Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River
Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-6PM
Every weekend through August
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 is a Day Pass. 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, Harbor Cruises & Boat Tours | |
Friday, July 26th
Happy Hour Harbor Cruise
5:30PM-7PM
Gather your friends or travel solo....We’ll take you to where the Thames meets the Sound for an enjoyable and scenic ride past battlefields, forts, heritage sites and more. Who knows…you might even spot a submarine!
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Friday, July 26th
Sunset Cruise on the Sound
7:15PM-9PM
Experience the stunning natural beauty of a sunset on the Thames River and out to the Long Island Sound. It's the perfect way to take in the bold colors, see the view of the shore from the water and make some fantastic memories.
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Saturday, July 27th
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
11AM-6PM
Visit heritage sites, get lunch or just catch the breeze when you hop aboard this one-hour cruise. Three launch sites along the river allows for endless adventures. Your ticket is an All Day Pass!
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Saturday, July 27th
Happy Hour Harbor Cruise
5:30PM-7PM
Gather your friends or travel solo....We’ll take you to where the Thames meets the Sound for an enjoyable and scenic ride past battlefields, forts, heritage sites and more. Who knows…you might even spot a submarine!
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Sunday, July 28th
Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises
11AM-6PM
Visit heritage sites, get lunch or just catch the breeze when you hop aboard this one-hour cruise. Three launch sites along the river allows for endless adventures. Your ticket is an All Day Pass!
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Sunday, July 28th
White Sails, Black Hands. The African American Experience on the Thames
11:40AM-12:55PM
Explore the stories of a fugitive slave, Black Revolutionary Patriots, Black Governors and Whalers, the Amistad and more. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hempsted Houses of CT Landmarks.
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Sunday, July 28th
Books & Stories Inspired by Sites Along the Thames River
1:05PM-2:20PM
Explore the books that tell the tales of the people and events of the region like Night of the Moonjelllies and the Diary of Joshua Hempsted. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hempsted Houses of CT Landmarks.
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All Historic Boat Tours & Evening Cruises depart from City Pier New London.
Tickets increase by $5 on the day of tours. Book early & save!
All boat excursions allow soft coolers and snacks onboard. Please note, all glass is prohibited and there is no restroom on the boat.
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Christmas in July & Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, July 27th | 6PM-8:30PM
New London Waterfront Park
Experience live music on the waterfront park, food trucks, vendors & activities for families. It’s a night of celebration you won’t want to miss!
The Lighted Boat Parade starts at 8PM is led by the Thames River Water Taxi, the parade will feature Santa Claus (State Representative Anthony Nolan), accompanied by youth from The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. Email Barbara Neff if you want to participate in the parade.
MORE INFO
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Around the Neighborhood Lecture
Jeanne and Steve Sigel
THU, JUL 25 | 7PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
The Friends of Fort Trumbull will welcome Jeanne and Steve Sigel of the Garde Arts Center for their monthly lecture series. They will speak about the History of the Theater and present initiatives for the Garde Arts Center. The presentation will take place at the Conference Center at Fort Trumbull. The public is invited to attend this presentation on an important facet of our arts community. Seats are first come, first serve.
MORE INFO
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Summer Lecture Series
LCDR Bryan Chapman
FRI, JUL 26 | 1PM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
"Submarines 101" and a brief history of the US Submarine Force will be touched upon by speaker LCDR Bryan Chapman. They are the officer in charge of the historic ship Nautilus. Seating is first-come, first-serve and the lecture is free and open to all. Lecture will take place in the main hall of the museum. This reoccurring series runs through August 19th on every Friday!
MORE INFO
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Tidal River Reverses Flow
Pop-Up Installation Reception
FRI, JULY 26 | 5PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join LAAM for an evening reception for the pop-up installation The Tidal River Reverses Flow by artist Chloe Atreya. Exploring human geography, genealogy, and language, The Tidal River Reverses Flow centers on family, history, and the desire to cultivate a relationship with the 10-mile radius encircling the midpoint of the Connecticut Thames (Pequot) River. Chloe E. Atreya is a multiracial artist and physician-scientist currently based in San Francisco, California, who previously lived and worked in New Haven, Connecticut. This program will feature a brief talk about the artwork and a poetry reading by Evelyn Atreya.
MORE INFO
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Film Screening
The Camino Voyage
FRI, JULY 26 | 6PM
Custom House Museum, New London
On the eve of the Regatta, the Currach Rowers and Ancient Order of Hibernians will host a showing of the film, The Camino Voyage, at the New London Custom House Maritime Museum. This story follows a group of Irish rowers in their currach as they leave the coast of Ireland for Compostela, Spain, a journey of over 1,500 miles. The showing is open to the public, no charge.
MORE INFO
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Concerts in the Park
Stone County
FRI, JUL 26 | 6:30PM-9PM
Washington Park, Groton
Stone County is one of Eastern Connecticut’s top country cover bands, mixing in southern and classic rock to keep everyone dancing the night away. While playing the best of today’s modern country is their bread and butter, these four country boys like to get the crowds moving with some old-time classics and straight up rock songs. Bringing a little something for everyone, Stone County is sure to rock the park country-style! Food trucks will be present for the concert.
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3rd Annual Summer Party
Red Lion & Multiplier
FRI, JUL 26 | 7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The 3rd Annual Multiplier Summer Party with support from local reggae rockers, Red Lion and psychedelic electric band, Multiplier. Be sure to check out the array of local artisan vendors, hosted by ONA, and dine in the park with fare from the Salt & Pepper food truck. Tickets are $12 online pre-sale and $15 at the door. Hope to see you there!
MORE INFO
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The Wizard of Oz
Missoula Children's Theatre
FRI, JUL 26 | 7PM
SAT, JUL 27 | 11AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The story is as familiar as it is beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery in the land of Oz. Our story begins with the Illusionists who set the scene for the tale you are about to witness. With the help of the Munchkins and Glinda herself, the young Miss Gale and her loyal pooch join forces with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and, of course, the Cowardly Lion.
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Fish with C.A.R.E.
CT DEEP Program
SAT, JUL 27 | 10:30AM-1PM
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
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Summer Open House
Old Town Mill
SAT, JUL 27 | 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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Celtic Traditions
Currach Rowers Regatta
SAT, JUL 27 | 12PM
Custom House Dock, New London
The New London Currach Rowers will host their annual Regatta of Currach Rowers on the Thames River! Teams from the currach rowing league, North American Currach Association, will attend, each team bringing their currachs and launching into the Thames River from the Custom House dock. These vessels are modeled after those used for over two thousand years in the strong currents of the Irish and North Seas, for fishing as well as transporting people, supplies, and even animals along the coastal Celtic towns.
MORE INFO
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
NLMS Lighthouse Tours
SAT, JUL 27 | 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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Work in Colonial American
Revolutionary War Display
SAT, JUL 27 | 2PM-3PM
Hempsted Houses, New London
Ever wonder what it was like to work in the 18th century? Travel back to the colonial era with the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum encampment as they recreate life as a Revolutionary War soldier. Learn about 18th-century tools and techniques used in the historic trades with demonstrations by woodworker, carpenter & Joiner John Baron and Blacksmith Baird Wech-Collins who will forge a variety of tools and hardware. Free event!
MORE INFO
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Take a Step Back in TIme
Summer Team Party
SAT, JUL 27 | 3PM-5PM
Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton
There is no better way to spend the dog days of summer than a relaxing tea party in the Avery-Copp House Museum parlor. Tour the house and see summer pastimes of days gone by. Discover the ways people in the past kept cool as well as peek behind the scenes to see the hot work that would be going on in the kitchen. Indulge in refreshing tea with historic treats, and a make a keepsake craft to take home. Registration required.
MORE INFO/REGISTRATION
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Reverend Carolyn Patierno
Pequot Chapel Service
SUN, JUL 28 | 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. The Reverend Carolyn Patierno, Senior Minister, All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Congregation, New London, CT will lead service this week.
MORE INFO
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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light
Lighthouse Tours
SUN, JUL 28 | 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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Monthly Meet-Up
Open Mic Night
SUN, JUL 28 | 6PM
Custom House, New London
Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, the monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie! You can even Live Stream the event.
FREE ADMISSION
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Weekly Local Goods
Groton Farmers Market
TUE, JUL 30 | 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
WED, JUL 31 | 4:30PM-6PM
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
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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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Blissworks Yoga at the Garde | |
Blissworks Yoga & Healing Arts
Garde Arts Center
Blissworks welcomes people of all ages, races, and genders and serves them with the understanding that we can all discover our potential if given the time, space, and tools to do so. The yoga & healing arts community will empower you, allowing room for your authentic growth, healing, and ability to create a life of true joy.
MORE INFO
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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! | |
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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