Eastern CT News brings you source-linked local news from all 49 towns in New London, Windham and Tolland counties, plus major Connecticut stories. We aim to report fairly, without favoring a political party or viewpoint, and apply the same verification standards to every story. Explore Police & Fire, schools, business, sports, community events and election information — with free access and clear updates as stories develop.
EASTERN CONNECTICUT / FREE TO READ
Browse New London, Windham and Tolland counties, then choose a town. Verified upcoming events in list or calendar view.
Norwich · Free
Historian Sandra Soucy discusses women’s domestic arts in Norwich and the surrounding area. The Connecticut Office of Tourism lists free admission and a 6 p.m. start; confirm details with the museum.
6:00 PM · Sears Gallery, Slater Memorial Museum, 108 Crescent Street, Norwich
Confirm with organizerNorwich · Free
Otis Library leads a read-aloud and activities along the StoryWalk for ages 3–6 and their families as part of Walktober. Drop in; no registration required. The library’s Children’s Department states that its programs are free.
10:30 AM · Fountain, Mohegan Park, 189 Mohegan Park Road, Norwich
Confirm with organizerStonington · Free
The library lists a free public conversation with MJ Soni about The Masala Chai Mystery Club, followed by questions and book signing. No registration is required; purchasing a book is optional. Confirm updates with the library.
5:00 PM · Stonington Free Library, 20 High Street, Stonington
Confirm with organizerNorwich · Free
Kassidy Cobb leads a genealogy quiz for adults and teens. The scheduled window is one hour; the organizer describes approximately 45 minutes of questions. Free admission confirmed by WILI’s event notice. Registration is required.
6:30 PM · Online via Zoom; register through Otis Library for the link
Confirm with organizerWindham · Free
Free public wellness event for aging adults of all genders and fitness levels, hosted by Windham Recreation and CT Senior Women’s Basketball. The program includes presentations, a panel, movement, nutrition and community resources. RSVP is helpful but not required.
9:00 AM · Windham Community Center recreation gymnasium, 1 Jillson Square, Willimantic
Confirm with organizerEast Lyme · Free
The town lists a free, public farmstead event with animals, cider and applesauce making, pumpkin painting, blacksmithing, live music, historic-house tours and demonstrations. Donations are optional; check the official notice before traveling.
10:00 AM · Samuel Smith Farmstead, 82 Plants Dam Road, East Lyme
Confirm with organizerBolton · Free
Bolton Recreation and Bentley Memorial Library host an evening of stories and s’mores. Storytelling starts at 5 p.m. The town lists free admission and asks participants to register so organizers can plan refreshments.
4:30 PM · Indian Notch Park, 60 Tolland Road, Bolton
Confirm with organizerVernon · Free
Free admission to the farm’s autumn festival, with farm animals, live music, family activities, crafts and food vendors. The farm confirms the October 18 event, and the Tolland County Chamber lists 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Food and vendor purchases are separate; confirm updates with the farm.
10:00 AM · Strong Family Farm, 274 West Street, Vernon
Confirm with organizerWaterford · Free
Free public trunk-or-treat with a costume parade, contests and music. A separate neurodivergent-friendly period runs 1–1:30 p.m. Children under 12 must remain with an adult; bring a candy bag. Food vendors may charge separately. Vehicle registration closed October 12.
2:00 PM · Waterford High School circular parking lot, Waterford
Confirm with organizerWindham · Free
Windham Recreation’s free all-ages Halloween scavenger hunt begins at the pavilion. Costumes are welcome; the town lists crafts, music, cider and goodies alongside the clue-based trick-or-treat activity.
4:30 PM · Lauter Park pavilion, 625 Jackson Street, Willimantic
Confirm with organizerMansfield · Free
Mansfield’s official calendar lists this one-time Free Community Paint Day. The page provides the date, time and location but no additional participation details; check the town calendar before traveling.
5:00 PM · Lenard Hall, 450 South Eagleville Road, Storrs Mansfield
Confirm with organizerGroton · Free
The Pewter Pot demonstrates colonial-era chocolate making and offers samples. Admission is free; registration is required through the library. Additional chocolate purchases are optional. An end time is not stated.
6:00 PM · Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument Street, Groton
Confirm with organizerMansfield · Free
The organizer announces the 2026 Downtown Boo Bash for 3–5 p.m. Its signature-events page identifies the downtown trick-or-treat as free and open to the public, with children accompanied by an adult. Additional 2026 details are still forthcoming; the photos and thank-you lists on the event page are from an earlier edition.
3:00 PM · Downtown Storrs, Mansfield
Confirm with organizerWindham · Free
The Connecticut Office of Tourism lists a free public Eastern Concert Band performance featuring American composers as part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. An end time is not stated.
7:30 PM · Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic
Confirm with organizerStonington · Free
Historic Stonington lists a free lecture by Cornelia Dayton. Confirm updates with the organizer before attending.
6:00 PM · La Grua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington
Confirm with organizerWindham · Free
Free public Halloween edition of the noon recital series, featuring music with spooky and otherworldly themes. The state tourism listing gives a noon start; an end time is not stated.
12:00 PM · Fine Arts Instructional Center Foyer, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic
Confirm with organizerGroton · Free
Children can drop in for a goody bag and free book while supplies last. No registration is necessary. The organizer’s current announcement lists 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
10:00 AM · Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument Street, Groton
Confirm with organizerStonington · Free
Free public Halloween trivia for ages 16 and older, with teams of up to four. Registration is required through the library’s event page. An end time is not stated.
1:00 PM · Stonington Free Library, 20 High Street, Stonington
Confirm with organizerNorwich · Free
The library’s November 21 festival lists more than 50 local artisans, entertainment, family activities and a raffle. Admission is free; purchases and raffle participation may involve separate costs. Follow the organizer page for current details.
9:00 AM · Otis Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich, CT
Confirm with organizerConfirm times and cancellations with the organizer before traveling.