Two hundred and fifty years ago, Connecticut helped birth a nation. This summer, the shoreline is celebrating in style, from a 250-year-old inn that predates America itself to fireworks, free concerts, and art that asks what it all means now.

Celebrate a 250th Birthday & “Taste of History” Weekend on 6/5–6/7/26 at The Griswold Inn, Essex: The Gris turns 250, one month before the nation does. Opened in 1776, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating inns in America. The birthday weekend features the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps, Revolutionary Ale, “1776” burgers, sea chanteys in the Tap Room, historic wine pairings, and Founding Father reenactors. FREE to visit; dining/lodging priced separately

Stonington Garden Club Features “Gardens by the Sea” on 6/12–6/13/26, 10am–4pm at Wadawanuck Square, Stonington Borough: A two-day garden tour and marketplace hosted as part of the Stonington America 250 celebrations. The Stonington Garden Club will sell America 250 merchandise and hand out free pocket U.S. Constitutions. Trivia challenges on the American Revolution and civics offer participants a chance to win prizes. FREE

Make Music Day on 6/21/26 at various outdoor locations, Southeastern CT: The summer solstice celebration goes patriotic in 2026, with America 250 woven throughout the day’s free outdoor performances across Southeastern Connecticut. Anyone can perform; anyone can attend. FREE

Mystic Seaport Museum Recognizes 250 Years of Maritime Heritage Throughout the summer at Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic: A proud affiliate of the America 250 CT Commission, the Museum presents special programming all summer, including a daily planetarium show “Stars and Stripes, Indeed!” (6/21–9/7, 3pm), Sea Music with Geoff Kaufman aboard the Argia (6/4, 9/17), and a Ken Burns “The American Revolution” community screening. Active military receive free admission. Included with museum admission; some events free

1776 — The Musical at Ivoryton Playhouse on 6/25–7/26/26 at Ivoryton Playhouse, Ivoryton: Part of the Playhouse’s all-American 2026 season celebrating America 250, this award-winning Broadway musical brings the founding fathers, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, to vivid life as they fight for independence. Book the Spirit of 1776 Stay & Play package with The Griswold Inn (two tickets + overnight stay + breakfast) starting at $350. $60 adults / $55 seniors / $25 students (prices increase to $65/$60 after 6/1)

American Crafts and Trades Weekend on 6/27–6/28 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Pratt House Essex. Celebrate America 250 with demonstrations in blacksmithing, woodworking, and fiber arts.

Celebrate Saybrook Street Party on 6/28/26, 4–8:30pm at Main Street, Old Saybrook: The 4th annual street party celebrates America 250 in style, live music, 30+ food options, craft beer, artisan vendors, and family fun on Main Street. Stay until 9pm for a spectacular patriotic drone show above the street, created especially in honor of the nation’s birthday. FREE

Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250 opening June 2026 at Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme: A specially commissioned juried exhibition of contemporary art by Connecticut-based artists exploring American identity and history over 250 years. Inspired by a Bicentennial Quilt made by Old Lyme quilters in 1976, the show asks: how do we patch together, preserve, and reinterpret our history? On display throughout the summer. Included with museum admission

International Festival of Arts & Ideas throughout June 2026 at various venues, New Haven: The 2026 festival theme is “Home & Belonging,” with programming directly tied to America 250 including free concerts on the New Haven Green, a Juneteenth celebration (6/13) with performers, African dancers, and drumming, walking and bike history tours, and much more. Many events FREE; ticketed events vary

Stonington America 250 Scavenger Hunt on 7/1–7/25/26 at 18 sites across Stonington, Mystic to Pawcatuck: A month-long Revolutionary War-themed scavenger hunt presented by the Stonington America 250 Committee and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. Download the free Go Mystic App, decipher clues, and explore 18 historic sites across town. Solve 9+ clues to enter a prize drawing; solve all 18 for triple entries. Winners announced at the Village Fair on 8/1. FREE

Celebrate East Lyme on 7/18/26, 1–10pm at Niantic Main Street and McCook Point Park, Niantic: East Lyme’s biggest community festival features 200+ vendors, multiple live music stages, and family fun all day, capped by a spectacular fireworks display over Niantic Bay at 9pm — especially luminous this year as part of the nationwide America 250 Fourth of July season. FREE

“Uncovering New London” History Tours Through 10/9/26 at various locations, New London: Historian and New London native Nicole Thomas leads engaging guided walking and bus tours exploring the city’s Revolutionary War history, whaling heritage, Black history, Gilded Age influence, and hidden gems  all in celebration of America 250. From $25