Celebrate New London festival returns Saturday with bands, vendors and fireworks

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WFSB) - New London’s second annual Celebrate New London festival is set for Saturday, bringing more than 40 bands, about 50 vendors and a fireworks display over the Thames River to downtown.

Sailfest, the annual summer festival that had previously been put on in New London for nearly 50 years, was canceled in 2025 due to the city’s budget constraints surrounding public safety.

Music is a central part of the festival. Telegraph Autonomous Zone, a record store in downtown New London, plans to set up outside for the event.

“We usually do a tent out front to put out sale records and get people interested,” said store manager Mick Dickinson.

Thames River Gallery owner John Johnson said the festival draws crowds to local businesses throughout the day.

“It’s a big day for the restaurants, the galleries, the shops, it’s a big event,” Johnson said.

The fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. on the Thames River. Viewing spots are available in New London and across the river in Groton.

Mayor Michael Passero described the scale of the show.

“Probably one of the biggest fireworks display in the state if not New England,” said Passero. “It’s like a big amphitheater.”

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation donates the fireworks each year.

Passero said the festival showcases the city broadly.

“We have rescue animals, anything you could want. The culture of New London will be on full display,” he said.

Celebrate New London begins at noon Saturday. The festival is free to attend.