Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River
Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-6PM
Every weekend through August
Use Promo Code SAILFEST for 20% Off Tickets
TRHP hop on, hop off, Harbor Cruises are back in operation for the summer season! The retired navy utility boats run a continuous hour-loop from New London to Groton. Explore the heritage sites that line the Thames River! Perfect for all ages. Secure your Season Pass today for unlimited rides all summer.
How to Cruise:
- Your ticket can be used all day long! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site
- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long
- Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop
Departures:
- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour
- City Pier in New London 20 minutes after the hour
- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour
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Evening Cruises & Boat Tours
Friday-Sunday
Looking for a great way to end the week and kick start your weekend? Look no further. Gather your friends or travel solo to enjoy a relaxing cruise. We’ll take you to where the Thames meets the Sound for an enjoyable and scenic ride past battlefields, forts, heritage sites and lighthouses. Who knows … you might even spot a submarine!
Use Promo Code SAILFEST for 20% Off Tickets
Friday, July 12th
Happy Hour Harbor Cruise | 5:30PM-7PM | BUY TICKETS
Sunset Cruise on the Sound | 7:30PM-9PM | BUY TICKETS
Saturday, July 13th
Happy Hour Harbor Cruise | 5:30PM-7PM | BUY TICKETS
Sailfest Extravaganza Fireworks Cruise | SOLD OUT
Saturday, July 13th
Submarines, Battlefields & Betrayers. Military on the Thames 1:05PM-2:20PM | BUY TICKETS
All Tours Depart from City Pier New London
Pack a cooler with your favorite drinks & snacks to enhance your cruise. All ages are welcome & children 3 and under ride for free.
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45th Annual Sailfest Weekend
Saturday, July 13th | 10AM-11PM
Vendors, Food, Artisan Market: 10am
Amusement Rides: 12pm
Hygienic Art Park Youth Stage: 11am-4pm
Parade Plaza Stage - Live Music: 12pm-10:30pm
Tall Ship Amistad Tours: 12pm-4pm
Fireworks Display: 9pm
Sunday, July 14th | 10AM-5PM
Sailfest Road Race: 9am
Vendors, Food, Artisan Market: 10am
Amusement Rides: 12pm
Hygienic Art Park PraiseFest: 12pm-4pm
Parade Plaza Stage - Live Music: 12pm-5pm
Tall Ship Amistad Tours: 12pm-4pm
USCG Pirate Invasion: 4pm
Live Music Schedule, Beer Tent Hours, Parking & MORE INFO
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Blissworks at the Garde
Yoga Basics
THU, JUL 11 | 5:30PM-630PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This class will cover basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and so much more. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness. This practice is accessible for all levels of practice.
MORE INFO
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Up from the Asphalt
Marvin Epsy Opening
FRI, JUL 12 | 5PM-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Reflecting on the senseless killing of George Floyd and the universality of human experience, Marvin Espy presents new and recent paintings in Up from the Asphalt. Espy’s paintings and words offer us a pathway to unite in mourning, stand in resolve, and share in our hopes. Gallery opens to the public on Saturday, July 13th.
MORE INFO
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Concerts in the Park
Floydian Trip
FRI, JUL 12 | 6:30PM-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
Hailing from Newington, Connecticut, Floydian Trip is a Pink Floyd cover band that makes you want to bust out those dusty records one more time. Floydian Trip concentrates on the arena rock era of Floyd, ranging from Dark Side of the Moon to The Wall. The band’s musicianship and attention to detail will transport you back to a bygone era where pigs flew and bands rocked. Enjoy music, food trucks and community.
MORE INFO
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Blissworks at the Garde
Intermediate Yoga
SAT, JUL 13 | 8:30AM-9:45AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This class focuses on specific alignment principles which create strength and stability in poses and also allow for greater flexibility. Learn to stay present and avoid injury by engaging your body mindfully. A heartfelt theme based in the Tantric yoga tradition is generally woven through the physical practice so students can contemplate their life in relationship to world around them.
MORE INFO
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Summer Open House
Old Town Mill
SAT, JUL 13 | 11AM-2PM
Old Town Mill, New London
The Old Town Mill was originally built in 1650 by John Winthrop Jr., the founder of New London and later the Governor of Connecticut. Listed on the National Historic Register, the Mill is one of the oldest industrial sites in Connecticut. On September 6, 1781, General Benedict Arnold burned the mill down during his raid on New London. The mill was rebuilt soon after on the original site. Tour the buildings & grounds with a guide!
MORE INFO
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Celebration on the Thames
Fireworks & More
SAT, JUL 13 | 12PM-10PM
Fort Griswold State Park, Groton
Come have a blast at one of the biggest local fireworks shows of the summer! Bring the whole family for food, fun, vendors and live music to the annual “Celebration on the Thames” at Fort Griswold State Park. Family friendly event free to the public. Live music from 6pm-9pm leading up to the 9pm fireworks display.
MORE INFO
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
Lighthouse Tours
SAT, JUL 13 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular! Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!
MORE INFO
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Minister Noel Nieves
Pequot Chapel Service
SUN, JUL 14 | 11AM
Pequot Chapel, New London
Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian where all are welcome for all services and special events. The chapel is the most important surviving remnant of the Pequot Colony, but it is more than just an artifact; it continues as a spiritual, social, and cultural center for the neighborhood and the region. Minister Noel Nieves, International Family Worship Center
New London, CT will lead service this week.
MORE INFO
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
Lighthouse Tours
SUN, JUL 14 | 12PM
Pequot Light, New London
Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular! Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!
MORE INFO
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Blissworks at the Garde
Yoga Basics
TUE, JUL 16 | 9AM-10:15AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This class will cover basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and so much more. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness. This practice is accessible for all levels of practice.
MORE INFO
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Capt. Stuart Reininger
JIBBOOM Club #1
TUE, JUL 16 | 1:30PM
Custom House, New London
Join Captain Reininger for tales about the "Voyage of Berta" --that is the Berta of Ibiza, the first (and the last) commercial sailing ship to depart New York Harbor in forty years, in 1980. It was a planned three week trip to Port of Spain Trinidad, which ultimately took fifty nine days. Jibboom is not a club, but a friendly gathering with a speaker, treats, and good fellowship. The event is FREE and open to all.
MORE INFO
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Weekly Local Goods
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, JUL 16 | 3-6PM
Washington Park, Groton
This will be a primarily agricultural market, but also provides a variety of local baked goods, seafood/fish, meats, poultry/eggs. Grown products sold at the market must be grown in Connecticut Foods and food products must be identified as organic, or not, and include place of origin. The aim is to make accessible, affordable, healthy, locally produced food available to the community in Groton. Will run each week through October.
MORE INFO
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Fish with C.A.R.E.
CT DEEP Program
THU, JUL 18 | 4:30PM-7PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
The CARE program offers a variety of “Learn to Fish” classes and events year-round. Fishing events are designed for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children 6 years old and above. Loaner fishing equipment, bait, and expert instruction will be provided. A Conservation Identification Number (CID) is required to register. Participants ages 16 and up must have a valid CT fishing license. Participants ages 15 and below must also obtain a free CID before registering.
MORE INFO/REGISTER
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Sleeping Beauty on Stage
Missoula Children's Theatre
FRI, JUL 19 | 7PM
SAT, JUL 20 | 11AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
An original musical performed by participants in the Garde’s Summer On Stage program and the Missoula Children’s Theatre. A week of rehearsals & workshops culminating in two public performances. SLEEPING BEAUTY-a Rock ‘n Roll Fable for the ages. This is definitely no sleeper!
MORE INFO
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July Events Schedule
Open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there’s always something fun happening at Ocean Beach Park! Plan your trip around some of their most popular events. From live music, to dancing, magicians, Cruise Night and more. There are activities for all to enjoy.
EVENTS CALENDAR | CONTACT
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2024 Harbor Cruise Season Passes for Sale!
Purchase your pass today to enjoy unlimited hop on, hop off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River throughout the summer season. The water taxi will operate on Saturday & Sunday from 11am-6pm! Explore heritage sites along the river, grab lunch in New London & Groton or enjoy the breeze aboard the parks retired navy utility boats. Perfect for yourself or gifts for others!
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Visit the Park's Heritage Sites | Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come. | |
Thames River Heritage Park Institutional Partners are organizations committed to preserving and promoting our culture and history but may not have a site to welcome visitors. They are historic or cultural associations, “friends” organizations, and educational institutions. | |
- Connecticut Maritime Heritage Fest
- Connecticut Sea Grant
- Downtown New London Assoc.
- Friends of Fort Griswold
- Friends of Fort Trumbull
- Groton Bank Historical Assoc.
- Ledge Light Foundation
- National Coast Guard Museum
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- New London County Historical Society
- New London Landmarks
- New London Maritime Society
- Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
- Southeastern CT Enterprise Region
- UCONN Avery Point Maritime Studies
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Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
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