Borough Summer Bucket List: 2024 Edition
In case you haven’t noticed, summer’s in full swing. The calendar is full and there’s no shortage of things to do, places to go, and people to see! Make sure to visit our events page often to see what’s happening and check out our last Summer Bucket List post for a few “evergreen” ideas.
Literature and Art
Painting by Russ Kramer
Rob Palmer at the R. W. Woolworth Library
Scott Gordley at McKinley & Associates
Wednesday 7/17 at 5 pm: A Fireman in the Making with Rob Palmer at the R. W. Woolworth Library. Rob Palmer will discuss his latest publication, A Fireman in the Making: Manhattan 1904.
On Saturday 7/20 from 6 - 8 pm, pop into McKinley & Associates at 146 Water Street. They’re showing the work of Stonington painter Scott Gordley. The exhibit runs through August 12.
Tuesday 7/23 at 5:30 pm: Meet & Greet with Former Fellow, Anna Potter at the James Merrill House. Anna Potter's writing has appeared in The Rumpus, phoebe, and Contrary Magazine.
Velvet Mill artist Dennis Sirrine’s solo show is exhibiting now through July 27 at the Velvet Mill Gallery.
Sunday 8/18 at 5 pm: Good Stories Well Told: The Marine Paintings of Russ Kramer at La Grua Center. Marine artist Russ Kramer will discuss his dynamic oil paintings, depicting historic America’s Cup races and other yachting scenes.
Thursday 8/15 at 5 pm: Author Reading and Talk by Eleanor Kedney at The Stonington Free Library. Eleanor Kedney will read poems from her latest book, Twelve Days From Transfer, and discuss the craft used to write the poems.
Music and Movies
Will Evans at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Speakeasy Open Mic Series at the Velvet Mill
Barbie on Wadawanuck Square
Every summer, La Grua Center hosts a series of Concerts on the Green, and we’re pretty excited about this year’s lineup: Ed Fast & Conga Bop on Friday 7/19 at 6 pm; Sing and Play with Bergin & Melissa on Friday 8/16 at 6 pm; and On the Trail on Friday 9/20 at 6 pm.
If food, wine, and music floats your boat, you may want to check out Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s calendar. You’ll find performances by the likes of Luke & Mike, Shawn Taylor, Nick Bosse, and James Harris on Thursday nights starting at 5 pm and on weekends. On Wednesday 8/14 at 6 pm, enjoy an evening with Will Evans. Be sure to visit their website for this summer’s full list of artists and food options.
The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is hosting two Sunset Movie Nights on the lawn at Wadawanuck Square this summer: BARBIE on Tuesday 7/23, and Disney’s ELEMENTAL on Tuesday 8/13, both starting at 8:30 pm.
On Wednesday 8/7 from 6 - 8 pm, don’t miss the Speakeasy Open Mic Series with brews, ciders, and wines on tap. Hosted at The Beer’d Taproom inside the Velvet Mill by Shuttle Press Bindery and Thought Fox Writers Den.
Fairs and Festivals
One of the quintessential events in the Borough is the Blessing of the Fleet. The event runs 7/25 through 7/28 and kicks off on Friday with a 5K fun run and 2m walk through the Borough. On Saturday from 4 - 8 pm, there’s food and music at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, and on Sunday, a Fisherman’s Mass at 10:30 am at St. Mary Church with a procession following. The procession starts at the town dock and rolls down Water Street. The event runs from noon to 4 pm with food, beverages, and music.
The Annual Stonington Village Fair is celebrating its 72nd year on Saturday 8/3 from 10 am - 4 pm. With the assistance of more than 100 volunteers, it’s a day full of shopping, games, music, food, and crafts. The COMO partners with the Stonington Free Library for a used book sale featuring all genres in both hardcover and paperback.
On Saturday 9/14 from 10 am - 4 pm, Water Street will be lined with artists for the Sixth Annual Art Walk. It’s a mecca for great local art and art-loving patrons. There will be acoustic musical performances, exhibits and tours, the Glaze Vase Project scavenger hunt, and of course, the Borough’s charming shops, restaurants, and select food vendors.
Food and Fun
Cook the Book at Repertoire Stonington
French and South African Wine Tasting at Cove Ledge
Sip & Learn to Forage Mushrooms at the Velvet Mill
On Friday 7/19 at 5 pm, Annette and Keith “pass the torch” to Cove Ledge’s new owners, with a French and South African Wine Tasting. It’s sure to be a packed house!
Cook the Book at Repertoire Stonington on Wednesday 7/24 at 6 pm. Pick up a copy of Cook This Book by Molly Baz at the Stonington Free Library; choose a recipe to make and share; and show up for an enchanting evening hosted by Nina Roefaro Lomeo, artist, interior designer, and owner of Repertoire Stonington.
On Thursday 7/25 from 5 - 7 pm, join the Citadel Game Cellar Game Masters and learn how to play popular board games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Splendor, Catan, Castle Panic, or Tsuro at the Stonington Free Library. Games are provided and registration is a must!
On Saturday 8/3 from 4 - 8 pm, treat yourself to a lobster dinner at the Stonington Borough Fire Department’s annual Lobster Dinner Fundraiser. Tickets are $40 each. Call (860) 535-0329 to reserve your meal!
On Wednesday 8/21 from 6 - 7 pm, Sip & Learn: Mushroom Foraging Workshop at the Velvet Mill. Get your tickets for this fun workshop where Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club will speak all about mushroom foraging in the state of CT. It’s taking place in the Beer’d Garden at The Velvet Mill (must be 21+) and hosted by Mountain Hollow.
This post was updated on 7/18/24