Old Lyme Midsummer Festival

Schedule of Events

Download the festival brochure/schedule here (PDF) »

Friday, July 30, 2010

Florence Griswold Museum

  • 5-7 pm: Pre-Concert Open House

    Before the concert enjoy free admission to the special exhibition Connecticut Treasures: Works from Private Collections.

  • Ed Fast and Conga Bop

    6-8 pm: Dinners at the Farm

    Bring a picnic dinner or let Dinners at the Farm do the work. A delicious, all-local meal served from their vintage "chuckwagon." Reserve your dinner at DinnersAtTheFarm.com. Dessert also available from Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe.
    Cost: $25, children under 12 free (with purchase of adult meal)

  • 7-9 pm: Free Concert by Ed Fast and Conga-Bop

    Pick your spot along the Lieutenant River and enjoy the sounds of the islands with the band known for its Caribbean heart and a hard-bop soul.

The Lyme Art Association

  • Lyme Art Association

    5-7 pm: Midsummer Reception

    Enjoy an open house with music, refreshments and two great exhibitions: Marine Art and Anything Goes Art Sale.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Florence Griswold Museum

  • Dinners at the Farm cafe

    8:30am - 3pm: Dinners at the Farm

    Dinners at the Farm serve delicious, all-local breakfast and lunch in an outdoor cafe overlooking the  river.

  • Market en plein air

    9am - 3pm: Market En Plein Air

    Connecticut-grown flowers, fruits, vegetables, breads, fine cheeses, herbs and specialty foods in a setting modeled after outdoor markets in French villages. Come see who's new and visit old favorites.

  • Spoon Fed by Kim Severson
  • 9am - 3pm: Crafted-by-Hand in Connecticut: An Artisan Fair

    Works by Billie Beads (clay objects with Swarovski crystals); Kristen Brown (sterling & fine silver jewelry); Angie Falstrom (watercolors & stationary); Jennifer Johnson (fused glass jewelry); Christelle Lachapelle (functional fabric art); Michaelle Pearson (jewelry featuring antique & striking materials; and Pat Rist (pottery).

  • 10am-12pm: Book Signing by Kim Severson

    Join award-winning New York Times food writer Kim Severson for a signing of her latest book, Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Saved My Life.

  • Dog Show

    10am - 1pm: Parading Paws Dog Show!

    Does your dog have the best smile, longest tail, biggest paws??? Registration from 10-10:30am.  Show judging will begin at 11am with the final parade at 12:30. Special categories include Best Trick and Best Costume! Sponsored by Vista Vittles ~ 100% Natural Treats for Dogs.

  • 10am - 3pm: Hands-On, Minds-On Education Area

    Participate in a variety of free hands-on creative projects provided by local cultural organizations.

    • Make a Splash: Read! - provided by the Old Lyme PGN Library

      Create a toy boat to sail on the "high seas."

    • Horsing Around with High Hopes - provided by High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

      Come and horse around with High Hopes while taking part in a fun equine related activity for kids.

    • Summer Sweet Lips – A crafty way to make lip balm! - provided by Lymes' Youth Service Bureau

      LYSB's secret recipe for homemade lip balm the entire family will enjoy. Created by you lickity split with some amazing ingredients.

  • 10am - 1pm: Children's Theatre Adventures with the Treehouse Players

    Join the Treehouse Players and you’ll not only watch the story unfold, but you’ll become a part of the drama itself. From mixed up fairy tales to Dr. Seuss to Free to be You and Me, when you play with treehouse you’re guaranteed a fun-filled, creative experience that engages the entire family. Children explore voice, drama and movement as characters in the world of a story. 10am: storytelling; 11am: Theater Adventures, 12pm: storytelling. Provided by the Lymes' Youth Service Bureau.

  • 10am - 5pm: Reduced Admission to Gallery and Historic House

    Enjoy special reduced admission to the Museum all day. Including the historic Florence Griswold House and the special exhibition Connecticut Treasures: Works from Private Collections.
    Cost: $5 (no further discounts)

  • Michel Nischan
  • 11am - 3pm: Z's Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos

    Let glitter artist "Z" decorate you for more Midsummer Festival fun!
    Cost: $5

  • 1-3pm: Book Signing by Michel Nischan

    Join Wholesome Wave founder, sustainable food pioneer and James Beard Award-winning chef and author Michel Nischan for a signing of his latest book, Sustainably Delicious: Making the World a Better Place, One Recipe at a Time.

The Lyme Art Association

    Marine art at the Lyme Art Association
  • 9am - 3pm: Marine Art Exhibition and Anything Goes Art Sale

    Nationally recognized Marine Artists will be featured alongside LAA Members in the beautiful and historic main galleries, and a new gallery downstairs will feature affordable drawings, paintings and sculpture.

  • 9am - 3pm: Paperback Book Sale: Cheaper by the Dozen

    All books are 50¢ each or 12 for $5.00. Organized by the Friends of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.

  • Girls with goat at the LAA
  • 10am - 2pm: Artists and Animals!

    Using farm animals as models, artists will give drawing and painting demonstrations throughout the day. Bring your own drawing supplies and join in the fun!

  • 10am - 3pm: Firehouse Fare on Lyme Street

    The Old Lyme Fire Department will sell their award-winning chili, hot dogs and beverages on the LAA lawn!

Bee & Thistle Inn and Spa

  • Feast, Fairies and Fun

    7pm: Feast, Fairies and Fun

    Join us for a scrumptious feast under the light of the moon, with whimsical strolling minstrels and fairies hovering. For reservations and information call 860-434-1667. Shakespearean dress optional.
    Cost: $75.00 per person, part of the proceeds benefit the Lyme Art Association