Old Lyme's Midsummer Festival
Our 2022 Festival was a great success!
Learn about the 2022 Festival activities below and
stay tuned for our July 28-29 2023 Festival details
in the months leading up to the fun!
Our celebration of art, music, food and family fun is back!
You'll Find New Twists along with Long-Time Favorites to Make this a Great Midsummer Festival!
2022:
Friday Night, July 29: Kickoff Concert
Saturday, July 30th All day Festival
Produced by the Old Lyme Arts District
2022 Festival Vendors
2022 Festival Offerings
(Stay tuned for 2023!)
The Mighty Soul Drivers Kick Things Off Friday Night, July 29 7pm-9pm
The traditional Friday night lawn concert is back when the Florence Griswold Museum welcomes The Mighty Soul Drivers. Bring your chair or blanket and get ready for the classic Soul sounds of Memphis, Muscle Shoals and points South. Bring a picnic or enjoy the food truck fare. Concert sponsored by All Pro Automotive and Benchmark Wealth Management.
Midsummer Run Starts our Morning Saturday, July 30
Join LYSB's popular 5k when you run, walk or cheer on the participants! Winding through the village streets, this annual run brings runners and their supporters from across the region. 5K Run & Walk at 8am, Kids K at 9am. Pre-register here or register on site beginning at 6:45am.
Art and more for Sale Saturday July 30
It's where to find that special addition for your collection of landscape paintings, or just the right gift for the art lover in your life. The Fence Show Artists are back on the lawn of the Old Lyme Inn all day Saturday. You will also find works by the artists of the Lyme Art Association across the street at their home gallery, and works of art and fine crafts by the alumni of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts on their campus. You'll also find specialty pieces by local artisans at various locations along the festival. We'll have more details to follow!
Classic Car Show Brings the Winners Saturday, July 30 9am-2pm
The Lion's Club is back with their annual Classic Car Show celebrating the classics, the antiques, and the exotic. Once again on the grounds at 100 Lyme Street (now the CT Audobon Society's RTP Estuary Center), the beauties on display will have you thinking about your own future wheels. Learn more about entering your car here. Suggested donation to view cars: $5.
Kids Activities to Make Everyone Smile
Saturday, July 30
New this year, the Florence Griswold Museum expands its Hands On-M!nds On Children's Activities along its Artist Trail. From 10am to 3pm you'll find on the Trail a variety of activities by local nonprofits that will have your younger family members thinking and doing. Check out from 9am-4pm the American Art face cutouts for kids at the Lyme Art Association. And from 11am-12pm children will have the chance to try wire walking at the OL-PGN Library (preregister for wire walking).
Parading Paws Dog Show
Saturday Morning
They're back! Those cutest, brightest, best-dressed pups are invited to come compete for their very own "Best of" Award! Does your dog have the best trick? A great smile? Learn more about this annual favorite produced by Vista Life Innovations. Dogs may register beginning at 10am for this 10:45 am show on the shady lawn at the Florence Griswold Museum.
Shop Super Sale
Friday and Saturday
The Shop at the Florence Griswold Museum holds its popular Midsummer Super Sale Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm. You'll find up to 75% off great selected items including unique gifts, art books, kids books and toys, stationery, garden items, and a whole lot more!
Annual Linen Sale On Lyme Street
Thursday through Saturday
Patricia Spratt for the Home is known for their beautiful table linens, pillows, and more. And locals know the annual sidewalk sale at her Lyme Street workshop is the time to stock up! The sale begins Thursday, July 28 and runs through Saturday's festival from 10am-4pm each day. Stop by for great savings on beautiful home accessories, as well as preppy fashion from Love, Lilly and accessories by Ellen Raines Martin.
Free Art Exhibitions
Saturday, July 30
Now is the time to checkout the Studio 80+ Sculpture Grounds (haven't you always wanted to?), and be sure to make time to visit the Florence Griswold Museum's Open House, with free admission to the current art exhibition, Dana Sherwood: Animal Appetites and Other Encounters in Wildness, and the historic boardinghouse on Saturday. The art galleries at the Lyme Art Association and Lyme Academy will also be open to the public.
Live Music throughout the Day on Saturday July 30
Enoy the chance to sit and listen to the great sounds of Ramblin' Dan Stevens and the Fiery Band from 10:30am-1pm, and John Brown and the BackPorch Pickers from 1:30pm-4pm outdoors on the Sounds on the Grounds Stage at the Lyme Academy.
POSTPONED until 10/29/22
Author Event with NYT Bestseller Luanne Rice on Saturday at 3pm
Postponed until 10/29/22: Join us on the lawn at the OL-PGN Library with bestselling author Luanne Rice as she shares with us her thoughts on books, life, and inspiration in Old Lyme - everything that makes it so special here. Pre-registration allows you to purchase a table seat and charcuterie box.
Please support the generous corporate sponsors of the Old Lyme Arts District!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor
Welcome to Old Lyme
Welcome to Old Lyme, a small, historic town on the Connecticut coastline. We are known for our art galleries and beaches, and have so much more. Whether you are thinking about relocating your home or business here, or just looking to visit for the afternoon, welcome! We are glad to have you.