The CT Beacon

Misquamicut Springfest Weekend 2026
2026-05-09 12:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-08 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Misquamicut Beach, 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Misquamicut Springfest Weekend 2026 returns to Misquamicut Beach for three days of rides, music, food, and beachside energy to kick off the season. Running May 8 through 10, the festival introduces a refreshed layout and updated lineup, bringing a new feel to a long-running coastal event. Set directly on the sand, it combines the atmosphere of a boardwalk-style fair with the open space and views of the shoreline.
A major draw is the midway, with Rockwell Amusements providing rides, games, and classic fair attractions for all ages. Alongside the rides, the main stage features entertainment throughout the weekend, including a country music night on Friday and a “Saved by the 90s” themed show on Saturday. Additional live performances fill out the schedule, creating a steady flow of music that runs alongside the festival activities.
Food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a lineup of craft and vendor booths round out the experience, giving visitors plenty of options between shows and rides. With free parking and a wide range of attractions, the event is built for groups, families, and anyone looking to spend time by the ocean. Misquamicut Springfest Weekend blends entertainment, food, and location into a full opening celebration of the spring season.

New Haven Margarita Festival
2026-05-09 12:00 - 17:00 | RIVA, 183 Beach Street, West Haven, CT, 06516, United States
We know… it’s about an hour away. But if you’re even remotely into margaritas, this is the kind of trip that pays you back the second you get your first sample.
New Haven Margarita Festival turns New Haven into a full-on flavor competition, where 2,500 attendees step into the role of judge for the city’s top bars and restaurants. Your ticket comes with ten 3.5oz margarita samples, each one a different take on the classic. Some lean sweet, some bring heat, others go completely off-script. The goal is simple. Taste them all, then decide who makes the best margarita in New Haven.
Beyond the tasting, the event builds into a full-day experience with a live DJ keeping the energy up, street food vendors serving everything from quick bites to full plates, and a beer garden for anyone looking to switch things up. There’s also a major incentive running in the background. One attendee walks away with a trip to Mexico, turning the whole festival into something that feels a little bigger than just a tasting event.
A portion of proceeds supports children’s charities, adding a community angle to the day. Between the competition, the crowd, and the steady flow of drinks and music, the New Haven Margarita Festival delivers a high-energy, social atmosphere built around one thing. Finding the best margarita and enjoying the process along the way.

Mother's Day Mini Photo Sessions
2026-05-09 11:00 - 16:00 | Priam Vineyards, 11 Shailor Hill Rd, Colchester, CT, 06415, United States
You must purchase tickets online.
Mother’s Day Mini Photo Sessions offer a simple, scenic way to capture family moments at Priam Vineyards. Set among the vines, these mini sessions are designed to be quick, relaxed, and focused on creating natural, meaningful photos without the time commitment of a full shoot. The vineyard setting adds a soft, seasonal backdrop that fits the tone of Mother’s Day.
The sessions are ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to create a keepsake with Mom in a setting that feels both polished and approachable. The format keeps things moving, with limited time slots that allow for multiple sessions throughout the day while still giving each group a dedicated moment in front of the camera. The focus stays on capturing genuine interactions rather than posed, formal shots.
With limited availability, advance booking is required, making early reservations important for those planning ahead. The combination of a vineyard setting and a streamlined photo session creates a straightforward experience built around convenience and quality. As a Mother’s Day option, it offers a practical way to turn time together into something lasting.

Rhode Island Arts and Crafts Festival 2026
2026-05-09 11:00 - 15:00 | West Warwick Civic Center, 98 Factory Street, West Warwick, RI, 02893, United States
Rhode Island Arts and Crafts Festival 2026 brings a wide range of handmade goods, local vendors, and artisan creativity together at the West Warwick Civic Center on May 9 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Designed as an indoor event with free admission and parking, it offers an easy, weather-proof way to spend the day browsing local work and discovering small businesses. The festival creates a marketplace atmosphere where visitors can move freely between booths and explore a variety of styles and products.
The event features a mix of artists, crafters, authors, and specialty vendors, with offerings that range from handmade jewelry and candles to home décor, photography, and custom goods. Food vendors and specialty treats are also part of the experience, adding another layer to the event as guests browse and shop. The variety ensures there’s something for both casual visitors and those looking for specific, one-of-a-kind items.
With dozens of exhibitors under one roof, the Rhode Island Arts and Crafts Festival emphasizes accessibility and community, bringing together local creators and shoppers in a single, organized space. Sponsored by Renewal by Andersen, the event continues to grow as a seasonal destination for artisan shopping in Rhode Island.
**Exhibitors:**
@kahlerarts
42CreationsRI
ABA Centers of Rhode Island
Abuela Elba
Amari Coastal
Andrea Ezerins, Author
Bali Marle
Bay and bobbin
BEADazzled Creations by Aimee
Bitter sweet
Blessed Linxs
BLING-O BUDDY
Candela Lux
Charmed With Links
Corina’s Mia Bella Candles
Couto Construction
Cruise Planners
Crystal Clear Gardens
Cutco
D.J. Hawkins
DMP Image Crafters
Edgewood Cheese Shop
Emma Guillot Photography
Faerie Apothecary
Farmwicks Candle Co.
Gammie’s Craft Corner and Handmade by Donna
Girl Scout Troop 993 WW/COV
Glitter Magic Accessories
Gnomeville
Griddle Me This
Gypsy Hooker
Handmade by Desiree
Hartman Studios
Hoffman Bread
Homestead Bros llc
Homestead Bros llc
Hooked by Simone
Hoops and Loops LLC
Hush Little Baby Cakes
Impressive Petals CT
J and J Designs
Janet arts
Jarful Of Knots
Jewels by Salome and Sports collectables
K & B Goat Parties
Kaitlynne’s Crafts
Keeping It Crafty
Lar’s Creations
Leaf & Letter
LeafFilter
Legacy Martial Arts
Lily Ryan Studio
Lina Bear Cookies & Chocolates
Live It Love It Wellness
Long Home
LotusGlow Delights
Luxaura Studios
Majestic Beatz Entertainment
MC House llc
Meesh’s Creatures LLC
Mel’s Crafty Nook
Melanie’s Gifts
Moon Shadow Intuitives
NextPage Woodshop
Not your average popcorn
Once upon a fiber
Permanently Stoned
Pink Wave Designs
Renewal by Andersen
Rescom Exteriors Inc
Sherriespassionfluidart
Shoreline Creations of Rai
Simply 3D LLC
Sj Images
Spicy Leashes
Stainz Creations
Sunflower Beach Arts
Sweet Treats
The Beaded Life
Those Bags
TiedandTrueFinds
Tiny&Craftie
To The Moon Boutique
Top It Off With Tina Hat Bar
Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski
Treasured by Paula
Trinity Solar
Unique Finds
Uniques by LisaJ
Vibe-ri
Whims in the Wild and Sandpiper Skin Co.
Wicked Scentual Candles, LLC
Wrapped Up in a Book

Paws and Portraits - a Portrait Pop-Up Experience
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Creature Comforts Animal Inn, 454 Providence New London Turnpike, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Paws and Portraits – a Portrait Pop-Up Experience offers a focused photography experience at Creature Comforts Animal Inn, centered on capturing expressive portraits of dogs and their owners. Designed as a pop-up session, the event creates a simple, structured way for pet owners to get professional-quality photos in a controlled setting. The emphasis is on personality, with each session built around the natural behavior and energy of the dogs.
Each booking includes a choice of backdrop, either white or pink, along with a private digital gallery delivered within 10 days. Sessions allow for up to two dogs, with owners welcome to join in the portraits, creating a mix of individual and shared shots. The approach is interactive, using toys and treats to encourage natural expressions rather than posed images, resulting in more candid, character-driven photos.
The event maintains clear guidelines to ensure safety and consistency, with pets required to remain on leash and flash photography used during sessions. The structured format and quick turnaround make it a practical option for pet owners looking to capture high-quality images without a full studio appointment. Paws and Portraits provides a straightforward way to create lasting images that highlight the bond between pets and their families.

Summer Plant Sale at Wicked Roots Micro Farm
2026-05-09 10:00 - 17:00 | Wicked Roots Micro Farm, 4241 South County Trail, Charlestown, 02813, United States
Summer Plant Sale at Wicked Roots Micro Farm returns for its fifth year at Wicked Roots Micro Farm, kicking off Mother’s Day weekend with a focused, farm-grown selection of vegetable plants. Starting Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM, the sale is built around quality and variety, offering gardeners a chance to shop directly from a local micro farm known for its organically grown plants. The event runs until inventory sells out, encouraging early visits for the best selection.
The plant lineup includes a wide assortment of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, with an emphasis on unique varieties that aren’t typically found in larger retail garden centers. A standout feature is the tomato selection, with more than 40 varieties available, giving both experienced growers and first-time gardeners plenty of options to choose from. The mix of familiar staples and harder-to-find plants makes it a destination for those looking to expand or diversify their garden.
Designed as a straightforward, no-frills plant sale, the event focuses on access to quality plants rather than a full festival setup. Visitors can browse, ask questions, and select what they need at their own pace in a working farm environment. As a seasonal kickoff for home gardening, the Summer Plant Sale at Wicked Roots Micro Farm offers a practical and locally rooted way to prepare for the growing season.

Mother's Day Outdoor Market at the Flour Girl Bakery
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | The Flour Girl Bakery, 14 Main Street, Hebron, CT, 06248, United States
Mother’s Day Outdoor Market at The Flour Girl Bakery brings a relaxed, community-focused shopping event to The Flour Girl Bakery & Cafe on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Set outdoors behind the bakery, the market creates a casual, open-air space where visitors can browse, connect, and spend time together, leading into Mother’s Day weekend. With no tickets required, it’s designed as an easy, drop-in event for families, friends, and anyone looking for a low-pressure outing.
The market features a wide mix of local vendors, artists, and makers, offering handmade goods, small-batch products, and unique items that reflect the local creative community. The setup encourages browsing and conversation, giving attendees a chance to meet the people behind the products while supporting small businesses. It’s a setting that leans into discovery rather than structure, making each visit slightly different depending on what catches your eye.
With its daytime hours and outdoor layout, the event keeps things simple and accessible, focusing on atmosphere and community over scale. Visitors can pair the market with food or drinks from the bakery, turning it into a complete outing without needing to plan much in advance. The Mother’s Day Outdoor Market offers a straightforward way to shop local and spend time outdoors in a welcoming environment.

Mother’s Day Flower Festival at Full Heart Farm - Saturday
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Full Heart Farm, 193 Iron Street, Ledyard, 06339, United States
Mother’s Day Flower Festival at Full Heart Farm offers a simple, farm-centered way to celebrate the holiday at Full Heart Farm across May 8 through May 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day. Set on a working farm, the event creates a relaxed environment where visitors can stop in, browse, and enjoy a slower-paced outing focused on seasonal flowers and local agriculture. With no admission fee, it’s designed as an easy, accessible visit for families and individuals alike.
The focus is on farm-fresh bouquets, garden plants, and spring offerings that reflect the season, giving visitors a chance to pick up flowers directly from the source. The selection is geared toward both gifting and planting, making it a practical stop for those preparing for Mother’s Day or looking to add something new to their garden. The setting keeps things informal, encouraging guests to take their time and explore.
With its limited daily hours and multi-day schedule, the festival allows for flexibility while still maintaining a smaller, more intimate feel. As a Mother’s Day event, it emphasizes simplicity and connection, offering a straightforward way to celebrate with fresh flowers and a local farm experience.

Mother's Day Weekend Paint & Plant
2026-05-09 09:00 - 2026-05-10 17:00 | DiRoma Home & Garden Center, 111 Voluntown Rd, Griswold, CT, 06351, United States
Mother’s Day Weekend Paint & Plant offers a hands-on, family-friendly activity at DiRoma Home & Garden Center on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Designed with kids in mind, the event gives children the chance to create something personal for Mother’s Day in a simple, guided format. It’s an easy drop-in activity that doesn’t require planning, making it a flexible option for families throughout the weekend.
Each participant receives a pot to paint along with a flower to plant, combining a creative project with a take-home gift. The activity keeps things straightforward, with all materials included in the $7 cost, allowing kids to focus on decorating and planting without added steps. The result is a small, personalized piece that works as both a craft and a seasonal plant.
The event emphasizes accessibility and participation, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. With its extended hours and casual setup, families can stop in at any point during the day. As a Mother’s Day activity, Paint & Plant Day offers a simple, hands-on way for kids to create something meaningful while spending time together.

New England Spring Craft (and Food) Festival
2026-05-09 09:00 - 18:00 | Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
New England Spring Craft (and Food) Festival takes over the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun for a full weekend that blends artisan shopping with a large-scale specialty food showcase. Running May 9 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and May 10 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the event brings together more than 275 exhibitors, creating a dense indoor marketplace filled with handmade goods, seasonal décor, and creative craftsmanship. Timed around Mother’s Day weekend, it’s positioned as a go-to destination for spring shopping and gift-finding.
The festival highlights a wide range of artisan work, from crystal home accents and floral centerpieces to handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and decorative pieces. Each vendor offers original, handmade items, giving the event a boutique-style feel despite its scale. Attendees can move through rows of curated displays, meeting makers directly and exploring a variety of styles and materials that reflect both traditional and contemporary craft techniques.
Alongside the artisan booths, the event doubles as a specialty food festival, featuring vendors offering samples and products such as small-batch salsas, baked goods, and gourmet treats. This combination of crafts and food creates a layered experience where shopping and tasting happen side by side. With its indoor setting and broad appeal, the New England Spring Craft Festival offers a structured but lively way to spend Mother’s Day weekend.

Brookside Farm Native Plant Sale
2026-05-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Brookside Farm, 33 Society Road, Niantic, CT, 06357, United States
Brookside Farm Native Plant Sale takes place May 9 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Brookside Farm, offering a focused selection of plants designed to support local ecosystems. Set on a historic property with more than 40 acres of open space, the event provides a setting where gardening and environmental awareness come together. It’s structured as a seasonal plant sale with a clear emphasis on sustainability and regional impact.
The sale features native perennials, grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants chosen for their ability to thrive in the local environment while supporting birds, bees, and beneficial insects. Native plants are typically lower maintenance and require less water, making them a practical choice for homeowners looking to create more sustainable landscapes. The curated approach helps guide buyers toward selections that contribute to long-term ecological health.
Held alongside the nearby BLOOM Festival, the event expands into a broader spring outing, giving visitors the chance to explore multiple activities in one area. Proceeds from the plant sale support the continued stewardship of Brookside Farm as a public space and environmental resource. As a community event, it combines practical gardening with a larger focus on conservation and shared space.

Mother's Day Flower Sale at the Union Baptist Church
2026-05-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Mother’s Day Flower Sale at Union Baptist Church offers a simple, community-driven way to pick up seasonal plants just in time for the holiday. Held at Union Baptist Church, the sale features hanging annuals like begonias and impatiens, making it an easy stop for those looking to add color to their home or find a practical Mother’s Day gift.
Each plant is priced at $25, with the focus on quality and seasonal appeal rather than volume. The selection is geared toward spring planting, giving buyers something ready to display or incorporate into their outdoor space right away. As with many local plant sales, quantities are limited, and the event runs until 3:00 PM or until everything sells out, encouraging early visits for the best selection.
Proceeds from the sale support multiple causes, including Habitat for Humanity, Noank Community Support Services, and improvements to the church itself. The event combines seasonal shopping with a clear community benefit, making each purchase part of a broader local impact.

Garden Girl Pop-Up at Nana's Mystic
2026-05-09 09:00 - 14:00 | Nanas Mystic, 32 Williams Ave, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Garden Girl Pop-Up at Nana’s Mystic brings plants, flowers, coffee, and small-town spring energy together on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The one-day pop-up transforms the Mystic café into a colorful Mother’s Day weekend stop filled with heirloom tomato plants, bouquets, garden merchandise, and seasonal shopping. It’s the kind of relaxed local event where people wander in for coffee and leave balancing flowers, plants, and boxes of pastries back to the car.
The centerpiece of the event is Garden Girl’s massive collection of heirloom tomato plants, with more than 250 varieties in different colors, shapes, and sizes available for home gardeners preparing for the season. Alongside the tomatoes will be orange cosmos, nasturtiums, fresh Mother’s Day bouquets, and Garden Girl merchandise, including the much-requested shirts that have developed a local following. The setup leans heavily into the cozy gardening culture that takes over southeastern Connecticut every spring.
What gives the pop-up its charm is the combination of atmosphere and personality. Guests can grab coffee or pizza from Nana’s while browsing plants and chatting about gardening plans before heading home to spend the afternoon digging in the dirt. Between the flowers, merch, and heirloom tomatoes, the event feels less like a formal market and more like a spring gathering for people who genuinely love gardening season on the shoreline.

Marigolds for Mom at Bill Memorial Library
2026-05-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument St., Groton, CT, 06340, United States
Marigolds for Mom at Bill Memorial Library offers a hands-on Mother’s Day craft experience at Bill Memorial Library on Saturday, May 9 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Designed as a drop-in activity, the event invites children to create a simple, meaningful gift by decorating a clay pot and planting a flower to take home. Set in a historic library space, it combines creativity with a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
Participants can choose to paint and decorate their pots or create wooden craft flowers, giving kids multiple ways to personalize their projects. The activity is open to all ages, with younger children encouraged to attend with an adult for assistance. The format keeps things flexible and accessible, allowing families to stop in at any point during the event window.
The program is free and open to the public, with supplies available while they last, making early arrival a good idea. As a Mother’s Day event, Marigolds for Mom focuses on simple, hands-on creativity, giving children the chance to make something personal while spending time in a local community setting.

Stonington Village Farmers Market
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Ave, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Stonington Village Farmers Market has become one of the defining Saturday morning traditions along the Connecticut shoreline, bringing together local farms, food vendors, artisans, musicians, and neighbors inside and outside the historic Velvet Mill. Running year-round since becoming a permanent seasonal fixture in 2008, the market transforms with the seasons, moving outdoors during the warmer months and indoors during late fall and winter while continuing to serve as a gathering place for the community.
The market offers far more than produce stands. Visitors can browse locally grown vegetables and fruits, cheeses, baked goods, meats, seafood, maple syrup, flowers, mushrooms, prepared foods, and handmade crafts while live music plays in the background. The atmosphere feels distinctly coastal New England, blending small-town community energy with the creativity and food culture that defines Stonington Village. Families, dog owners, and longtime locals mingle throughout the morning while vendors showcase everything from handmade soaps and pottery to organic kombucha and Mediterranean cuisine.
What makes the Stonington Village Farmers Market stand out is how deeply connected it feels to the rhythm of the region itself. Some visitors arrive early for greenhouse spinach or fresh seafood before it sells out, while others come simply to wander with coffee in hand and reconnect with neighbors. Between the local farmers, prepared food vendors, musicians, and rotating artisan booths, the market has evolved into more than a shopping destination. It has become a weekly community ritual that reflects the character, creativity, and agricultural roots of southeastern Connecticut.
Participating Vendors & Farms

APIS VERDI
Broad Brook Acres
Davis Farm
ISSA Catering
Jon Fish
Seacoast Mushrooms
Sugar Maple Farms
Sweet Acre Farm
Wakin’ Up Waggin’
18th Century Purity Farm
Stonyledge Farm and Studio Farm Products
Summer Hill Catering
Cato Corner Farm
Treatzles
Fiber + Mud
YALLA

Sponsors & Organizers

Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA)
Velvet Mill

Ledyard Agri-Science Annual Plant Sale
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Ledyard High School, 24 Gallup Hill Rd, Ledyard, CT, 06339, United States
Ledyard Agri-Science Annual Plant Sale offers a community-focused gardening event where locally grown plants meet student-driven learning. Hosted by Ledyard High School Agri-Science Program, the sale features plants cultivated and maintained by horticulture students, giving attendees the chance to purchase directly from the source while supporting hands-on education. Running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the event is designed as a short, accessible stop for spring planting needs.
The selection includes a wide range of vegetables such as herbs, salad greens, zucchini, squash, and tomatoes, along with flowering plants available in multiple pot sizes and hanging baskets. Because everything is grown by students, the offerings reflect both practical garden staples and seasonal favorites, making it useful for home gardeners looking to start or expand their planting. The focus stays on quality, variety, and locally grown products.
All proceeds from the sale go directly back to the students, funding scholarships and educational opportunities within the program. This gives the event a clear purpose beyond the plants themselves, connecting each purchase to student development and future growth. With simple payment options and a straightforward setup, the Ledyard Agri-Science Annual Plant Sale provides a meaningful way to support local education while preparing for the growing season.

Pies, Baked Goods, Sandwiches, and Plant Sale
2026-05-09 08:30 - 12:00 | North Stonington Elementary School, 311 Norwich Westerly Rd, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Pies, Baked Goods, Sandwiches, and Plant Sale brings a classic small-town feel to North Stonington Elementary School on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Held alongside the Garden Club’s plant sale, this event leans into the kind of local tradition where homemade food, early morning crowds, and community connection all come together in one place. It’s simple, familiar, and exactly what people expect from a town event like this.
The focus is on fresh, homemade offerings, including pies, baked goods, and sandwiches prepared by members of the North Stonington Garden Club. The selection typically reflects seasonal ingredients and classic recipes, making it a popular stop for those looking to pick up something made locally. Pies are a highlight and tend to sell quickly, especially early in the morning.
With limited quantities available, arriving early is key for the best selection. The event’s short time window adds to its appeal, creating a steady flow of visitors throughout the morning. As part of the larger plant sale, it offers a chance to shop, eat, and support a local organization all at once, keeping the focus on community and tradition.

Raise Your Hands: A Bon Jovi Tribute
2026-05-08 22:00 - 23:30 | Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
FREE At The Wolf Den
Raise Your Hands: A Bon Jovi Tribute brings a high-energy rock show to Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun on Friday, May 8 at 10:15 PM. Set in one of the casino’s most popular live music spaces, the event delivers a late-night concert atmosphere built around crowd interaction and recognizable hits. The Wolf Den’s open, standing-room setup keeps the energy close to the stage, making it a strong fit for tribute acts and live rock performances.
Raise Your Hands focuses on recreating the sound and feel of Bon Jovi’s biggest songs, pulling from a catalog that spans decades of arena rock. Expect a setlist filled with familiar tracks, designed to keep the crowd engaged from start to finish. The performance leans into the style and pacing of a full rock show, with an emphasis on live delivery and audience connection.
With its late start time and central location inside Mohegan Sun, the event works as a destination stop within a larger night out. Guests can move between dining, gaming, and entertainment before settling in for the show. As a tribute performance, Raise Your Hands offers a straightforward way to experience Bon Jovi’s music in a live setting.

The Warped Tour Band - Emo-Pop / Punk Night
2026-05-08 21:00 - 23:00 | Ocean Mist, 895 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingston, RI, 02879, United States
Don’t Miss THE WARPED TOUR BAND Live!
Get ready for an epic night in person with THE WARPED TOUR BAND at the cool and cozy The Ocean Mist. This is your chance to catch all the energetic vibes and killer tunes up close and personal. Bring your friends, rock out, and make memories you won’t forget!
About the Band – The Warped Tour Band
Performing all your favorite Emo/pop-punk songs LIVE by artists like: Taking Back, Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, New Found Glory, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Fall Out Boy, Yellow Card, The Used, Brand New, and everything in between!

Sun Tequila Tasting
2026-05-08 20:00 - 23:00 | Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
at the Sun Patio – Mohegan Sun
Sun Tequila Tasting brings a Cinco de Mayo-inspired celebration to the Mohegan Sun Sun Patio with an open-air evening centered on premium tequila, live entertainment, and a high-energy atmosphere. Designed as a festival-style tasting experience, the event invites guests to explore a curated lineup of tequilas while enjoying the vibrant setting of the Sun Patio. The combination of music, movement, and outdoor ambiance sets the tone for a lively spring night.
Throughout the evening, attendees can sample a variety of tequila pours and handcrafted cocktails, with unlimited tastings included in the ticket. The experience is complemented by live entertainment, including DJ sets from DJ D-Ave, traditional performances from Fiesta del Norte, and appearances by Mexican dancers that bring added energy to the event. Together, the music and performances create a dynamic backdrop that keeps the atmosphere active from start to finish.
Food is a central part of the experience, with Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food serving featured dishes designed to pair with the tasting selections. With unlimited tequila samples and food included, the event offers a full sensory experience built around flavor, culture, and entertainment. Sun Tequila Tasting stands out as a seasonal event that blends curated tastings with a festive outdoor environment.

Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice at The Knickerbocker
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Knickerbocker Music Center, 35 Railroad Ave, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice at The Knickerbocker brings a milestone performance to Knickerbocker Music Center on Friday, May 8 at 8:00 PM. The show celebrates Greg Piccolo’s 75th birthday while also marking the pre-release of his upcoming album Who Knows What The Future Holds, with advance copies available exclusively at the event. Set in one of Westerly’s most recognized live music venues, the night combines a personal milestone with a live performance rooted in decades of experience.
Greg Piccolo, joined by Heavy Juice, delivers a style built around blues and rhythm and blues, shaped by a career that spans more than six decades. Known for his tenor saxophone playing and distinctive vocal approach, Piccolo has performed with and alongside major artists across genres while also helping define the sound of Roomful of Blues during his 25-year tenure. The current lineup allows for a more focused and flexible performance, highlighting both original material and established influences.
The event offers a straightforward concert experience with limited bar service and pre-packaged concessions available, all cashless. With its combination of live performance, album pre-release, and career celebration, the show provides a unique opportunity to see a longtime figure in blues music in a local setting. As a one-night event, it brings together music history, new material, and a dedicated audience for a focused live experience.

Adam Ezra Group at The Kate (SOLD OUT)
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:00 | The Kate, 100 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT, 06475, United States
Adam Ezra Group at The Kate brings a live Americana performance to Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate) with a show that blends music, storytelling, and community impact. Led by Adam Ezra Group, the performance reflects a grassroots approach that has built a dedicated following across the Northeast. Showtime is set for 8:00 PM, offering an intimate theater setting that matches the band’s connection-driven style.
Known for their independent rise, Adam Ezra Group has developed a reputation through years of touring, fan engagement, and community-focused initiatives. Their nonprofit, RallySound, has supported causes ranging from veterans’ services to local outreach efforts, and continues that mission with this event by partnering with ALS United CT. Donations collected at the show will support programs aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by ALS.
Musically, the band blends Americana, folk, and rock influences into a live performance built on audience connection and shared experience. Their shows often move beyond traditional concerts, incorporating storytelling and a sense of community that has helped them grow from small venues to sold-out theaters. At The Kate, the setting enhances that connection, creating a performance that is both personal and purpose-driven.

Electric Light Orchestra Experience
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
At The Mohegan Sun Arena
Electric Light Orchestra Experience brings the sound and spectacle of Electric Light Orchestra to the stage through Evil Woman – The American ELO, a full-scale tribute that blends rock instrumentation with live string arrangements. Known for recreating the layered, orchestral sound that defined ELO’s music, the performance delivers a concert experience built around both musical precision and visual production.
The show features a lineup of ELO’s most recognizable songs, including *Mr. Blue Sky*, *Telephone Line*, *Don’t Bring Me Down*, and *Evil Woman*. These tracks highlight the band’s signature mix of pop hooks and symphonic elements, brought to life through a combination of guitars, keyboards, and live strings. The arrangement stays close to the original recordings while adapting them for a dynamic live setting.
Designed as a multimedia concert experience, the performance pairs its sound with lighting and visual elements that enhance the atmosphere. The result is a high-energy tribute that appeals to longtime fans and newer listeners alike, offering a chance to experience the music of Electric Light Orchestra in a live format that captures both its scale and style.

Velvet Mill Arts Night
2026-05-08 18:00 - 22:00 | Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Ave, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Velvet Mill Arts Night brings together visual art, food, and live performance for a multi-sensory evening at Velvet Mill Studios. Designed as a one-night celebration of regional creativity, the event blends gallery-style art with live experiences, creating a setting where guests can move between installations, performances, and tastings throughout the space. It’s positioned as a curated arts night that leans into atmosphere as much as individual exhibits.
A centerpiece of the evening is live body painting, where regional artists create detailed, large-scale work in real time, turning the process itself into part of the show. Alongside the visual art, guests can sample culinary offerings from local restaurants and enjoy beer and wine tastings, adding a strong food and drink component to the experience. Live music by SUGAR runs throughout the night, tying the different elements together with a steady, high-energy soundtrack.
This 21+ event is structured as a social, immersive experience, combining art, music, and tasting in one setting. With support from sponsors including Valenti Subaru and Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, the event highlights local partnerships while keeping the focus on creative expression. At $39 per ticket, Velvet Mill Arts Night offers a single-entry experience built around variety, interaction, and a lively indoor atmosphere.

RMMS Multicultural Dance Festival
2026-05-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
RMMS Multicultural Dance Festival brings a community-centered celebration of culture and performance to Garde Arts Center on May 8, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the event beginning at 6:00 PM. Hosted by Regional Multicultural Magnet School, the festival reflects the school’s focus on diversity, inclusion, and creative expression, using dance as a way to connect people across backgrounds.
The performance showcases a variety of cultural dance styles, highlighting the traditions, rhythms, and movements that represent the community’s diversity. Each piece contributes to a broader experience that blends education with entertainment, offering audiences a chance to see different cultures expressed through choreography and performance. The event emphasizes participation and representation, creating a welcoming environment for families, students, and the wider community.
Set in one of the region’s premier performing arts venues, the festival provides a structured but accessible evening built around celebration and shared experience. The RMMS Multicultural Dance Festival brings together students, families, and audiences for a performance that focuses on culture, movement, and community connection.

90’s Trivia Night Lebanon, CT
2026-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Lebanon Fire Safety Complex, 23 Goshen Hill Rd, Lebanon, CT, 06249, United States
90’s Trivia Night Lebanon, CT brings a full throwback experience to Lebanon Fire Safety Complex on Friday, May 8, with doors opening at 5:00 PM and trivia starting at 6:00 PM. Hosted by the Lebanon Recreation Department, the event centers on 90s pop culture, giving teams a chance to test their knowledge across music, movies, TV, and more. The format is designed for groups, with teams of 6 to 8 players competing for top prizes.
The night leans into the theme with a mix of questions and atmosphere that taps into classic 90s nostalgia, from sitcoms and blockbuster films to chart-topping hits and cultural moments. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams, adding a competitive edge while keeping the tone light and social. The setup encourages teamwork, making it a good fit for friend groups looking for something interactive and different.
Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, keeping the event flexible and easy to plan around. Admission is $20 per person, payable at the door by cash or check, with advance sign-up required to secure a spot. As a themed community event, 90’s Trivia Night offers a structured but relaxed way to spend the evening with a focus on fun, competition, and shared nostalgia.

Stand Up for Animals Benefit Bingo: Paws Up for Bingo
2026-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Westerly Yacht Club, 1 Fort Road, Westerly, CT, 02891, United States
Stand Up For Animals Benefit Bingo: Paws Up for Bingo brings a community-focused fundraiser to life with an evening built around bingo, raffles, and local support. Hosted to benefit Stand Up For Animals, the event raises funds for emergency veterinary assistance and an affordable animal wellness clinic, helping ensure pets in the community receive necessary care. It’s designed as a social, accessible way to contribute while enjoying a structured, game-based night out.
The event features multiple rounds of bingo, with at least eight rounds planned and four bingo cards included per round, giving attendees plenty of chances to win throughout the evening. Prizes are awarded each round, keeping the pace active and engaging, while raffles run alongside the games with offerings like 50/50 drawings and wine and dine packages. Celebrity bingo caller Art Smith adds a local touch, helping guide the evening and keep the atmosphere lively.
Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, with a cash bar available on-site to round out the experience. Open to attendees 18 and older, the event balances entertainment with purpose, creating a straightforward way to support animal welfare efforts in the community. With ticket and sponsorship opportunities available, Stand Up For Animals Benefit Bingo offers a focused, community-driven fundraising event.

Dine to Donate for Westerly High School Class of 26
2026-05-08 17:00 - 21:00 | The Andrea Seaside Restaurant and Beach Bar, 89 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Dine to Donate for Westerly High School Class of 2026 offers a simple way to support local students with a night out at The Andrea. Taking place from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, the event turns regular dining into a community fundraiser, with 10% of all sales during that window going directly to benefit the graduating class. It’s designed as an easy, drop-in event where participation is as simple as showing up and ordering.
The fundraiser has a personal connection to the venue, with several seniors having worked at The Andrea over the past few years. That adds a layer of community support, bringing together students, families, and locals in a setting that already feels familiar. Events like this help offset costs tied to senior activities, giving the class additional resources as they approach graduation.
With no special tickets or structure required, the focus stays on accessibility and participation. Guests can come for dinner, meet up with friends, or stop in briefly and still contribute to the cause. The Dine to Donate event provides a straightforward way to support the Westerly High School Class of 2026 while enjoying a meal in a well-known local spot.

Exhibit Opening: En Plein Air Exhibit at La Grua Center
2026-05-08 17:00 - 19:00 | La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Exhibit Opening: En Plein Air exhibit at La Grua Center, presented in partnership with the Stonington Garden Club. The opening reception takes place Friday, May 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, offering a chance to view and purchase original artwork in a relaxed, gallery-style setting. The exhibit highlights plein air painting, a style focused on capturing outdoor scenes and natural light directly on location.
The collection features a range of subjects and techniques, reflecting the diversity of the artists involved. From coastal views and local streetscapes to garden and landscape studies, the exhibit presents a snapshot of the region through the eyes of painters working in real-world environments. All artwork on display is available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the La Grua Center’s year-round programming and continued investment in local arts.
Guests are invited to enjoy a glass of wine while exploring the exhibit during the opening reception, with a suggested $5 donation. The show will remain on view through the end of June, providing extended access for visitors who may not attend the opening. As a community-driven arts event, the exhibit connects local artists, organizations, and audiences in a shared space dedicated to creativity and support.
