Basics of Crochet

Join Sparks Crochet Wizard Maritza Vargas and learn the basics of crochet to create your own scarf. This two-part class will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to start your crochet journey.

• First Class: We will cover three fundamental stitches: single, double, and half double. These stitches form the foundation for most crochet projects.
• Second Class: Learn how to adjust these basic stitches to create new decorative patterns, adding unique elements to your scarf.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start crocheting. All materials will be provided.

This is a two-part class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Beginner-Level Woodshop Class

Students will build a wooden cutting board. Students will start with mixed strips of wood and will glue, flatten, shape, groove, and finish the cutting board. This is a two-session class,( 5/22 & 5/27,) and at the end of the second class, students will take their project home.

This class will provide tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tools. (chop saw, router, & planer)

Ages 18+

Sign Up Today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in free activities, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

 Fireworks Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

Eddie B. soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity starting with his series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say”. In a matter of hours, those videos sparked the attention of educators all over the country when they realized that they were not alone and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud. 

Shortly after, Eddie decided to take his videos to the stage selling out comedy clubs, theaters, and arenas with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” in 2017-2018 and the “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour” in 2019- 2020. When the worldwide pandemic made it impossible for Eddie to see his fans in person he began performing his “Teachers Only” comedy virtually! Now that things are getting back to normal Eddie B is ready to give educators more of his unfiltered comedy beginning with his ” Teachers Only Summer Break Tour” in 2021! 

Eddie B has established himself as the official voice of teachers across the globe. Educators from America to Africa, Dallas to Dubai, New York to New Delhi (and beyond) are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s uncensored, raw, and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an actual teacher!

This stained glass project is designed for first-timers and experienced glass artists alike. A simple yet elegant design, these air plant holders bring the tranquility of nature indoors and soothing color to a sunny window. A healthy air plant (“tillandsia”) is included to make your creation complete and a perfect gift! The holders are designed and intended to be hung.

In this workshop, you will learn to score glass, grind, foil, and solder. Sign up to make your air plant holder today!

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St. New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Two-Day Beginner Workshop!

This is a perfect project for those with little or no experience working with stained glass. You will construct a colorful art glass strip panel up to 12 inches long, suitable for hanging in a window. You will be taught the techniques of the copper foil method of construction and learn to score, grind, foil, solder, frame and finish the entire piece in this 2-day workshop.

All materials included.

Please Note: Sufficient hand strength and dexterity are needed for scoring glass. Must be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn.

Ages 16+

This is a two-session class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sailfest July 12-13,2025

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, boats, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food!

Visit www.sailfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/sailfest/ for a complete list of events and times.

Visit the Official Sailfest website- http://www.sailfest.org/

Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sailfest

Follow us on Twitter- https://twitter.com/SAILFEST

August 7th – Let Loose Thursday Touch -a- Truck, Petting Zoo, Live Music and Fireworks !

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in Touch-a-Truck, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

Carly's Critters - Petting Zoo

New London Police Department - Meet New London K9 officer.

New London Fire Department

Live music

 Fireworks - Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

 Food Trucks

Vendors

New London Youth Affairs- Free children's activities

New London Recreation- Free activities for families

A man like Dave Mason never leaves touring. Yet, at 78, there are no guarantees…so now is the moment to experience a legend! Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic artist live and may these 2025 performances become treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Dave Mason returns to touring in 2025 with ‘Let It Flow’, which isn’t just the name of a song but it’s his philosophy in life. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a producer, Dave has always put forth that great songs come from a state of being quiet enough to hear the flow of the music before it ever hits the page. He has devoted his life to developing a deep sense of inner listening and the gifted capacity to bring it all to life.

You don’t want to miss this legendary artist as he performs deep cuts and classic favorites that have been loved by legions of fans for more than half a century. Fans can expect a unique concert experience as all songs are interwoven with Dave’s rich storytelling of a history that encompasses over five decades in rock n’ roll.

Anyone who’s listened to Dave’s music, or has seen him in concert, knows that he’s playing because he loves it. He is authentic. You wouldn’t know that he’s shy and introverted by nature if you’ve seen his powerful performances. Dave has been described as a ‘gunslinger’, and what you’ll witness firsthand is a man dedicated to preserving the vitality of music, staying genuine and faithful to the spirit of excellence.

Ahoy there, mateys! Embrace the legend of Captain Kidd and the joy of pirate play. Don your pirate attire and gather with us at Parade Plaza by the Pirate Ship for a delightful photo session. Mingle with the swashbuckling crew, enjoy a shanty or two, and engage in conversations about seeking hidden treasures as we unveil hints on the exciting New London Pirate Adventure Map.

Ahoy, me hearties! The boisterous Bawdy Buccaneers are charting a course for the New London Pirate Festival on August 17th, right at Parade Plaza!

Embark on a musical voyage with Captain Lance D. Boyle of the Picaroon Princess and his trusty First Mate & "Cruise Director," Truly Scrumptious. They'll dock their vessel, The Picaroon Princess, at New London Parade Plaza, ready to welcome fellow pirates. Join in the merry exchange of tales and treasures, raise a chorus of beloved pirate melodies, or even learn a fresh tune or two.

Join the fun at the Parade Plaza!

6:30 PM**: Kids are invited to show off their best pirate costumes in our "Dress Like a Pirate" contest.

8:00 PM**: Adults can strut their stuff in the Pirate Pageant, also at the Parade Plaza.

Don't miss out on the swashbuckling excitement!