Green & Golden Street Block Party & Chalk Competition

Green & Golden Street Block Party & Chalk Competition in downtown New London on Saturday, August 1, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., transforming Green and Golden Streets into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community. Hosted in the heart of the New London Cultural District, the free event brings together local artists, musicians, makers, performers, businesses, and nonprofits for an afternoon that highlights the city’s growing reputation as one of Connecticut’s most creative destinations.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can explore a bustling Creative Village filled with local vendors, interactive demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities. The event encourages guests to become part of the experience with free maker stations, face painting, collaborative painting projects, and a community mural led by New London Community Boatworks. Artists and makers from across the region will showcase their talents while local galleries and creative businesses open their doors to welcome visitors into the neighborhood.

Music fills the streets all day with DJ Ben Jammin providing the soundtrack on Green Street while live performances take place on Golden Street beginning at 1:00 p.m. The celebration also features a Chalk Art Competition with cash prizes, an opening reception at The Annex, interactive demonstrations by Spark Makerspace, free popsicles, and activities designed for all ages, making it one of downtown New London’s largest community arts celebrations of the summer.

Also Happening Nearby: First Saturday Market

Just steps away at Parade Plaza, the New London Cultural District’s monthly First Saturday Market runs from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring local artists, artisan vendors, handcrafted goods, and additional live music from Hugh Bird Band, Ben & Nancy of The Rivergods, and Former Friend. It’s an easy walk from the block party and a great way to extend your afternoon in downtown New London.

Event Details

Event: Green & Golden Street Block Party

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Music begins at 1:00 p.m.)

Location: Green & Golden Streets
New London Cultural District
New London, CT

Admission: Free

Live Music & Entertainment

Green Street

• DJ Ben Jammin

Golden Street Performance Schedule

• 1:00 p.m. – Gary Melanson
• 2:00 p.m. – Charlie Reyburn
• 3:00 p.m. – Kyle Fleming
• 4:00 p.m. – Ken McManus
• 5:00 p.m. – Soul Spectacle
• 6:00 p.m. – Triple Threat

Artists, Activities & Attractions

• Chalk Art Competition with cash prizes
• Creative Village featuring local artists and makers
• Art opening at The Annex featuring Look Closer by Ebbe Dahlor
• Katie Fogg featuring New London paintings, fine art prints, face painting, and a collaborative live painting station
• Spark Makerspace interactive demonstrations including block printing, leather working, loom weaving, and a large-format film camera demonstration
• New London Community Boatworks community mural project
• Hula hoop lessons with Justine Nicole Entertainment
• Fan Flow lessons with Emery of Texture Jester
• Wayward Witches performance (approximately 4:30 p.m.)
• DIY craft tables
• Face painting
• Community collaborative painting mural
• Free popsicles while supplies last

Participating Businesses & Organizations

• The Annex
• Katie Fogg
• The Union Room
• Dutch Tavern
• Sunny Sips
• The Grove
• Yo Barre
• Rapid Lock & Ethix Merch
• Red Square
• Spark Makerspace
• New London Community Boatworks
• New London Arts Council