June

1-aug. 31. Garden-fresh menu. Garden lovers are invited to enjoy Café Flo from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 1-4 p.m. Sundays at the Florence Griswold Museum. Menu items are garden-fresh and family friendly. Dine on the veranda overlooking the Lieutenant River or pick up a basket and blanket and picnic along the river. 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. www.flogris.org; (860) 434-5542.

1-2, 7-9, 14-16. "You Can't Take It With You." This madcap comedy will keep you on your toes as you try and keep up with "You Can't Take It With You," the zany doings at the Sycamore household. Alice Sycamore falls in love with Tony Kirby and invites his parents to dine on an inappropriate evening. The happy madness of the Sycamore clan and their acquaintances does not sit well with the stuffy Kirbys, and marriage seems out of the question. Ex-Duchesses, fireworks manufacturing, a printing press, and an income tax collector add to the mix resulting in an evening of laughter. Non-musical. June 1, 7- 8, 14-15 at 7:30 p.m.; June 2, 9, 16 at 2 p.m. $17; $14, seniors, students and children. Theatre of Northeastern CT at The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Route 44, Putnam. http://thebradleyplayhouse.org; (860) 928-7887.

7-16. Florence Griswold Museum's historic gardens. GardenFest celebrates the Florence Griswold Museum's historic gardens and orchard that is the subject of so many paintings by the Lyme Art Colony artists. Landscape Historian Sheila Wertheimer guided the museum in the restoration of the gardens and site to its appearance circa 1910. Miss Florence's garden was referred to today as a "grandmother's garden" in which masses of flowers were informally arranged in bordered beds close to home. Varieties of hollyhock, iris, foxglove, heliotrope, phlox, cranesbill, and day lilies were among the many perennials that made up her garden. The museum is located on an 11-acre site 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. $10, adults; $9, seniors; $8, students; children 12 and under, free. www.flogris.org; (860) 434-5542.

14 &15. Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour features 6 private gardens, including an estate on Hamburg Cove, a working farm, unique architecture on the river and a garden with its own putting green. Visitors will see vegetables, herbs, perennials, annuals alongside native trees, shrubs and marsh grasses. The tour runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and visitors should plan on three hours to complete the tour. Boxed lunches ($15) are available with a reservation before June 7. Educational talks will feature horticulture experts on a variety of topics. Tickets ($20 in advance, $25 the day of the tour) will be available at wwwwchildandfamilyagency.org and at The Bowerbird in Old Lyme. Proceeds benefit Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, and their work with families and neglected children. For more information call 860.443.2896, ext. 901.

14-16. Blooms with a View: A Display of Art & Flower is back for a third year at the Florence Griswold Museum. A group of talented floral artists display stunning arrangements created to interpret works of art in the special exhibition, Animal/Vegetable/Mineral: An Artist's Guide to the World. These floral interpretations play off the colors, line, shapes, and subject matter of the artwork in masterful ways. Blooms with a View is included with museum admission. 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. www.flogris.org; (860) 434-5542.

15. Clay Jewelry Making. Artist Melanie Goss teaches how to fashion flower jewelry out of clay. 2 p.m. at the Florence Griswold Museum. 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. www.flogris.org; (860) 434-5542.

15. Shoreline Swing Dance, 8-11 p.m., East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Road, Niantic. Loaded Dice, free swing lessons 7-8 p.m. $14, $11 members, military and students. shorelineswingct.org.

15-16. Summer Wine Festival at Stonington Vineyards, noon-6 p.m. Traditional wine festival with live music, delicious local food, and great wine. Live music, gourmet food truck vendors, wine tastings and more. Picnics welcome. Fun as a couple, a family or with a large group of friends. Reservations will be held under your name at the door. $15, advance; $20, at the door. Kids under 13 free with parent. 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington.

15-16. Music & Art Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village. Free admission for dads on Father's Day. The Village comes alive with the lost sounds and sights of 19th-century popular music and art with more than 50 singers, dancers, musicians, and artists. Singers will present solo a cappella vocal performances of 19th-century songs and ballads, and a concert by the OSV Singers. Visitors can enjoy fife and drum music and a performance on the museum's antique pipe organ. Artists demonstrate early 1800s-style sketching, silhouette cutting, watercolor and painting. Visitors can learn 19th-century dances, and how to play the jaw harp and tin whistle. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. Adults, $24; seniors, $22; children 3-17, $8; children 2 and under, free. Admission includes free parking and a free second-day visit within 10 days. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Mass. www.osv.org; (800)733-1830.

16. Tie Dye. Bring on the flower power and tie dye a t-shirt from 1-5 p.m. T-shirts are $5. Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. www.flogris.org; (860) 434-5542.

16. Father's Day Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., American Legion Post 113, 113 Essex Road, Old Saybrook. Grilled rib eye and up to six eggs. $12. Proceeds benefit veterans and community programs. Reservations suggested; (860) 388-9482.

18. Garden Series, 7 p.m., Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic. Chad Jones, presents "Local Species from Connecticut College's Charles Graves Herbarium Collection." Jones, the George and Carol Milne Assistant Professor of Life Science, Department of Botany and Environmental Studies Program at Connecticut College, will introduce participants to the college's herbarium collection. Free; (860) 572-7211.

20. Third Thursday Street Fest, 6-9 p.m., Willimantic. Thousands of people stroll along Main Street amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. Six stages simultaneously host a variety of music and entertainment while more than 100 vendors showcase a variety of handcrafted goods and services. There are also street performers and free children's activities. www.willimanticstreetfest.com.

21. Trails to Ales at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Looking forward to warmer weather and finding inspired ways to enjoy evenings outside with friends and nature? This spring, DPNC launches a new series that features visits to three local brew pubs to quench your thirst for hops and conversation after a hearty hike in the woods. Hikes include Barn Island, Grills Preserve and Knox Family Farm and begin at 5:30 p.m. Beer tastings, tours and hors d'ouerves will follow hikes at 6:30 p.m. Carpool available. Register in advance for each program or take advantage of a members-only discount for the series. Age 21 or older. Member $12 person; $30 series. Non-member, $15/person. 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic. www.dpnc.org.

21. U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dance, 7-10 p.m., East Lyme Community Center, Society Road, Niantic. Casual dancing. $5; (860) 739-0697.

21. Coastline Swing Band, 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton. Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

21. School's Out Bash 4-6 p.m., Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, 409 Main St., Niantic. Families are invited to celebrate the end of the school year with activities that include getting inside a bubble, a watermelon raffle, face painting, water balloon toss, singing around a campfire, and limbo dancing. $2, member; $9, non-member, including admission. Maximum per family is $8 members/$36 non-members. www.childrensmuseumsect.org; (860) 691-1111.

21-july 21. "Boeing Boeing" by Mar Camoletti, Beverly Cross, Francis Evans, and directed by Brian Olsen. This mega-hit set attendance records for a non-musical, capturing the 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play and Best Leading Male Actor as well as four other nominations. It starred Bradley Whitford, Christine Baranski and Gina Gershon. This adaptation of the 1960's French comedy adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German, and American fiancees, each beautiful airline hostesses with frequent "layovers." He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris and Bernard's apartment at the same time. The appeal of the show is the very opposite of what you might expect. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., 1 Granite St., Westerly. Granitetheatre.com; (401) 596-2341.

22 Bug Out! Search the farmstead and nearby grounds for bugs while learning about the history, culture, and biology of common backyard insects at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. Dress for the outdoors with sunscreen and insect repellent. Limited to 10 children with parents. Free with Museum admission, free to members. 1-2:30 p.m., 800.411.9671

22. Contra Dance, 8-11 p.m., German Club, Route 27, Mystic. Live music; singles and families welcome. Beginner workshop, 7:45 p.m. $9, $5 students; (860) 961-9321.

23. Connecticut Historic Gardens Day. cthistoricgardens.org; Takes place at historic gardens around Connecticut. Cost: Varies. Call sites for specific cost. This is the festival's 10th year; each site offers special activities. Local participating sites include: Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme; Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford; New London County Historical Society & Shaw Mansion in New London; Roseland Cottage in Woodstock; and the Thankful Arnold House Museum in Haddam.

23. Picnic with A Klez Act, 5 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester. Part of the Music & More Series. Free; (860) 526-8920.

25. Genealogy Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St., New London. Explore your family's roots. Free; (860) 447-1411.

27. French Conversation Group, 5:30-7 p.m., Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St., New London. Informal gathering to practice French. Free; (860) 447-1411.

27. Friends of Fort Trumbull, 7-8:30 p.m., Fort Trumbull Conference Center, 90 Walbach St., New London. "The Rockets' Red Glare," the War of 1812 and the national anthem, led by Glenn Gordinier.

28. King Mudbug, 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton; Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

28-30. Mystic Blues Festival at Olde Mistick Village. The festival will be composed of cooperative local venues of varied size, and will feature some of the finest musical talents performing in the Blues genre today. Also, educational component for children aspiring to learn to play the blues. 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic. www.mysticbluesfestival.com.

28-30. The WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hosted in conjunction with WoodenBoat Magazine, the WoodenBoat Show features more than 75 boats in the water, three tents, and extensive land exhibits hosting more than 200 exhibitors, live boatbuilding events and more. Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. www.mysticseaport.org; (860) 572-0711.

28 - sept. 28. "Mystic as Muse: 100 Years of Inspiration" at Mystic Arts Center. This is a special centennial exhibition featuring regional artworks of the past 100 years, focusing on the work of the artist members of the Mystic Art Association. Opening reception 6-11 p.m. July 13. Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water St., New London.

29. Contra Dance, 8-11 p.m., German Club, Route 27, Mystic. Live music; singles and families welcome. Beginner workshop, 7:45 p.m. $9, $5 students; (860) 961-9321.

July

3. Cruise Night, 6 p.m., Nature's Art parking lot, Route 85, Chesterfield. Pre-1978 cars sponsored by Yesteryear Auto Club. DJ, free; (860) 443-4617.

4. Old Sturbridge Village Independence Day Celebration. OSV celebrates each year with a spectacular fireworks display over the Village Countryside in addition to regular daytime activities. Visitors can sign a giant Declaration of Independence and play 1830s-style "Base-ball." The evening celebration includes music, magic, family games, and activities followed by a 30-minute fireworks display at dusk. Beer, wine, soft drinks, sandwiches and snacks, are offered for sale, or visitors can bring their own picnic food. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. Adults, $24; seniors, $22; children 3-17, $8; children 2 and under, free. Admission includes free parking and a free second-day visit within 10 days. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Mass. www.osv.org; (800)733-1830.

5. First Fridays, 5 p.m., Downtown Putnam. Outdoor festival with music, activities, art exhibits, demonstrations and performances. www.putnambusiness.org.

6. Mashantucket Pequot Museum First Saturdays. Free admission for kids 15 and younger. Craft activities are offered in the gathering space, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5). Cannot be combined with any other offers for discounted adult admission rates. 800-411-9671.

6. Free First Saturday, free admission 10 a.m.-noon, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams St., New London. Free projects for ages 5-12 from 1-3 p.m. with admission. "Mary Poppins" screened at 2:30 p.m. (860) 443-2545.

7. Breakfast Buffet, 8-11 a.m., American Legion, 16 York Ave., Niantic. Hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. $7, $3 under age 10; (860) 739-9360.

9, 16, 23 & 30. Movies on the Beach at Misquamicut Beach, 8:30 p.m. Bring your beach chair and blanket and watch a free family-friendly movie. 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly. www.westerlychamber.org; 401.596.7761.

10. Mystic Calligraphers, 7 p.m., Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic. New members welcome; (860) 536-8477.

12. High Times, 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton; Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

12-14. Wings & Wishes Butterfly Garden at Pleasant Acres Nursery & Florist. Located at 130 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI. The Butterfly Garden will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 Adults/ $3 children. Call the Westerly Chamber of Commerce for more information, (401) 596-7761.

13. Friends of Harkness Daylily Sale, Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford. Proceeds from the heirloom daylily sale go towards the Lord and Burnham greenhouse restoration project, Beatrix Farrand gardens, and

horticultural, historical and arts programs. www.harkness.org.

13 Putnam Riverfire. www.putnamct.us. Rotary Park, Putnam (Also Aug. 10 and Sept. 7) Free. Pets are OK. Snacks available at the site and there are restaurants in downtown Putnam. Visitors are welcome to picnic at the park. Bring your own lawn chair. Fires are lit at dusk and the event lasts approximately two hours. Bridge Street is closed to automobile traffic during the event to offer pedestrians the best view of the bonfires.

18. Third Thursday Street Fest, 6-9 p.m., Willimantic. Thousands of people stroll along Main Street amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. Six stages simultaneously host a variety of music and entertainment while more than 100 vendors showcase a variety of handcrafted goods and services. There are also street performers and free children's activities. www.willimanticstreetfest.com.

18-20. Carnival. Come One! Come All! The Carnival on St. John's Green, Main Street, Niantic. This event is the largest annual fundraiser to support St. John's Episcopal Church community outreach programs. The Carnival comes to town, in conjunction with Celebrate East Lyme festivities, and includes rides and games for all ages, along with traditional carnival fare such as cotton candy and funnel cake. Tickets for rides and amusements may be purchased the days of the events. 6-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 3-10 p.m., Saturday. (860) 739.2324.

19. Rewind - 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton; Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

19. Love and Lust in Colonial New England. Experience the Hempsted Houses in bewitching twilight as you explore stories of flirtatious courtships, a young girl's defiance, and a widower's ultimate fidelity. Includes refreshments and beverages of the era. 6 and 8 p.m., Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead St., New London. $25; $20 for Connecticut Landmarks members. (860) 443-7949.

20. 7th annual Art on Groton Bank, an open air art show overlooking the Thames River where local artists exhibit and sell their works of art on the grounds of Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument St., Groton. Browse the artwork, tour the Groton Monument, and sample the food concession, which is staffed by the Friends of Bill Memorial Library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.artongrotonbank.com; (860) 445-7626, ext. 108.

20. Fire & Ice Day at Old Sturbridge Village. Firefighters get half-price admission for this old-fashioned fireman's muster. For fire, see an exciting demonstration of historical 19th-century hand-pump fire trucks, and lend a hand by helping to pump the water. Enjoy a fire truck parade around the Common. For ice, cool off with demonstrations of 18th- and 19th- century ice-cream making (using period tools, techniques, recipes, and ingredients). Popular flavors in the 18th-century included gooseberry, ginger, and even asparagus ice cream. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. Adults, $24; seniors, $22; children 3-17, $8; children 2 and under, free. Admission includes free parking and a free second-day visit within 10 days. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Mass. www.osv.org; (800)733-1830.

20-21, 27-28. Circus Train at Essex Steam Train. Visitors will ride aboard the Circus Train to reach the midway and big top shows. Experience the thrills of an Acrobat Show in the "Big Top Tent" and laugh along with a "Punch & Judy" puppet show. Partake in amusement rides, have fun with clowns, and enjoy our petting zoo, live entertainment and circus food. This unique event brings a historic circus train to life, and offers a fun family event right in the Connecticut River Valley. 1 Railroad Ave., Essex. essexsteamtrain.com; (860) 767-0103.

21. Charles W. Morgan Launch at Mystic Seaport, 2 p.m. After an extensive restoration lasting more than five years, the 1841 whale ship Charles W. Morgan – a National Historic Landmark and America's oldest commercial vessel – will be launched into the Mystic River. This will be a big event celebrating a new stage in the Morgan's history and the beginning of preparations to take her back to sea on a ceremonial 38th voyage in the spring and summer of 2014. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. www.mysticseaport.org; (860) 572-0711.

21. Annual Ice Cream, Blueberry & Bluegrass Bash at Fort Hill Farms, 1-4 p.m., Thompson. Celebrate national ice cream month at this summer event that features complimentary samplings of the latest flavors of The Farmer's Cow ice cream, topped with fresh blueberries from Fort Hill Farm and The Farmer's Cow fresh whipped cream. Listen to live bluegrass music, tour the award-winning quintessential gardens, enjoy a wagon ride around the fields, and meet the calves that will grow up to join the herd as the next generation of The Farmer's Cow milking cows. Free. 260 Quaddick Road. www.TheFarmersCow.com; (866) 355-COWS.

25. Friends of Fort Trumbull, 7-8:30 p.m., Fort Trumbull Conference Center, 90 Walbach St., New London. A panel discussion of the Battle of Stonington by members of the Stonington Historical Society.

26. 9-Teen, 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton. Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

26-28. "King of Beasts Aesop's Fables," a musical by Comedian Bob Gautreau. $30 and $25. www.emersontheatercollaborative.org; (860) 705-9711.

26-aug.25. "Skin Flick" by Norm Foster, directed by John Cillino. Don't be afraid of the title. This hugely entertaining comedy won't make you blush. It's about four innocent people caught in the headlights of making an adult film. The day our protagonist loses his job at a costume outlet, he brings a movie home for his wife to see so she can write a sample review for a job she's applying for as a film critic. It turns out the job's already been filled and the movie is a porn film. Their best friend, a recently fired cameraman, tells them how lucrative those films are and they decide to make one to solve everyone's financial problems in one fell swoop. A down-on-her-luck actress named Jill mistakenly arrives at their house, and ends up in their audition as well as some other actors to be. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., 1 Granite St., Westerly. Granitetheatre.com; 401.596.2341.

27. Bug Out! Search the farmstead and nearby grounds for bugs while learning about the history, culture, and biology of common backyard insects at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. Dress for the outdoors with sunscreen and insect repellent. Limited to 10 children with parents. Free with Museum admission, free to members. 1-2:30 p.m., 800.411.9671

27. Colchester Festival on the Green. www.colchesterhistory.org; Colchester Green, intersection of Broadway, Lebanon Ave. and Main St. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Rain date is Sunday. Cost: Free admission, but bring cash for vendors. Pets are OK but be mindful of crowds. You can bring snacks, and there will be food vendors selling festival fare. The Colchester Regional Orchestra will kick off the festival with a performance in the gazebo followed by the Colchester Continentals' fife and drum muster and parade at noon. Also, there will be a variety of arts and crafts for sale.

27. Contra Dance, 8-11 p.m., German Club, Route 27, Mystic. Live music, singles and families welcome. Beginner workshop, 7:45 p.m. $9, $5 students; 860.961.9321.

27-28. Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous at Mystic Seaport, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A dazzling display of high-quality antique vessels built before 1965. Vessels create a colorful gathering along the Museum's waterfront all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Sunday at 12:45 p.m., the vessels make their way down the Mystic River in a jubilant music-filled 3-mile parade. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. www.mysticseaport.org; 860.572.0711.

31-aug.1. Moby-Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport, noon. Visitors, volunteers, and staff join together to read aloud Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" in a 24-hour marathon event aboard the whale ship Charles W. Morgan. The reading begins at noon on July 31 and concludes approximately 24 hours later on the author's birthday. The first and last chapters are read by a professional actor portraying Melville himself. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. www.mysticseaport.org; 860.572.0711.

August

2. First Fridays, 5 p.m., Downtown Putnam. Outdoor festival with music, activities, art exhibits, demonstrations and performances. www.putnambusiness.org.

3. Mashantucket Pequot Museum First Saturdays. Free admission for kids 15 and younger. Craft activities are offered in the gathering space, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5). Cannot be combined with any other offers for discounted adult admission rates. 800-411-9671.

2-4, 9-11,16-18. "Anything Goes" at Theatre of Northeastern CT at Bradley Playhouse. This amusing story is wrapped around one of Cole Porter's magical scores with memorable songs like "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "All Through the Night," "Anything Goes," and "You're the Top." Set aboard a cruise ship, this song and dance show will have you tapping your toes. August 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 at 7:30 p.m.; 4, 11, 18 at 2 p.m. $21; $18, senior, students and children. 30 Front Street, Route 44, Putnam.

3. Stonington Village Fair at Wadawanuck Square, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This annual tradition takes place the first Saturday in August every year. Throughout the day you will find endless things to do including: craft vendors, book sale, Treasures and Trifles table, entertainment, garden club flower sale, kids games and rides, food from local restaurants, and the famous soup kitchen. This is a true community event that serves as a fundraiser for the COMO (Stonington Community Center). www.thecomo.org.

3. Free First Saturday, free admission 10 a.m.-noon, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams St., New London. "Popeye the Sailor" screened at 2:30. Free projects for ages 5-12 from 1-3 p.m. with admission. (860) 443-2545.

3. Annual Corn Roast and Farm Tour at Cushman Farms, 1-3 p.m., Franklin. Join the Cushman Family to tour their family farm with a state-of-the-art dairy complex that includes a rotary milking parlor and New England's first milk direct cooling system. After the tour enjoy farm festivities, taste delicious sweet corn and sample The Farmer's Cow products. 393 Lebanon Road, Franklin.

3-4. Northeast Connecticut Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., North Grosvenordale. More than 300 artists and artisans gather to feature their original works of art. This juried show will include glass, jewelry, leather, paintings, drawings, photography, pottery, sculpture, textile design, weaving, woodworking, consumable crafts, and more. In addition, the festival will include featured non-profit organizations, food vendors, and entertainment from local performers. $10, at gate; $8, in advance. Best Deal: $10, for 2-day admission ticket. Advance purchase required. Groups of 20 or more: $5/person. Free parking on site. Tour buses welcome. Free parking off site. 235 Corttis Road. www.NortheastConnecticutArtsFestival.com

6. Cruise Night, 6 p.m., Nature's Art parking lot, Route 85, Chesterfield. Pre-1978 cars sponsored by Yesteryear Auto Club. DJ, free; (860) 443-4617.

6,13, 20 & 27. Movies on the Beach at Misquamicut Beach, 8:30 p.m. Bring your beach chair and blanket and watch a free family-friendly movie. 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly. www.westerlychamber.org; 401.596.7761.

9. Jay Dempsey Band, 6:30 p.m., Washington Park, Mitchell and Meridian streets, Groton. Concerts in the Park Series. Free; (860) 446-4129.

10. River Glow in Downtown Westerly/Pawcatuck, 7-10 p.m. Thirty-seven floating bonfires illuminate the Pawcatuck River and create a beautiful setting for this community event. Hayrides through town, live music in three locations, children's activities, shopping specials and much more make this a fabulous night. www.westerlychamber.org; 401.596.7761.

10-11. Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in Historic Downtown Mystic, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. Celebrating more than 50 years, the festival is the oldest of its kind in the northeast. More than 300 artists and craftsmen display and sell their wares along the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic. Enjoy the Children's Art Park where children can participate in art- themed activities. www.mysticchamber.org.

11. Benefit concert for the Garde Arts Center in memory of Frank Londregan featuring the Dick Campo Orchestra. 7:30 p.m., 325 State St., New London. $10; children under 10, free. Gardearts.org; (860) 444-7373. Ext. 1.

11. 8th Annual Main Street Car Cruise in Downtown Putnam, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thousands of classic car owners and fans come together for a day of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and the infamous burn-out pit. www.winyradio.com.

15. Third Thursday Street Fest, 6-9 p.m., Willimantic. Thousands of people stroll along Main Street amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights. Six stages simultaneously host a variety of music and entertainment while more than 100 vendors showcase a variety of handcrafted goods and services. There are also street performers and free children's activities. www.willimanticstreetfest.com.

16-17. "Hour Father," a David Greer reading. $10. www.emersontheatercollaborative.org; (860)705-9711.

17-18. Antique Marine Engine Exposition at Mystic Seaport, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience the transition from sail to engine power as maritime collectors from around the country show off full size and miniature 19th- and early 20th-century marine engines. Inboards, outboards and steam engines will be on display in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. This is the largest gathering of antique marine engines in the country. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. www.mysticseaport.org; (860) 572-0711.

22-25. Brooklyn Fair. Oldest continuously active agricultural fair in the

United States. Draft horses, livestock shows, home and garden exhibits, live entertainment, historical displays, special daily events, midway and great food. $10; children under 12, free. Friday senior admission, $6. Parking, $5. 4-11 p.m., Thursday; 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Sunday. Brooklyn Fairgrounds, 15 Fairgrounds Road, Brooklyn. www.brooklynfair.org. Two Parenting Tents with rocking chairs provide a quiet place for nursing and diaper changing. ATMs; Accessible parking for those with disabilities is located in Miller's Lot on Fairgrounds Road and in the East Lot on Route 169. Bring a picnic lunch, but alcohol is not permitted. Backpacks and coolers are allowed. Seating is first come, first serve for entertainment at the Main Stage and Center Stage. Entertainment is included in the price of admission.

24. Contra Dance, 8-11 p.m., German Club, Route 27, Mystic. Live music, singles and families welcome. Beginner workshop, 7:45 p.m. $9, $5 students; (860) 961-9321.

29. Friends of Fort Trumbull, 7-8:30 p.m., Fort Trumbull Conference Center, 90 Walbach St., New London. "Long Island Rising," led by Richard Radune.

30-sept. 2. Woodstock Fair at Woodstock Fairgrounds. Featuring clean, safe amusement rides and attractions as well as a full lineup of games, the midway has something to offer fairgoers of all ages. More than 100 food vendors, shopping, entertainment and exhibits. $12; seniors, 65+, $8; children 10 and under, free. Parking, $5. 281 Route 169, Woodstock. www.woodstockfair.com.

31. "Railroad Day," 10 a.m.-4p.m., at the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. Music throughout the day, with food and beverages available for purchase. Tours of the museum grounds and equipment, along with train rides available for purchase. Adults $5; children 8-12 years, $1; children under 8, free. 55 Bridge St., Willimantic. www.cteastrrmuseum.org; (860) 456-9999.

September

1-2. Meet the Artists and Artisans at Olde Mistick Village, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Artists and artisans display their work in the Apple Orchard. 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic. www.oldemistickvillage.com.