Local Events

At the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, we are proud to be providing art education and cultural enrichment to the youth of our region. Every year, 4,000 schoolchildren come to the Museum to learn about art and culture. We work with New London and southeastern Connecticut school systems to create art programs tailored to the specific curriculum needs of students from pre-K through 12th grade. In addition to our regular programs, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum also offers special vacation and summer day camp programs for area children. These special programs allow kids to explore the world of art with their peers during the summer months. We strive to make sure that every child in our area has the chance to learn and appreciate art and culture. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is committed to helping the youth of our region develop a greater understanding of art and culture. We are proud to be a part of this important mission, and we look forward to welcoming more and more children to our programs each year.

String Theory is the perfect place for beginners to start learning music. Our Open Enrollment program helps students from any background get started on their journey. Private lessons provide an individualized approach to learning and our Kinderband classes provide a fun, group environment for young learners. No matter how you start, our teachers are here to help you get the results you want from your music. From classic to modern, we cover it all – blues, rock, jazz, pop, R&B, digital music, songwriting, recording, and performance. Get the skills you need to become the musician you want to be!

Through this program, kids learn valuable life and work readiness skills such as self-respect, discipline, and respectful communication. The mission of Heavy Hitters is to equip today’s youth with the tools they need to become responsible, productive members of society. With the help of coaches and mentors, kids learn to develop healthy habits, make positive choices, and gain valuable social skills. Through fitness training and community service, youth learn the key principles of life and work readiness, setting them on the right path for success in the future.

At Thames Valley Music School, we are dedicated to providing music education to all students, regardless of financial means. To help us reach this goal, we need your support. While we do receive some grant funding, it is limited and not all students are able to benefit from it. As public school budgets become tighter, arts programs such as music are often the first to be cut. Unfortunately, this means more and more children are in need of music scholarships in order to continue their musical education. We are asking for your help to make music education accessible to everyone. Your donation could be the difference between a student having access to music lessons or not. By donating to Thames Valley Music School, you will be helping to ensure that music stays alive and accessible to all. At Thames Valley Music School, we understand the importance of music education in a child's development. By donating to our cause, you can make a significant difference in the lives of students. Your gift could be a student's only chance to receive music instruction. Please join us in our mission to make music lessons available to all, regardless of financial means. With your help, we can keep music alive for generations to come.

Our main program, ArtVenture, is specifically tailored for the children in the New London Public Schools and in after-school sessions. Our initiative provides a safe and welcoming space for kids to explore the diverse cultures of the area. We also strive to bridge any cultural gaps between the communities of New London and foster a stronger sense of unity. At the heart of our program is our commitment to offering children in New London, particularly those from low-income families, educational and cultural opportunities through the arts. Our unique and relevant experiences provide children with the opportunity to learn and grow through self-expression.

As a non-profit organization, the Garde Arts Center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the historic Garde Theatre and providing the community with a wide variety of educational and entertainment programs. In 1985, a non-profit performing arts organization saved the historic Garde Theatre, one of the few remaining movie palaces in Connecticut, from demolition. The newly restored Garde Theatre, with its Moroccan interior and modern seating and stage equipment, creates a beautiful and comfortable setting for its audiences. The Garde Arts Center is making a name for itself, offering entertainment and educational programs to the community. Its distinctive architecture and programming have been acknowledged and celebrated locally and nationally. With its commitment to preserving the Garde Theatre and enriching the community, the Garde Arts Center will continue to thrive for years to come.

At Hive Skate Camps, we believe every skater deserves the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and foundations of skateboarding, regardless of their skill level. Our knowledgeable staff are available to help campers learn their respective styles, while also introducing them to challenging new tricks. We strive to create an encouraging environment, where campers can work hard and build their confidence. We also want to make sure our campers are positive role models to their peers and have fun while learning. Hive Skate Camps are the perfect place for young skaters to hone their skills and have a blast! At Hive Skate Camps, we focus on developing the fundamentals and foundations of skateboarding for all skill levels. Our staff members bring their own unique styles of skating and introduce campers to new tricks and challenges. We also emphasize the importance of working hard and fostering self-confidence. We strive to foster a supportive atmosphere and encourage campers to be positive role models and to support each other. Hive Skate Camps offer a fun and safe environment for young skaters to sharpen their skills and have a great time!

The City of New London Recreation Department strives to make recreational activities accessible and enjoyable for all residents. We encourage participation from all citizens regardless of interests and abilities. If you or a family member require special accommodations or support to participate in our programs, please get in touch with us at least 5 business days prior to the start of the class so we can make the appropriate arrangements. We want to ensure everybody can get the most out of our recreation and leisure programs in the City of New London. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you or a family member need special accommodations or support to participate. Please contact us at least 5 business days before the start of the class so we can make the necessary arrangements. At the City of New London Recreation Department, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy the recreational activities we offer. We are happy to provide accommodations or support to ensure that everyone can participate in our programs. If you need special accommodations or support, please contact us at least 5 business days before the start of the class so we can make the proper arrangements.

At Spark Makerspace, we believe in the power of making. Our facility is designed to serve as a place of creativity, collaboration, and learning. For a small monthly membership fee, our members can access a variety of tools and equipment, as well as workspace, to participate in a variety of activities. From woodworking and art to electronics and more, discover the power of making with us! At Spark Makerspace, we're dedicated to providing a space that inspires and encourages creativity and learning. Our memberships are affordable and provide access to all the tools and equipment needed to participate in a wide range of activities, from woodworking and art to electronics and more. Join us and experience the power of making today!