If you’re heading to Celebrate New London this Saturday, a little planning can go a long way. Between thousands of visitors, Connecticut’s largest fireworks display, dozens of live performances, and activities spread throughout downtown, knowing where to park, how to get around, and what not to miss will make for a much smoother day.
Whether you’re planning to spend all afternoon exploring downtown or simply arriving in time for the fireworks, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the festival.
Let the Water Taxi Do the Driving
One of the easiest ways to experience the festival is by hopping aboard the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi.
Running on a special 30-minute loop between City Pier in New London and Thames River Landing in Groton from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the water taxi lets you skip some of the traffic while enjoying the Thames River from a different perspective. Better yet, your ticket is good for unlimited rides throughout the day, making it easy to explore restaurants, parks, museums, and shops on both sides of the river.
If you’re looking for something even more memorable, the Heritage Park is also offering narrated historic boat tours during the day and special evening Fireworks Cruises that put you on the river as Connecticut’s biggest fireworks display lights up the sky.
Arrive Early
The fireworks may not begin until shortly after 9:15 p.m., but Celebrate New London is designed as an all-day festival.
Live music starts well before sunset, artists fill the Creative Village on State Street, restaurants open their patios, food trucks line the waterfront, and downtown shops welcome visitors throughout the day. Arriving early means spending less time sitting in traffic and more time actually enjoying everything happening downtown.
Explore Beyond the Waterfront
While Waterfront Park is the center of the evening festivities, don’t overlook the rest of downtown.
The Creative Village features dozens of artists and makers, with live painting, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities throughout the day. Local businesses, galleries, and restaurants all become part of the celebration, making it easy to wander from one experience to the next.
Know Before You Go
Several downtown streets will close beginning at 10 a.m., including portions of State Street and Bank Street. If you’re heading to the train station or ferry terminal, follow the posted detours and directions from traffic officers.
Public restrooms and a first aid station will be available near Custom House Pier, and accessible parking will be offered in the uncovered lot adjacent to the Water Street Parking Garage.
Stay for the Grand Finale
As impressive as the festival is during the day, the fireworks remain the main event.
Presented by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for more than three decades, the approximately 30-minute show launches from a barge in the middle of the Thames River and is synchronized to music broadcast on WCTY. It’s one of New England’s premier fireworks displays—and the perfect ending to a full day in downtown New London.
For the complete entertainment schedule, maps, parking information, and everything happening throughout the festival, check out our complete Celebrate New London guide.
