CT festival

Name: CT festival
Start: 2026-09-11
End: 2026-09-13
Location: New London

The free CT festival runs September 11-13, 2026, at Fort Trumbull State Park and Waterfront Park along the Thames River in New London. The program includes vessel tours, live entertainment, children’s activities, historical reenactments, a 300-drone show, and an America250-themed salute.

Date: Sep 11-13, 2026
Location: New London

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Event summary

Highlights

Public tours of Coast Guard, Navy, and historic vessels
300-drone show over the Thames River
America250-themed programming
Burning of Benedict Arnold historical event

The CT festival takes place September 11-13, 2026, across Fort Trumbull State Park and Waterfront Park in New London. The free event opens Friday with a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and includes food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, a pirate scavenger hunt, and public tours of U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and other historic or training vessels.

Saturday’s program includes a Mermaids and Privateers parade, Revolutionary-era activities, and the Burning of Benedict Arnold produced by Flock Theatre. That evening, a 300-drone show over the Thames River will feature an America250 theme.

On Sunday, the Coast Guard and Navy are scheduled to compete in the Sea-Service Showdown. Historical encampments with British and American colonial reenactors will also present period camps, marching formations, and musket drills during the weekend. Free water taxi and shuttle service will connect the two festival venues.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Fort Trumbull State Park and the Waterfront Park along the Thames River; www.courant.com
Area for browsing nearby events: New London

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.