TVCCA’s 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival at Stonington Vineyards
TVCCA’s 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival at Stonington Vineyards brings live music, food trucks, wine and an afternoon on the lawn to Stonington Vineyards on Sunday, August 30.
The end-of-summer festival runs from noon to 4 p.m., with performances by Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience. Gates open at noon and live music begins at 1 p.m.
This year’s Sound Waves also comes with a new setting. The inaugural festival was held at McCook Point Park in Niantic in 2025, while the second edition moves into the heart of southeastern Connecticut wine country at Stonington Vineyards.
Guests can spread out on the vineyard lawn with blankets and chairs, grab something to eat, enjoy Stonington Vineyards wine and spend the afternoon listening to two familiar names from the local music scene.
Live Music: Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience
The music begins at 1 p.m. with two bands that already have a connection to Stonington Vineyards.
Both Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience appeared during the vineyard’s 2026 Summer Concert Series, making Sound Waves something of an encore for people who caught them earlier in the season. Fake Experience performed at the vineyard in June, while Pirates for Peace followed in July.
The festival is designed as a casual outdoor show rather than a seated concert, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs and claim a patch of grass.
And dancing isn’t merely tolerated. It’s encouraged.
Food, Ice Cream and Wine
TVCCA is bringing along its own Cruising Café food truck, while Moovin Scoops will handle the ice cream.
Guests are also permitted to pack their own picnic baskets and bring non-alcoholic beverages.
There is one important restriction: outside alcohol isn’t permitted.
Wine will be available from Stonington Vineyards during the festival.
The rule is consistent with the vineyard’s other outdoor music events, where outside alcohol is prohibited and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners.
An Afternoon at Stonington Vineyards
The setting is a large part of the attraction.
Stonington Vineyards at 523 Taugwonk Road is one of the area’s established destinations for outdoor summer music. The vineyard hosts a weekly Friday concert series throughout July and August, inviting visitors onto its lawn for live local music, picnics and wine.
Sound Waves essentially extends that atmosphere through one more Sunday afternoon just as the regular summer concert season winds down.
The vineyard is open year-round and normally operates daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sound Waves Supports TVCCA
There’s another reason behind the afternoon.
Sound Waves is a fundraiser for the Thames Valley Council for Community Action, better known throughout eastern Connecticut as TVCCA.
The nonprofit Community Action Agency has served the region since 1965 and works with economically disadvantaged individuals and families throughout eastern Connecticut. TVCCA says proceeds from Sound Waves help support the essential services it provides in the community.
That makes the afternoon more than another stop on the summer concert calendar. Buying a ticket also helps fund an organization that has been working in eastern Connecticut for more than six decades.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $20 when purchased online through Saturday, August 29.
Tickets purchased at the gate on Sunday are $25.
Children younger than 12 are admitted free.
With the $5 difference between advance and gate admission, buying ahead makes sense if you already know you’re going.
What to Bring
Sound Waves is an outdoor lawn event, so plan accordingly.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Picnic baskets and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, and food will also be available at the festival.
Do not bring outside alcoholic beverages.
The vineyard has also advised guests attending its summer music events that parking is limited and encourages carpooling, something worth considering for a larger festival afternoon.
Event Details
Event: TVCCA’s 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
Gates Open: Noon
Live Music Begins: 1 p.m.
Location: Stonington Vineyards
Address: 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378
Performers: Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience
Food: TVCCA Cruising Café and Moovin Scoops
Advance Admission: $20 online through August 29
Day-of Admission: $25
Children Under 12: Free
Outside Food: Permitted
Outside Alcohol: Not permitted
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.
