Ask just about anyone local to New London and they'll probably tell you the same...Sailfest weekend is perhaps the BEST weekend of the summer!  The entire city ramps up to welcome 300,000 of our closest friends to dine on food from  all corners of the globe, take in some of the best live entertainment, shop an amazing selection of 200+ vendors, take a ride on legendary tall ships, and, of course, the Saturday fireworks extravaganza!  

Getting to Sailfest, if you're from out of the area, can be a bit complicated.  New London only spans 6 square miles, so it's a small city.  Therefore, parking is a premium, especially during an influx like Sailfest!  If you decide to drive, plan to park at one of the local parking garages downtown, and get there early, especially on Saturday.  Or, for a traffic-free option, Shoreline East trains will run from New Haven to New London all weekend.  Best of all, kids under 11 ride free!  

Once you're in New London, the options are immense.  Festivities kick off Friday afternoon with food, shopping and amusement rides.  Beginning at noon, Stars & Stripes, the two identical racing boats commissioned for America's Cup Training, will begin harbor sails.  Into the evening, the live entertainment begins on three stages in various locations throughout downtown.  

Saturday brings more ships, including the AJ Meerwald from New Jersey and the Mystic Whaler, available for harbor sails.  The entertainment continues on all three stages, including a must-see show from Steve Elci and Friends on the Kidsploration Stage.  But, the highlight of Saturday, and of the entire weekend, happens when the sun goes down.  The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation fireworks extravaganza is one of the largest fireworks displays in the US.  The best viewing is on the Waterfront Park, in the heart of downtown New London, but the huge crowds can make it less than family friendly.  A tip from a local:  head to Fort Trumbull, a 10 minute walk from downtown or easily driveable with decent parking.  It's a large, open area with space for kiddos to run and spread out while you wait for the fireworks.  Get there early, though, it fills up quickly!  But, it'll be worth the wait.

Sunday starts with the Sailfest 5k at 9am and is the perfect day to stroll through the Fine Arts and Crafts Fest,  take in more live music with a piece of fried dough or take a turn on an amusement ride.  Festivities wrap up for Sailfest on Sunday at 6pm.

Sailfest, 124 State Street, New London, CT 06320 Friday July 12 - Sunday July 14