

MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

mystic irish parade  mystic

MARCH 1

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

FEBRUARY-APRIL

GARDE WINTER CINEMA SERIES Garde Arts Center, New London Critically-acclaimed and award-winning films shown in one of Connecticut’s last historic movie palaces. 4K digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. gardearts.org MARCH & APRIL

SEAL WATCH CRUISES Project Oceanology, Groton Weekends in March and April, board the Envirolab and travel to popular winter seal haunts and view the Maine seals as they make Long Island Sound their winter destination. oceanology.org MARCH 4

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate by uniting a variety of local artists, actors, musicians, culinary experts, authors, and photographers to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com MARCH 6

NORWICH SAINT PATRICK’S PARADE & FESTIVAL Downtown Norwich This Rose City Parade leaves from Ferry Street and winds through downtown before finishing on Main Street. After the parade stay downtown and fill your stomach at a traditional Irish street festival. norwichparade.com MARCH 13

NEW LONDON’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Downtown New London Downtown New London goes green for the holiday. Parade begins at Waterfront Park and proceeds down Bank Street, a left on State Street with a finish at Washington Street. facebook.com/stpatricksnewlondon MARCH 20

MYSTIC IRISH PARADE Downtown Mystic The region’s largest Irish Parade. Parade Route begins at Mystic Seaport and travels through historic downtown Mystic, crossing the famous Mystic Bascule Bridge. mysticirishparade.org

MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSTIC SEAPORT.

pirate day  mystic seaport

APRIL 1

SUN WHISKEYFEST Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Try new and old favorites of whiskey, scotch, bourbon and rye – as well as sample some craft batch cocktails and tastes from regional restaurants. Must be 21 years or older to attend. mohegansun.com APRIL 1

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com APRIL 2

NATIVE NEW YEAR CLAMBAKE AT THE PEQUOT MUSEUM Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mashantucket NEW | To celebrate the 2016 season, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum will be serving an eastern woodland clambake prepared in the Native tradition of using hot stones and rockweed. pequotmuseum.org APRIL 2-MAY 31

SPRING OUTDOORS Northeast Connecticut NEW | A fun-filled and scenic opportunity to connect with the land and trails while enjoying guided walks during the spring season of awakening. thelastgreenvalley.org APRIL 8-10

42ND ANNUAL ICE BREAKER Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Thompson The season opens at Thompson Speedway with 12 divisions of racing throughout one weekend. Headlined by the return of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. thompsonspeedway.com

APRIL 2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

APRIL 13-20

MYSTIC SPIRIT WEEK Mystic Aquarium, Mystic NEW | Celebrate all Mystic has to offer with fun and new activities at the Mystic Aquarium. Local businesses will create special pop-up shops throughout the week where you can get your “Mystic Passport” stamped as you explore each business and Mystic Aquarium exhibits. mysticaquarium.org APRIL 19

PIRATE DAY Mystic Seaport, Mystic A day of family fun with a pirate theme and plenty of pirate photo-ops. Children set out to decipher clues on a treasure map to find concealed pirates and the final hidden treasure. mysticseaport.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF WINTER CAPLANSON/CONNECTICUT FOOD & FARM

thread city hop fest  willimantic

MAY

MAY 1

MAY 6

THREAD CITY HOP FEST

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM

3RD THURSDAY STREET FEST

Jillson Square, Willimantic Willimantic beer festival featuring craft beer tastings from more than 45 New England breweries, live music and food vendors. Ages 21+ only. threadcityhopfest.com

Downtown Putnam A monthly street festival where Main Street closes to traffic and opens to arts. This year the festivals (every first Friday of the month from May to October) are each inspired and themed by some of the major cities of the USA: New York City, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Nashville and New Orleans. discoverputnam.com

Main Street, Willimantic Every third Thursday from May to September, stroll along Willimantic’s Main Street amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. This year marks the Street Fest’s 15th anniversary. willimanticstreetfest.com

MAY 6

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate by uniting a variety of local artists, musicians, culinary experts and authors to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com

MAY 19

MAY 20-22 MAY 11

SPRING FOOD STROLL Downtown New London Celebrate downtown New London at its best as you stroll through dozens of downtown venues and taste samples from some of the District’s finest eateries. newlondonmainstreet.org

IFAM(E) - INDIGENOUS FINE ART MARKET EAST Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mashantucket NEW | Expected to be the largest 3-day juried Native American art show and celebration on the east coast hosted at the Pequot Museum. Artists will show and sell contemporary and traditional fine art in the museum’s Gathering Space. indigefam.org MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

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garden days  florence griswold museum

JUNE 2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

E

JUNE 11

JUNE 24-25

WILLIMANTIC VICTORIAN DAYS

FARE

RIVER JAM FESTIVAL

Jillson Square, Willimantic NEW | Every second Saturday from June to October celebrate street food, local brews and farmers market vendors, artists and artisans. Based on Boston’s SoWa Open Market. ctfare.com

Mystic Shipyard, Mystic NEW | This new two-day music festival at Mystic Shipyard showcases a variety of music from rock to reggae, blues to punk. Perfect for all music lovers. facebook.com/mysticriverjam

Willimantic Tour the architectural wonders of the The Hill Section of Willimantic, an area that boasts more than 800 vintage homes and buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. victorianwillimantic.org JUNE 3

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSTIC SEAPORT.

JUNE 2-5

the wooden boat show  mystic seaport

JUNE 3

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM Downtown Putnam A monthly street festival where Main Street closes to traffic and opens to arts. discoverputnam.com JUNE 3-12

GARDENFEST Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme A 10-day celebration of the Museum’s historic gardens, featuring special events, garden tours, demonstrations, and family activities.

Stand at Childe Hassam’s favorite spot, stroll Miss Florence’s restored garden, and rest where William Chadwick posed his model for the famous painting, “On the Piazza.” florencegriswoldmuseum.org JUNE 9-12

SEA MUSIC FESTIVAL Mystic Seaport, Mystic One of the world’s premier sea music events.

Musicians from around the country and around the world perform traditional music from the Golden Age of Sail. mysticseaport.org JUNE 10-12

TASTE OF MYSTIC AT OLDE MISTICK VILLAGE Olde Mistick Village, Mystic A food and music festival annual favorite with more than 20 local restaurants offering a unique and delicious taste of their specialty, plus multiple bands playing throughout the weekend. tasteofmystic.com JUNE 11

CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY State-wide Connecticut residents are invited to discover – and rediscover – the state’s exciting arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted or free admission or special exhibits. ctvisit.com

JUNE 11-12

JUNE 24-26

SUN BBQFEST

THE WOODENBOAT SHOW

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville Get fired up for some finger-lickin’ fun during Sun BBQFest. Savor the flavors of the best barbeque around with festivities featuring live music, a beer trailer, barbeque battles and so much more you can sink your teeth into. mohegansun.com

Mystic Seaport, Mystic Hosted in conjunction with “WoodenBoat” magazine, the WoodenBoat Show features more than 75 boats in the water, extensive land exhibits hosting more than 200 vendors, live boatbuilding events and more. This is the most popular event of the year at Mystic Seaport. mysticseaport.org

JUNE 16

3RD THURSDAY STREET FEST Main Street, Willimantic Every third Thursday from May to September, stroll along Main Street, Willimantic, amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. This year marks the Street Fest’s 15th anniversary. willimanticstreetfest.com JUNE 23-25

BARRETT-JACKSON Mohegan Sun, Uncasville NEW | Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions® and the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, comes to Mohegan Sun for their inaugural New England event. mohegansun.com

JUNE 25-26

THE VINTAGE MARKET Salem Community Town Park, Salem Annual event featuring everything from the upcycled and recycled to antique and collectibles.

Stroll through the aisles to find your retro or vintage treasure and then head to one of the food trucks to polish off your appetite. thevintagemarketsalemct.com JUNE 26

CONNECTICUT HISTORIC GARDENS DAY Throughout the region Visit one or several of Connecticut’s historic gardens. Each site offers special activities emphasizing their garden and its beauty and history. cthistoricgardens.org

MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

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howard t. brown park  norwich

JULY 7

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

JULY 1

JULY 4

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH

4TH OF JULY JAMBOREE

Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate by uniting a variety of local artists, musicians, culinary experts and authors to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com

East Woodstock Common, Woodstock This old-fashioned 4th of July celebration has been running since 1957 and features a chicken barbecue and a parade. Come step back in time to an era of cake walks, horseshoe tournaments, potato sack races and frog jumping contests. Live music. ewcchurch.org/site/event_jamboree.php

JULY 1

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM Downtown Putnam This year the monthly Putnam street festivals (every first Friday of the month from May to October) will take visitors on an artistic road trip with inspiration from six great American cities. Just in time for America’s birthday, First Friday will head to Boston for the July 1st event. discoverputnam.com JULY 1

KILLINGLY RED, WHITE AND BLUE BBQ & FIREWORKS Owen Bell Park, Dayville This annual community event features a 5K fun run, (preregistration required) chicken BBQ, music and fireworks. killinglybusinessassociation.com JULY 2

JULY 4

STONINGTON BOROUGH 4TH OF JULY PARADE & READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Wadawanuck Park to Cannon Square, Stonington An annual ceremonial parade to Cannon Square in the lower Borough and then a return to the park to hear the declaration and to invoke, as always, a pox on King George. stoningtonboroughct.com JULY 6, 13, 20, 27 & AUG 3, 10

ROCK THE DOCKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Howard T. Brown Park, Norwich Free summer concerts featuring local entertainment on the scenic Norwich waterfront. norwichchamber.org

FIREWORKS & CONCERT Rotary Park, Putnam Free live entertainment followed by a giant fireworks display at dusk across the Quinebaug River. discoverputnam.com JULY 2-3

38TH ANNUAL LOBSTERFEST WITH THE 56TH ANNUAL JURIED ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Niantic Town Hall Grounds, Niantic The Niantic Lions serve hundreds of lobsters during this Niantic summer kick-off. Held in conjunction with the village’s annual 180 vendor juried art show. nianticlions.org/ lobsterfest JULY 4

WILLIMANTIC BOOM BOX PARADE Downtown Willimantic The Boom Box Parade originated in 1986 when no band could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. It’s now the largest parade of its kind in the world. wili.com

JULY 7-10

NORTH STONINGTON AGRICULTURAL FAIR North Stonington Fairgrounds This fair provides the finest in entertainment, food, and wholesome fun for the whole family. Enjoy and learn about farm life, see tractor and oxen pulls, animal competitions, view beautiful arts and crafts and awardwinning vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. northstoningtonfair.org JULY 8-10

SAILFEST Downtown New London One of southeastern Connecticut’s premier summertime events, complete with the 4th largest firework display in the northeast, amusement rides, free entertainment, tall ships and over 200 vendors lining the downtown streets. sailfestnl.org

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JULY 9

JULY 23

FARE

VICTORIAN FAIR

Jillson Square, Willimantic NEW | Every second Saturday from June to October celebrate street food, local brews and farmers market vendors, artists and artisans. Based on Boston’s SoWa Open Market. ctfare.com

Roseland Cottage, Woodstock NEW | Victorian cane fighting and suffragette parasol defense demonstrations, vendors, vintage baseball, tea, victoria garb with a fashion promenade and more. historicnewengland.org

JULY 16

JULY 23-24

RIVERFIRE AL FRESCO

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT RENDEZVOUS

Rotary Park, Putnam Enjoy river ambiance with a stroll along the Putnam River Trail. Riverfire will be lit during intermission. Dine in one of the downtown’s restaurants or picnic in the park. discoverputnam.com JULY 16

CELEBRATE EAST LYME Main Street, Niantic Festival featuring tasty treats, 200 vendors, live music, sandcastle competition, cooking demos, children’s area and more, ending with a spectacular fireworks display over Niantic Bay. celebrateeastlyme.com JULY 21

3RD THURSDAY STREET FEST Main Street, Willimantic Every third Thursday from May to September, stroll along Main Street, Willimantic amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. willimanticstreetfest.com JULY 23

COLCHESTER FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN Colchester Town Green A Colchester tradition for more than 20 years. The festival features events for the whole family including a quality Craft Show, craft demonstrations, a Fife and Drum Muster, music by the Colchester Regional Chamber Orchestra and a food court. colchesterhistory.org JULY 23

FISH TALES, TUGS & SAILS

Mystic Seaport, Mystic A dazzling display of high-quality antique vessels built before 1970 with a jubilant music-filled three-mile parade. mysticseaport.org JULY 29-30

OLD LYME MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL Old Lyme This town-wide celebration of the arts takes place in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district, with activities at the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. oldlymemidsummerfestival.com JULY 31-AUG 1

“MOBY-DICK” MARATHON Mystic Seaport Visitors, Museum volunteers, and staff join together to read aloud Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick” in a 24-hour marathon event aboard the whaleship Charles W. Morgan. mysticseaport.org TBA

SUNFLOWERS FOR WISHES Buttonwood Farm, Griswold A signature regional event where the horizon goes yellow with 14 acres of sunflowers. Walk through the sunflower fields for photos, purchase sunflower bouquets or enjoy cow train or hay ride. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. buttonwoodfarmicecream.com

Waterfront Park, New London Free nautically-themed family festival celebrating children’s literature and the environment. newlondonmainstreet.org

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2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

riverfire  putnam

JULY

CONTINUED MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

10

schemitzun  mashantucket pequot tribral grounds

AUGUST 2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

T

AUG 5

AUG 13

AUGUST 19-21

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH

RIVERFIRE

TERRIFICON

Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate by uniting a variety of local artists, musicians, culinary experts and authors to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com

Downtown Putnam Enjoy river ambiance with a stroll along the Putnam River Trail. Riverfire will be lit during intermission. Dine in one of the downtown’s restaurants or picnic in the park. discoverputnam.com

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville It will be a “super” weekend when TerrifiCon invades Mohegan Sun. This annual event draws thousands of fans of comic books, sci-fi and fantasy films, memorabilia and cosplay (fans dressing up as their favorite heroes and villains). ctcomicon.com or mohegansun.com

AUG 5

AUG 14

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM Downtown Putnam This year the monthly Putnam street festivals (every first Friday of the month from May to October) will take visitors on an artistic road trip with inspiration from six great American cities. discoverputnam.com

MAIN STREET CAR CRUISE

AUGUST 25-28

Downtown Putnam See thousands of classic car owners and fans come together for a day of classic cars, hot rods, trucks and the infamous burn-out pit. discoverputnam.com

Brooklyn Fair Grounds The oldest continuously active agricultural fair in the United States. brooklynfair.org

BROOKLYN FAIR

AUG 6

RIVER GLOW Downtown Pawcatuck More than 30 floating bonfires illuminate the Pawcatuck River and create a beautiful setting for this community event. Hayrides through town, live music, dancing, children’s activities, shopping specials, and much more make this a fabulous night. oceanchamber.org AUG 12-14

LEBANON COUNTRY FAIR Lebanon Fair Grounds For a little town, Lebanon has some big fun with exhibits, competitions, a petting zoo, and tons of family entertainment. lebanoncountryfair.org AUG 12-14

MYSTIC BLUES FESTIVAL North Stonington Fairgrounds This music festival showcases an array of blues legends, including Grammy winners, rock and roll Hall of Fame inductees, and Blues Artist of the Year award winners. Past performances by James Cotton, James Montgomery, Greg Piccolo, Christine Ohlman, Eight to the Bar and many more. mysticbluesfestival.com AUG 13-14

MYSTIC OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL Downtown Mystic The oldest festival of its kind in the Northeast, the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival attracts more than 85,000 people from New England to downtown Mystic for this juried art show featuring 250 artists and artisans. mysticchamber.org AUG 13

FARE Jillson Square, Willimantic NEW | Every second Saturday from June to October celebrate street food, local brews and farmers market vendors, artists and artisans. Based on Boston’s SoWa Open Market. ctfare.com

mystic outdoor art festival  mystic AUG 18

AUG TBD

KILLINGLY BIKE NIGHT

SCHEMITZUN (GREEN CORN POWWOW)

Main Street, Killingly Motorcycles and vendors line the Main Street for a fun evening of friends, music, shopping and dining. killinglybusinessassociation.com AUG 18

3RD THURSDAY STREET FEST Main Street, Willimantic Held from May to September. Stroll along Main Street, Willimantic, amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. This year marks the Street Fest’s 15th anniversary. willimanticstreetfest.com

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Cultural Grounds The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe welcomes visitors to celebrate the tribe’s rich culture and heritage. The two day festival is filled with dance competitions and demonstrations of Eastern Woodlands traditions, including wampummaking, flint knapping, storytelling, net-making, beadworking and open-fire cooking. schemitzun.com

AUGUST 19-21

HERMANN’S ROYAL LIPPIZZAN STALLIONS Roseland Cottage, Woodstock Marvel of the beauty of these majestic stallions as they perform dramatic leaps and plunges that were developed as aggressive battle maneuvers in the 16th century, and are now among the most beautiful displays of equine grace and strength. historicnewengland.org MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

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SEPT 2

SEPT 9-11

SEPT 17-18

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH

CONNECTICUT MARITIME HERITAGE FESTIVAL

GARLIC FESTIVAL

Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com SEPT 2

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM

New London A celebration of Connecticut’s maritime heritage, history and spirit of innovation, this year’s festival includes a Chowder contest, boat parade, live entertainment and a variety of vessels and ships available for viewing. ctmaritimefest.com

Downtown Putnam A monthly street festival where Main Street closes to traffic and opens to arts. This year the festivals (every first Friday from May to October) are each inspired and themed by some of the major cities of the USA. discoverputnam.com

SEPT 9-11

SEPT 2-5

SEPT 9-11

WOODSTOCK FAIR Woodstock Fairgrounds The second longest continuously running fair in the nation and the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut, the Woodstock Fair has been a Labor Day tradition since 1860. woodstockfair.com

MYSTIC EATS Cottrell Street, Downtown Mystic Come and sample some great menu selections from over 30 of Mystic’s premier eateries at this riverside food festival. mysticdowntown.org

LEDYARD FAIR Ledyard Fair Grounds Miss Ledyard will be crowned, pies will be baked (and judged) and the livestock competitions will be fierce at this local country fair filled with small town charm. ledyardfair.org

railroad day  willimantic

Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Over 50 farmers, vendors, bakers and restaurants fill Olde Mistick Village with garlic-themed treats, music and family-friendly activities. oldemistickvillage.com SEPT 18

CELEBRATE MANSFIELD FESTIVAL Mansfield Town Square A parade kicks off this community celebration, filled with family activities, food, and musical entertainment. downtownstorrsfestival.org SEPT 24

NEW ENGLAND ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL Downtown Putnam This block party style festival features both established and emerging New England-based music artists, performing original music in historic downtown Putnam. neamf.com SEPT 24

OUTDOOR ANTIQUE SHOW Lebanon Town Green The small rural town of Lebanon becomes an antique and collectible mecca for a day with one of the largest antique shows featuring 80 vendors on the historic Lebanon Town Green. historyoflebanon.org SEPT 25

ANTIQUE VEHICLE SHOW Mystic Seaport, Mystic Get up close and personal with a dazzling display of authentic antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the turn of the century. Cap off the weekend with the parade of vehicles Sunday at 3 p.m. watch more than 100 antique vehicles circle the Museum grounds in the annual event’s finale. mysticseaport.org SEPT 3

RAILROAD DAY Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Willimantic Tour the grounds, operate a vintage hand car, see classic engines and rail cars or take a short ride on an open air passenger train car. cteastrrmuseum.org SEPT 10

FARE Jillson Square, Willimantic NEW | Every second Saturday from June to October celebrate street food, local brews and farmers market vendors, artists and artisans. Based on Boston’s SoWa Open Market. ctfare.com

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SEPT 10

RIVERFIRE Downtown Putnam The last RiverFire of the season. Enjoy river ambiance with a stroll along the Putnam River Trail. Riverfire will be lit during intermission. Dine in one of the downtown’s restaurants or picnic in the park. discoverputnam.com SEPT 15

3RD THURSDAY STREET FEST Main Street, Willimantic Celebrating 15 years. Stroll along Main Street, Willimantic, amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. willimanticstreetfest.com

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

SEPT 25

WILD MUSHROOM FESTIVAL Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic Fun with fungi. Local chefs and vendors display their culinary skills with all things mushroom – sweet and savory! Featuring eateries, mushroom foraging talks, walks and identification. (And nonmushroom live music.) dpnc.org

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woodstock fair  woodstock

SEPTEMBER MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

OCTOBER

wee faerie village  florence griswold museum

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2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

OCT 1-31

OCT 7

WALKTOBER

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH

Explore the beauty and treasures of the National Heritage Corridor known as The Last Green Valley–a region that remains more than 78% forests and farmland–with this month-long event.

More than 200 free walks, hikes, paddles, bike rides, tours and events to help you get on your way. tlgv.org

Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate by uniting a variety of artists, musicians, and culinary experts to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com OCT 7

OCT 1-31

WEE FAERIE VILLAGE A FLUTTER IN TIME

FIRST FRIDAY PUTNAM

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme Come explore the whimsical dwellings of fairies from around the world and across the ages during this event when the Florence Griswold Museum’s 11 acres magically transform into a faerie village. florencegriswoldmuseum.org

Downtown Putnam A monthly street festival where Main Street closes to traffic and opens to arts. This year the festivals (every first Friday of the month from May to October) are each inspired and themed by some of the major cities of the USA: New York City, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Nashville and New Orleans. discoverputnam.com

OCT 1-31

OCT 8

DARK MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE Dark Manor Haunted House, Norwich Voted Connecticut’s #1 Scariest Haunted House.

Come visit two floors of fright and the adjoining haunted village and graveyard, both with a great mix of props, special effects and actors. thedarkmanor.com.

FARE Jillson Square, Willimantic NEW | Every second Saturday from June to October celebrate street food, local brews, vintage finds and farmers market vendors, artists and artisans. Based on Boston’s SoWa Open Market. ctfare.com OCT 8-10

OCT 1

MYSTIC OYSTER FESTIVAL AT MYSTIC SEAPORT Mystic Seaport, Mystic NEW | Oyster farmers, environmental groups, and food service providers celebrate history on the half shell at Mystic Seaport. The festival will include historical demos, fun activities for the family, and the opportunity to taste oysters prepared by local restaurants and Coastal Gourmet. mysticseaport.org OCT 1-2

FALL FESTIVAL TYME Blue Slope Country Museum, Franklin An event recreating historical farm life, featuring a draft horse, working steer and donkeys, farmers market, cow-milking, leaf pile, wagon rides, animal parade and more. blueslope.com OCT 1-2

MYSTIC PIRATE INVASION Downtown Mystic Ahoy, mateys! Join us for an entire weekend of swahbucklin’ fun for the whole family at the annual Mystic Pirate Invasion. All weekend long, enjoy pirate-themed specials, trivia and live entertainment at participating restaurants. mysticdowntown.org

CHOWDER DAYS Mystic Seaport, Mystic At Mystic Seaport’s annual Columbus Day Weekend festival, visitors taste the best chowder anywhere, delectable seafood specialties, seasonal desserts and beer, wine, and apple cider. Cost of food is in addition to Museum admission. mysticseaport.org OCT 9

SCOTLAND HIGHLAND FESTIVAL Edward Waldo Homestead, Scotland Scottish tradition meets the CT countryside at the Highland Games in Scotland, Connecticut.

Highlights include caber toss, stone throw, bagpiping, and traditional Highland dancing. scotlandgames.org OCTOBER 8-10

MONTY’S FALL FESTIVAL The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, Oakdale This Columbus Day Weekend enjoy free special events at The Dinosaur Place Outdoor Adventure Park (a park covered with 40 life-sized dinosaurs) with your paid admission. naturesartvillage.com

MYSTICCOUNTRY.COM

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OCT 8-10

HARVEST FESTIVAL Lapsley Orchard, Pomfret Center Three days of fall festivities including apples, maple cotton candy made on-site, hayrides, live music & more. Free horse drawn wagon rides that will take you on a relaxing ride through the peach, pear and apples orchards. facebook.com/ Lapsley-Orchard OCT 12

FALL FOOD STROLL Downtown New London Stroll through dozens of downtown New London restaurants, shops and arts and cultural institutions, tasting bite-size samples of dishes or drinks that range from seafood to sweets, organic to ethnic and everything in between. newlondonmainstreet.org OCT 14-15, 21-22 & 28-29

NAUTICAL NIGHTMARES Mystic Seaport, Mystic Similar to the Museum’s popular Lantern Light Tours, Nautical Nightmares is a theatrical performance where the visitor is led on a tour of the Museum grounds to take in a creepy, Halloweenthemed story in a series of scenes. For ages 12 and older. mysticseaport.org OCT 14-16

SUNOCO WORLD SERIES OF SPEEDWAY RACING Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Thompson This nationally-recognized event features 15 different divisions of racing and crown 14 champions. The final championship race for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will headline for the 54rd running of the Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing. thompsonspeedway.com

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OCT 15-16

ROSELAND COTTAGE FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL Roseland Cottage, Woodstock One of the leading juried fine arts and crafts shows in New England. This two-day event features 175 artisans and their wares: jewelry, woodworking, pottery, glass, toys, paintings, clothing, metalwork, and much more. First floor tours of the eclectic historic house are available. historicnewengland.org OCT 15-16, 22-23 & 29-30

SEA SCARE Mystic Aquarium, Mystic An underwater world where things go bump in the night! Enjoy creepy cool adventures at Mystic Aquarium. Hear chilling tails of the deep, meet Captain Sharkey & his mate Finless, and check out the popular underwater pumpkin carving.

With spooky fun for everyone, you won’t want to miss a minute. mysticaquarium.org OCT 21-23

NIGHTMARE ON MAIN Windham Textile & History Museum, Willimantic A “haunted” evening at the Mill Museum. The theme: Victorian diseases, deaths and burial practices. Visitors will experience a funeral, learn about taphophobia (the fear of being buried alive), and how to purchase a coffin to prevent it. The finale includes a factory setting during the night shift or “grave yard shift.” Not for young children. millmuseum.org OCT 22

GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL & FALL FOLIAGE TRAIN RIDE Downtown Putnam Bring the whole family for a day of giant gourds, a crafts festival, live music and great food. Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Train Ride Excursion, a leisurely, scenic train ride through The Last Green Valley. discoverputnam.com

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

OCTO

roseland cottage fine arts & crafts festival ď‚Ť woods

OBER

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mystic lighted boat parade  mystic

NOVEMBER NOV 4

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH

Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theatres, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com NOV 5

HONORING THE VETERANS POWWOW Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Mashantucket Free admission to the Museum and Powwow for veterans and active duty military with valid ID. Come see breathtaking performances in dazzling regalia, indulge in enticing food, shopping and experience something like never before. Grand entry at 11am. pequotmuseum.org

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NOV 25-26 & DEC 2-3, 9-10, 16-18 & 23

LANTERN LIGHT TOURS Mystic Seaport, Mystic Visitors experience a progressive play with a holiday theme set on Christmas Eve 1876 in Greenmanville, CT. The Museum’s historic village and vessels provide the set for a heart-warming story as performed by a cast of actors from around the region. Lantern Light Tours have been a New England Holiday tradition at Mystic Seaport for more than 30 years. mysticseaport.org NOV 25-27 & DEC 3-4

ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIOS Northeast Corner, CT Travel around the northeast corner of Connecticut to see all of the wonderful artists and craftsmen in their studios. Some of these studios are not

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

usually open to the public so this is a chance to see what magnificent creations they have hidden in their studios. aosct.org NOV 25

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SANTA PARADE & TREE LIGHTING Main Street, Willimantic The event kicks-off with a holiday tree lighting and carols before a parade of fire trucks, floats and Santas saunter down Main Street while carrying boom boxes and radios blasting radio station WILI, who will be broadcasting holiday music for the occasion. willimanticdowntown.org

NOV 26

NOV 26

NOV 27

NORWICH WINTERFEST PARADE

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS & SONG

HOLIDAY DAZZLE LIGHT PARADE

Chelsea Parade, Norwich Norwich celebrates the holiday season in dazzling color. Parade begins at the Chelsea Parade with a reviewing stand at Franklin Square. norwichct.org

New London Parade Plaza Shop local for a unique gift and experience.

Visits with Santa at Nathan Hale School House followed by a holiday tree lighting and community carol sing. newlondonmainstreet.org

Downtown Putnam One of northeastern Connecticut’s biggest and brightest traditions! Families, businesses and civic groups decorate their cars, floats and even their cows with thousands of festive holiday lights. The sidewalks of Putnam are lined with spectators as the participants and their amazing displays march through town. winyradio.com

NOV 26

SANTA ARRIVES BY TUGBOAT Mystic River Park, Mystic Take part in the thrill as Santa Claus arrives in Mystic on a tugboat. Precisely at 2pm, Santa will arrive at Mystic River Park where he and his elf will greet the crowds and listen to all the children’s holiday wishes. mysticchamber.org

NOV 26

MYSTIC HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE & TREE LIGHTING Mystic River Park, Mystic An annual Mystic tradition. Santa and company light the downtown Mystic tree and then standby to watch the spectacular boat parade down the Mystic River. mysticchamber.org

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DECEMBER OCTO 21

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DEC 1-JAN 8

DEC 9

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

OLDE MISTICK VILLAGE’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme The Museum now has so many artist palettes that they’ve had to turn Miss Florence’s Artist Tree into two! Over the past 10 years, visitors from across the region have admired the painted palettes on Miss Florence’s Artist Tree.

More than 150 noted artists from across the country have donated works to these unique holiday icons. florencegriswoldmuseum.org DEC 2

FIRST FRIDAY NORWICH Downtown Norwich Downtown Norwich galleries, theaters, and businesses collaborate by uniting a variety of local artists, musicians, and culinary experts to bring you an art experience to remember. firstfridaynorwich.com DEC 2

FROSTY’S BIG NIGHT OUT Downtown Danielson Frosty and Rudolph return to Downtown Danielson, sharing cookies, cocoa and joining in with caroling at Davis Park. The holiday duo leave Water Street Park at 5:45pm and head down the streets of town right to Davis Park at 6pm where they will be joined by the Jolly Old Man himself. killinglybusinessassociation.com DEC 3

GROTON LIGHTS PARADE Groton The parade starts at South Road and ends at the Groton Shopping Plaza. Caroling, pictures with Santa and gifts for the children round out the fun of our post-parade party. Immediately after the parade, Santa Claus will light the holiday tree on the green at the Groton Shopping Plaza. grotonbiz.com DEC 5-6

OBER

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Roseland Cottage, Woodstock Step back in time and see the this historic cottage decorated for the holidays, based on the Bowen Family’s memoir, “The Christmas of 1887.” Costumed guides will lead free guided tours of the house. historicnewengland.org

Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Walk through a winter wonderland when over 4,000 luminaries light the walkways of Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Aquarium.

Complimentary refreshments, holiday music, and more. oldemistickvillage.com DEC 10

NIANTIC LIGHT PARADE Downtown Niantic Celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2016, the annual East Lyme/Niantic Light Parade is one of the largest holiday light parade in all of New England. ellightparade.com DEC 11

KILLINGLY’S NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS Killingly Experience an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas and celebrate the season. Stroll down Main Street alongside thousands of luminaries. Visit the shops, watch chestnuts roasting on the fire, stop by the petting zoo, tell Santa what you have your eye on and much more. killinglybusinessassociation.com DEC 16

COMMUNITY CAROL SING Mystic Seaport, Mystic A Mystic tradition for over five decades, several thousand people gather every year to sing their favorite holiday carols on the McGraw Quadrangle. Admission is a canned or preserved food item to be donated to the local Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center food drive. mysticseaport.org DEC 26-JAN 1

WINTERFEST Mystic Aquarium, Mystic The festive ambiance of Winterfest enriches holiday spirits during a week-long merriment following Santa’s trip ‘round the world. Talented sculptors chisel chunks of ice into sparkling silhouettes. Vacationing elves delight during underwater trivia and dreams come true when enchanted toys come to life. Be sure to visit Santa in his disheveled workshop to thank him for all of his hard work this year. mysticaquarium.org

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The 1954 launch of the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine - the USS NAUTILUS - in Groton, Connecticut.

CONNECTICUT’S SUBMARINE CENTURY Governor Malloy has designated a year-long celebration to commemorate Groton’s centennial anniversary of the Naval Submarine Base and Submarine School. The City of Groton, the Town of Groton, the City of New London, the Town of Ledyard and numerous civic organizations and businesses have come together to celebrate our 100th anniversary as the Submarine Capital of the World. To see the full list of Connecticut Submarine Century events, visit ctsubmarinecentury.com.

COMING SOON: THE CONNECTICUT SUBMARINE TRAIL A public art project that showcasing a fleet of 20 fiberglass submarine sculptures designed and created by regional artists. The CT Submarine Trail will be unveiled at a kick-off ceremony in the spring. The fiberglass mini subs will be showcased in the Groton 4th of July Parade, then delivered to sponsored outdoor locations for the CT Sub Trail from July through October. The subs will be on public view throughout southeastern Connecticut and accessible via map and Android/IOS app. ctsubmarinecentury.com.

Produced by the Eastern Regional Tourism District (ERTD). The ERTD has made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this guide, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Dates are subject to change without notice. Please call in advance to verify information. Copyright © 2016 Eastern Regional Tourism District. All Rights Reserved.

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR | MYSTIC COUNTRY, CONNECTICUT

Eastern Regional Tourism District 27 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355 mysticcountry.com 860.536.8822