Inspiration
Ahoy, Mateys! 10 Reasons to Set Sail for the Connecticut Maritime Festival!
Calling all landlubbers and seasoned sailors alike! Are you looking for things to do this summer? Are your little buccaneers yearning for an adventure? Then set your course for the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival in New London, one of the most exciting summer festivals in Connecticut. A treasure trove of fun awaits — from live music and fishing to food trucks and real ships. The event will be held Sept. 7-8 at Fort Trumbull State Park and New London Waterfront Park.
Here are 10 reasons why the Connecticut Maritime Festival is the perfect adventure for the whole family:
1. Reel in a Lifetime of Fun at the Free Fishing Clinic
No experience required! Learn the basics of fishing from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at their free clinic. Even better, many will get to take home a rod and reel to practice their new skills all year long! This is a skill you’ll have for a lifetime.
2. Whale of a Time Inside a Giant Inflatable
Say hello to Salt, a life-size inflatable whale! Imagine the thrill of walking right through its belly to learn about whale biology and behavior while overlooking the water at Fort Trumbull – an unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.
3. Entertainment for Little Mateys (and Grown-Ups Too!)
Everyone can enjoy live music on the Main Stage at Fort Trumbull, with adults grooving to the tunes and kids having a blast with age-appropriate entertainment from Simply Enchanted, Johnson Girls, and Steve Elci's children's music.
4. Make a Splash in the Little Mermaids and Sea Monsters Parade
Calling all aspiring mermaids and sea monsters! Unleash your inner mermaid, pirate, or sea creature with face painting available before the Mermaid and Sea Monsters Parade. After you get your face painted, create a free costume for the legendary parade being held this year right in Fort Trumbull! This event is a blast for families, combining local folklore with music, dancers, military marchers, and plenty of fantastical creatures. Free face painting will be both days at Fort Trumbull – 10-3 Saturday, 11-2 Sunday.
5. Dive into Discovery at the Project Oceanology Touch Tank
Ever wondered what it feels like to touch a sea star or a hermit crab? At the Project Oceanology Touch Tank, kids can get up close and personal with amazing creatures from the Long Island Sound! Part of the Enviro-Lab II "Project O" program, this interactive exhibit allows children to learn about the wonders of the ocean through hands-on exploration. It's a fun and educational experience that will spark a love for marine life in your little oceanographers!
6. Climb Aboard and Explore Real Ships
Get ready to set sail on a voyage of discovery. The festival offers tours of impressive military and private vessels. Meet the amazing mariners who operate them and explore iconic ships like the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, USCGC Razorbill, and many more!
7. Watch the Sea Service Showdown: A Maritime Skills Challenge for Future Sailors!
Does your child dream of life at sea? Then the Sea Service Showdown is the perfect place to be! This exciting Maritime Skills Challenge, taking place on Sunday at Waterfront Park, puts kids face-to-face with real-life challenges sailors might encounter. They'll cheer on teams from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Mass Maritime as they race to complete tasks like rope coiling, signal flag identification, swimming, and more. Who knows, maybe they'll even be inspired to join the competition themselves someday!
8. Fuel Your Fun with Delicious Food Trucks
No need to pack a lunch. The festival offers a variety of food trucks to satisfy every taste bud. Don't miss Michael's Dairy Ice Cream, a local favorite sure to cool you down on a hot summer day.
9. Travel Through Time with Benedict Arnold
Step back in history with a play in 2 parts about the infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold, and then immerse yourself in the dramatic recreation of the "March of the Traitor" and witness the "Burning of Benedict Arnold" at Waterfront Park. Feel free to dress in period clothing for an extra dose of historical fun.
10. Set Sail for Free on the Water Taxi
Experience the beauty of the Thames River by hopping on the free water taxi between festival venues. This is a great opportunity for kids who haven't been on a water taxi before! For those who prefer land travel, free shuttle buses are also available.
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