Things to do in Mystic and Beyond this Weekend

Summertime in Mystic is really heating up in spite of the weekend forecast! There are some great events lined up for you this weekend and, rain or shine, the show(s) will go on. 

The first ever Mystic Blues Festival debuts today at 5 p.m. through the weekend!! Tonight the Grand Marshall kickoff is at Mystic Shipyard West at 5 p.m. followed by four acts leading up to the headliner James Cotton Superharp Band. Other performances tonight are at the Olde Mistick Village Art Cinemas and The Knickerbocker Café. Check here for the full schedule. 

The festival continues on Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Knickerbocker and thereafter at the Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Shipyard West where there will be a Blues Picnic Food Truck Caravan. On Sunday, the festival begins again at 11 a.m., this time at Mystic Shipyard West until 4 p.m. and also at The Knickerbocker Café from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Click here for a schedule of acts and ticketing information. 

And Happy Birthday to the Mystic Arts Center! The cultural hub is turning 100 years old this year. In honor of this historic birthday, they have curated an exhibit dedicated to their home town. “Mystic as Muse: 100 Years of Inspiration” begins today and runs through the end of September, although the opening reception is July 13. The exhibit features, “paintings, prints and drawings from Mystic Arts Center’s founding artists, Mystic Colony artists, and other painters working in Connecticut during the first half of the 20th century.” 

There’s live music at The Velvet Mill’s 10th Annual Open House on Friday at 6 p.m. and on Saturday 10-4 p.m. the public is welcome to  more than 30 studios, see demonstrations, participate in tastings and other fun activities. Maps will help you explore the nooks and crannies of this historic Velvet Mill. You are guaranteed to have a fascinating and enjoyable time. 

The Mystic Aquarium is hosting an event on Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Seals on the Rocks, a fundraiser for their Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program. The announcement says, “Mingle with our beluga whales during this outdoor* event and enjoy a bartending competition, live music, silent auction and delicious hors d'oeuvres by our award-winning Ocean Blue Catering.” 

Also this weekend, is the largest gathering of wooden boats and enthusiasts will be at the Mystic Seaport for the 22nd annual Wooden Boat show beginning Friday through Sunday. According to the announcement posted on their website, “The Wooden Boat Show, hosted in a partnership with Wooden Boat Publications, offers something for all wooden boat enthusiasts and maritime history buffs. More than 100 traditional and classic wooden boats of every type will be on display, from hand-crafted kayaks, to mahogany runabouts, to classic sailboats and schooners.”

All the running around will make you hungry! Good thing there are TWO farmers' markets this weekend. 

The Stonington Farmers' Market at Town Fishing Fleet Pier is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and the Mystic-Dension Farmers' Market at 120 Pequotsepos Road is on Sunday noon to 3 p.m.