Old Lyme’s celebration of art, music, and family fun is a summertime favorite event. Every last weekend of July, the Festival kicks off with a free outdoor concert on the riverfront lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum. On Saturday, the Old Lyme Arts District partners present a full day of family friendly activities. A classic car show, local art vendors, food trucks, a community dog show, a 5K road race, live music, and much more. This annual tradition celebrates all things summer and is not to be missed!

Want to be a Vendor at 2026’s Midsummer Festival? Apply here.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – SATURDAY JULY 25

Local Vendors on the Griswold House lawn, food trucks onsite: 9am to 3pm

Shop unique, locally created finds from artists and vendors, and enjoy food for purchase from a variety of food trucks.

Free Admission to the Museum: 9am to 5pm

Be our guests for the historic Griswold House and current exhibitions in the Krieble Gallery on this Midsummer Festival Saturday. Explore the art and history on view in the Griswold Boardinghouse for Artists, c. 1910. Hands-on crafts in the Hartman Education Center (free) and face painting and fairy hair by April’s Balloon Creations (for a fee).

Midsummer Super Sale: 9am to 5pm

Up to 75% off all kinds of great selected items including unique gifts, art books, kids books & toys, stationery, garden items, and a whole lot more! No additional discounts apply. In-person only.

Parading Paws Community Dog Show: Free registration 10–10:30am. Judging begins at 10:45am.

Sit. Stay. Enjoy. Every dog walks away a winner at the Parading Paws Dog Show! Prizes are awarded based on each dog’s most distinguished characteristics, such as Best Smile, Biggest Paws, and Longest Tail. Special award categories include Best Trick and Best Costume.

Public Gallery Talk: 2pm

Learn more about our current exhibitions in this free program.

To learn more about events happening at our Old Lyme Arts District partner sites on Midsummer Festival Saturday, VISIT HERE.