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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000465-1788001200-1788022800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T130000
DTSTAMP:20260624T031304Z
CREATED:20260624T030727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T031304Z
UID:10006246-1787997600-1788008400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Waterford Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION:The Waterford Farmers Market returns for the 2026 season\, bringing local food\, handmade goods\, and community spirit to the Waterford Community Center every Saturday from June 20 through October 24. Shoppers can browse a rotating selection of vendors offering fresh produce\, baked goods\, meats\, honey\, flowers\, artisan crafts\, specialty foods\, and other locally made products. \nWhether you’re picking up ingredients for the week\, searching for unique gifts\, or simply enjoying a Saturday morning outing\, the market offers a chance to support local farmers\, makers\, and small businesses. New vendors and seasonal offerings appear throughout the season\, making each visit a little different from the last. \nEvent Details \nDates: Saturdays\, June 20 – October 24\, 2026\nTime: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM\nLocation: Waterford Community Center\, 24 Rope Ferry Road\, Waterford\, CT \nVendors May Include: \n\nFresh fruits and vegetables\nLocal meats and seafood\nBaked goods and breads\nHoney and specialty foods\nFlowers and plants\nArtisan crafts and handmade goods\nLocal artists and makers\n\nAdmission: Free \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/waterford-farmers-market/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Waterford Community Center\, 24 Rope Ferry Rd\, Waterford\, 06385\, United States
CATEGORIES:Waterford Community Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Waterford-Farmers-Market-Saturdays-June-20-October-24-10am-1pm-Waterford-Community-Center-24-Rope-Ferry-Road-Waterford.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T120000
DTSTAMP:20260827T172327Z
CREATED:20260827T172327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T172327Z
UID:10007278-1787995800-1788004800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Gungywamp Hike
DESCRIPTION:Gungywamp Hike takes visitors into a protected Groton landscape filled with stone chambers\, winding walls\, colonial remains\, glacial formations and archaeological evidence stretching back thousands of years. \nThe guided Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center hike explores approximately 1.5 miles of the Gungywamp complex on Saturday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. It’s a site where human history and unusual geology have become tangled together. Some sections cross private property and aren’t ordinarily accessible without a DPNC guide. \nAnd while researchers know considerably more about Gungywamp today than they once did\, some of what hikers encounter still doesn’t come with an easy answer. \nA Connecticut Archaeological Preserve\nGungywamp isn’t simply a collection of curious stone structures hidden in the Groton woods. \nThe property was added to the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places and designated a State Archaeological Preserve in 2023\, recognizing the importance of protecting its archaeological resources. \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center serves as steward of the site and leads guided hikes throughout the year. \nThat controlled access matters. \nArchaeological sites can lose information forever when artifacts are removed or structures are disturbed. At Gungywamp\, visitors experience the landscape with a guide while the physical evidence remains where it belongs. \nThousands of Years of Human Activity\nPeople have occupied or used this landscape during very different periods of Connecticut history. \nArchaeological work at Gungywamp has uncovered Native American stone tools and pottery fragments associated with Paleo and Woodland peoples. \nLater evidence tells another story. \nColonial and Early American artifacts and building remains reveal European settlement and agricultural use of the property. \nThose different periods overlap across the landscape\, which is one reason interpreting Gungywamp can become complicated. \nA stone wall may have a relatively straightforward agricultural explanation. \nAnother structure may raise considerably more questions. \nThe Stone Chambers\nGungywamp is particularly famous for its stone chambers. \nBuilt into the landscape from heavy stone\, these structures have generated speculation about who constructed them and what they were originally intended to do. \nThe site’s more sensational interpretations have occasionally overshadowed the archaeology itself. \nThat’s part of what makes a guided visit worthwhile. \nRather than presenting every unusual stone as evidence of a lost civilization\, DPNC guides can separate what researchers actually know from theories surrounding features whose origins or uses remain open to interpretation. \nThe uncertainty isn’t something that needs to be fixed. \nIt’s part of Gungywamp. \nNature Made Some Strange Things\, Too\nNot everything unusual at Gungywamp was built by people. \nThe hike crosses a landscape shaped long before any human settlement appeared in Connecticut. \nRocky ridges and enormous glacial erratics provide evidence of the ice that once covered New England. Wetlands\, bogs and swamps break up the surrounding woodland\, creating a surprisingly varied landscape within a relatively short hike. \nThat mixture of archaeology and geology makes Gungywamp different from a conventional historic-site tour. \nYou’re not walking from one preserved building to another. \nYou’re moving through the landscape that contains the evidence. \nYou’ll Need a Guide to See It\nGungywamp isn’t a place to pull into the parking lot and wander around on your own. \nHiking at the archaeological preserve requires a Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center staff member to be present\, and portions of the guided route cross private land. \nDPNC offers scheduled hikes throughout the year as well as private guided visits by appointment. \nThe approximately 1.5-mile hike lasts around two to two-and-a-half hours and travels over uneven terrain. \nParticipants should dress for an actual woodland hike rather than a casual walk around a museum property. Sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather are a good idea. \nThe Mystery Is Better Without an Answer\nPlaces like Gungywamp invite stories. \nA stone chamber sits silently in the woods\, and the human brain immediately wants an explanation. \nWho built it? \nWhy here? \nWhat happened inside? \nArchaeology can answer some of those questions. Historical records can answer others. \nSometimes neither can. \nThat’s when Gungywamp becomes especially interesting. \nThe walls\, foundations\, stone chambers and artifacts tell us that people repeatedly used this landscape. The glaciers left an even older story behind in the rocks and ridges beneath them. \nA guided hike doesn’t promise to solve every mystery. \nIt lets you walk through the evidence yourself. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Gungywamp Hike\nLocation: Gungywamp Archaeological Preserve\nAddress: 501 Gungywamp Road\, Groton\, CT 06340\nPresented by: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\nDate/Time: Saturday August 29\, 2026. 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.\nDistance: Approximately 1.5 miles\nDuration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours\nTerrain: Uneven woodland terrain\, rocky ridges and wet areas\nHighlights: Stone chambers\, stone walls\, colonial remains\, archaeological features\, glacial erratics\, ridges and wetlands\nAccess: Guided access required; portions of the hike cross private property\nRegistration: Advance registration required \nGungywamp Hike explores one of southeastern Connecticut’s most intriguing archaeological landscapes\, combining mysterious stone structures and centuries of human history with the natural geology of the Groton woods. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo register\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/gungywamp-hike-2/
LOCATION:Gungywamp Trails\, 500 Gungywamp Road\, Groton\, 06340\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gungywamp Trails
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gungywamp-Hike.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T180000
DTSTAMP:20260705T015547Z
CREATED:20260519T030718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T015547Z
UID:10002473-1787994000-1788026400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
DESCRIPTION:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round begins its regular summer season on June 13\, welcoming families back to one of the most beloved and historic attractions along the Rhode Island shoreline. Located in the heart of Watch Hill\, the carousel has long been woven into the rhythm of summer in the seaside village\, with generations of visitors making a ride part of their annual trips to the coast. As shops\, beaches\, and restaurants fill with early summer crowds\, the opening of the Merry-Go-Round marks another sign that the season is fully underway in SW Rhode Island. \nBelieved to have been built in 1867 by Andrew Christian and the Charles W.F. Dare Co. of New York City\, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round is widely considered the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. Local legend says a traveling carnival brought the carousel to Watch Hill in 1883 before abandoning it\, allowing the ride to become a permanent part of the village itself. Over the decades\, the carousel survived major storms\, including the devastating Hurricane of 1938\, while remaining one of the area’s most enduring landmarks. \nToday\, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round continues to deliver the same nostalgic charm that has drawn families to it for generations. The hand-carved horses\, historic structure\, and coastal surroundings create an experience that feels timeless against the backdrop of Watch Hill’s beaches and waterfront streets. For many visitors\, a ride on the carousel remains one of the defining traditions of summer along the Rhode Island coast. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/watch-hill-merry-go-round-2/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round\, 151-153 Bay St\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Watch-Hill-RI-Merry-Go-Round-regular-season-June-13.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T120000
DTSTAMP:20260511T024639Z
CREATED:20260508T022649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T024639Z
UID:10000895-1787994000-1788004800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Stonington Village Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe 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. \nWhat 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. \nParticipating Vendors & Farms \n\nAPIS VERDI\nBroad Brook Acres\nDavis Farm\nISSA Catering\nJon Fish\nSeacoast Mushrooms\nSugar Maple Farms\nSweet Acre Farm\nWakin’ Up Waggin’\n18th Century Purity Farm\nStonyledge Farm and Studio Farm Products\nSummer Hill Catering\nCato Corner Farm\nTreatzles\nFiber + Mud\nYALLA\n\nSponsors & Organizers \n\nStonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA)\nVelvet Mill\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/stonington-village-farmers-market-3/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Velvet Mill\, 22 Bayview Ave\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Velvet Mill
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Stonington-Village-Farmers-Market-at-the-Velvet-Mill.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T110000
DTSTAMP:20260730T010413Z
CREATED:20260730T010413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T010413Z
UID:10007055-1787994000-1788001200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Natural History Walks at Napatree Point Conservation Area
DESCRIPTION:Natural History Walks invite visitors to discover the remarkable wildlife\, coastal habitats\, and rich natural history of the Napatree Point Conservation Area during guided Saturday morning walks throughout August. Hosted by The Watch Hill Conservancy\, these 90-minute programs pair participants with experienced naturalists who share insights into one of southern New England’s most ecologically significant barrier beaches while exploring its ever-changing landscape. (The Watch Hill Conservancy) \nStretching nearly two miles from Watch Hill into Little Narragansett Bay\, Napatree Point is a nationally recognized conservation area known for its pristine dunes\, salt marshes\, tidal lagoons\, and diverse wildlife. The preserve provides critical habitat for migratory shorebirds\, nesting species\, marine life\, and native coastal plants\, making every walk a little different depending on the season\, weather\, and wildlife activity. Guided by Conservancy naturalists\, participants learn how these fragile ecosystems work together while gaining a deeper appreciation for the area’s history and ongoing conservation efforts. \nEach walk is shaped by the interests of the group and what nature has to offer that morning. Topics may include coastal plants\, birds\, marine life\, dune ecology\, or the history of Napatree itself. Whether you’re an avid birder\, an aspiring naturalist\, or simply looking for a peaceful Saturday morning along the Rhode Island shoreline\, the program offers an engaging way to experience one of the region’s most beautiful coastal preserves. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult\, and advance registration is required. Walks continue in light rain but are canceled in the event of heavy downpours. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Natural History Walks \nDates: Saturdays\, August 1\, 8\, 15\, 22\, and 29\, 2026 \nTime: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. \nLocation: Napatree Point Conservation Area\nFort Road\nWatch Hill (Westerly)\, RI \nAdmission: Free (Registration Required) \nAges: All ages. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/natural-history-walks-at-napatree-point-conservation-area/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Napatree Point\, Fort Road\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Napatree Point
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Natural-History-Walks-Napatree-Point-Conservation-Area-Saturdays-in-August-at-9am.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T100000
DTSTAMP:20260827T162259Z
CREATED:20260827T162111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T162259Z
UID:10007277-1787990400-1787997600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Birding at Coogan Farm
DESCRIPTION:Birding at Coogan Farm gives beginners and experienced birdwatchers a guided look at the migrating and resident birds found across the Mystic property on Saturday\, August 29. \nThe two-hour morning walk begins at 8 a.m.. It is led by Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Outreach Coordinator Lauren Michael\, a field biologist whose work has taken her across North America studying everything from songbirds and seabirds to rails. \nThe program is designed as a crash course in birding\, so newcomers don’t need to arrive knowing the difference between a warbler and a vireo. All skill levels are welcome. \nLooking and Listening\nFinding birds is only half the challenge. \nFiguring out what you’ve found is where things get interesting. \nDPNC naturalists will help participants identify birds by both sight and sound\, while sharing practical techniques for knowing where and when to look for different species. \nThe group will search Coogan Farm for songbirds and raptors\, including both birds that live in the area and migrants moving through southeastern Connecticut. \nLate August makes that distinction particularly interesting. \nSummer may still have several weeks left on the calendar\, but the fall migration is already underway for many bird species. Some birds begin moving south surprisingly early\, turning late summer into a transitional period when resident birds share the landscape with travelers beginning much longer journeys. \nMeet Lauren Michael\nSaturday’s guide brings considerably more than casual birdwatching experience to the walk. \nLauren Michael serves as Outreach Coordinator at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, but before joining DPNC she spent much of her twenties traveling across North America as a field biologist. \nHer research involved a wide range of birds\, including songbirds\, seabirds and the famously secretive rail. \nMichael earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Kenyon College in Ohio before completing a Master of Science at the University of Rhode Island. \nFor her graduate work\, she studied long-term trends in migratory songbirds on Block Island. \nThat background is particularly well suited to an August bird walk focused partly on migration. \nBring the Camera\nBird photographers are welcome\, too. \nIn fact\, DPNC notes that photographers benefit from having an entire group searching the landscape at once. \nOne person catches movement in a tree. \nSomeone else hears a call. \nAnother spots a raptor overhead. \nSuddenly everyone knows where to point their binoculars or camera. \nIt’s one of the advantages of birding with a group\, particularly for people accustomed to trying to locate birds alone. \nExploring Coogan Farm\nThe walk takes place at Coogan Farm\, DPNC’s property along Greenmanville Avenue in Mystic. \nThe landscape provides different types of habitat to explore rather than confining birders to a single viewing area. That variety gives the group opportunities to look and listen for different birds while learning how habitat can provide clues about what species might be nearby. \nThe morning is intended for adults and older children with an interest in birding. \nPre-registration is required. \nYou Don’t Need to Be an Expert\nThat’s probably the most useful thing for a first-time birder to know. \nNobody expects you to arrive with a life list several hundred species long. \nThe purpose of the walk is to help people get better at noticing what’s already around them. \nListen. \nWatch the tree line. \nLearn a few calls. \nNotice where experienced birders look when they enter a field or woodland. \nTwo hours later\, that same patch of Mystic may seem considerably busier than it did before. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Birding at Coogan Farm\nDate: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026\nTime: 8–10 a.m.\nLocation: Coogan Farm\nAddress: 162 Greenmanville Avenue\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nPresented by: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\nGuide: Lauren Michael\, DPNC Outreach Coordinator\nMembers: $17\nNon-members: $20\nAges: Adults and older interested children\nExperience: All skill levels welcome\nRegistration: Advance registration required\nFocus: Migrating and resident songbirds and raptors\nPhotography: Photographers welcome \nBirding at Coogan Farm introduces participants to the migrating and resident songbirds and raptors found around the Mystic property during a guided morning walk with DPNC’s Lauren Michael. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo register\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n\n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/birding-at-coogan-farm/
LOCATION:Coogan Farm\, 162 Greenmanville Avenue\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Coogan Farm
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Birding-at-Coogan-Farm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T100000
DTSTAMP:20260826T212627Z
CREATED:20260826T212627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T212627Z
UID:10007273-1787990400-1787997600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Bespoke Endurance Swim Series
DESCRIPTION:Bespoke Endurance Swim Series is giving experienced open-water swimmers two final chances to get into the water before its summer Endurance Swim Series comes to a close\, beginning with a Saturday morning swim in Stonington on August 29. \nThe guided session runs from 8 to 10 a.m. and is designed for swimmers who already have some open-water experience and want something different from a traditional swimming lesson. \nThere’s less standing around talking technique. \nMore swimming. \nBuilt for Distance\, Not Instruction\nThe Endurance Swim Series was created for people ready to move beyond introductory open-water instruction and concentrate on endurance\, consistency and confidence. \nThat includes experienced recreational swimmers\, triathletes and participants who have previously completed BESPOKE’s instructional clinic. \nThe emphasis is on maximizing time in the water. \nEach organized swim is planned around local tides and conditions\, with routes and distances selected to give participants an appropriate open-water challenge. \nChoose Your Distance\nNot everyone has to swim at the same speed or cover the same distance. \nThe group naturally separates according to pace\, experience and individual goals\, allowing swimmers to find others moving at a comfortable speed. \nMost sessions offer as many as three distance options. \nThat gives someone training for a longer endurance event room to push farther while another swimmer can choose a route better suited to their current ability. \nDistances and overall swimming time have gradually increased as the summer has progressed\, making this late-August session one of the final opportunities to put that season of training to work. \nSafety Comes With You\nOpen-water swimming is very different from following the black line at the bottom of a pool. \nVisibility\, currents\, tides\, water temperature and weather all become part of the experience. \nBESPOKE requires participants to arrive with a brightly colored inflatable swim buoy and brightly colored swim cap so swimmers remain visible in the water. \nProper goggles and an appropriate swimsuit are also required. \nA swimming wetsuit is strongly encouraged\, particularly when water temperatures are cooler. \nThe sessions are fully supported and organized\, but swimmers still need prior open-water experience or appropriate preparation before participating. \nThe Water Sets the Schedule\nOne of the defining features of the series is that nature gets a vote. \nSessions are planned around the best available tides and swimming conditions rather than forcing every swim into the same weekly time slot. \nThat means dates\, times and locations can change if conditions aren’t considered safe. \nSaturday’s scheduled two-hour session begins at 8 a.m. at BESPOKE in Stonington. \nThe August 29 swim wasn’t part of the series’ original schedule. It was added as one of two final Endurance Swims to close the season\, with another scheduled for sunrise on Monday\, September 7. \nTwo More Chances\nFor swimmers who spent the summer meaning to join the group but never quite made it\, the season isn’t over yet. \nSaturday offers the first of those final two opportunities. \nThe second arrives on Labor Day morning at 6 a.m.\, turning the final swim into an early-morning outing as the sun comes up. \nSaturday’s session is limited to 18 swimmers. As of the most recent availability posted by BESPOKE\, 11 spaces remained. \nDrop-in admission is $45. \nThen it’s into the water. \nEvent Details\nEvent: BESPOKE Endurance Swim Series\nDate: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026\nTime: 8–10 a.m.\nLocation: BESPOKE\nAddress: 22 Bayview Avenue\, Stonington\, CT 06378\nInstructor: A.J. Massengale\nAdmission: $45 drop-in\nCapacity: 18 swimmers\nExperience: Prior open-water experience or completion of an instructional clinic recommended\nRequired Equipment: Brightly colored inflatable swim buoy\, brightly colored swim cap\, proper swim goggles and appropriate swimsuit\nWetsuit: Strongly encouraged\nWeather and Conditions: Session details are subject to change when conditions are unsafe\nFinal Series Swim: Monday\, September 7 at 6 a.m. \nBESPOKE’s Endurance Swim Series gives experienced open-water swimmers a supported environment for building distance\, stamina and confidence in the waters around Stonington. \nTo purchase a spot\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/bespoke-endurance-swim-series/
LOCATION:BESPOKE\, 22 Bayview Ave\, Stonington\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bespoke
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bespoke-Endurance-Swim-Series.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T220000
DTSTAMP:20260816T234634Z
CREATED:20260816T234634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260816T234634Z
UID:10007204-1787983200-1788040800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026: Balloon Glow\, Fireworks & Family Fun
DESCRIPTION:Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 fills the sky over Norton Park with hot air balloons on Friday and Saturday\, August 28–29\, during a free two-day festival featuring a Friday night balloon glow and fireworks\, Saturday balloon launches\, nearly 100 vendors\, amusement rides\, food trucks\, live entertainment and a classic and specialty car show. \nThis one is outside The CT Beacon’s usual southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island coverage area\, but we’re making an exception. The 39th annual festival offers something different enough to justify a little road trip\, particularly for families looking for one more big summer outing before Labor Day. \nFrom Mystic\, plan on a little over an hour in the car. The most natural route takes you west along I-95 to Old Saybrook and then north on Route 9 into central Connecticut. Route 9 follows the Connecticut River corridor for much of the trip\, passing the lower river valley before continuing through Middletown toward the Plainville area. It’s a relatively easy drive\, and considerably more pleasant than spending an hour crawling through a string of commercial highways. \nAt the other end: dozens of enormous balloons glowing against the night sky. \nThat seems worth the mileage. \nFriday Night: Balloon Glow and Fireworks\nIf you’re making the trip from southeastern Connecticut and only choosing one portion of the festival\, Friday night is the obvious choice. \nFriday’s signature event is the Hot Air Balloon Glow\, when tethered balloons remain on the ground while their burners illuminate the envelopes from inside. \nOnce darkness falls\, those enormous balloons essentially become glowing lanterns scattered across Norton Park. \nThen look higher. \nThe festival’s fireworks display is scheduled for approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday\, creating a night that combines two things you don’t ordinarily get at the same summer festival: glowing hot air balloons and fireworks. \nThe exact fireworks start time is flexible. Organizers specifically warn visitors not to plan on arriving at precisely 9:15\, since conditions could cause the display to begin somewhat earlier or later. \nIf weather prevents Friday’s fireworks\, they’re scheduled to move to Saturday night. \nSaturday Starts at 6 A.M.\nSaturday belongs to the balloons. \nThe first launch is scheduled for 6 a.m.\, taking advantage of the calmer atmospheric conditions balloon pilots typically seek early in the morning. \nFor this one event\, visitors can actually park at Norton Park. There is no shuttle service that early\, and all vehicles must be removed from the park by 9 a.m. before the main Saturday festival gets underway. \nIf 6 a.m. sounds a little ambitious for a drive from Mystic\, there’s another chance. \nA second mass balloon launch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday. \nBoth launches are weather-dependent\, and the pilots themselves make the final decision about whether conditions are safe enough to fly. \nThat’s worth emphasizing if balloons are your primary reason for making the drive: a scheduled balloon launch isn’t a guaranteed balloon launch. \nWind\, visibility and other conditions matter enormously to these aircraft. \nNo\, You Can’t Ride in the Balloons\nThis is probably the festival’s most frequently misunderstood attraction. \nThe Plainville Fire Company doesn’t sell or arrange balloon rides. \nMany of the balloons participating in the festival are classified as experimental aircraft and aren’t permitted to offer commercial passenger rides. The balloons are there for the launches and glow rather than paid sightseeing flights. \nSo come to watch them. \nJust don’t arrive expecting to climb into a basket. \nThere’s Plenty Happening Between Balloon Launches\nThe balloons get the photographs\, but they’re only part of the weekend. \nNorton Park fills with nearly 100 arts\, crafts and other vendors\, offering handmade goods\, local products and other items throughout the festival. Organizers are also promising a particularly large collection of food trucks representing a variety of cuisines. \nAmusement attractions include rides\, bounce houses\, games and an expanded ride area featuring a giant slide. Those attractions aren’t included simply because festival admission is free; bring money for ride tickets\, food and shopping. \nLive music and other entertainment continue throughout the festival as well. \nSaturday also adds a classic and specialty car show\, giving visitors something substantial to explore during the middle of the day when the balloons aren’t flying. \nThat’s actually useful information when planning your visit. If you arrive at noon Saturday expecting a sky filled with balloons\, you’re going to be disappointed. The scheduled balloon activity happens at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. \nAt noon\, go look at the cars. The balloons need a nap. \nAdmission Is Free\nThere’s no admission charge for the Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival. \nNorton Park is a public park\, and the Plainville Fire Company keeps admission to the festival free. Visitors pay individually for food\, rides\, games and anything purchased from vendors. \nThe event is also a fundraiser for the Plainville Fire Company\, which has served the community since 1885. Festival proceeds help support community organizations and the company’s student scholarship programs. \nFor a family making the drive from the Mystic area\, free admission makes the road trip considerably easier to justify. \nParking: Read This Before You Leave\nThis is probably the most important logistical part of the guide. \nDo not drive directly to Norton Park expecting general festival parking. \nThere is no general public parking at Norton Park during the main festival hours on Friday or Saturday. \nInstead\, festival visitors park at designated off-site lots and take shuttle buses to Norton Park. \nThe primary parking areas are: \nRobertson Airport\n62 Johnson Avenue\nPlainville\, CT 06062 \nThis is the festival’s largest parking area\, with thousands of spaces\, and organizers specifically recommend it for families and visitors traveling with children. \nA second parking area is available at the former GE/ABB lot on Woodford Avenue. \nParking costs $5 per vehicle\, cash only\, with the money helping offset the cost of the shuttle system. \nBuses run continuously between the parking areas and Norton Park\, and strollers are permitted aboard the shuttles. \nAfter the Friday fireworks\, expect crowds. Festival organizers say they operate approximately 30 buses continuously to return visitors to the parking areas\, but thousands of people may be leaving Norton Park at approximately the same time. \nIn other words\, don’t expect to watch the final firework and be cruising home five minutes later. \nAccessible Parking\nLimited accessible parking is available closer to the festival inside Norton Park for vehicles displaying the appropriate disability placard or license plate. \nOrganizers ask drivers to have the placard clearly displayed before reaching the Broad Street/South Washington Street intersection so traffic personnel can direct the vehicle appropriately. \nMotorcycle parking is also available at Norton Park. \nWhat About Rain?\nThere is no festival rain date. \nLight rain doesn’t necessarily cancel the festival\, and many activities may continue. \nBalloons are another matter. \nLaunches and the balloon glow are highly dependent on weather conditions\, and pilots have final authority over whether their balloons participate. Wind conditions that wouldn’t interfere with walking around a festival can be enough to keep balloons grounded. \nThe fireworks are scheduled for Friday night\, with Saturday serving as the backup night if weather forces their postponement. \nFor anyone driving from southeastern Connecticut\, this is one event where checking conditions before getting into the car really matters. \nLeave the Drone at Home\nIt would certainly produce spectacular video. \nDon’t do it. \nDrones are prohibited because of the danger they present to hot air balloons. \nFestival organizers also strongly discourage bringing pets. Between the crowds\, balloon burners\, music\, rides and fireworks\, Norton Park can become an unusually loud and stimulating environment for animals. Service animals are permitted\, including aboard the shuttle buses. \nIs It Worth the Drive From Mystic?\nFor most events an hour or more outside our normal coverage area\, probably not. \nThis one’s different. \nIf you’ve never seen a hot air balloon glow\, Friday provides the best argument for making the trip. You get the festival during the afternoon and evening\, food and rides for the kids\, the balloon glow after dark and fireworks to finish the night. \nSaturday makes more sense for people who really want to see the balloons fly. The 6 p.m. launch lets visitors skip the brutal wake-up required to reach Plainville for the 6 a.m. launch while still experiencing the rest of the festival. \nAnd because admission is free\, you’re really committing to the drive rather than an expensive admission ticket. \nSometimes that’s enough reason to stretch the borders of a weekend. \nEvent Details\nEvent: 39th Annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival \nDates: Friday\, August 28 and Saturday\, August 29\, 2026 \nLocation: Norton Park \nAddress: 1–15 Norton Park Road\, Plainville\, CT 06062 \nAdmission: Free \nFriday: Hot air balloon glow and fireworks \nFireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday; Saturday backup if weather requires \nSaturday Balloon Launches: 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.\, weather permitting \nSaturday: Classic and specialty car show\, balloon launches and festival activities \nActivities: Amusement rides\, games\, bounce houses\, arts and crafts\, food trucks\, vendors and live entertainment \nBalloon Rides: Not available \nGeneral Parking: Off-site only during the main festival \nPrimary Parking: Robertson Airport\, 62 Johnson Avenue\, Plainville \nAdditional Parking: Former GE/ABB lot on Woodford Avenue \nParking/Shuttle Fee: $5 per vehicle\, cash only \nPets: Strongly discouraged \nDrones: Prohibited \nWeather: Balloon activities are weather-dependent. No general festival rain date. \nMore Information\nComplete schedules\, weather updates\, parking information and festival announcements are available through the Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival website. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/plainville-hot-air-balloon-festival-2026-balloon-glow-fireworks-family-fun/2026-08-29/
LOCATION:Norton Park\, 1-15 Norton Park Rd\, Plainvillw\, CT\, 06062\, United States
CATEGORIES:Norton Park
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T233000
DTSTAMP:20260827T160454Z
CREATED:20260827T160454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T160454Z
UID:10007275-1787961600-1788046200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
DESCRIPTION:The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth returns to Long Island Sound on Saturday and Sunday\, August 29 and 30\, bringing anglers from Connecticut and New York together for the 44th edition of one of the region’s longest-running fishing competitions. \nThe premise has remained wonderfully uncomplicated: catch the heaviest bluefish and win $25\,000. \nBut there’s considerably more money on the line than the grand prize. The 2026 tournament will award more than $40\,000 in cash and prizes\, with payouts extending through 20th place\, prizes at individual weigh-in stations and a separate competition for young anglers. \nA Long Island Sound Tradition\nNow in its 44th year\, the tournament has grown into a late-summer tradition spanning virtually the entire length of Long Island Sound. \nThere isn’t one marina where everyone gathers to fish. \nCompetitors can head out from Connecticut or New York\, fish from boats or shore\, and search for bluefish throughout the tournament’s designated waters. \nThe western boundary extends to the Whitestone Bridge. In contrast\, the eastern boundary reaches the waters around Orient Point\, Fishers Island and Watch Hill\, with The Race included within the tournament area. \nFor southeastern Connecticut anglers\, that puts some very familiar bluefish territory squarely in play. \nFishing Starts Just After Midnight\nThis isn’t a tournament that waits for a comfortable Saturday-morning start. \nLines can hit the water beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday\, August 29. \nAnglers then have until 5 p.m. Sunday to find the fish that could move them onto the leaderboard. \nOfficial weigh-in stations operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and reopen from 6 a.m. until the tournament concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday. All qualifying bluefish must be weighed before that final deadline. \nThat creates nearly an entire weekend of possibilities\, from fishing beneath the stars early Saturday morning to making one final run Sunday afternoon. \n$25\,000 for One Bluefish\nWeight determines the winners. \nThe angler bringing in the tournament’s heaviest qualifying bluefish earns the $25\,000 grand prize. \nSecond place pays $7\,500\, while third earns $2\,500. Fourth and fifth place receive $500 each\, and cash prizes continue all the way through 20th place. \nThere’s another way to leave with money even if your fish doesn’t crack the overall Top 20. \nA $100 Port Prize goes to the angler weighing the heaviest bluefish at each official weigh-in station. \nThat means the leaderboard isn’t the only competition worth watching as fish begin arriving at stations around the Sound. \nYoung Anglers Have Their Own Prizes\nKids aren’t simply allowed to enter. They’re encouraged to compete. \nThe tournament includes a separate Under 18 division for the three heaviest bluefish landed by younger contestants. \nFirst place earns $1\,000\, while second and third place each receive a $100 gift card. \nYoung anglers remain part of the overall tournament as well\, making this one of those rare competitions where a family can spend the weekend fishing together while everyone aboard has something at stake. \nWeigh-In Stations Around the Sound\nThe tournament uses a network of official stations throughout Connecticut and New York rather than requiring anglers to return to one central location. \nFor southeastern Connecticut competitors\, participating businesses include AW Marina in New London and Hillyer’s Tackle Shop in Waterford\, with additional stations positioned westward along the Connecticut shoreline and across Long Island. \nThat decentralized setup is what allows the entire Sound to effectively become the tournament venue. \nCatch the fish. \nGet it to an official station. \nThen find out where it lands on the leaderboard. \nWEIGH IN STATIONS:\nAW Marina | 178 Pequot Avenue\, New London\, CT | 860-443-6076 \nBlack Hall Outfitters | 372 Boston Post Road\, Westbrook\, CT | 860-434-9680 Ext 2 \nBlack Rock Bait & Tackle | 3309 Fairfield Avenue\, Bridgeport\, CT | 203-345-1835 \nBobby J’s | 354 New Haven Avenue (Indian River Plaza)\, Milford\, CT | 203-876-1495 \nBranford Bait & Tackle | 55 Goodsell Point Road\, Branford\, CT 06405 | 203-315-1313 \nDee’s Bait & Tackle | 93 Clay Street\, New Haven\, CT | 203-562-7025 \nFin’s Bait & Tackle | 34 Riverside Drive\, Clinton\, CT | 860-664-5476 \nFisherman’s World | Liberty Square (2 Fort Point Street)\, East Norwalk\, CT | 203-866-1075 \nHillyer’s Tackle Shop | 374 Mago Point Way\, Waterford\, CT | (860) 443-7615 \nSportman Den | 33 River Road\, Cos Cob\, CT | 203-869-3234 \nTed’s Bait & Tackle | 35 Clark Street\, Old Saybrook\, CT | 860-388-4882 \n\nRegistration Closes Before the Fishing Begins\nEvery angler competing for prizes must register individually. \nRegistration costs $36 per contestant. \nOnline registration remains open until 11:59 p.m. Friday\, August 28\, while in-person registration at designated registration stations closes at 7 p.m. Friday. The tournament’s mail-in registration period closes earlier. \nOnce the clock hits 12:01 Saturday morning\, registration is over and the fishing begins. \nOne Fish Can Change the Weekend\nBluefish have earned their reputation among Long Island Sound anglers. \nThey’re aggressive predators\, powerful fighters and not particularly interested in coming quietly to the boat. \nDuring this weekend\, though\, every decent bluefish comes with another question. \nHow much does it weigh? \nBecause somewhere else on Long Island Sound\, another angler is wondering exactly the same thing. \nFor nearly two days\, boats will move through the Sound\, anglers will work beaches and shoreline spots\, fish will arrive at weigh stations and the leaderboard will keep changing. \nThen at 5 p.m. Sunday\, the scales close. \nAnd somebody’s bluefish will be worth $25\,000. \nEvent Details\nEvent: The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth\nDates: Saturday\, August 29–Sunday\, August 30\, 2026\nFishing Begins: Saturday at 12:01 a.m.\nTournament Ends: Sunday at 5 p.m.\nLocation: Long Island Sound\nRegistration: $36 per angler\nEligibility: Open to registered anglers\nGrand Prize: $25\,000\nSecond Place: $7\,500\nThird Place: $2\,500\nTotal Cash and Prizes: More than $40\,000\nYouth Competition: Separate prizes for the three heaviest bluefish caught by anglers under 18\nYouth Grand Prize: $1\,000\nSaturday Weigh-In Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.\nSunday Weigh-In Hours: 6 a.m.–5 p.m.\nOnline Registration Deadline: Friday\, August 28 at 11:59 p.m.\nIn-Person Registration Deadline: Friday\, August 28 at 7 p.m. \nThe Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth brings anglers across Long Island Sound together for a two-day competition with more than $40\,000 in cash and prizes and $25\,000 waiting for the angler who lands the heaviest bluefish. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo register\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/the-greatest-bluefish-tournament-on-earth/2026-08-29/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Greatest-Bluefish-Tournament-on-Earth.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T223000
DTSTAMP:20260626T233945Z
CREATED:20260513T011926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T233945Z
UID:10001495-1787949000-1787956200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center's Stargazing Nights
DESCRIPTION:Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center’s Stargazing Nights turn a quiet Friday evening in Ninigret Park into one of the most atmospheric experiences in southern New England. Hosted by Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center\, the weekly gathering invites visitors to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes while astronomers guide guests across planets\, star clusters\, distant galaxies\, and the glowing band of the Milky Way overhead. Under some of the darkest skies in Rhode Island\, the experience feels less like a formal science program and more like stumbling into a community of people quietly obsessed with the universe. \nAs darkness settles over Ninigret Park\, visitors can expect views that change depending on the season and sky conditions\, often including Saturn’s rings\, Jupiter’s moons\, the cratered surface of the Moon\, and deep space objects rarely visible in brighter suburban areas. The observatory’s Sky Theatre and telescope stations create an immersive environment where curious first-timers mingle with amateur astronomers and longtime stargazers. There’s something strangely calming about standing in near silence while strangers take turns peering into the cosmos\, especially on clear summer nights when the Milky Way stretches visibly across the sky. \nThe observatory typically opens around 8:30 p.m. on Friday nights and remains active through at least 10:30 p.m.\, sometimes later depending on weather and viewing conditions. Because the event is weather dependent\, updates are posted on the day of the event before 3 p.m. Organizers also note that Ninigret Park’s dark sky rules prohibit white light use after dusk in order to protect night vision and sensitive astronomical equipment\, giving the entire area an almost surreal glow of dim red lights and shadowy pathways. Tickets for Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center’s Stargazing Nights can be purchased by clicking the event link below. \nWhen ticket sales open\, a link to purchase / acquire tickets will be added to the “Cost” field on the event page. Once event capacity is reached\, these fields will be listed as “Sold Out“\, and we will be unable to allow entry to any more guests. \nRules and Suggestions:\n• Guests should avoid using white flashlights\, phone flashlights\, or bright screens after dusk\n• Red light flashlights are encouraged to preserve night vision\n• Bug spray is highly recommended during warmer months due to mosquitoes and insects near the wildlife refuge\n• Weather conditions may affect visibility or event operations\n• Children ages 5 and older require tickets\n• Arriving early is recommended for the best viewing opportunities and parking access \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/frosty-drew-observatory-and-science-centers-stargazing-nights/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center\, 61-62 Park Lane\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Frosty-Drew-Observatory-and-Science-Centers-Stargazing-Nights.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T230000
DTSTAMP:20260823T221304Z
CREATED:20260823T220926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260823T221304Z
UID:10007257-1787947200-1787958000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots at the Charlestown Rathskeller
DESCRIPTION:Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots at the Charlestown Rathskeller on Friday\, August 28\, for a summer night of live music in the woods. \nThe North Stonington singer-songwriter and his band take the Rathskeller’s outdoor stage from 8 to 11 p.m.\, just one night after performing at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. \nTickets are $15 in advance\, plus fees\, or $20 at the door. \nA Country Singer from North Stonington\nBosse’s path into country music began close to home. \nThe North Stonington native started performing cover gigs in local bars around 2013 before forming The Northern Roots with drummer John Spaulding the following year. What began on small southeastern Connecticut stages gradually developed into a regional act performing at casinos\, festivals\, fairs\, vineyards and concert series throughout New England. \nBosse describes himself as a Nashville recording artist\, but his musical identity remains firmly connected to New England. \nHis influences reach back to Merle Haggard\, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash while incorporating newer artists such as Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers. Southern rock and bluegrass fill out a sound that’s considerably rougher around the edges than contemporary pop-country. \nWhat Happened to Country?\nIf there’s one song that explains what Bosse is trying to do\, its title nearly does the job by itself. \n“What Happened to Country” was released in 2021 and grew into his breakout recording\, eventually surpassing 2 million streams on Spotify. \nThe song pushes back against the increasingly polished and commercial direction of mainstream country music while looking toward the storytelling and working-class character Bosse associates with the genre’s past. \nThat attitude runs through much of his music. \nBosse isn’t trying to reproduce vintage country note for note. The Northern Roots can move from traditional country into southern rock and bluegrass\, but those older influences remain underneath it. \nThe Northern Roots Bring the Muscle\nThe Northern Roots turn Bosse’s songwriting into a full-band experience. \nThroughout the group’s history\, its arrangements have incorporated instruments including fiddle\, pedal steel\, banjo\, harmonica\, mandolin and upright bass alongside guitar and drums. \nThat broader musical palette gives the band room to move. \nA song can begin in traditional country territory before the guitars push it toward southern rock\, while another can lean into the acoustic textures of bluegrass and roots music. \nIt’s also what separates a Nick Bosse solo appearance from a Northern Roots show. The songs remain at the center\, but the full band is built for a Friday night crowd. \nFrom the Wolf Den to the Woods\nThe Charlestown concert comes during a particularly good two-night run for Bosse and the band. \nOn Thursday\, August 27\, Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots perform a free concert at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. \nTwenty-four hours later\, they cross the Rhode Island state line and head into the woods at the Charlestown Rathskeller. \nThe settings couldn’t be much more different. \nThe Wolf Den sits in the middle of the Casino of the Earth at one of New England’s largest entertainment resorts. The Rathskeller offers an outdoor stage behind a historic tavern surrounded by trees\, with a backyard bar\, food\, games and a bonfire nearby. \nSame band. Very different Friday night. \nFrom a 1933 Speakeasy to a Charlestown Landmark\nThe Charlestown Rathskeller has its own story. \nThe tavern dates to 1933 and traces its beginnings to a speakeasy\, giving the property nearly a century of history as a gathering place in Charlestown. \nRemnants of that past remain inside\, including old murals in the dining room\, but the modern Rathskeller has expanded well beyond the original tavern. \nIts wooded property has become a warm-weather destination for food\, drinks\, outdoor games and live music. \nGuests coming for Friday’s concert can arrive early for dinner and drinks before heading out back for the show. \nHead “Down Back”\nThe Rathskeller calls its outdoor entertainment area “Down Back.” \nRather than a conventional theater or nightclub\, the space feels more like a sprawling backyard gathering built around live music. \nThere’s an outdoor stage\, backyard bar and burger shack\, along with a bonfire and lawn games including cornhole and bocce. \nThroughout the warmer months\, the Rathskeller uses Down Back for regional country\, rock\, tribute and party bands. \nIt’s difficult to imagine a much more natural setting for The Northern Roots. \nA country band with southern rock and bluegrass running through its music gets a stage in the woods\, a crowd with drinks in hand and three hours to stretch out. \nA Growing New England Following\nBosse has steadily expanded his audience beyond southeastern Connecticut. \nHis performances have included headlining appearances at both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods\, along with shows at festivals and venues throughout the region. He has also been recognized as Male Performer of the Year by the New England Music Awards. \nBut the band’s local and regional shows remain a major part of its identity. \nThat makes the Rathskeller date less about a Connecticut musician visiting Rhode Island and more about a regional act playing in its own backyard. The state line is only a few miles away\, and The Northern Roots have drawn musicians and audiences from both Connecticut and Rhode Island. \nDinner First\, Boots Later\nThe Friday-night setup makes this an easy event to turn into an evening rather than simply a three-hour concert. \nThe Rathskeller encourages concertgoers to arrive early for dinner and drinks before heading Down Back for the performance. \nAdvance tickets cost $15 plus fees. Tickets at the door are $20\, subject to availability. \nThe event has a no-refund policy. \nThen\, from 8 to 11 p.m.\, the focus moves to Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots. \nExpect original songs\, country storytelling and a sound that can wander from Waylon Jennings territory toward southern rock without losing sight of where it started. \nAfter all\, Bosse built one of his biggest songs around a question. \nWhat happened to country? \nFriday night in the Charlestown woods might offer his answer. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Nick Bosse & Northern Roots at the Charlestown Rathskeller 2026\nDate: Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nTime: 8–11 p.m.\nLocation: The Charlestown Rathskeller\nAddress: 489A Old Coach Road\, Charlestown\, RI 02813\nTickets: $15 online plus fees; $20 at the door\nRefunds: No refunds\nPerformer: Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots\nMusic: Country\, southern rock\, roots and bluegrass influences\nSetting: Outdoor live music at the Rathskeller’s Down Back entertainment area \nGuests can arrive early for dinner and drinks at the Rathskeller before heading Down Back for the concert. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/nick-bosse-the-northern-roots-at-the-charlestown-rathskeller-2/
LOCATION:Rathskeller\, 489A Old Coach Rd\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Rathskeller
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T045821Z
CREATED:20260428T045821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T045821Z
UID:10000090-1787945400-1787950800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with special guest En Vogue
DESCRIPTION:If you grew up on ’90s R&B and hip-hop\, this lineup feels like a time capsule that still hits just as hard today. TLC helped redefine the sound of the era with songs that mixed attitude\, vulnerability\, and straight-up hooks you couldn’t shake. Tracks like “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls” weren’t just hits… they stuck around\, becoming part of the culture in a way that still resonates when you hear them now. \nThen you’ve got Salt-N-Pepa bringing that unapologetic\, high-energy presence that changed the game for women in hip-hop. Their catalog is packed with crowd-ready anthems like “Push It” and “Shoop\,” the kind of songs that instantly turn a concert into a full-on singalong. They don’t ease into it either… It’s confident\, fun\, and built to get a reaction from the first beat. \nOpening the night\, En Vogue sets the tone with smooth harmonies and that polished R&B sound that defined a generation. Songs like “Free Your Mind” and “Don’t Let Go (Love)” bring both power and precision\, giving the whole lineup a strong foundation right out of the gate. Put it all together\, and you’ve got a show that moves between nostalgia and pure energy… the kind of night where you’re not just watching\, you’re right in it.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/tlc-salt-n-pepa-with-special-guest-en-vogue/
LOCATION:Mohegan Sun\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mohegan Sun
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TLC-with-Salt-and-Pepa-and-Envogue.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T220000
DTSTAMP:20260827T153653Z
CREATED:20260827T153608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T153653Z
UID:10007274-1787943600-1787954400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Nocturnal Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop on Enders Island
DESCRIPTION:Nocturnal Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop on Enders Island invites artists to experience painting under a full moon on Friday\, August 28\, during a three-hour outdoor painting class led by professional artist and illustrator Dan DeLouise. \nThe workshop begins at 7 p.m.\, just as daylight starts slipping away. Participants will begin with preliminary sketches before tackling something painters don’t often get to practice outdoors: capturing a landscape as twilight becomes darkness. \nThe $100 workshop is open to artists of all skill levels. \nPainting When the Light Disappears\nPlein air painting usually comes with a race against the clock. \nShadows move. Colors change. The sun keeps going whether the painter is ready or not. \nAt night\, the problem becomes something else entirely. \nParticipants will study the changing tones of twilight before working with the combination of natural and artificial light that emerges after dark. DeLouise will help artists translate those nighttime colors\, shadows and illuminated areas onto canvas while providing individual instruction throughout the evening. \nThe workshop takes place behind Enders Island’s Main House\, giving painters the island’s coastal landscape as their subject. \nMeet Instructor Dan DeLouise\nDan DeLouise brings more than 25 years of professional painting experience to the workshop. \nA Syracuse University graduate and scholarship recipient\, DeLouise began his professional career in New York City as a commercial illustrator. His illustration work appeared nationally and internationally before his career expanded further into fine art and painting. \nFor this workshop\, that experience is applied to a particularly tricky subject. \nIt’s one thing to paint a tree\, building or shoreline in daylight. It’s another to decide what color those same objects become when they’re illuminated by moonlight\, distant artificial light and the last traces of dusk. \nAn Island Made for Plein Air Painting\nEnders Island provides an unusual outdoor studio. \nThe small island sits off Mason’s Island in Mystic\, surrounded by Fishers Island Sound and connected to shore by a narrow causeway. Its combination of water\, gardens\, stonework and historic architecture has made plein air painting a recurring part of the Sacred Art Institute’s programming. \nThe institute’s broader visual-arts program includes painting\, drawing\, iconography\, calligraphy\, stained glass and other traditional art forms\, with workshops intended to accommodate both beginning and experienced artists. \nFor the August 28 class\, artists won’t be looking at that landscape under ordinary conditions. \nThey’ll watch it change. \nFrom Dusk to Darkness\nParticipants can arrive beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will check in at the Sacred Art Studio. \nThe workshop begins at 7 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m. \nArtists should bring their own painting supplies\, including a portable easel and palette\, brushes\, palette knives\, oil paints\, painting mediums and a canvas or gessoed board. \nThere’s one particularly important addition for this class: lights. \nParticipants are asked to bring two cordless lights\, one to illuminate the palette and another for the canvas. \nThat allows the surrounding landscape to remain dark while artists can still see the colors they’re mixing and the painting taking shape in front of them. \nThree Hours\, One Changing Landscape\nThe most interesting subject Friday night may not be any individual building\, tree or stretch of shoreline. \nIt’s the changing light itself. \nArtists begin while there’s still enough daylight to sketch what they see. Twilight changes the colors. Darkness changes them again. Artificial lights emerge against the island while the water and sky take on completely different values. \nAnd unlike painting from a nighttime photograph\, there’s no frozen reference waiting patiently on a screen. \nThe scene keeps changing. \nThat’s the challenge DeLouise and his students will spend three hours trying to catch. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Nocturnal Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop\nDate: Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nTime: 7–10 p.m.\nArrival: Beginning at 6:30 p.m.\nLocation: Enders Island / St. Edmund’s Retreat\nAddress: 1 Enders Island\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nInstructor: Dan DeLouise\nAdmission: $100\nExperience Level: All skill levels\nCheck-In: Sacred Art Studio\nPainting Location: Behind the Main House\nMaterials: Participants must bring their own painting supplies\nLighting: Two cordless lights recommended\, one for the palette and one for the canvas \nNocturnal Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop gives artists a rare opportunity to paint Enders Island as twilight turns to darkness during a three-hour outdoor class with Dan DeLouise. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo register\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n\n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/nocturnal-plein-air-oil-painting-workshop-on-enders-island/
LOCATION:St Edmunds Retreat\, 1 Enders Island\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Nocturnal-Plein-Air-Oil-Painting-Workshop-on-Enders-Island.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T200000
DTSTAMP:20260825T020601Z
CREATED:20260825T020138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T020601Z
UID:10007267-1787943600-1787947200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River
DESCRIPTION:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River on Thursday\, August 27\, setting the scene for a special evening cruise departing from City Pier in New London. \nPresented by Thames River Heritage Park\, the one-hour cruise leaves at 7:15 p.m.\, just as daylight begins fading from the river. Instead of exploring the Thames primarily for its history\, this trip turns the attention upward\, with the late-summer full moon becoming part of the landscape. \nThe cruise is open to all ages\, and guests can bring their own snacks and beverages aboard. \nWhy Is It Called the Sturgeon Moon?\nLong before calendars hung on kitchen walls\, seasonal changes could be marked by what was happening in the natural world. \nTraditional names associated with full moons reflected those rhythms. \nThe August full moon became known as the Sturgeon Moon because late summer was historically associated with plentiful catches of lake sturgeon\, the enormous freshwater fish native to North America. \nIt’s a fitting name for a full moon viewed from the water. \nSee the Thames After Dark\nThe Thames River looks very different once the sun disappears. \nNew London’s waterfront gives way to a river lined with maritime landmarks\, working waterfronts and generations of naval history. As darkness settles in\, lights along the shoreline begin reflecting across the water while the moon rises above the river. \nThat’s the experience this cruise is built around. \nRather than a traditional daytime sightseeing trip\, the Sturgeon Moon Cruise combines the maritime setting with the changing evening sky. \nThe result depends a little on nature cooperating. \nEvening cruises are weather dependent\, and guests should check for updated information before heading to City Pier if conditions are questionable. \nA River Filled With History\nThe moon may be the attraction overhead\, but there’s plenty surrounding the boat. \nThe Thames passes through one of the most historically significant maritime corridors in Connecticut. \nNew London developed into an important colonial seaport and later became closely associated with whaling. Across the river\, Groton’s identity became increasingly connected to shipbuilding\, submarines and the U.S. Navy. \nToday\, Thames River Heritage Park connects many of those stories through historic sites and experiences on both sides of the river. \nThe organization also operates seasonal boat tours that allow visitors to experience the region from the perspective that shaped so much of its history: the water. \nBring Something for the Ride\nThis is a casual evening excursion. \nGuests are welcome to pack a cooler with their favorite beverages and snacks and bring them aboard for the cruise. \nThat makes the hour less like a formal narrated tour and more like an opportunity to settle in\, watch the shoreline pass and enjoy the full moon from the river. \nFamilies are welcome\, too. \nTickets are $50 for adults 18 and older and $35 for children ages 4 through 17. Infants and children age 3 and younger ride free. \nTwo Nights Under the Sturgeon Moon\nThere are actually two opportunities to take the cruise. \nThames River Heritage Park has scheduled Sturgeon Moon cruises for Thursday\, August 27\, and Friday\, August 28\, both departing at 7:15 p.m. \nEach excursion lasts approximately one hour. \nThe Thursday cruise departs from City Pier at 1 Waterfront Park in downtown New London. \nWith August nearing its end\, the timing catches one of those brief stretches when summer evenings are still warm but darkness is beginning to arrive a little earlier. \nAdd a full moon over the Thames\, and the river gets to put on the show. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise\nDates: Thursday\, August 27 and Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nTime: 7:15–8:15 p.m.\nDeparture: City Pier\nAddress: 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT 06320\nPresented by: Thames River Heritage Park\nAdults 18+: $50\nChildren ages 4–17: $35\nChildren ages 0–3: Free\nAges: All ages\nFood and Beverages: Guests may bring a cooler with snacks and beverages\nWeather: Evening cruises are weather dependent \nThe Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise offers a one-hour evening trip along the historic Thames River as the August full moon rises over the water. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/full-sturgeon-moon-cruise-lights-up-the-thames-river/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Full-Sturgeon-Moon-Cruise-Lights-Up-the-Thames-River.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T230000
DTSTAMP:20260823T210039Z
CREATED:20260823T210039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260823T210039Z
UID:10007254-1787941800-1787958000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Soul Sound Revue brings the sound of Motown to Mohegan Sun
DESCRIPTION:            Soul Sound Revue brings the sound of Motown to Mohegan Sun on Friday\, August 28\, turning the Sun Patio into an outdoor dance floor for the next installment of the resort’s Party on the Sun Patio summer concert series. \nDoors open at 6:30 p.m.\, with Soul Sound Revue taking the stage at 8 p.m. Admission is free\, and the evening combines live music with food trucks\, drinks and an open-air setting that has become one of Mohegan Sun’s Friday-night summer traditions. \nBut calling Soul Sound Revue simply a Motown tribute doesn’t quite capture what the band does. \nThe Connecticut-based group reaches from the classic vocal groups of the 1960s through the funk and R&B of the 1970s and ’80s\, then keeps moving forward into contemporary dance music. \nMore Than 40 Years of Soul\nSoul Sound Revue has been performing for more than four decades\, building its shows around the sound\, choreography and showmanship that helped make Motown a cultural phenomenon. \nThe group isn’t built around impersonating one particular artist. \nInstead\, it recreates an entire era of American popular music. \nIts repertoire draws from artists including The Four Tops\, The Temptations\, Stevie Wonder and Earth\, Wind & Fire\, moving between Motown\, soul\, funk and R&B. More recent material from performers such as Bruno Mars pushes the show beyond nostalgia and gives the band a songbook capable of reaching several generations in the same audience. \nThat makes the August 28 concert different from many of the tribute acts appearing during Party on the Sun Patio. Rather than spending the night with one artist’s catalog\, Soul Sound Revue can move across decades of dance music. \nBuilt Like the Bands That Made the Music\nThere’s another reason Soul Sound Revue can tackle that material. \nThis isn’t a small group playing Motown songs over backing tracks. \nSoul Sound Revue performs with three lead vocalists backed by a rhythm section and horn section\, giving the group the personnel to recreate the vocal harmonies\, brass arrangements and rhythmic punch that defined much of the original music. \nThe singers are also performers. \nThe group’s stage show emphasizes coordinated movement\, audience interaction and the polished presentation associated with classic Motown acts\, when choreography and appearance were nearly as recognizable as the records themselves. \nThat’s especially important with songs associated with groups such as The Temptations and Four Tops. Those records weren’t created around a lone singer standing behind a microphone. Harmony\, movement and presentation were part of the package. \nSoul Sound Revue tries to bring that complete experience back to the stage. \nA Band with Some History Behind It\nSoul Sound Revue has spent decades performing throughout Connecticut and the Northeast at theaters\, fairs\, festivals\, casinos and community concert series. \nOver the years\, the group has shared bills or stages with artists including The Temptations\, The Chi-Lites\, The Marvelettes and Wilson Pickett. \nMohegan Sun isn’t unfamiliar territory\, either. Soul Sound Revue has a long history of appearances at the resort and returned to the Sun Patio as recently as the 2025 Party on the Sun Patio season. \nThe band’s 2026 calendar has kept it moving around Connecticut throughout the summer\, with appearances in Southington\, Bloomfield\, Avon\, Waterford\, New Britain\, Hamden\, Wallingford\, East Hartford and other communities before the August 28 Mohegan Sun date. \nFrom Motown to Funk\nFor anyone wondering what “Motown tribute” means musically\, expect the boundaries to be fairly loose. \nThe foundation comes from the Detroit sound that produced some of the most recognizable records of the 1960s and early ’70s: strong melodies\, layered vocal harmonies\, driving bass lines and songs designed to make people move. \nSoul Sound Revue then follows that music into the funkier sounds that came afterward. \nEarth\, Wind & Fire fits naturally into that progression\, as does the later work of Stevie Wonder. From there\, the band can jump decades forward into modern songs that share the same basic purpose. \nGet people dancing. \nFor an outdoor summer show\, that’s probably more useful than worrying too much about where Motown ends and funk begins. \nPart of 14 Friday Nights on the Sun Patio\nThe concert is part of Mohegan Sun’s 2026 Party on the Sun Patio\, a 14-week run of free Friday-night concerts stretching from June 19 through September 18. \nThis year’s lineup has essentially turned the patio into a tour through several generations of popular music. \nThe summer has included tributes to Elton John\, Bruce Springsteen\, Queen\, Kenny Chesney and Fleetwood Mac\, along with nights devoted to ’70s rock\, yacht rock\, ’80s music and a ’90s house party. \nFollowing Soul Sound Revue\, the series heads toward its final three weekends with The Journey Tribute Show\, Zac N’ Fried performing the music of Zac Brown Band and Beatlemania Again closing the season with The Beatles. \nSoul Sound Revue gets the August 28 slot with Motown\, soul\, funk and R&B. \nAn Outdoor Concert Built for Dancing\nThe Sun Patio sits outside Mohegan Sun and operates as an open-air summer entertainment space with a stage\, bar\, seating areas\, fire pits and room in front of the stage for dancing. \nFriday’s doors open at 6:30 p.m.\, giving guests about 90 minutes before Soul Sound Revue begins at 8. \nThe entire Party on the Sun Patio event runs until 11 p.m. \nAdmission is free\, but guests must be 21 or older and show valid identification. \nSeating is available on a first-come\, first-served basis\, and guests are permitted to bring their own chairs. Plastic Adirondack chairs can also be rented at the Tiki Hut for $10. \nThose rental chairs can’t be taken onto the dance floor or into the fire-pit areas. \nConsidering Soul Sound Revue’s particular mission\, the dance-floor restriction may not be much of a hardship. Sitting down probably isn’t the point of this one. \nDinner Comes to the Patio\nFood trucks rotate throughout the Party on the Sun Patio season. \nMohegan Sun’s current schedule lists three trucks for the Soul Sound Revue concert: \nHungry Lion \nReel Catch \nYummy Wagon \nThat lineup differs from some earlier promotional listings for the August 28 event\, so guests should keep in mind that food trucks are subject to change. \nDrink specials and beverages are available from the Sun Patio Bar. \nOutside food\, beverages and coolers aren’t permitted. \nFire Pits and a Different Way to Watch\nGuests looking for something beyond general admission can also reserve one of the Sun Patio’s fire pits. \nThe reserved areas provide seating and cocktail service\, with VIP fire pits positioned for better views of the stage. \nThey’re separate from the free general-admission experience\, so nobody needs a reservation simply to attend the concert. \nFor everyone else\, it’s first come\, first served: find a chair\, claim some space or head toward the dance floor. \nForty Years of Music Made to Move\nSoul Sound Revue is an unusually good fit for what Mohegan Sun has built on the patio. \nThe setting doesn’t demand a quiet audience staring toward a stage. There’s food moving around\, drinks being poured\, people talking\, fire pits burning and a dance floor sitting directly in front of the band. \nThen you put a horn section behind three singers and start pulling songs from Motown\, Stevie Wonder and Earth\, Wind & Fire. \nAt that point\, the patio can take care of itself. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Soul Sound Revue – Motown Tribute at Sun Patio\nSeries: Party on the Sun Patio\nDate: Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nDoors: 6:30 p.m.\nBand Starts: 8 p.m.\nEvent Ends: 11 p.m.\nLocation: Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun\nAddress: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard\, Uncasville\, CT 06382\nAdmission: Free\nAge Requirement: 21+ with valid ID\nSeating: First-come\, first-served\nPersonal Chairs: Permitted\nChair Rentals: $10\nOutside Food and Beverages: Not permitted\nFeatured Food Trucks: Hungry Lion\, Reel Catch and Yummy Wagon\nPerformer: Soul Sound Revue\nMusic: Motown\, soul\, funk\, R&B and dance music \nSoul Sound Revue performs as part of the 14-week Party on the Sun Patio series\, which continues every Friday through September 18. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/soul-sound-revue-brings-the-sound-of-motown-to-mohegan-sun/
LOCATION:Sun Patio at the Mohegan Sun\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mohegan Sun
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Soul-Sound-Revue-brings-the-sound-of-Motown-to-Mohegan-Sun.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T230000
DTSTAMP:20260608T002910Z
CREATED:20260606T015151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T002910Z
UID:10005284-1787941800-1787958000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Party on the Mohegan Sun Patio
DESCRIPTION:Party on the Mohegan Sun Patio is back for another season of complimentary live music featuring tribute bands\, outdoor entertainment\, food and beverages\, and all the excitement of summer every Friday night from June 19 through September 18. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. showtimes. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax on warm evenings under the stars and listen to music from many of your favorite rock\, pop\, country and classic hits artists. \nEach week throughout the summer\, there will be a different tribute band taking the stage performing hits from artists such as Elton John\, Fleetwood Mac\, Journey\, Billy Joel\, Billy Idol\, Earth Wind & Fire\, Kenny Loggins\, Michael Jackson\, Neil Diamond\, Pat Benatar\, The Eagles\, Motown\, Van Halen and many others. Visitors can grab a drink\, pick up food from one of the many on-site food vendors\, and enjoy relaxed outdoor fun with live entertainment. \nFire pit reservations are available to purchase for preferred seating and cocktail service.\nWhether you are a music fan\, a couple looking to spend some quality time together on a Friday night\, or a group of friends wanting to start your weekend off right\, Party on the Mohegan Sun Patio has something for you. With a wide variety of free shows representing multiple decades and genres of music\, you will find something new and exciting every week this summer. \n2026 Band Schedule\nJune 19\n70’s Rock Parade – 70s Tribute \nJune 26\nCaptain Fantastic – Elton John Tribute \nJuly 3\nMike DelGuidice \nJuly 10\nLadies of the 80s Night Out – 80s Tribute \nJuly 17\nB Street Band – Bruce Springsteen Tribute \nJuly 24\nQueen Flash – Queen Tribute \nJuly 31\nThurston Howell Band – Yacht Rock Tribute \nAugust 7\nRedneck Castaway Band – Kenny Chesney Tribute \nAugust 14\nBe Kind & Rewind – 90s Tribute \nAugust 21\nFleetwood Macked: The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac \nAugust 28\nSoul Sound Revue – Motown Tribute \nSeptember 4\nThe Journey Tribute Show \nSeptember 11\nZac N’ Fried – Zac Brown Band Tribute \nSeptember 18\nBeatlemania Again – The Beatles Tribute \n  \nAdditional Details\n\nEvery Friday from June 19 through September 18\, 2026\nDoors open at 6:30 p.m.\nBands begin at 8 p.m.\nLocation: Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun\nAdmission is free\nFood and drink options available on-site\nFire pit reservations are available\nVIP Fire Pits include one alcoholic beverage per guest\, cocktail service\, and stage views\nGeneral Fire Pits include one alcoholic beverage per guest and cocktail service\nGuests must be 21 or older and have valid ID\nOutside food and beverages are not permitted\nIn the event of inclement weather\, cancellations will be announced by 2 p.m. and performances will move to the Wolf Den when applicable\nDates\, performers\, and times are subject to change without notice
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/party-on-the-mohegan-sun-patio/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Sun Patio at the Mohegan Sun\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mohegan Sun
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Party-at-the-Sun-Pation-every-Friday-Night-This-Summer-Bands-Start-at-8pm-must-be-21-years-of-age-or-older.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T220000
DTSTAMP:20260602T213329Z
CREATED:20260602T213329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T213329Z
UID:10005196-1787940000-1787954400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Summer on the Patio at the Caf Bar + Venue
DESCRIPTION:Summer on the Patio at the Caf Bar + Venue in Charlestown with a season-long lineup of live music\, food\, drinks\, and outdoor entertainment. Hosted at Caf Bar\, located inside The Venue at Wilcox Tavern\, this weekly summer series transforms the patio into a lively gathering place where guests can enjoy local musicians\, warm evenings\, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. \nThroughout the season\, visitors can settle in with espresso martinis\, fresh oysters\, and other menu favorites while enjoying performances from a diverse mix of solo artists\, duos\, and bands. Fire pits and outdoor seating help create a welcoming environment for date nights\, gatherings with friends\, or simply unwinding after a long week. Music begins at 6 p.m. for each performance. \nWhether you’re a local regular or visiting SW Rhode Island for the weekend\, Summer on the Patio offers an easygoing way to experience live music throughout the summer. With a different act nearly every week and a menu designed for lingering on the patio\, it’s quickly become one of Charlestown’s favorite seasonal traditions. \n2026 Summer Music Schedule\nJune 5 – The Fulle Full\nJune 12 – Johnny Santini\nJune 19 – Phil & Dave\nJune 26 – Luca Simeone \nJuly 3 – Christian Ceronne\nJuly 10 – TJ and The Camper (Acoustic)\nJuly 17 – The Coe Street Co-Op\nJuly 24 – Bee & The Boys (Acoustic)\nJuly 31 – Ted Sorlien\, Family & Friends \nAugust 7 – Anekoik\nAugust 14 – Even Keel\nAugust 21 – Two Cat Tango\nAugust 28 – Adam & Natalie \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/summer-on-the-patio-at-the-caf-bar-venue/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Caf Bar + Vennue\, 5153 Old Post Road\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Caf Bar + Venue
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Summer-on-the-Patio-at-the-Caf-Bar-and-Venue-Fridays-beginning-at-6-pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T220000
DTSTAMP:20260512T013828Z
CREATED:20260512T013310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T013828Z
UID:10001378-1787940000-1787954400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Glow Nights TreeTrails Adventures
DESCRIPTION:Glow Nights in May brings a completely different atmosphere to TreeTrails Adventures Mystic\, turning the aerial adventure park into a glowing nighttime playground every Friday evening throughout May. Running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.\, the experience transforms the wooded climbing courses into a colorful mix of lights\, music\, and movement as the sun goes down over Mystic. Instead of the usual daytime ropes-course vibe\, the park takes on the feeling of an outdoor nighttime festival tucked into the trees. \nGlow Nights in May mixes adventure with a party-like atmosphere\, complete with glow bracelets\, glowing necklaces\, music\, and illuminated climbing trails suspended high above the forest floor. Guests can move through rope bridges\, zip lines\, and aerial obstacles while surrounded by shifting lights that make the entire park feel almost dreamlike after dark. The experience leans heavily into the fun of summer nights arriving early\, blending adrenaline and playful energy in a way that feels especially geared toward groups of friends\, couples\, teens\, and adventurous families looking for something different to do on a Friday night. \nThe event has become one of TreeTrails’ most popular seasonal experiences\, especially as warmer weather returns to the Connecticut shoreline region. Reservations are strongly recommended because Glow in the Park nights tend to fill quickly once people start sharing videos and photos online. Between the music drifting through the trees\, the glowing equipment\, and the excitement of climbing through the forest at night\, the event delivers the kind of memorable outdoor experience that feels closer to an adventure attraction than a traditional ropes course. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/glow-nights-in-may-at-treetrails-adventures-4/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:TreeTrails Adventures\, 715 Noank Ledyard Road\, Mystic\, CT\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:TreeTrails Adventures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Glow-Nights-at-TreeTrails-Adventures.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T210000
DTSTAMP:20260503T012902Z
CREATED:20260503T012902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T012902Z
UID:10000213-1787940000-1787950800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Summer Concert Series at Stonington Vineyards: T-Tones Band
DESCRIPTION:Summer Concert Series at Stonington Vineyards returns as a seasonal tradition at Stonington Vineyards\, bringing live music from Ben Freiert\, food\, and wine together for relaxed Friday evenings throughout the summer. Running from 6:00 to 9:00 PM across July and August\, the series features a rotating lineup of local and regional acts\, creating a consistent weekly destination for outdoor entertainment. Set against the vineyard’s open lawn\, the event offers a laid-back setting that encourages guests to settle in and enjoy the evening. \nEach week highlights a different performer\, ranging from solo artists to full bands\, alongside food truck offerings that complement the vineyard’s wine selection. Guests can spread out with lawn chairs or blankets\, creating a casual\, picnic-style atmosphere that makes it easy to stay for the full set. The combination of live music\, open space\, and sunset views gives the series a steady\, easy rhythm that fits the pace of a summer evening. \nBeyond the entertainment\, the series supports the local community\, with 20% of net ticket proceeds benefiting a different charity or organization each week. This adds an additional layer to the experience\, connecting each concert to a local cause while maintaining the focus on music and atmosphere. With a full schedule of performances and a consistent outdoor setting\, the Summer Concert Series offers a reliable way to spend Friday nights throughout the season. \nEvent Notes: \n* No outside alcohol permitted; coolers subject to check\n* Wine available for purchase by glass or bottle; no tastings during concerts\n* Last call for wine service at 8:30 PM\n* Bring lawn chairs or blankets; picnic food allowed\n* Carpooling recommended due to limited parking\n* Rain or shine event
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/summer-concert-series-at-stonington-vineyards-t-tones-band/
LOCATION:Stonington Vineyards\, 523 Taugwonk Rd\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Stonnington Vineyards
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Concert-Series-at-Stonington-Vineyards.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T200000
DTSTAMP:20260716T144710Z
CREATED:20260716T144710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T144710Z
UID:10006843-1787940000-1787947200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:East Lyme Summer Concert Series – Friday Bandshell Concerts
DESCRIPTION:East Lyme Summer Concert Series – Friday Bandshell Concerts returns to the McCook Point Park Bandshell with free live music every Friday evening throughout the summer. Running from 6 to 8 p.m.\, the series showcases an exciting mix of rock\, country\, blues\, soul\, and pop performed by many of southeastern Connecticut’s favorite bands in a picturesque waterfront setting. \nLocated just steps from the beach\, the bandshell offers the perfect backdrop for relaxing summer evenings filled with music and ocean breezes. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the nearby beach\, picnic areas\, playground\, and park amenities before and during the concerts. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: East Lyme Summer Concert Series – Friday Bandshell Concerts\nConcert Time: Fridays\, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\nVenue: McCook Point Park Bandshell\nAddress: 8-10 Atlantic St.\, Niantic\, CT 06357\nAdmission: Free\n\n2026 Friday Concert Schedule\nJune 19 \n\nFusion (East Lyme Public Trust)\n\nJune 26 \n\nDon’t Tell Lisa\n\nJuly 3 \n\nNick Bosse\n\nJuly 10 \n\nWicked Peach\n\nJuly 17 \n\nSugar\n\nJuly 24 \n\nFeedback\n\nJuly 31 \n\nMick Louis Band\n\nAugust 7 \n\nNightshift\n\nAugust 14 \n\nChis Marra Band\n\nAugust 21 \n\nShaded Soul Band\n\nAugust 28 \n\nRusty Nutz\n\nPark Amenities\n\nBeach access\nPavilion\nPicnic area\nPlayground\nRestrooms\nBocce court\nOutdoor showers\nHole-in-the-Wall Beach\n\nWhy Attend\n\nFree Friday night concerts\nWaterfront bandshell\nWide variety of musical styles\nFamily-friendly atmosphere\nSummer evenings by the beach
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/east-lyme-summer-concert-series-friday-bandshell-concerts/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:McCook Point Park Bandshell\, 8-10 Atlantic Avenue\, Niantic\, 06357\, United States
CATEGORIES:McCook Point Park Bandshell
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/East-Lyme-Summer-Concert-Series-Fridays.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T193000
DTSTAMP:20260720T224746Z
CREATED:20260520T192349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T224746Z
UID:10002563-1787934600-1787945400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Summer Friday Music Series at the Mystic Seaport Museum
DESCRIPTION:Summer Friday Music Series at Mystic Seaport Museum returns May 22 through September 11\, bringing free live music and waterfront summer atmosphere to Mystic Seaport Museum every Friday evening throughout the season\, excluding July 3. Held outdoors at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern\, the series invites visitors to spread out blankets and lawn chairs across the museum grounds while enjoying live performances overlooking the Mystic River. Free museum entry begins at 5 p.m. through the North Entrance\, turning the event into one of the shoreline’s most relaxed and scenic recurring summer gatherings. \nThe Summer Friday Music Series features a rotating lineup of local and regional musicians spanning multiple genres and styles throughout the summer. Performances range from acoustic covers and classic rock-inspired sets to country\, pop\, folk\, reggae\, and other crowd-friendly live music designed to complement the laid-back waterfront setting. The opening week features Southeastern Connecticut musician Ethan Cash\, known for performing songs across multiple decades and genres while interacting closely with audiences throughout his performances. \nSet against the historic backdrop of Mystic Seaport Museum’s waterfront campus\, the weekly series combines live music\, summer sunsets\, and shoreline energy into a recurring Friday night tradition for both residents and visitors. With limited seating available on the lawn\, attendees are encouraged to arrive early\, settle in near the water\, and enjoy an evening atmosphere that feels distinctly tied to summer in Mystic and the Connecticut shoreline. \nEvent Details\nSeries Dates: Fridays\, May 22 – September 11\, 2026 (No concert July 3) \nPerformance Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. \nFree Museum Admission: Begins at 5:00 p.m. through the North Entrance \nLocation:\nSchaefer’s Spouter Tavern Lawn\nMystic Seaport Museum\n75 Greenmanville Avenue\nMystic\, CT 06355 \nAdmission: Free \n2026 Performance Schedule\nJuly 24 – Act III\nAn eclectic group performing a lively mix of jazz\, R&B\, and blues. \nJuly 31 – Tish Rabe and Friends\nA popular quartet featuring jazz\, contemporary country\, and rock favorites. \nAugust 7 – James Harris\nA Berklee College of Music graduate and accomplished guitarist and vocalist performing acoustic classic rock\, modern rock\, jazz\, and popular favorites. \nAugust 14 – Anna May\nAlternative Americana with thoughtful songwriting\, poetic lyrics\, and folk-inspired storytelling. \nAugust 21 – Nick Bosse\nA Southeastern Connecticut singer-songwriter blending country\, southern rock\, and bluegrass with a modern Nashville sound. \nAugust 28 – Andre and Eddie\nA crowd-pleasing duo performing soul\, Motown\, classic rock\, blues\, and other timeless favorites. \nSeptember 4 – James Harris\nReturning for a second performance featuring acoustic rock\, jazz\, classical guitar\, and popular music. \nSeptember 11 – Kenn Morr Band\nClosing the series with original Americana and roots rock from their latest album\, Still Shining. \nWhat to Bring\n\nLawn chairs or blankets\nPicnic dinner or enjoy food available at the museum\nFriends and family for a relaxing evening by the water\nA light jacket for cooler evenings along the Mystic River\n\nGood to Know\n\nFree admission begins at 5:00 p.m. through the Museum’s North Entrance.\nSeating on the lawn is limited and available on a first-come\, first-served basis.\nVisitors are encouraged to arrive early to claim a spot overlooking the Mystic River.\nConcerts are held outdoors and are weather dependent.\nSchaefer’s Spouter Tavern will be open with food and beverages available for purchase.\n\nEvent Highlights\n\nWeekly live music overlooking the Mystic River\nFree Friday evening admission to Mystic Seaport Museum\nOutdoor lawn seating in a historic waterfront setting\nRotating lineup of local and regional musicians\nFamily-friendly atmosphere\nFood and drinks available from Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern\nOne of Mystic’s signature summer Friday night traditions
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/summer-friday-music-series-at-the-mystic-seaport-museum/2026-08-28/
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Friday-Music-Series-at-the-Mystic-Seaport-Mueseum-Fridays-430-pm-to-730-pm.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T190000
DTSTAMP:20260621T233508Z
CREATED:20260621T233508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260621T233508Z
UID:10006137-1787932800-1787943600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Bozrah Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION:Bozrah Farmers Market returns each Friday with a season-long lineup of themed events that combine local shopping\, food\, entertainment\, and community fun. While visitors can always expect fresh produce\, local vendors\, and a welcoming atmosphere\, each market date brings a unique theme designed to give guests something new to experience throughout the summer and fall. \nFrom pickle tastings and berry celebrations to classic cars\, tacos\, chocolate\, and even a Renaissance-themed evening\, the weekly themes add an extra layer of fun to one of the region’s most popular community markets. Whether you’re stopping by to shop local\, grab dinner from a food truck\, or enjoy one of the special activities\, every Friday offers a different reason to visit. \nFamilies\, food lovers\, and shoppers alike will find plenty to enjoy as the market transforms throughout the season with themed activities\, special vendors\, and community celebrations. \nEvent Details \nWhen: Fridays \nLocation: Bozrah Farmers Market \n2026 Theme Schedule \nJuly 3\nPickle Festival \nJuly 10\nTractor Night \nJuly 17\nMakers Market \nJuly 24\nClassic Car Night \nJuly 31\nBerry Festival \nAugust 7\nDog Days \nAugust 14\nKids Entrepreneur Day \nAugust 21\nClassic Car Night \nAugust 28\nFood Truck Night \nSeptember 4\nChocolate Night \nSeptember 11\nTaco Festival \nSeptember 18\nAmerica 250 Celebration \nSeptember 25\nVintage Vibes \nOctober 2\nMakers of the Realm (Renaissance Theme) \nOctober 9\nTent-or-Treat \nAdditional Information \n\nWeekly Friday market\nLocal vendors and artisans\nFresh produce and farm products\nFamily-friendly atmosphere\nRotating seasonal themes and activities\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/bozrah-farmers-market/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Bozrah Farmers Market\, 45 Bozrah Street\, Bozrah\, 06344\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bozrah Farmers Market
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bozrah-Farmers-Market-Fridays-July-3-through-October-with-a-different-theme-every-Friday-4pm-to-7pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T160000
DTSTAMP:20260721T235339Z
CREATED:20260721T235051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T235339Z
UID:10006956-1787929200-1787932800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes
DESCRIPTION:Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes takes visitors on a fascinating journey through American history by exploring how the night sky influenced some of the nation’s most pivotal moments. Presented daily from June 21 through September 7 at the Treworgy Planetarium\, this immersive show reveals the surprising connections between astronomy and events that helped shape the United States. \nFrom Paul Revere’s midnight ride to Abraham Lincoln’s visit to the U.S. Naval Observatory during the Civil War\, and even the planning of the D-Day invasion during World War II\, Stars and Stripes demonstrates how the Moon\, stars\, and the forces of gravity have played unexpected roles throughout history. Combining storytelling with stunning planetarium visuals\, the program offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes \nDates: Daily\, June 21 – September 7\, 2026 \nTime: 3:00 p.m. \nVenue: Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum \nLocation: Mystic\, CT \nAdmission: Additional fee required \nAbout the Show\nStars and Stripes explores the relationship between astronomy and American history through several remarkable stories\, including: \n\nHow the phase of the Moon helped conceal Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride.\nWhy President Abraham Lincoln made an unexpected visit to the U.S. Naval Observatory during the Civil War.\nHow the gravitational relationship between the Earth and Moon influenced the timing of the Allied D-Day landings at Normandy.\n\nUsing the planetarium’s immersive projection system\, guests experience the night sky as it appeared during these historic moments while learning how celestial events influenced critical decisions and military strategy. \nAbout Treworgy Planetarium\nLocated inside Mystic Seaport Museum\, the Treworgy Planetarium presents educational programs that combine astronomy\, science\, navigation\, and maritime history. Its state-of-the-art digital projection system creates an immersive environment where visitors can explore the universe while discovering the important role the night sky has played throughout history. \nWhy Attend\nStars and Stripes offers a unique perspective on American history by revealing how astronomy has influenced some of the nation’s defining events. Whether you’re interested in history\, science\, or simply looking for an engaging family activity during a visit to Mystic Seaport Museum\, this daily planetarium show provides an entertaining and educational experience. \nTickets\nThere is an additional fee is required for this planetarium program. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/mystic-seaport-planetarium-show-stars-and-stripes/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Mystic-Seaport-Planetarium-Show-Stars-and-Stripes-Treworgy-Planetarium-Daily-at-3pm-until-September-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T140000
DTSTAMP:20260708T202300Z
CREATED:20260708T201136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T202300Z
UID:10006663-1787918400-1787925600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Teen Café: Summer Edition
DESCRIPTION:Teen Café: Summer Edition offers teens a welcoming place to relax\, recharge\, and connect with friends during the summer. Held daily in the Teen Space\, the casual drop-in program provides a comfortable environment where teens can enjoy refreshments\, conversation\, and a break from the summer heat. \nWhether stopping by for lunch\, a quick snack\, or simply to spend time with friends\, Teen Café creates a laid-back atmosphere designed just for teens. With friendly conversations and a dedicated gathering space\, it’s an easy way to meet new people\, catch up with familiar faces\, or unwind between summer activities. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Teen Café: Summer Edition\nSchedule: Daily\nDate Featured: Thursday\, July 9\, 2026\nTime: Noon-2:00 p.m.\nLocation: Teen Space\n\nWhat’s Included\nTeens can enjoy: \n\nCold drinks\nLight lunch\nTasty snacks\nFriendly conversation\nA welcoming space to relax and socialize\n\nWho Can Attend\nTeen Café is designed for teens looking for a fun\, informal place to spend part of their summer day. \n  \nContact:\n\nLynn Dougan401 596-2877 x301 \n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/teen-cafe-summer-edition/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park\, 44 Broad Street\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Teen-Cafe-at-the-Westerly-Public-Library-in-the-Teen-Space-daily-this-summer-12pm-to-2pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260708T031351Z
CREATED:20260708T005652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T031351Z
UID:10006584-1787916600-1787936400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour
DESCRIPTION:Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour offers a relaxing\, all-inclusive way to explore the Connecticut Wine Trail without worrying about driving\, reservations\, or planning the day’s itinerary. Operating Thursday through Sunday during the summer\, Friday through Sunday in the fall\, and Saturday through Sunday during the winter\, the guided experience departs from Mystic and visits three carefully selected vineyards across southeastern Connecticut. \nGuests travel in a comfortable 15-passenger van to scenic wineries in communities including Stonington\, North Stonington\, Preston\, and Ledyard. Each stop allows about an hour to enjoy the vineyard\, sample local wines or other beverages\, and take in Connecticut’s picturesque wine country. Every tour includes lunch from Sift Bake Shop\, one beverage at each winery\, bottled water\, and snacks\, creating a stress-free day designed for both visitors and local wine enthusiasts. \nBecause winery availability changes throughout the season\, destinations vary from tour to tour\, giving returning guests the opportunity to experience different vineyards throughout the year. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique day trip\, Middle of the Vines handles the transportation and planning so guests can relax and enjoy the journey. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour\nSchedule:\n\nSummer: Thursday-Sunday\nFall: Friday-Sunday\nWinter: Saturday-Sunday\n\n\nTour Length: Approximately 5 hours\nDeparture: Mystic\, CT\nTransportation: Included**\nAge Requirement: 21+\nMeetup at Sift Bake Shop Mystic (see Venue at the bottom of the page)\n\nTour Highlights\nEach tour includes: \n\nGuided transportation aboard a 15-passenger van\nVisits to three Connecticut vineyards\nApproximately one hour at each winery\nScenic drives through southeastern Connecticut wine country\n\nTours may visit wineries in: \n\nStonington\nNorth Stonington\nPreston\nLedyard\n\nDestinations vary based on vineyard availability. \nWhat’s Included\nEvery ticket includes: \n\nRound-trip transportation\nVisits to three vineyards\nLunch from Sift Bake Shop\nOne beverage at each winery (wine\, beer\, cider\, or another available option)\nBottled water\nSnacks\n\nA Zero Proof ticket is also available for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. \nReservations\nAdvance reservations are required. \nBecause lunch is prepared fresh by Sift Bake Shop\, bookings close at 6:00 p.m. the day before each tour. \nThe online booking system displays real-time availability\, allowing guests to see how many seats remain on each tour. \nTickets\nTickets are $165 per person. \nTo check availability and reserve your seat\, click the Event Ticketing link at the bottom of this page. \n  \n** You must provide your own transportation home. Have a designated driver or use Uber/Lyft. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/middle-of-the-vines-vineyard-tour/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Sift Bake Shop Mystic\, 5 Water Street\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sift Bake Shop Mystic
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Middle-of-the-Vines-Vineyard-Tour-Thursdays-through-Sundays-1145-am-445-pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260701T201347Z
CREATED:20260701T201347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T201347Z
UID:10006458-1787914800-1787936400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION:Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art explores the history of textiles in southeastern Connecticut\, tracing how fabrics\, fashion\, and craftsmanship have shaped the region from the precolonial era through the present day. On view from June 26 through October 11\, 2026\, the exhibition brings together historic artifacts and contemporary works to examine how textiles reflect labor\, immigration\, cultural identity\, and changing ideas of luxury. \nInspired by southeastern Connecticut’s once-thriving velvet industry\, the exhibition features a collaboration between Mystic Museum of Art\, Historic Stonington\, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center\, Mystic Seaport Museum\, and the Connecticut Region of the Studio Art Quilt Associates. Visitors will encounter an extensive collection of beadwork\, embroidery\, quilts\, velvet\, fashion\, and textile art drawn from partner institutions and the museum’s own collection. \nThe exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut connections\, including Xarea Lockhart\, Toriana Sauro\, Christian Siriano\, and Peter Som. Their work connects the region’s textile heritage with modern fashion\, demonstrating how clothing and material culture continue to influence art\, identity\, and design. Throughout the exhibition\, the museum will present lectures\, artist conversations\, and hands-on workshops that further explore these themes. \nExhibition Details\n\nExhibition: Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways\nVenue: Mystic Museum of Art\nDates: June 26-October 11\, 2026\nLocation: Mystic\, CT\n\nExhibition Highlights\nVisitors will experience: \n\ns\nWorks from Mystic Museum of Art’s permanent collection\nLoans from regional museums and organizations\n\nFeatured Partners\nThe exhibition includes contributions from: \n\nHistoric Stonington\nMashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center\nMystic Seaport Museum\nStudio Art Quilt Associates\, Connecticut Region\n\nFeatured Designers\nThe exhibition showcases work by designers with Connecticut ties\, including: \n\nXarea Lockhart\nToriana Sauro\nChristian Siriano\nPeter Som\n\nAdmission\n\nGeneral Admission: $12\nNew London County residents: $10\nSeniors (65+): $10\nStudents with valid ID: $10\nFree:\n\nMystic Museum of Art members\nYouth ages 17 and under\nMilitary personnel and veterans\n\n\n\nExhibition Programs\nPublic programs are held on select Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. \nTuesday\, July 7\nMystic Mudlarking: The River and the Rossie Velvet Mill \n\nGuest speaker: Mary Hendrickson\n\nTuesday\, July 21\nImmigration and Industry \n\nGuest speaker: Chelsea Mitchell\, Library Director & Collections Manager\, Historic Stonington\n\nTuesday\, September 1\nConversation with Alana Ryder and Emerging Designers \nFeaturing: \n\nAlana Ryder\nXarea Lockhart\nToriana Sauro\n\nWorkshops\nAll workshops take place in KTJ Studios. \nSaturday\, September 19\nFrom Textile to Art: Felt Collage Workshop \nSaturday\, September 26\nIntroduction to Sewing Workshop \n\nFeatured designer: Toriana Sauro\n\nSaturday\, October 10\nRelief Printing on Silk Scarf Workshop \nWhy Visit\nLuxe CT examines how textiles have connected communities across centuries while reflecting the region’s history of manufacturing\, immigration\, craftsmanship\, and artistic innovation. By pairing historical artifacts with contemporary fashion and fiber art\, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of southeastern Connecticut’s cultural heritage and its continuing influence on today’s artists and designers. \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/luxe-ct-velvet-mills-to-modern-runways-at-mystic-museum-of-art/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Mystic Museum of Art\, 9 Water Street\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Museum of Art
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Luxe-CT-Velvet-Mills-to-Modern-Runways-at-Mystic-Museum-of-Art-daily-11am-5pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000464-1787914800-1787936400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T180000
DTSTAMP:20260705T015547Z
CREATED:20260519T030718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T015547Z
UID:10002472-1787907600-1787940000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
DESCRIPTION:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round begins its regular summer season on June 13\, welcoming families back to one of the most beloved and historic attractions along the Rhode Island shoreline. Located in the heart of Watch Hill\, the carousel has long been woven into the rhythm of summer in the seaside village\, with generations of visitors making a ride part of their annual trips to the coast. As shops\, beaches\, and restaurants fill with early summer crowds\, the opening of the Merry-Go-Round marks another sign that the season is fully underway in SW Rhode Island. \nBelieved to have been built in 1867 by Andrew Christian and the Charles W.F. Dare Co. of New York City\, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round is widely considered the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. Local legend says a traveling carnival brought the carousel to Watch Hill in 1883 before abandoning it\, allowing the ride to become a permanent part of the village itself. Over the decades\, the carousel survived major storms\, including the devastating Hurricane of 1938\, while remaining one of the area’s most enduring landmarks. \nToday\, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round continues to deliver the same nostalgic charm that has drawn families to it for generations. The hand-carved horses\, historic structure\, and coastal surroundings create an experience that feels timeless against the backdrop of Watch Hill’s beaches and waterfront streets. For many visitors\, a ride on the carousel remains one of the defining traditions of summer along the Rhode Island coast. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/watch-hill-merry-go-round-2/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round\, 151-153 Bay St\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Watch-Hill-RI-Merry-Go-Round-regular-season-June-13.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T110000
DTSTAMP:20260806T135827Z
CREATED:20260806T135825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T135827Z
UID:10005328-1787907600-1787914800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Weekly Wanderers: Explore Local Trails Every Weekend
DESCRIPTION:Want to get outside more and spend time with other people who like to be outside? Join us this summer for Weekly Wanderers! This series of trail meetups hosted by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and Avalonia Land Conservancy is the perfect chance to learn about and enjoy some of Avalonia’s prettiest preserves. Each week\, we’ll meet up and take an easy hike through a different preserve\, connecting you with other hikers and nature lovers. \nWalks are led by knowledgeable guides and are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each week\, we’ll visit a new preserve and highlight some of the area’s beautiful forests\, wetlands\, streams\, and natural wildlife habitats. Bring your friends\, your dog\, your love of hiking\, and your curiosity! Weekly Wanderers is great for anyone who wants to get outside and learn more about the great outdoors. \nUpcoming Trail Meetups \n\nFri\, 6/19 – Coogan Farm / Mystic\nSat\, 6/27 – Copps Brook / Stonington\nFri\, 7/3 – Hoffman / Stonington\nSat\, 7/11 – Tefftweald / North Stonington\nFri\, 7/17 – Sheets / North Stonington\nSat\, 7/25 – Avery / Ledyard \nFri\, 7/31 – Leo Antonino / Groton\nSat\, 8/8 – Tritown / North Stonington & Preston\nFri\, 8/14 – Paffard Woods / Stonington\nSat\, 8/22 – White Cedar Swamp / Stonington\nFri\, 8/28 – Atkinson / Ledyard\n\nEvent Detail \n\nTime: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.\nHosted By: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center & Avalonia Land Conservancy\nRegistration: Required (Free)\nRegistration Website: Follow link above and register\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/weekly-wanderers-explore-local-trails-every-weekend-2/2026-08-28/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Weekly-Wanderers-Explore-Local-Trails-Every-Weekend.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR