Since the early 20th century, Old Lyme has been a haven for the arts — it was, after all, the founding place for the most famous impressionist art colony in America, the Lyme Art Colony, and is home to the Florence Griswold Museum — so it only seems fitting that the town celebrates its artistic heritage every year through its Midsummer Festival.

The event will kick off Friday night with a concert by Nick Anderson and the Shady Creek Band at the Florence Griswold Museum. Saturday morning then begins the various activities, ranging from art exhibitions to classes, talks to demos, which will be held at several different locations, many of which are on Lyme Street.

Said events include an art sale at the Old Lyme Inn, where, in a “Paris-style exhibit,” locally made art will hang on fences for viewing; weaving demonstrations at the Old Lyme Historical Society; a dog show at the Florence Griswold Museum; a 5K run that will wind through the Old Lyme village; and an antique car show at the Bee & Thistle Inn.

With so much on offer, we suggest checking out the event website to help plan your day accordingly.

Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Old Lyme; free; www.oldlymemidsummerfestival.com.