Weekend Planner: History, a Dance, Food, and More

Benedict Arnold's Reckless Invasion: The Attack and Defense of New London, Sept. 6, 1781
Friday, 6 p.m. - Historian Matt Reardon, executive director of the New England Civil War Museum and author of a forthcoming book on Benedict Arnold's Revolutionary War attack on Groton and New London, will speak on the strategy the British used to attack New London and the strategy the Americans used to defend it. Stephen Hempstead, who was badly wounded at Fort Griswold during Arnold’s raid, was born in the Joshua Hempsted House. Refreshments will be served. The talk starts at 6 p.m. and the houses will be open at 5:30 p.m. for those who want to see them. Suggested donation is $5. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Fort Griswold and the Hempsted Houses.

Author Event: "Traumatized: The Story of a Connecticut State Trooper"
Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Join for a gripping presentation of Traumatized by Connecticut author John G. Patterson. The reading will be followed by an interview with audience Q&A, and a book signing. There is free admission and no registration is required.

Down by the Riverside Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m. - There will be music, crafts, plein air artists, a nature walk, children's activities, non-profit informational booths, and voter registration. Admission and parking are free.

Homeless to Hopeful Dance
Saturday, 7 p.m. - Dance to the tunes of Rock 'n' Soul Revue. Raffle and silent auction. There will be light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. General admission is $20 and $10 for seniors, students and military. All proceeds benefit the Homeless Hospitality Center and Covenant Shelter of New London.

Handlebar Cafe/Seawell Seafood "BUG BOIL"
Sunday, 4 p.m. - Handlebar Cafe and Seawell Seafood are joining forces to bring you the "BUG BOIL" Seafood Fest. Lobster, mussels or steamers, corn on the cob, potato, coleslaw, served on a bed of seaweed, plus dessert for $25. There will also be a bike and hotrod show in the afternoon.