Old Lyme Arts District Invites the Community to Celebrate the 2026 Midsummer Festival

The Old Lyme Arts District is proud to present two exciting community celebrations this July: the Midsummer Kickoff Concert on Friday, July 25 and the Old Lyme Midsummer Festival on Saturday, July 26. These family-friendly events showcase the town’s rich artistic heritage and welcoming community spirit. Join us for a weekend of art, music, and family fun in celebration of everything that makes Old Lyme such a special place to visit.

The festivities begin on Friday evening, July 24, with a free outdoor concert on the riverfront lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum. From 7 to 9 pm, Mass-Conn-Fusion will perform an energetic mix of classic hits, with food vendors on site and plenty of room to spread out with lawn chairs or blankets for a relaxing summer evening.

The celebration continues on Saturday, July 25, with activities throughout the day. The day begins with the annual Midsummer 5k Run at Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau. After the run, make your way over to the festival grounds at the Lyme Art Association, Florence Griswold Museum, Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, and Old Lyme Inn. Festival favorites include the Old Lyme Lions Club Classic Car Show, the popular Parading Paws Dog Show, local artisan and nonprofit vendors, children's activities, live music, food trucks, and opportunities to explore the town's rich artistic and natural heritage.

Visitors can shop for original artwork during the Fence Artist Show at the Old Lyme Inn and at the Lyme Art Association, where three summer exhibitions will be open with free admission. The Florence Griswold Museum will also offer free admission throughout the day, while the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and other Arts District partners and nearby businesses welcome visitors with exhibitions, demonstrations, family activities, shopping, and special programming.

"The Midsummer Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience everything that makes Old Lyme special," said Elsbeth Dowd, Executive Director of the Lyme Art Association. "Whether you're discovering the area for the first time or returning for a favorite summer tradition, you'll find art, music, history, nature, and community all within easy walking distance."

Presented by the Old Lyme Arts District, the festival showcases the collaboration among the district's cultural organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners. Together, they create a vibrant, walkable destination where visitors can spend the day exploring galleries and museums, enjoying live entertainment, meeting local artists, shopping, dining, and making memories with family and friends.

Admission to the festival is free, although some individual activities may have separate registration fees or admission charges.

The Midsummer Festival is generously supported by Connecticut's Eastern Regional Tourism District, the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, Pasta Vita, Essex Bank/Essex Financial Services, the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Bluewater Millwork & Construction Inc, and LymeLine.com.

Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and make memories this summer in Old Lyme! Full schedules, maps, and updates available at ExploreOldLyme.com.

About the Old Lyme Arts District:
Located in the heart of Old Lyme, Connecticut, the Old Lyme Arts District is a collaborative cultural community that celebrates the town’s artistic legacy through exhibitions, events, and partnerships. Anchored by the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Art Association, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Cooley Gallery, Side Door Jazz Club, Nightingale’s Acoustic Café, Musical Masterworks, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, Lymes Youth Service Bureau, and Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, the District offers year-round programming that inspires creativity and fosters community.