SEPTEMBER 12 – 13, 2026 • NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT
Celebrate Connecticut’s
Maritime Story
Maritime Story
Experience two unforgettable days along the New London waterfront with military and private vessel tours, Coast Guard demonstrations, living history, children’s activities, live music, local vendors, and maritime traditions for the entire family.
For all questions: Send an email to event manager Barbara Neff at bjneff1369@sbcglobal.net
In 2014, Steve Elci & Friends partnered with The Day newspaper to produce the Emmy-nominated web children’s program “Kidsploration,” combining music, education, and adventure for young audiences.
Steve Elci & Friends are also active in the Grammy Awards process, with multiple albums entered for consideration. Today, their music and videos can be found across all major social media platforms, continuing to inspire, entertain, and bring families together through the power of children’s music.
Breezeline’s Reel Time with Kids – Fishing Clinic
Date: Sunday, September 13
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fishermans Pier – New London Waterfront
Kids can come learn how to fish in a fun, hands-on environment! No registration is required, and all equipment will be provided. Every child will also go home with a FREE fishing pole (while supplies last!)
Young anglers will learn the basics of casting, reeling, and fish safety while having a great time and building confidence.
Perfect for beginners—come join us for some serious reel fun!
Step Into 1776!
A Living History Experience!
Sat, Sept. 12 & Sun, Sept. 13
British and American colonial reenactors will establish fully authentic 18th-century encampments—complete with rows of canvas wedge tents, camp kitchens, and open fires. Every detail is period-correct, creating an immersive experience that brings the Revolutionary era to life. Walk through the camps, speak with soldiers, and get a firsthand look at daily life during the American Revolution. Soldiers will also demonstrate marching formations and musket drills throughout the day.
See, hear, and feel the past come alive!
Don’ Miss it!
The Burning of Benedict Arnold!
Sat Sept 12, 7:30 – 8:15 pm
Start at “The Social” on Bank Street, March to Waterfront Park
Step back into history and witness one of New London’s most electrifying traditions brought roaring back to life! Each year, Flock Theatre resurrects The Burning of Benedict Arnold with a fiery festival of music, food, fife and drum, and Revolutionary-era pageantry culminating in the dramatic torching of Arnold’s effigy on the waterfront. Join the march, feel the drumbeat, and become part of this powerful, once-lost ritual that celebrates resilience, sparks conversation, and ends in a blazing spectacle you’ll never forget.
Sea-Service Showdown, Maritime Skills Challenge
It’s Navy vs. Coast Guard in a head-to-head battle of maritime
skill, strength, and teamwork!
Date: Sunday, September 13
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Waterfront Park, New London
Come cheer on your team as our Sea Service heroes face off in exciting challenges on the water and along the pier. This friendly competition will put their training to the test and you’ll have the best seat in the harbor to watch it all unfold!
Bring your family, friends, and your loudest cheers.Let’s see which team will take home the trophy for 2026!
Festival Details
This year’s Festival is held at Fort Trumbull State Park and the Waterfront Park in beautiful New London, Connecticut. The Festival is providing FREE water taxi and shuttle buses between venues so you can park once each day and enjoy both venues! We have loads of fun all weekend, so plan to attend both days for a great destination weekend!
Festival Tips
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This two-day waterfront celebration will honor Connecticuts Maritime Heritage with vessel tours, maritime skill challenges, and more.
- Join us on Saturday at 7:30pm for the historical Burning of Benedict Arnold March of the Traitor along Bank Street! Wear period garb to fully immerse yourself in this historic event dating to 1782
- Join us on September 12, 2026, at approximately 8:30 PM at the New London Waterfront Park for a breathtaking 300-drone light show over the Thames River, Viewable from Downtown New London.
- Park in a downtown Water Street garage or on the street near Fort Trumbull and use the festival’s free water taxi and shuttle bus to go between venues.
All Weekend Events 10am-5pm
Free Transportation
Travel between venues by water aboard the Thames River Heritage Park water taxi or by land on our free shuttle bus
Tour Vessels
Tour impressive military and private vessels and meet the amazing mariners that run them – 2026 Vessels
Kids Nautical Zone
Enjoy nautical entertainment for children, including learning, music, and craft activities
Vendors
Visit area businesses and non-profits for learning and inspiration
2026 Event Sponsors
