Stonington has been a hard-working fishing community long before it became a destination for visitors. Every summer, history comes alive during Blessing of the Fleet Weekend. This three-day event celebrates the hard work of fishermen, their families, and traditions that continue to shape life in the Borough today.
Sunday’s Blessing of the Fleet is certainly the weekend’s highlight. But the fun actually starts Thursday evening with a picturesque road race. It continues Saturday when visitors can meet members of the commercial fishing fleet. And of course, no celebration of Stonington would be complete without the Sunday blessing at the Town Dock. From start to finish, Blessing of the Fleet Weekend tells the story of a community defined by the sea.
Thursday July 23 – Blessing of the Fleet 5K Road Race & 2-Mile Walk
Meet your competitors at the Town Dock then run or walk your way around the Borough as part of Blessing of the Fleet Weekend. The certified race course winds through Stonington’s quiet streets and past historic homes on its way to breathtaking views of the waterfront. Competitive runners will compete to set personal best times, while families and casual walkers enjoy one of the most picturesque evening races in the state. It’s more than just a race, it’s a spirited start to a weekend celebrating our community.
Saturday July 25 – Meet the Fleet
You can meet Stonington’s commercial fishing fleet up close and personal on Saturday. The boats come ashore and line the docks while fishermen are available to meet and greet. Discover what life is like at sea, learn how fishermen bring fresh seafood to local restaurants and hear stories about a tradition that’s been passed down for generations. It’s your chance to see a working fleet up close.
Sunday July 26 – Fisherman’s Blessing
Thousands gather at St. Mary’s Church for the Fisherman’s Mass which begins Sunday’s Blessing of the Fleet festivities. Afterward, the annual procession makes its way down East Main Street through downtown Stonington. It ends at the Town Dock where clergy from Christian denominations representing the fishermen gather to bless the fleet and pray for safe returns. Fishermen load their boats with water and food from grateful community members and prepare to set sail, returning to their families in Stonington and fishing spots along the coast.
Blessing fishing fleets is a tradition that spans generations in coastal communities worldwide. Commercial fishing has always been hard and dangerous work. These celebrations began as a way for friends and neighbors to come together and hope for the safe return of everyone who took to the seas. Stonington’s fishing community still gathers for the blessing each year to pray for their loved ones, connecting modern fishermen to the generations before them.
Following the blessing of the fleet, celebrations continue along the Town Dock with live music, food, beverages, and neighbors young and old coming together to celebrate one of southeastern Connecticut’s finest traditions. Visitors can enjoy seafood fresh from the docks, listen to local bands, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy some of Stonington’s hospitality.
Blessing of the Fleet Weekend is much more than three days filled with festivities. It’s an authentic look at a community coming together to celebrate the people who built it. The commercial fishing industry is still very much a part of life in Stonington. Once a year, visitors from around the region and beyond can experience what makes it such an important part of our identity.
For more information check out our complete event guides:
5k & Walk
Meet the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet
