NEW LONDON, CT — Music, art, food and Connecticut's largest fireworks display are set to return to downtown New London during the second annual Celebrate New London! festival on Saturday, July 11.
The free event will run from noon to 10 p.m. across the city's Cultural District, Waterfront Park and Parade Plaza. The Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks Extravaganza is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Organizers say the festival will feature more than 30 bands performing on multiple stages, along with food trucks, local restaurants, gallery strolls and family activities.
Bank Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a "Creative Village" featuring artists, artisans and interactive exhibits. Waterford Country School will host carnival games and bring animals from its wildlife rescue program to the Thames River Gallery tent.
Waterfront Park will host live music throughout the day, with performances spanning reggae, blues, hip hop, ska and rock. Parade Plaza will feature additional entertainment, ending with Salsa on Parade Plaza, including dance lessons, live music and open dancing.
The festival also coincides with the inaugural New London Folk Fest at Hygienic Art Park, where 15 artists will perform on two stages. Other downtown venues, including Thames River Gallery, The Social, Telegraph Autonomous Zone and Tuskers restaurant, will also host entertainment.
Additional activities include a scavenger hunt, a wildlife rehabilitation exhibit and a 5K run and walk organized by the Whaling City Run Club before the festival begins.
More information on the festival is available by clicking here.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
New London, CT Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.