The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
New London County events
MYSTIC WOODEN BOAT SHOW
The 26th annual Wood Boat Show takes place at Mystic Seaport, 5 Greenmanville Ave., beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, June 30, through 5 p.m. Sunday, July 2. The show celebrates the design and craftsmanship of wooden craft, offering wooden boats of every type – large and small, old and new, power, sail, oar and paddle—will be on display, including cruising yachts, launches, runabouts, fishing boats, performance powerboats, day-sailers, dinghies, rowboats, canoes, performance shells, multi-hulls and racing boats. Demonstrations and workshops, Family Boatbuilding Tent. Details at thisismystic.com/to-do/attractions/mystic-seaport/.
MEET THE ARTISTS & ARTISANS
The 44th season of Meet the Artists & Artisans at the Olde Mistick Village green runs from 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 23. Free admission, rain or shine. Juried fine artists and handcrafters: paint, sketch, photograph, throw clay on the wheel, stitch, print. Details, call 203-874-5672.
MYSTIC OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL
The 60th Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in the heart of downtown Mystic takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13. The exhibit attracts close to 100,000 people from New England and other areas of the country, showcasing over 250 artists. The free event includes activities for all ages, including a Children’s Art Park, food and drink. Details at thisismystic.com/ event/mystic-outdoor-art-festival-2017/.
OLD LYME MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL
The 31st annual Midsummer Festival, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 29, takes place in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district. Activities are being finalized, but include a French-style farmer’s market, art exhibitions and sales, musical performances, artisan fair, food trucks, book signings and hands-on kids’ activities that span three locations along Lyme Street: the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Details at www.OldLymeMidsummerFestival.com, or call 860-434-5542.
OLD LYME TOWN BAND
Enjoy concerts performed by the Old Lyme Town Band on the South Green at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 16, and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, before the fireworks, behind the middle school. The band performs a variety of styles from big band to movie themes to marches to classical favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of outdoor music. Details at oldlymetownband.org.
NEW LONDON SAILFEST 2017
Sailfest 2017 opens at noon Friday, July 7, and runs through 6 p.m. Sunday, July 9, featuring a “gut-busting” array of food, 5K Road Race, artisans and vendors lining Bank Street and State Street, fireworks, souvenirs, music, Beer Tent at the Custom House Pier, and more. Details at sailfest.org/event-schedule/
CROSS SOUND LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES
Cruises leave at 12:30 p.m. from the Cross Sound Ferry docks, 2 Ferry St., New London. Cruises last approximately two hours and offer views of numerous lighthouses; reservations recommended. Cost – $30, adults and $15for children (age 2-11); under age 2 free. Details, at www.longislandferry.com/ or call 860444-4620 for more info and reservations.