Finally, it’s here: Spring on the Shoreline!  Events are ramping up so grab your calendars and add a few of these!

At the Theatre:

Garde Arts Center, New London, May 3rd at 8pm. presents Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb, two Grammy-winning groundbreaking artists in one night on the Garde stage.

The Terris Theatre, Chester, May 10 – June 2, presents A Complicated Woman is a new musical that features a Golden Age score and a gender-diverse cast. Get tickets for the intriguing story of a theatre legend who had to navigate the joy, pain and pitfalls of leading a double life.

The Kate, Old Saybrook, May 7 at 7:30pm. Experience the timeless melodies of The Crash Test Dummies as they embark on their 30th Anniversary Tour, captivating audiences with multi-Grammy nominated hits from their 1993 album “God Shuffled His Feet” and newer releases.

Ivoryton Playhouse, May 16 – June 9. Step back to London, 1944 with MGM star Marian Ames and her all-girl band in Swingtime Canteen. Experience a heartwarming canteen show filled with laughter and timeless tunes like “Don’t Fence Me In” – tickets available now!

Legacy Theatre, Branford, May 30 – June 16. Delve into the whimsical world of Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve in David Birney’s stage adaptation. Experience the timeless tale of America’s first lovers with laughter, wit, and poignant moments, as Twain’s Garden of Eden comes alive on stage, promising a delightful journey of self-discovery and exploration for audiences.

In the Museums:

Fun & Games, Carnival Day at the Florence Griswold Museum, May 4th, 11 – 3pm. In celebration of the current exhibition Fun & Games? Leo Jensen’s Pop Art, the Museum is hosting a day of fun for the whole family: Carnival games with prizes, Bounce House, Arts & Craafts, Face Painting, Food Trucks, Farm Animals and more.
Included with Museum Admission (some additional fees apply), no advance reservations required

And don’t forget that Café Flo opens for the season May 1!

Lyman Allyn, First Thursday – May, 5 – 8 pm (last admission 7 pm). Grab your friends and join us for evening hours and drop-in artmaking on the first Thursday of every month! Enjoy discounted $5 admission while exploring the galleries and getting creative.

The Connecticut River Museum, Essex, May 13, 8am – 2pm. Embark on an adventure to Selden Neck State Park aboard the RiverQuest, departing at 8:00am. Choose from three guided hikes, including exploring lush woodland vegetation and historical sites, or birdwatching for breeding species. Don’t forget to pack a lunch for a scenic island picnic! Book online now.

On the Farms:

Stone Acres Farm, Stonington, Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. The Farmstand is finally open for the spring season! Enjoy a variety of florals, sweets, greens, eggs, veggies, honey, dairy, local meat and much, much more!

Yellow Farmhouse: Garden Planning Workshops, Stonington, May 1, 5pm – 6:30pm. Join Stone Acres Farm and Yellow Farmhouse staff for an engaging garden planning workshop! Dive into the world of gardening as they cover topics like the best times to plant different crops and the art of succession planting. You’ll leave with all the knowledge you need to cultivate your own garden with confidence.

Stonington Vineyards, Kick Off to Summer, May 18 & 19, 11am – 5pm. Celebrate the start of the season with live music, vendors, food, and wine! Offerings are outdoors, rain or shine, and no tents are provided. You may bring your own pop-up tents for your personal use. Outside food is welcome, but no outside alcohol (besides Stonington Vineyards’ wine) is permitted on property.

Whitegate Farm, Forage & Feast, East Lyme, June 8, 3pm. Embark on a culinary journey led by Farmer Dan, Farm Owner Pauline, and Chef Tami. Roam the fields for wild plants, then enjoy a multi-course outdoor feast featuring dishes like Knotweed Quick Pickles and Stinging Nettle Chowder. With flavorful creations and refreshing drinks like Forsythia and Mint Iced Tea, it’s surely an unforgettable dining and foraging experience!

Long Table Farm, Lyme, Saturdays, 10am – 1pm. Shop local produce and a bounty of seasonal goods from various guest vendors weekly. The Market is open now until Thanksgiving, so check back for new offerings throughout the summer and early fall.

Special Events & Galas:

Olde Mistick Village Strawberry Festival, June 8 & 9, 11am – 6pm. Celebrate the arrival of late spring and early summer at Olde Mistick Village’s inaugural Strawberry Festival on June 8th and 9th! Indulge in everything strawberries, from fresh fruit to jams and pies. Join the fun for a delightful weekend dedicated to the vibrant flavors of the season.

Hammonasset Plant Sale, Madison, May 9 – June 2, Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm. Enjoy flower and produce selections of Premium Hanging Baskets, Perennials, and Flats of Bedding Plants & Veggies. Proceeds support FOH projects at the Meigs Point Nature Center and throughout the Park—to volunteer, contact volunteerplantsale@hammonasset.org. The sale location is .3 miles east of the main entrance to Hammonasset Beach State Park on Rte 1.

Spring Cocktail Party with Chef Jenn, Weekend Kitchen, Essex, May 11, 6:30pm – 10pm. Commence the start of spring with a delightful cocktail party! Join the class for an evening of crafting two seasonal cocktails featuring fresh herbs and flowers, followed by garden-party-worthy appetizers. Weather permitting, guests will gather under the tent to enjoy dishes like Mixed Crostini and Thai Spring Rolls. A complimentary cocktail will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Spring Awakening with Terry Walters, Weekend Kitchen, Essex, May 14, 6:30pm to 10pm. Embrace the arrival of the growing season with a springtime cooking class led by Terry Walters. Explore the benefits of seasonal eating, maximizing nutrients from local produce and herbs. Delight in dishes featuring prime asparagus and shiitake mushrooms, complemented by protein-rich quinoa and lentils infused with fresh herbs and topped with chive pesto. And don’t forget to indulge in a delectable coconut macaroon! As always, Terry’s class caters to vegan and gluten-free preferences.

Red Barn Yoga, Restorative Yoga & Peonies, Lyme, May 29, 6 – 7:30pm. Indulge in a class designed for rest and rejuvenation, focusing on gentle poses supported by cushions and blankets for ultimate comfort. Following yoga, guests can leisurely wander through the garden, gathering bouquets of peonies and other flowers to take home. Feel free to bring your own mat, although extras are available.

D. Turi Antique Shows Antiques & Retro Market, Fairgrounds in Guilford, June 1 (9am – 4pm) & June 2 (10am – 4pm). Explore a weekend of antique treasures and retro finds! With a diverse selection ranging from folk art to vintage clothing, this event promises excitement for all. Enjoy ample space at the fairgrounds, delicious fare from food trucks on-site, and plenty of incredible vendors. $10 general admission. 

Saybrook Point Oyster Festival, Old Saybrook, April 28, 12pm – 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of oysters, wines, champagnes, ales, cocktails, local artisans and live music on the terrace with Jamie’s Junk Show, all set against the stunning backdrop of our picturesque marina with breathtaking water views. Savor the freshness of oysters sourced from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Long Island, and Block Island.

CT Early Music Festival, Various Venues, Weekends June 1-16 at 5pm. Choose from six classical music performances or attend them all with a discounted subscription rate! Orchestral concertos include works of Bach, Mozart, Fasch, and many more. View all ticket options here.

Mystic Half Marathon & 10K, May 19, 7am – 10:30am. Experience the Mystic Half Marathon and 10K, showcasing the stunning Mystic shoreline. Runners will enjoy scenic routes, starting from Olde Mistick Village and finishing at Mystic Aquarium. Participants receive a technical shirt, custom medal, and the chance to explore Mystic’s charm with post-race discounts. Don’t miss the 2024 Challenge series and the opportunity to give back to the community by supporting the Rotary Club of Mystic and donating nonperishable food. Register here.

Tour de Lyme, Ashlawn Farm, Lyme, June 2. Join the Lyme Land Trust for a scenic cycling event in Lyme, Connecticut, offering various road bike options with color-coded routes. Choose from routes like the Challenge, Classic, Valley35, Valley26, or Family ride, or tackle the ultimate challenge with the ‘Rider’s Test’, featuring daunting climbs and a choice to continue the technical northern loop or return south through Nehantic Forest. Start times vary—register here to find your route.

New Haven Night Market, Downtown New Haven, May 17, 5pm – 10pm. Shop with pop-up vendors and local businesses all while enjoying night-long live music and a plethora of dining options. Admission is free, and this is one of only two New Haven Night Market events—attend this Spring event while it’s here!

New Haven Appetizer & Dessert Crawl, The Shops at Yale, Downtown New Haven, May 4, & June 8, 12pm – 3pm. Enjoy 13 tastings from popular restaurants, exclusive offers, and free parking. Proceeds benefit New Reach, The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter, and Arts & Ideas. App & Dessert Crawl check-in at 11:45 am on Broadway Island, with special events including a Dog Adoption on May 4!