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May Events & Activities in Norwich-New London

Family Fun events for the whole family!

By Rosemary K, Macaroni KID Woodstock and Norwich April 28, 2024

April showers bring May flowers! This month is packed with opportunities for family fun just waiting to be discovered. From outdoor adventures that embrace the beauty of spring to creative workshops that spark the imagination, there’s something special for every family to enjoy. Check back often to find out what else has been added to the page! 

Local activities are listed by date. If you're a local event coordinator and want to submit your event with Macaroni KID Woodstock, please message rosemaryk@macaronikid.com

Rosemary K is the Publisher and editor of Macaroni KID Norwich, which includes most of New London County. She also publishes local events in Woodstock.

May 1-5


Thursday, May 2: First Thursday Artmaking at the Lyman Allyn Art Musuem. Gather your friends for an evening of art and creativity on the first Thursday of each month! Take advantage of discounted admission as you explore the galleries and engage in drop-in artmaking activities.

Saturday, May 4: May the Fourth be with you at the Mystic Aquarium: The 501st and the Rebel Legion are making a grand return to Mystic Aquarium! Come meet and take photos with your favorite characters from the galaxy far, far away, and enjoy themed activities throughout your visit. This special experience is included with general admission. 

Saturday, May 4: First Saturday Artmaking at the Lyman Allyn Musuem. Gather your friends for an evening of art and creativity on the first Thursday of each month! Take advantage of discounted admission as you explore the galleries and engage in drop-in artmaking activities.


May 6-12


Friday, May 10: Disney’s Newsies JR. at the Burton Leavitt Theatre tells the electrifying story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of a ragtag group of young newsies in Manhattan. Come out and support our local young artists in this rendition of this beloved Disney classic! Newsies JR. delivers non-stop excitement and a timeless message that will resonate with families and audiences of all ages.

Saturday, May 11: Disney’s Newsies JR. at the Burton Leavitt Theatre tells the electrifying story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of a ragtag group of young newsies in Manhattan. Come out and support our local young artists in this rendition of this beloved Disney classic! Newsies JR. delivers non-stop excitement and a timeless message that will resonate with families and audiences of all ages.4


May 13-19


Monday, May 13: Charlotte's Web at the Dominion Energy SchoolTime Performance Series: "Charlotte's Web" is a heartwarming story by E.B. White, depicting the bond between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. Wilbur faces a dilemma: how to avoid becoming pork chops! This beloved narrative, populated with charming and quirky farm animals, delves into themes of courage, selfless love, and the essence of true friendship.

Friday, May 17: Disney’s Newsies JR. at the Burton Leavitt Theatre tells the electrifying story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of a ragtag group of young newsies in Manhattan. Come out and support our local young artists in this rendition of this beloved Disney classic! Newsies JR. delivers non-stop excitement and a timeless message that will resonate with families and audiences of all ages.

Saturday, May 18: Disney’s Newsies JR. at the Burton Leavitt Theatre tells the electrifying story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of a ragtag group of young newsies in Manhattan. Come out and support our local young artists in this rendition of this beloved Disney classic! Newsies JR. delivers non-stop excitement and a timeless message that will resonate with families and audiences of all ages.

Saturday, May 18:  "The Legend of the Banana Kid" will be shown at the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry! This show has an impressive array of 20 hand-crafted glove, mouth, rod puppets, and an exciting spectacle of flying and twirling styrofoam bananas. This show is recommended for children aged 4 and up.

Sunday, May 19: Disney’s Newsies JR. at the Burton Leavitt Theatre tells the electrifying story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of a ragtag group of young newsies in Manhattan. Come out and support our local young artists in this rendition of this beloved Disney classic! Newsies JR. delivers non-stop excitement and a timeless message that will resonate with families and audiences of all ages.

Sunday, May 19, Madama Butterfly at the Grade Arts Theatre in New LondonThis timeless opera tells of the story of a geisha and Naval Officer and the love story that follows. Passionate and tragic. Suited for children 13+.

May 20-26


Saturday, May 25: Memorial Day Parade in Lebanon:  Local Veterans are invited to participate in the Lebanon Memorial Day parade presented by the American Legion. There will be a Veterans float available departing from the town hall at 9 am to head to the starting location at the far end of the green and returning to town hall after the parade for the Memorial Day Ceremony for those who are unable to walk the entire parade route. 

Saturday, May 25, Memorial Day Parade in Bozarah:  A Memorial service will be conducted at the Town Hall memorial site at 11 a.m. and a parade. The lineup starts on Schwartz Road at noon with parade step-off at 1 p.m. The parade will follow the route to the Bozrah Moose Lodge, where trophies and refreshments will be served.


May 27-31


Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Parade and Celebration in Hampton: Join Hampton Town in celebrating the Memorial Day Parade! Before the parade, grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich from the Hampton General Store. There will be live music, food, and ice cream sodas! 

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Parade in Mansfield: The parade steps off at 9 a.m. from Bassett’s Bridge Road and passes along Route 195 to Old Cemetery Road. The ceremony and wreath-laying at Old Cemetery follow the parade.

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Parade and Celebration in Norwich: The City of Norwich, in collaboration with the Norwich Area Veterans Council and the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce (GNACC), proudly presents its Annual Memorial Day Parade and Program on Monday, May 27, 2024. This heartfelt tribute honors heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We invite families to join us in commemorating their service, dedication, and their ultimate sacrifice.

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Parade in Sprague: The parade will start at 10 am on Route 97 in Baltic north of the Shetucket River, at 14 North Main St., then go through the village of Baltic, heading south onto Main Street, left onto River Street, back onto Main Street, heading north, ending at the War Memorial Park at the intersection of Main Street and West Main Street.

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Prade in Thompson: The Parade begins at 9 am at the Thompson Town Hall, 815 Riverside Drive in North Grosvenordale. The parade will proceed to the Main Street Bridge, where a salute will be given to those buried at sea.  The march will resume at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and the North Grosvenordale Cemetery.  It will proceed onto Riverside Drive, stopping at Oscar Swanson Park at the Thompson War Memorial and the Swedish Cemetery at Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, then ending at Town Hall.

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day Parade in Woodstock will start at 11:30 am. The Parade starts near Woodstock Inn and Woodstock Orchards and proceeds to Veterans’ Memorials at the Common. After the parade, a wreath will be laid at the Town Hall monument, where all Connecticut soldiers lost in current wars will be honored. In inclement weather, ceremonies will be held at the Woodstock Academy Field House.