CELEBRATE NEW LONDON INFO

Fireworks display start at 9:15

• Bank Street
• Noon – 9pm
• Live Music, Artisans, Vendors, Food Trucks, Sponsor Booths, Face Painting

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise

To “Celebrate New London” the Park is offering a $5 discount on adult (18+) ticket purchases. In honor of the Park’s 10-year anniversary, kids (4-17) ride for $5 with the purchase of an adult ticket by their parent/guardian and infants three and under always ride free.

There will be an adjusted schedule between City Pier, New London and Thames River Landing, Groton and it will run on a 30-minute loop across the river. Your ticket becomes an unlimited pass for the day and can be purchased online or when you board the boat! Cash and card payments are both accepted.

Adjusted Saturday Schedule: 2 Departure Locations | 11AM-5PM

• Departs City Pier, New London: on the hour & 30 minutes after the hour
• Departs Thames River Landing, Groton: 15 minutes after the hour & 45 minutes after the hour

Tickets: https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/water-taxi/

Hop on and off at your leisure to enjoy heritage sites, state parks, restaurants and local businesses on both sides of the river.  Also known as the water taxi, the route will be running on a shortened 30-minute loop. Hop on, hop off and explore all the Park has to offer!

Historic Boat Tour Schedule

Historic Boat Tour tickets can be purchased online in advance, leading up to the hour before the tour begins. Kids (4-17) ride for $5 with the purchase of an adult ticket by their parent/guardian and infants three and under always ride free. All historic boat tours are 75 minutes in length.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

In Our Nation’s Defense. Military Stories on the Thames River
11:30AM | Departs from Nautilus Dock at Submarine Force Museum, Groton

In Our Nation’s Defense. Military Stories on the Thames River
3PM | Departs from Nautilus Dock at Submarine Force Museum, Groton

“Celebrate New London” Fireworks Cruise
8:20PM & 8:30PM | Departs from Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

Ride & Save Program

This summer, use your ticket receipt from any Thames River Heritage Park excursions on the river to unlock bonus discounts at New London and Groton businesses. Show your receipt while ordering to access this community-based perk! There are over fifteen establishments participating in this program.

During Celebrate New London, State Street will be closed at 10:00 am from Eugene O’Neill Dr. to Bank St. At 10:00 am, the one way portion of Bank Street will also be closed down until 11:00 pm. In order to reach the ferries and train station, inbound traffic on Eugene O’Neill Dr. should turn left onto Atlantic Street when coming into the City. An officer will then direct you accordingly to your destination.

Located at Parade plaza and Custom House Pier

Located at Custom House Pier

Handicap parking will be available at the uncovered lot adjacent to the Water Street Parking Garage. Utilize Atlantic Street after 1:45PM as the only way to get to the Handicap Parking Lot. Contact SEAT Bus Company for alternative downtown pick up/drop off points for downtown during the event.

The New London Police Department is looking forward to residents and visitors being able to gather together to enjoy the Celebrate New London event and watch the fireworks light up the skies over the Thames River. In preparation, the New London Police Department is working closely together with our local, state, and federal partners to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• Intervention with any impaired or intoxicated guests will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.
• Police may be conducting light bag screenings at the venue entrances of the City Pier. For a detailed list of prohibited items, reference the list below
• We encourage everyone to take advantage of ride-sharing options to “reduce” traffic congestion after the fireworks conclude at approx. 9:45 p.m.
• Please keep in mind how dangerous consumer grade fireworks pose and refrain from using them.
• New London police are always here if you need us and we look forward to a safe and enjoyable Celebrate New London event.
• It’s important that we all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all. Keeping this in mind, please review the following lists of DO’s and DON’Ts:

• Come ready to have fun!
• Come with a smile!
• Be patient!
• Be considerate!
• Enjoy the event!
• Be safe!

• No Coolers/large containers (Pier Venue)
• No Firearms
• No Knives
• No Laser pointers
• No weapons of any kind
• No Mace/pepper spray
• No Fireworks
• No Pets (Pier Venue)
• No Backpacks/Knapsacks (Pier Venue)
• No bikes/skateboards/”Razor” style boards
• No Drones
• Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards