OLD LYME—The South Lyme Union Chapel will hold a 125th anniversary celebration this Sunday, Aug. 10. All are welcome.
Visitors to the chapel at 308 Mile Creek Road are invited to enjoy hot dogs, salads, dessert and beverages from noon to 2 p.m. There will be opportunities to learn about the area as it existed when the chapel was dedicated in 1900, and for kids to participate in a rock painting activity.
The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
For more information, call 860-434-1200.
EAST HADDAM—On Saturday, Aug. 9, I-Park, the artists-in-residence program nestled in the woods, invites the public to engage with international artists, wander over the expansive system of trails with environmental art installations and enjoy live music.
I-Park’s Open Trails & Music event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors will receive a trail map of more than 40 environmental art installations integrated into I-Park’s meadows, woodlands and waterways.
Most trails are gentle and well-marked, allowing for a relaxed, self-paced visit that can last as little as 45 minutes or stretch into several hours. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic basket and unplug in the natural haven.
The Midnight Anthem will take the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Known for its soulful sound and genre-blending style, the trio music mixes country, folk, rock, punk, and Americana into a performance that resonates across generations.
Local Honey Acoustic – described as a slightly sweeter spin on the River Valley’s beloved Local Honey Project – will play from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The duo of Erin Smith and Abe Wilson features acoustic guitar, harmonies and hand percussion.
The family-friendly outdoor event will also include a nature-themed scavenger hunt and an interactive drawing table for children and adults alike.
Advance reservations are recommended, though walk-ins may register at the Welcome Table upon arrival. A $10 per adult is suggested.
Meet the Artists:
Jonathan Newman is a talented composer blending classical forms with pop, blues and jazz influences. His dynamic compositions are performed by orchestras and ensembles from around the world. His works are renowned for their emotional accessibility and rhythmic energy.
Sophia Sobers is a visual artist integrating sound and public art in urban and natural spaces. Her practice investigates the intersection of technology and nature, creating immersive environments that invite quiet contemplation.
Emily Gui is an interdisciplinary artist focused on climate, consumerism and ethical tension. Her work spans printmaking, installation and sculpture – often using salvaged materials to underscore the complexities of environmental responsibility.
Alice Miceli is a Brazilian photographer examining landscapes shaped by trauma and environmental degradation. She is internationally recognized for long-term projects that employ experimental photographic techniques to visualize the invisible aftermath of conflict and catastrophe.
Lilliam Rivera is an award-winning author of nine books spanning young adult, middle grade and graphic fiction. Rivera’s stories often center on Latinx identity, girlhood and resilience – and she is celebrated for her ability to blend speculative fiction with deeply grounded emotional truth.
Steven Pestana is a conceptual artist creating immersive environments that challenge perception. His work combines sculpture, performance and digital media to explore themes of uncertainty, belief, and the limits of understanding.
I-Park’s community engagement initiatives this year are supported by grants from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
LYME/OLD LYME—UPDATED 8/1: Sadly, the girls were defeated 14-2 Monday evening by Delaware on Monday evening and 12-1 by Asia-Pacific on Tuesday evening. Today the team played Southwest at 9:30 a.m. this morning and lost 22-3. In their final game, the girls were defeated 7-3 by Latin America.
Congratulations to the Lyme-Old Lyme Seniors softball team as they set off to compete in the Softball World Series!
The team. of 14 girls aged 13-16 —10 of whom are from Old Lyme with the remainder coming from Westbrook and Deep River — will represent the East Region in the Little League Senior Softball World Series in Lower Sussex, Delaware.
A rousing send-off took place this morning at Lyme-Old Lyme High School as the girls set off in their quest for victory.
The Old Lyme Police and Fire Departments joined the Deep River Fire Department to form a convoy with sirens blaring to lead the the team to the highway.
Lyme/Old Lyme Little League on social media announced the dates and times for next week’s games on ESPN+. Watch parties will be held at The Stumble Inne, the league said.
We wish the players and coaches the best of luck in Delaware!
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include details of the send-off for the team on Saturday morning.
OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Arts District has announced two of the town’s premier summer celebrations: the Midsummer Kickoff Concert on Friday, July 25 and the Old Lyme Midsummer Festival on Saturday, July 26.
The Arts District in a press release said the family-friendly events showcase the town’s rich artistic heritage and welcoming community spirit in a weekend of art, music, and family fun.
Midsummer Kickoff Concert at the FloGris Museum, July 25
The Florence Griswold Museum, 90 Lyme St., is once again hosting the kickoff concert the night before the Midsummer Festival. This year the Mighty Soul Drivers will entertain. Bring your chairs or blanket and get ready for this favorite party and dance band. Bring a picnic or enjoy food vendor fare.
Special thanks to Concert Sponsors AllPro Automotive and Mercer Advisors/Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC.
More information can be found at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.
38th Annual Old Lyme Midsummer Festival, July 26
Find art, music, food, and family fun at the 38th Annual Old Lyme Midsummer Festival. The day’s events begin with a 5K road race and then continue with festivities at the Lyme Art Association, Florence Griswold Museum, Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, and the Old Lyme Inn. More information can be found at ExploreOldLyme.com/MidsummerFestival2025.
Midsummer 5K Run hosted by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, 59 Lyme Street
Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme St.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lions Club Classic Car Show (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.):
Enjoy antique, exotic, and hot rod vehicles. Entrance fee of $5 gives attendees the chance to judge entrants. Trophies awarded after 1pm. The Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club will also be offering its popular grill items onsite.
Peterson Collection on View: Artist proofs and signed prints in the Eleanor Robinson Center
Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme Street
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*There is also an exhibition of Jac Lahav’s paintings of iconic record covers at Nautilus Architects at 9 Halls Rd. Admission is free and light refreshments will be offered. There will be live music between by Eggshell between 2:30 and 4:30pm*
There will be a concert by the Old Lyme Town Band starting at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Center School, which will be followed by the traditional fireworks display.
Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and make memories this summer in Old Lyme!
Full schedules, maps, and updates available at ExploreOldLyme.com.
The Midsummer Festival is generously supported by Connecticut’s Eastern Regional Tourism District, Pasta Vita, Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services, the Herb Chambers Charitable Foundation, Inc, Bluewater Millwork & Construction Inc, Mercer Advisors, the Nancy Mesham Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, and LymeLine.com.
About the Old Lyme Arts District
Located in the heart of Old Lyme, Connecticut, the Old Lyme Arts District is a collaborative cultural community that celebrates the town’s artistic legacy through exhibitions, events, and partnerships. Anchored by the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Art Association, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Cooley Gallery, Side Door Jazz Club, Nightingale’s Acoustic Café, Musical Masterworks, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, and Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, the District offers year-round programming that inspires creativity and fosters community.
OLD LYME–Lilywork Artisan Tile is opening its doors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday for Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival.
The studio is located at 56 Lyme St. Studio tours will give visitors the opportunity to see how handcrafted tile is made. The open house event includes special sale pricing.