We found a bunch of fun for this July! Mark your calendars for these Shoreline events.

62nd Annual Niantic Arts and Crafts Show, 7/1 (10am-5pm) – 7/2 (10am-4pm), Proudly presenting New England’s finest artists and crafters displaying their creations of juried fine arts and crafts.

Fireworks from The Wharf | An Americana Cookout, Madison Beach Hotel, 7/2, 7pm, Hosting an Americana cookout overlooking Madison’s Independence Day fireworks display.

Fireworks Madison, 7/2, 9:30pm, The best viewing of the fireworks is from the Town Beaches: East Wharf, West Wharf and the Surf Club.

Alfresco Essex, 7/6 – 8/24, The three villages of Essex – Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton – will be buzzing with restaurant diners spilling onto patios, terraces, and decks. Essex marinas and boat launches will be active with boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders accessing the beautiful Connecticut River. Plus free live concerts, yoga in the park, shopping events and so much more.

Float Swella 2023, Mystic, 7/8, 1-4pm, (Rain Date 7/9), The Downtown Mystic Merchants and Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce in partnership with NORTH SWELL present a pop-up paddle-craft only rally on the Mystic River.

Guilford Fireworks, Guilford Fairgrounds, 7/8

Sailfest New London, 7/8-7/9, Fireworks Extravaganza 7/8. Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets.​

Salsa Under The Stars, Yale Shops on Broadway,  7/11 & 7/25, Yale Salsa Society will offer free Salsa Lessons from 6:30- 7pm, followed by open dance from 7-9:30pm. Free and open to the public. This event is organized and run by the Yale Salsa Society.

Clambake at Madison Beach Hotel: 7/12 & 8/16, Celebrate Summer with a classic lobster boil on the shores of the Long Island Sound on the lawn adjacent to their private beach. The Executive Chef will man the outdoor fire pit for this classic summertime favorite.

White Elephant Sale, Old Lyme, 7/14 (9-2pm) and 7/15 (8-12pm), A major annual event, the biggest sale in the area. including antiques, art, books, bikes, canoes, clothing, collectibles, kayaks, kitchenware, shoes, ski equipment, tools, toys and more. 

Flock Theatre Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mystic, 7/14, 7pm-9pm, Mystic Seaport Museum’s magical waterfront is a perfect venue to perform this classic tale, so join Flock Theatre for an evening of fey fun.

Guilford Art Center Craft Expo, 7/14 & 7/16, CRAFT EXPO is one of the most successful and long-running craft shows in America Over 170 modern makers from across the country will display and sell their fine crafts.

Celebrate East Lyme, 7/15, 3-9pm  Niantic’s Main Street transforms into a spectacular celebration by the sea, filled with food, fun and fabulous activities for everyone in the family.

Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous, Mystic, 7/22, 10-4pm, A dazzling display of high-quality antique and classic vessels including cruisers, sailboats, and runabouts. Saturday afternoon, the vessels make their way down the Mystic River in a jubilant, three-mile parade.

The Balloon Glow & Laser Show, Guilford Fairgrounds, 7/22 &  7/23, Get the whole family out for a great family fun time! See and ride on incredible Hot Air Balloons, Kid Zone, food, live music, and the grand finale each night after dusk a fantastic Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show.

Healthy PlanEat Local Food Tour: Food For You and the Planet Festival at Wadsworth Mansion, 7/23, Celebrate the Healthy PlanEat Local Food Tour: Food For You and the Planet Festival at Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown. Join Healthy PlanEat local sustainable farmers and food artisans for workshops, live demos, and activities for the whole family! Get tickets here.

Summer Marketplace, Deep River, 7/23, 10am-3pm, This unique curated marketplace  supports women-owned businesses and showcases their work.

Music at the Mansion (Wadsworth), Middletown, thru 7/26, 5:30-8:30pm, The Friends of Long Hill Estate and the Long Hill Estate Authority host their Music at the Mansion series.  Bring a picnic or enjoy food from participating food trucks.

Here You Come Again at the Terris Theatre, Chester, 7/26 – 8/27, This rollicking and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imaginary version of Dolly Parton gets him through a trying time. Packed with hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” and more, this is one musical that is sure to make you smile!

Dinners at the Farm River Tavern | Hunts Brook Farm, Quaker Hill, 7/27 – 7/30, Each night will feature a unique and delicious five-course menu showcasing the talents of cook and farmer paired with great wines, local beers, and homegrown music!

New England Clam Bake Party with Chef Dani at Weekend Kitchen, Essex, 7/29, A true summertime party and in true Dani style, there will be an amazing clam bake outside under the Weekend Kitchen tent featuring lobsters, clams and corn and much more.

3rd Annual New England Taco Festival, Guilford Fairgrounds, 7/29 – 7/30, 11am-7pm  Taco trucks, lucha libre, carnival rides for the kids, donkey rides, mariachi bands, tequila, margaritas and more at this third annual fiesta.

Midsummer Festival Old Lyme, 7/29 – 7/30, Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival celebrates the town’s artistic heritage with two days of festivities! The fun begins Friday night with an outdoor concert and dancing, and continues Saturday with town-wide activities for the entire family.  

Stone Acres Farm Dinners, Stonington, through 9/1, The Stone Acres Farm Manor House hosts their Fourth Season of the Summer Nights Dinner series, catered by the 85th Day Culinary Team. Dine outside under the stars and enjoy a beautiful stroll through the gardens.

First Friday Chester, First Friday of every month 5-8pm. First Fridays are a family-friendly event that features new art exhibitions, seasonal menus & ice cream flavors, live music and great shopping.

Farm Fest at White Gate Farm, East Lyme, First Saturday of each month 3-7pm. Bring your blankets and chairs for live music, wood-fired pizzas, your favorite BYOB, and other farm kitchen goodies for your picnic. This organic farm welcomes you with food and activities for the whole family.

For more summer music, fairs and festivals see our Summer Guide: https://theeli.st/43PkjVd