The Sixties Show at Garde Arts Center — New London, May 1

On Friday, May 1, the legendary Garde Arts Center in New London presents The Sixties Show — a high-energy, nostalgia-packed tribute to the greatest decade in rock and roll history. The Garde Arts Center is one of Connecticut's most beautiful performing arts venues, a restored 1926 atmospheric theater that delivers an intimate, immersive experience.

The Sixties Show features the sounds of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Motown, and more performed live. Tickets and information at www.gardearts.org. Garde Arts Center is located at 325 State Street, New London, CT.

CT Social Babes: She Song at Garde Arts Center

Also at the Garde Arts Center, CT Social Babes presents She Song — a celebration of women in music featuring powerful live performances and community energy. Check www.eventbrite.com for current dates and ticket information.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum — New London

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum (625 Williams St, New London) is one of southeastern Connecticut's finest cultural institutions, hosting two exceptional exhibits this weekend:

• Dorothea Lange: Life Work — A powerful retrospective of one of America's greatest documentary photographers. Running through May 2026.
• G. Roger Clements Photography — A stunning collection showcasing the light and character of Connecticut and the surrounding region.

The museum is also hosting an 80s vs 90s Dance Party FUNRaiser — check their events page at www.lymanallyn.org for current details.

Food Truck Festival — Colchester, May 1 to 3

This weekend, Colchester hosts a Food Truck Festival running May 1 through 3, 2026 — three full days of the best local and regional food trucks Connecticut has to offer. Get details at www.ctfoodtrucks.com.

Nick Bosse and The Northern Roots — Live Music

This weekend brings live music to local venues across New London County. Nick Bosse and The Northern Roots are performing live in the region — a roots music band known for their warm, soulful sound and high-energy performances. Check www.eventbrite.com for the venue and exact showtime.

Spring Wine Glass Paint Night — The Tapped Apple

For a relaxed, creative Saturday evening, The Tapped Apple in the New London area hosts a Spring Wine Glass Paint Night — a fun, guided art experience perfect for a date night or a girls' night out. No artistic experience needed. Tickets available on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com.

Historical Guided Tours — New London (America 250th Anniversary)

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Downtown New London Association is celebrating with Historical Guided Tours that bring to life the people, places, and moments that shaped New London's remarkable history. Tours and information at downtownnewlondonassociation.com.

Explore Mystic This Weekend

No New London County weekend guide is complete without mentioning Mystic, Connecticut. This weekend, Mystic offers:

• Mystic Seaport Museum: The world's leading maritime museum, home to the Charles W. Morgan — the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world
• Connecticut College Arboretum: 750 acres of pristine natural landscapes in New London
• Dueling Pianos at Mystic: Savage Pianos performs audience-driven dueling piano shows in Mystic. Check content.ctpublic.org/events for current show details.

New London County Real Estate — Coastal Living Awaits

New London County offers one of Connecticut's most diverse and compelling real estate markets. From waterfront properties in Waterford, Niantic, and East Lyme to charming historic homes in New London and Groton, the county has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Call me at 860-985-4363 or visit melindatherealtor.com for a free consultation. Never too busy for you to be my #1 client.

Frequently Asked Questions

What towns are in New London County, Connecticut?

New London County includes Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stonington, Voluntown, and Waterford.

Is Mystic, CT worth visiting in May?

Absolutely. May is one of the best times to visit Mystic — the crowds are smaller than summer, the weather is beautiful, and Mystic Seaport and the village come alive with spring energy.

What is the Garde Arts Center in New London?

The Garde Arts Center is a beautifully restored 1926 atmospheric theater located in downtown New London. It hosts concerts, Broadway-style touring productions, film events, and community performances throughout the year.

When is the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival?

The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival returns to Fort Trumbull State Park and the New London Waterfront — check ctvisit.com for confirmed 2026 dates as they're announced.

Sources

• Garde Arts Center: https://gardearts.org
• Lyman Allyn Art Museum: https://www.lymanallyn.org
• Downtown New London Association Events: https://downtownnewlondonassociation.com/upcoming-events
• CT Food Trucks Festival Calendar: https://www.ctfoodtrucks.com/food-truck-festivals
• CT Public Community Calendar: https://content.ctpublic.org/events
• Finding Connecticut Events: https://findingconnecticut.com/connecticut-events
• Eventbrite New London County: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ct--new-london/events