Casey Brigham

Date: Sunday, September 27
Time: 2:45-7:15pm
Departure Location: City Pier, New London

Experience the Thames River like never before aboard the Park’s first annual Norwich Harbor Glow Cruise. You’ll head north to Norwich with a narrated, guided river tour on the way to the free, family-friendly community event held at the Marina at American Wharf. Guests can enjoy the festival from 4-6PM and cruise back to New London while enjoying the sunset!

Itinerary:
Depart New London at 2:45pm
Get to Norwich at 3:45pm
Harbor Glow Event: 4-6pm
Depart Norwich at 6:15pm
Get to New London at 7:15pm

Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise! Questions? Contact Us: (860) 407-565

Ride & Save Program in Norwich:

Ticket holders for the cruise can take advantage of these exclusive deals at local businesses. All you have to do is show your receipt at checkout! Learn more on our website.

Strange Brew Pub
86 Water St, Norwich
10% credit or $1 cash off your first order

Traviezo
1 Market Street, Norwich
Free dessert with any entree

The Briar Patch
48 Franklin St, Norwich
10% off any in-store item

Students in grades 8-12 are welcome to join this FREE program that allows them to step into history and discover how the past shapes the place they call home! Youth are invited to explore the rich stories, people, and landmarks that make our community unique. Participants become storytellers, historians, and ambassadors!

Each week will feature a different subject including colonial times, whaling, black history, military life on the Thames River, the arts and other local history in New London.

When: Tuesdays, September 22 – October 29 | 4-6PM

Where: Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, CT

Food, refreshments & informative handouts provided.

Register with Program & Waterfront Coordinator, Marci Marciniak at [email protected] or 860-407-5655

As of Sunday, September 13th, the Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise & Historic Boat Tour schedule has come to an end for the summer. While this regularly scheduled service has wrapped up, there are still plenty of opportunities to get on the river before the end of the Park’s official 2026 boating season!

Friday, September 25th & Saturday, September 26th
Full Moon Cruise on the Thames | 5:45PM
City Pier, New London

Experience the beauty of autumn beneath the glowing Harvest Moon, whose brilliant light once guided farmers gathering crops late into the evening. This scenic river cruise offers crisp fall air, shimmering reflections across the water, and a memorable celebration of New England’s harvest season.

Sunday, September 27th
Norwich Harbor Glow Cruise | 2:45-7:15PM
City Pier, New London

Experience the Thames River like never before aboard the Park’s first annual Norwich Harbor Glow Cruise. You’ll head north to Norwich with a narrated, guided river tour on the way to the free, family-friendly community event held at the Marina at American Wharf. Guests can enjoy the festival from 4-6PM and cruise back to New London while enjoying the sunset!

Sunday, October 4th
Black Heritage Along the Thames | 11:45AM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

New London’s 400-year history reflects the broader American story, yet many contributions of its Black community have long been overlooked. This tour highlights those stories of struggle, resilience, abolition, education, and community, honoring and learning about those who fought for equality and inspiring us to continue their work to deliver the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Led by local historians Nicole Thomas and Tom Schuch.

Monday, October 26th
Full Moon Cruise on the Thames | 6PM
City Pier, New London

Set sail beneath the radiant Hunter’s Moon and enjoy a crisp autumn evening filled with dramatic skies and glowing moonlit waters. Traditionally marking the transition into the colder months, this unforgettable cruise pairs seasonal atmosphere with spectacular nighttime views of the historic waterfront.

Past Events:

Sunday, September 20th
Salsa on the Thames | 1PM & 3PM
City Pier, New London

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Park will be hosting Salsa on the Thames! This one-hour cruise will feature musicians and childhood friends, Alessandra Gonzalez and Daniel Villegas. From their indigenous background to their Nuyorican way of thinking, Daniel and Alessandra truly represent Colombia and Puerto Rico. Join us for this toe-tapping cruise as they bring culture to the Thames.